Redeeming Hilton Honors points can often be challenging, especially when seeking valuable options. Admittedly there are some excellent redemption opportunities especially given the ongoing integration with SLH, but if you are not planning a dream vacation then it’s a lot harder to spend the points.
A new route has emerged recently – Hilton signed a deal with Wembley Stadium which secures tickets at the venue for football and concert events, and there are a few you can bid here already.
And I’m one of the very first to test the water. Hilton released a couple of trial events – World Cup Qualifiers – and they were up for grabs at a fixed price of 115,000 points. I didn’t hesitate a second before I snatched a pair of tickets for the England v.s. Albania match, although I don’t follow football at all!
While I’ve previously visited London’s O2 Arena and the nearby Wembley Arena, the main Wembley Stadium is in a league of its own. Living just a few minutes’ walk from Wembley Stadium, I’d never had the chance to attend an event there.
So this is going to be my virgin tour, including access to one of Wembley Stadium’s best hospitality: the One Twenty Club. As you will see later, 115,000 points for two is a true bargain.
The match was scheduled for 7:45 PM, and we arrived casually around 6:00 PM to enjoy a meal beforehand. The entrance for club ticket holders is at the Main Entrance on the ground floor, so don’t climb the stairs like me unless you are looking to take some photos.
Before attending, it’s essential to review the bag policy: only small bags not exceeding A4 size are permitted. Larger items must be stored offsite at the nearby Ibis hotel, which can be inconvenient.
Upon entry, we were greeted in the VIP reception area and provided with exclusive badges for access. You need to scan your QR code to enter, but it’s a lot more chilled than the crowded general admission area.
Wembley Stadium is massive and consequentially they appear to offer many kinds of hospitality experiences. I’m very impressed that there are over sixty private boxes.
The One Twenty Club is on the 1st floor. We were handed the premium badges upon entering for identification purpose during the visit.
Once inside, you can feel the classy ambiance that One Twenty exudes. The club is broadly divided into two sections. The bar where you can sit down for a drink and casual conversions:
And the proper restaurant to enjoy your five-course dinner.
Let’s be clear about one thing – One Twenty is NOT a private box in that it’s got enough capacity for some 400 guests, and the dining area was pretty full on that day before the match started. The ambiance, atmosphere and service are excellent however, much better than an average restaurant or airport lounge.
There are some semi-segregated rooms which I assume members can reserve.
Both of my “neighbours” bought their way in using their Hilton points too so we are placed in the same corner. Program of the day, and a customised menu are on each table.
This is the food menu:
Presentation is great, and so are the scallops. I wasn’t as impressed by the lamb or beef steak.
In case you are still hungry, they offer mini pies during the half-time and cheese crackers post-match, although we left about 15 minutes into the second half. It is easier to see how costly the dinner could be from the drinks menu:
The two Laurent Perrier Champagne have an RRP of around £60 per bottle and you can drink as much as you want. And that’s indeed the strategy of some – not all guests bothered to go out to watch the game!
Post-dinner, we proceeded to our seats, which were nearly at midfield and about a quarter up from the pitch, offering excellent views. The proximity allowed for clear identification of players and an immersive experience. Harry Kane was the only player I knew, but the guy behind me kept praising the fact that he could easily recognise all players from his seat.
I have been to Wimbledon many times, and am quite surprised how much freedom the spectators have in contrast – I appreciate being able to move around and even stand near the pitch’s edge at half-time.
The platform outside the One Twenty Club provided another vantage point, with some professionals working nearby.
When entering or leaving One Twenty via the stairs you could actually see the Bobby Moore Club, which is a tier below One Twenty. The setup somehow reminds me of a Chinese wedding and it is definitely not as prestigious as One Twenty. From what I’ve gathered its catering is pretty good still, with a four-course dinner and free-flowing champagne included.
This experience at Wembley Stadium’s One Twenty Club was unforgettable. For 115,000 Hilton points (approximately £400 in value), we enjoyed a lavish meal, premium seating, and top-tier hospitality. Considering its regular annual membership fee for of £13,002 (I don’t know if you could purchase one-off passes), this redemption offers exceptional value.
Recent Comments