Hilton Adds SLH Properties
Ever since we learned Hyatt and SLH were splitting up and SLH was moving to Hilton Hotels, we've anxiously awaited the Hilton/SLH partnership integration. Last month, a very limited number of Small Luxury Hotels (SLH) were added and nothing else was confirmed. Today, Hilton adds 390+ SLH properties that are bookable on the website and we learned more information about this partnership.
The Partnership
Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) is a collection of independent, boutique hotels all over the globe. SLH has over 570 properties worldwide, although not all of these will join the partnership with Hilton Hotels. Today, we learned that the SLH/Hilton partnership will allow Hilton Honors members to:
- earn Hilton Honors points for stays at participating SLH properties.
- use Hilton Honors points for stays at participating SLH properties.
- free Wi-Fi during all stays.
- a guaranteed member discount.
- use points + money payment options.
- no resort fees when booking nights all with Hilton Honors points; and
- 5th Standard Reward Night free.
Further, Gold and Diamond Hilton Honors members also enjoy:
- space-available room upgrades; and
- continental breakfast for up to 2 guests.
Hilton Adds 390+ SLH Properties
Searching SLH Properties
In addition to learning more about the Hilton/SLH partnership, we also learned that Hilton adds 390+ SLH Properties that are now bookable via all Hilton Hotels booking channels. While this announcement is great, what is lacking is a comprehensive list of properties. That is nowhere to be found. However, I located two different ways to filter down this search:
- You can search Hilton's website for all locations and filter for “SLH” Brand only. An example of that is here.
- Alternatively, you can go to the landing page for the Hilton/SLH partnership and search from there.
SLH Availability & Cost
When searching properties, it appears most SLH properties range from 100,000 to 140,000 points for a Standard Reward Night, although some are as cheap as 30,000 points. This is acceptable, given the high dollar cost of most properties, but also because any Standard Reward Night room is bookable with a Free Night Certificate. You can learn more about Free Night Certificates in our Guide.
But good luck finding space. I searched dozens of properties for the entire 13 month calendar and come up with nothing. Finally, at a SLH property in the French Alps, I found two weeks worth of availability at Standard Room Reward rates.
As previously mentioned, this partnership can yield fantastic value. This particular hotel, Refuge de la Traye, is approximately $1,000 per night during this timeframe, giving you almost 1 cent per point for Hilton Honors points. As always, compare the cash price to the points price and make sure it is a good deal.
Once Hilton adds all SLH properties, and the partnership has time to iron out the wrinkles, we can hope that availability issues will sort itself out. I'm not too concerned now, as most properties that do not have any points availability also are not bookable on Hilton's website with cash (even for properties that are allegedly now integrated).
Hilton Adds SLH Properties – ToP Thoughts
Anytime you have more booking options with points it is a good day. So today was a good day. However, not everything is totally seamless. While 390+ SLH properties are now “bookable,” it does not appear many of them have any availability for the entire 13 month calendar, either for cash or points. We will monitor this, as I am sure you will as well, and hope it resolves itself soon.
What are your thoughts on more SLH Properties being bookable via Hilton Honors? Come over to our Facebook Group and let us know.
