One of the perks of holding an AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend card is its annual Hilton free night voucher. Used judiciously, it can help recoup a significant portion of the card’s non-waivable S$337.05 annual fee.
| 💳 About waivers… |
| Technically speaking, it may be possible to get the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend’s fee waived. However, you won’t enjoy the Hilton voucher in this case. |
American Express has just released the list of participating Hilton properties for 2022, available for booking from 22 December 2021 onwards. The list now numbers 256 hotels, up from 203 in 2021.
Options in Singapore
All three Hilton properties in Singapore are participating, most notably the upcoming Hilton Singapore Orchard (a conversion from the current Mandarin Orchard). This hotel was originally set to open on 1 January 2022, but its launch date has been pushed back and the website is only taking reservations from 1 April 2022 onwards.
| ❓ What about the existing Hilton? |
| The existing Hilton Singapore (which, confusingly, is also in Orchard) will be reflagged as the voco Orchard Singapore, and is expected to relaunch in January 2022. Hey, it’s not like they did a lot of renovations… |
If the renders are anything to go by, it’s shaping up to be a really good-looking hotel, a refreshing change from the tired and dated rooms at the Mandarin Orchard. The Ascend voucher will be valid for stays till 30 June 2022.
The Conrad Centennial Singapore, a longtime staycation favourite, is also on the list. Just like the Hilton Singapore Orchard, vouchers can be used for stays up till 30 June 2022.
Finally, there’s the Hilton Garden Inn Serangoon. This property is supposedly reopening in February 2022, but I’d take that with a pinch of salt, given how it’s been on SHN duty ever since the pandemic started.
Options in VTL countries
For those looking to venture abroad, here’s the participating Hilton properties in VTL countries.
| VTL Country | Properties |
| 🇦🇺 Australia (NSW & VIC only) |
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| 🇫🇯 Fiji |
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| 🇮🇳 India |
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| 🇮🇩 Indonesia |
|
| 🇲🇾 Malaysia |
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| 🇰🇷 South Korea |
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| 🇱🇰 Sri Lanka |
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| 🇹🇭 Thailand |
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| *Inventory of participating hotel will be loaded into the system upon actual opening date | |
Not all of these represent great value, so be sure to check the cash rates at a given property for the night you wish to book.
I’d say the Conrad Bangkok is a worthy use of your voucher, although hotel rates in Bangkok are pricing near all-time lows so you may be better off paying cash in some cases.
I’ve also been meaning to try the Hilton Melbourne, which opened in March 2021 in a building that looks more fit for a Waldorf Astoria than a Hilton.
Other things to note
Ascend vouchers cover the room only, and do not include breakfast.
The T&Cs have also been updated to explicitly state that Hilton Honors benefits and points do not apply to voucher stays. That was indeed my experience at the Conrad Centennial- Diamond member? Not when you use a voucher you’re not.
However, certain properties may choose to go above and beyond. When I used my voucher at the Conrad Bangkok a couple years back, I was accorded Hilton Gold benefits like free breakfast.
YMMV.
AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend sign-up offer
If you don’t currently have a AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend card, customers who apply and get approval between 1 October 2021 and 31 January 2022 will receive the following:
 Apply Here |
||
| Spend | Miles | |
| First Spend | Any | 5K |
| Milelion Bonus | S$2K | 7.5K |
| Months 1-3 | S$5K | 10K + Sofitel |
| Base Miles | 6K (S$5K @ 1.2 mpd) |
|
| Total Spend | S$5K | |
| Total Miles | 28.5K + Sofitel staycation | |
All first-time American Express KrisFlyer cobrand cardholders will enjoy 5,000 miles on their first transaction of any amount.
Applicants who apply via The Milelion will enjoy 7,500 miles when they spend S$2,000 in the first 3 months. Should they spend a further S$3,000 (i.e. S$5,000) total, they’ll receive:
- Existing customer: 1-night Sofitel Sentosa staycation
- New customer: 1-night Sofitel Sentosa staycation + 10,000 miles
| ⚠️ AMEX defines new customers as those who do not hold any American Express principal credit cards now, or in the past six months. |
This means your total haul (including the regular base miles) would be 28,500 miles and a free Sofitel Sentosa staycation for S$5,000 of spending.
The stay at the Sofitel Sentosa is valid for a Luxury Room and does not include breakfast. However, if you’re an Accor Plus member (free membership available here, if you own a small business), you’ll save up to 50% on all F&B including breakfast.
Eligible cardholders will receive a redemption letter ~12 weeks after meeting the spending threshold. This will state the validity period and how to redeem the free stay; all free stays must be used within 3 months from the date of the redemption letter.
The AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend’s annual fee of S$337.05 must be paid, and the T&C of this offer can be found here.
Conclusion
American Express’ latest list of Ascend voucher participating Hilton properties is ~25% larger than last year’s, and unlike last year, you actually have a chance of visiting some of the overseas ones.
I’d aim to get at least S$250-300 in value out of the voucher, although everyone’s individual benchmark will differ.
Can you get the card FOC with the charge card – without the hotel voucher. Can still participate in the spend $2k plus $3k promo?
Ascend card is not part of the One AF program.
I called the Platinum concierge and the KF Ascend fee was reversed and thereafter renewal fee free.
My Ascend is free annually under One AF, but never received hotel voucher both years.
“the card’s non-waivable S$337.05 annual fee.”
As I’ve always had this waived, I’ve also never received the voucher 🙂
Voucher only entitled to free night in Hilton Garden Inn Serangoon for singapore area, which I think no one will go there for staycation. Such disappointment
If you actually read the article, all Hilton Singapore properties are participating, including:
Hilton
Conrad
Hilton Garden Inn
yes, they updated the list and conrad/hilton are now gone. guess occupancy got too good.
Do you have any idea if the listing for 2023 will be provided soon? Bookings are only available till end of 2022.
Thank you.
Here you go
go.amex/ascendhilton