I am never a strong advocate of buying loyalty points. You rarely get good value, and a ridiculous part of me (the same part that spends 30 minutes doing a survey for 20 Nectar points) views it as a form of “cheating”.

However, a combination of the current Hilton 100% bonus on points purchases and some generally great Hilton redemption options means that the (now very regular) Hilton Honors 100% bonus deals are one of the few points purchase options I genuinely look out for. I don’t necessarily always buy, but there is often a good argument to do so.

For the next week (until 29 July), you can buy Hilton points with such a 100% bonus.

You need to buy a minimum of 20,000 points in this promo, which will net you 40,000 points with the bonus, for a total of $200. The maximum amount you can buy is 80,000 points (plus 80,000) for $800.

Should you buy with a 100% bonus?

Sorry to abdicate responsibility, but this really is one worth crunching the numbers on depending on your personal circumstances.

If you’re tempted by a Hilton stay, have a look at:

• the cash cost of the stay
• the points cost of the stay
• the cost of buying those points with a 100% bonus

And then make your conclusions.

Note that if you’re a Silver Honors member or better, your fifth reward night (but not cash night) – ie those paid for with your points – will be free. If you organise your stays well, that gives another 20% of value to Hilton points.

(Cover photo Waldorf Astoria Maldives, courtesy of Hilton.com)