As I mentioned last week, I was recently approved for the Amex Hilton Honors Business card. My husband and I have a small stash of Hilton Honors points that we can combine with the card’s bonus and potentially a free night certificate for a 2-4 night getaway.
I’m learning towards a tropical/warm location during spring, and a resort that is more of a destination resort. I’m drooling over several Hilton resorts that I am researching. Here are some of my top contenders:
Hilton Vallarta Riviera All-inclusive (Puerto Vallarta, Mexico)
My family stayed at an all-inclusive resort in Puerto Vallarta a few years ago, and we loved the area. Compared to Cancun, we felt like Puerto Vallarta is a bit more scenic with the mountains and the ocean sunsets. The Hilton Vallarta Riviera gets great reviews. Since it’s an all-inclusive, this getaway would be very inexpensive as long as we can also secure flights with miles. Standard rooms for a family of 4 start at 80,000 points.
Conrad Punta de Mita (Puerto Vallarta)
While not an all-inclusive resort, Conrad Punta de Mita looks spectacular. Its location just north of Puerto Vallarta is a bit more remote, but the beaches in that area are known to be perfect. Standard rooms start at 95,000 points per night.
The Waterfront Beach Resort (Huntington Beach, CA)
What’s not to like about Southern California? It’s almost always sunny and never too hot or too cold. The Waterfront Beach Resort is next door to Hyatt Regency Huntington Beach and just across the street from the beach. With a pool, spa, rooftop lounge and beach bonfires, a few nights at this place sounds fantastic. Rooms run ~80,000 points per night.
Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach (Dana Point, CA)
Ok, the Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach looks oh so lovely! I’ve been to Dana Point, and it feels SO FAR AWAY from Los Angeles. The resort’s private beach looks divine. Rooms start at 95,000 points.
Hilton Los Cabos Resort (Los Cabos, Mexico)
My family has never been to Los Cabos. The Hilton Los Cabos Resort looks awesome. A swimmable beach, infinity pools, sunsets, cooking classes…yes! Rates start at 80,000 points.
If you’ve stayed at any of these resorts, I’d love to hear your thoughts. Or, if you have a favorite Hilton resort you think I should consider, drop it in the comments.
Author: Nancy
Nancy lives near Dallas, Texas, with her husband and three kids. Her favorite vacations include the beach, cruising and everything Disney.
We stayed at the Conrad punta mita in January 2022. It’s a beautiful resort. Our kids ask to go back there! I’d say the main downside is the food is really expensive (not surprising) but was hit or miss. Some of it was really good and other food was meh. But our basic room had a great view of the ocean with a balcony to hang out on, and everyone was really nice. Fun pools with a water slide. Kids liked the kids club but I don’t think it was free (but can’t remember exactly). Beach was good too.
We’ve also stayed at the Huntington Beach location. We were there in 2018. they were remodeling at the time so some things weren’t open, but I’d consider staying there again. Good location. Nice resort. Everyone was nice. It’s easy to walk to offsite restaurants too.
@Tammie Thanks for your feedback!
My kids still talk about Hilton Los Cabos…and it has been 12 years since our visit!
https://travelbloggerbuzz.com/travel-reports/los-cabos-mexico/
@TBB Just read your post. Looks like a lovely resort! It might come down to where I get the cheapest flights on points, Los Cabos vs. Puerto Vallarta.
Been twice at hilton cabos. Lovely property but standard rooms are just ok. We have been there during Christmas/new year week so almost impossible to get upgrades on status. Breakfast Buffett is good but a bit pricey as only continental is included with status. Spectacular views of whales swimming up and down in the morning and afternoon. Kids loved it and want to go back. Plenty to do.
The WA Monarch Beach is very well appointed and located and we really enjoyed the surrounding area. There is a ton of hiking nearby and a bunch of cool walking through Dana Point. We brought our dog and he really enjoyed it. When we were there, there were multiple huge wedding which take place immediately adjacent to all the rooms on the courtyard side – there were also a ton do poorly behaved children being destructive most hours of the day. The vibe wasn’t really awesome for us, even if the hard product was.
My wife just returned from the Conrad Punta de Mita. The hard product is solid, but she said service was indifferent at best and everything is waaaaaaaaay overpriced, even for a high end resort.
@Nicholas Thanks for the feedback!
You should look at the Conrad in Tulum, Mexico. Brand new, gorgeous Infiniti pools, much warmer water than Cabo or Puerto Vallarta, very isolated, great restaurants-it’s heaven!
@Stephanie Thanks, I’ll check it out!
How do you go from the PVR airport to HILTON VALLARTA RIVIERA ? Taxi ? What is the appx cost ?
@Ash We would take a taxi or Uber. My Uber app estimates the cost to be around $11 one-way.
We loved the Monarch Beach but be aware that in the spring it could be too cold for the beach. Mexico would be a safer bet.
@Wendy Yeah, it won’t be as warm as Mexico but still probably nicer than where I live. 🙂
Hilton Los Cabos is a beautiful property! Rooms are gorgeous, the pools SO nice, buffet delicious. One thing to note – they talk about it being one of the only swimmable beaches but the water is rough and there is a very small “swimmable area”. It’s a cab/Uber ride to Cabo San Lucas and San Jose del Cabo (we actually preferred San Jose del Cabo OVER touristy Cabo San Lucas) – if you do go, H restaurant was delightful. One of our best dining experiences ever.
@Kelly Thanks for the info! It does look like a gorgeous resort.
Check out Zemi Beach House in Anguilla. Stayed there on points and loved it.
@Anonymous Thank you, I will check it out!
I toured the Hilton AI in Puerto Vallarta last month – it was amazing!!!!!!!
@Mommma To Go I remember seeing your photos! Looks awesome.