If you’re a frequent traveller, you’ll be well-accustomed to a variety of different hotel rooms. From the standard hotel room to the luxurious hotel suite, you’re sure to know the ins and outs of hotel accommodation like the back of your hand. But there’s one thing you might not know: hotel accommodation on your vacation doesn’t have to simply involve you paying the hotel for the pleasure of your stay; you’ll often also be able to claim benefits back from hotel stays with a hotel points reward system.

Earning points with hotel accommodation couldn’t be easier – the more points you collect from your hotel stays, the greater the number of prizes and rewards you could win. It really is as simple as that! For instance, if you’re planning a vacation to Florida this summer, why not stay at a hotel that runs an honors points and miles scheme? A week’s stay will mean that you’ll accrue a significant number of points that you can redeem in the future. What’s more, many hotel rewards schemes extend to certain airlines. So if you’re flying to Florida on a participating airline, you’ll also be able to stack up those valuable points!

The rewards you can earn from hotel rewards systems are vast. If you’re a business traveler, for instance, you’ll appreciate any free hotel nights that a hotel points system might grant you. Often, you’ll also have the opportunity to upgrade to a bigger room or an all-inclusive luxury resort. And, if you’re hoping to hire a car on your travels, membership to a particular hotel rewards system could even get you a discounted rental car or, in some cases, free car hire.

If you’re planning to fly with an airline that is associated with your hotel honors system, you might even enjoy the benefits of an express check-in service, a priority label on your luggage, or complimentary food or beverages in the departure lounge – luxuries that may well come in handy if you’re travelling with small children or you’re prone to being late!

What’s more, many hotel points schemes will also let you redeem your points for entertainment services offered by any of their partners. The Hilton hotel honours system, for instance, allows you to redeem points when you’re on a family holiday to Disneyworld, while many other hotel rewards schemes offer similar benefits for theme parks around the country. Particularly developed hotel rewards schemes will also allow you to redeem points in their overseas hotels – so if you’re taking your partner on a romantic holiday to Paris, you might even be able to upgrade to the honeymoon suite for free.

Do you need to know the details of the American Express Hilton Honors Card application? This is an excellent hotel rewards credit card. You can also apply for it online making it easy for you to find out if you are approved. However, this card is designed for those that already have good credit and that frequently stay at Hilton Hotels. They have a very rare and exceptional awards program that gives you three points for every dollar spent on regular purchases and five points for every dollar spent at Hilton Hotels, grocery stores, drugstores, gas stations, restaurants, the U.S Postal Service and wireless phone bills.

Most cards only offer one point per dollar spent so the rewards add up much quicker with this card. Your earned points on the card will never expire but you are limited to$100,000 in annual spending. You will get two points on every dollar spent over $100,000 in a year. You can also receive 10,000 bonus points for your first purchase made within one month of approval of your card. You can also earn up to 10,000 bonus points for your first four stays at a Hilton Hotel.

The American Express Hilton Honors card has no annual fee and a low introductory rate which are two more positive things about this card. The introductory rate of 2.90% lasts for the first 6 months that you have the card. There are many other common benefits and services that come with this card as well. For example, it has auto rental insurance, travel accident insurance, purchase protection services and discounts for many things through the Offer Zone.

This card will not really benefit you unless you travel frequently and stay at Hilton Hotels. If this does apply to you, it is a very good card with excellent features and a great bonus program that you can actually find beneficial. There is no balance transfer fee associated with this card. However, future balance transfers may incur a fee as disclosed at the time of the applicable transaction.

Edinburgh has been the capitol city of Scotland since 1437 and it has developed over the years into one of Europe’s most popular and most attractive places.  The city has a rich history and many historic building remain in the Old Town area of Edinburgh which is now a UNESCO world heritage site as is the New Town area.

The city comes to life in the summer with both the International Fringe Festival and Military Tattoo running at the end of August.  During this time the city is filled with music, entertainment and people from all over the world.  It is probably the best time to visit Edinburgh but is also the busiest so getting accommodation early is a good idea.

As for accommodation in Edinburgh, there are a wide selection of guest houses, hostels and hotels throughout the city.  But there is a larger selection of five star luxury hotels in Edinburgh than any other city.  Most of these are in the city centre, around the Princes Street area and they offer you the chance to indulge yourself in luxury accommodation.

Below are five of the most popular luxury hotels in Edinburgh.



The Balmoral Hotel

Probably the most famous of all the luxury hotels in Edinburgh it has a prime location on Princes Street and even the building is spectacular.  Inside you will find a Michelin Star restaurant and fantastic facilities such as a luxury spa which offers therapeutic treatments to relive any stress. (Rooms from £125 per night)

The Scotsman Hotel

This award winning hotel is known to be one of the top luxury hotels in the UK and it has a great location only a few minutes from both the Royal Mile and Princes Street.  There are a great range of guestrooms available from a luxury standard room to the Penthouse suite.  Many of the rooms have fantastic panoramic view of the city and some of the top landmarks including Edinburgh castle and Arthurs Seat. (Rooms from £114 per night)

Caledonian Hilton

The Caledonian is one of three Hilton Hotels in Edinburgh and it is probably the most luxurious.  Walk outside the hotel and immediately you are in the heart of Edinburgh and its many restaurants, shops and attractions.  Enjoy the hotel facilities which include wireless internet and an indoor swimming pool.  Then at night have a great nights sleep in one of the luxurious bedrooms. (Rooms from £137 per night)

Dalhousie Castle

A unique castle hotel just a few minutes drive from Edinburgh, you are close enough to be accessible to the city but far enough away to enjoy secluded surroundings.   This is ideal for anyone wanting to have a relaxing break in the unique surrounding of a traditional Scottish castle.  Enjoy dungeon dining, the wonderful countryside or a day at the unique Aqueous Spa.  (Rooms from £75 per night)

The Glasshouse

Award wining five star accommodation only a short stroll from Princes Street and Waverley railway station.  Indulge in 24 hour room service or watch satellite TV in your comfortable guestrooms or go out and explore the many sights and attractions around Edinburgh.  A perfect place for relaxation or exploration. (Rooms from £88 per night)