Great Hilton & IHG Deals: 3-for-2, $100 credit, breakfast, room upgrade and more

31 May 2021

A lot of us are probably looking forward to some summer staycations in the UK at the moment, and if you fancy a luxury one within budget, you may find this article useful.

First of all, if you hold the Amex Platinum or Centurion card, it’s always worth checking the FHR options on Amex Travel. Many London hotels are doing Complimentary Third Night at the moment, for example:

Baglioni is a Leading Hotels of the World member, which means you could take advantage of the Amex cashback offer if you have them to reduce the cost of three nights down to £540. Don’t forget to sign up to the free LHW membership offer too, which may help you fare a better room upgrade and earns some points.

But most of the good deals can’t be booked via FHR. Hilton Impresario and IHG Luxury & Lifestyle, which are the luxury booking programs offered by the two hotel groups respectively, offer similar stay benefits with FHR, and are both running 3-for-2 deals with some of their hotels.

You must contact a qualified travel agent to book the rate though. If you happen to speak Chinese, or know friends from China, there’s an app called Badazhou which enables you to book such deals very easily. You can scan the following barcode using Wechat to claim free membership:

If not it’s a bit tricky to book such rates. Virtuoso supports some of these hotels where you can book online, otherwise you’ll have to find a qualified agency using google and talk to them.

Here are some of the best deals I found on Badazhou. Note that Amex has targeted cashback offers for both hotel groups so check your cards before making any bookings.

Conrad St James, London

Rate: £490 for 3 nights (Deluxe Room)
Benefits: Room upgrade; breakfast; $100 credit; early check-in and late check-out; double Hilton points

One of the five-star hotels in London that I stayed earliest, and probably the best Hilton property in London. The rate is insanely good for a five-star in London, not to mention the many benefits on top.

InterContinental Park Lane, London

Rate: £930 for 3 nights
Benefits: Room upgrade; breakfast; Club benefits; early check-in and late check-out

I’ve redeemed my credit card free night voucher for a one-night stay in June. The rate still looks a bit steep to be honest. and I’m not sure their Club Lounge has re-opened – in which case I suppose you’ll get $100 credit instead.

Hotel Indigo Kensington, London

Rate: £303 for 3 nights
Benefits: Room upgrade; $50 credit; early check-in and late check-out

A “budget” option for London, especially if you like museums or luxury shopping. Note that breakfast isn’t included and the credit is lower, due to Kensington not being a top brand.

Kimpton Charlotte Square, Edinburgh