Let me take you back to when I was 15 years old, starting out in the tourism industry as an intern at Hilton Izmir during my vocational school days. It was there that I first learned about the o Hilton Team Member Travel Program, a benefit designed to make travel more accessible for Hilton employees. The concept fascinated me—being able to stay at Hilton properties for such affordable rates sounded almost too good to be true.
I quickly realized, though, that availability could sometimes be a challenge, especially during peak seasons. However, with a bit of planning and flexibility, the program opened up incredible opportunities. One of my most memorable experiences came years later when I booked a stay at the Conrad New York in 2019 for just $75. Visiting such an iconic city and staying at a property that felt so luxurious was unforgettable.
Now, years later, I’ve transitioned from using the Team Member Program to enjoying the benefits of the Family Friends Program, thanks to a close friend still working with Hilton. Let me guide you through what makes these programs such standout offerings and how you can make the most of them.
The Team Member Program: A World of Opportunities for Hilton Employees
If you’re a Hilton employee, the Team Member Program is your passport to discounted travel at Hilton properties worldwide.
What It Offers
- Affordable Rates: Enjoy special room rates starting as low as $40 USD (subject to availability).
- Annual Allocation: Employees can book up to 100 nights per year, with 30 nights at the exclusive Team Member rate and the rest at the Family Friends rate.
- Dining Discounts: When staying on a Go Hilton rate, you’ll receive 50% off food and beverages at participating hotel restaurants.
- Extra” Rates: If you exceed your annual allocation, additional stays can be booked under discounted “Extra” rates, which don’t count toward your yearly limit.
How to Get Started
1. Create a Hilton Honors Account: Sign up at Hilton Honors if you don’t already have one.
2. Log Into Hilton Lobby: Access Hilton the Lobby using your employee credentials. Navigate to the “Go Hilton” section under "My Applications."
3. Link Your Account: Connect your Hilton Honors account to the Go Hilton system to activate your eligibility.
4. Start Booking: Visit the Go Hilton Booking Site to browse properties and make reservations.
Note: A $1 USD charge per room, per night is applied to every booking. This fee supports the Hilton Global Foundation and the Team Member Assistance Fund.
The Family Friends Program: Extend the Benefits
Today, I experience the Family Friends Program, thanks to a close friend who added me to their approved list. While the rates aren’t as low as the Team Member rates, they’re still a fantastic way to enjoy Hilton properties at a discount.
What It Offers
- Generous Discounts: Save up to 50% off publicly available rates, depending on the property and availability.
- Annual Allocation: Friends and family can book up to 70 nights per year under this program.
- Independent Bookings: Once approved, friends and family can manage their own reservations without requiring the Hilton employee to be present.
How to Join the Program
1. Create a Hilton Honors Account: Authorized friends and family members must have their own Hilton Honors account. Sign up at Hilton Honors.
2. Get Added by a Hilton Employee: The employee logs into the Hilton Lobby portal, navigates to the Go Hilton section, and adds the friend or family member to their approved list.
3. Start Booking: Once added, log into the Go Hilton Booking Site to search for and book discounted stays.
Note:The same $1 USD per room, per night charge applies to Family Friends bookings, supporting Hilton’s charitable initiatives.
Making the Most of Hilton Discounts
Whether you’re booking through the Team Member Program or the Family Friends Program, these tips will help you maximize your benefits:
1. Plan Ahead: Availability is often limited, especially during peak travel seasons. Book early for the best chance of securing your preferred dates.
2. Be Flexible: Use the flexible dates tool to find available rates and adjust your travel plans accordingly.
3. Mix and Match Rates: Combine Team Member and Family Friends rates to book multiple rooms or extend your stays.
4. Check “Extra” Rates: These don’t count toward your annual night limits and are perfect for last-minute trips.
The $1 Hilton Global Foundation Charge
Both programs now include a $1 USD charge per room, per night, added at checkout. This fee supports two key initiatives:
1. Hilton Global Foundation: Focused on creating positive environmental and community impact.
2. Team Member Assistance Fund: Provides financial support to Hilton employees facing hardships.
The charge will appear on your statement as “Hilton Global Fnd/TMAF” and is non-refundable.
Final Thoughts
he Go Hilton Team Member and Family Friends Programs are more than just a perk—they’re an opportunity to explore the world while staying at exceptional properties. Whether you’re an employee enjoying the deep discounts or a family friend making the most of your connection, these programs make high-quality travel both accessible and affordable.
So, if you’re part of the Hilton family—or know someone who is—start planning your next adventure today. From personal experience, I can say it’s worth every moment of planning to create travel memories that last a lifetime.
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