AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend releases Hilton free night properties for 2024

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend cardholders receive an annual Hilton free night voucher, valid at participating Hilton properties across Asia Pacific. Used judiciously, this can help recoup a significant portion of the card’s S$340.20 annual fee.

American Express has just unveiled the list of participating properties for 2024, which will become available for booking starting 18 December 2023 (with stays from 1 January to 31 December 2024).

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend free night hotels

The 2024 list of participating properties numbers 208 hotels, up from 75 hotels in 2023. That said, the bulk of the additions (120) have come from China, as the country’s reopening makes those hotels viable options once more. We’re also seeing a doubling in Japan hotels (4 to 8).

The full list of hotels can be found below.

A notable returnee this year is the Hilton Singapore Orchard, which opened in 2022, graced the list for a few months, then vanished. I stayed here shortly after opening and found it to be a much-needed reboot for the Hilton brand in Singapore, exorcising the ghosts of its quite-horrible predecessor. 

There’s also another surprise in the form of the Waldorf Astoria Chengdu, the first time a Waldorf hotel has ever appeared on the list. This hotel isn’t exactly new; it opened back in 2017 in Chengdu’s Hi-Tech Industrial Development Zone. That doesn’t sound like much of a leisure destination, but if your travels bring you there, then I could think of far worse places to stay.

Over in Japan, four new hotels have been added: DoubleTree Kyoto Higashiyama, DoubleTree Kyoto Station, DoubleTree Toyama, and Hilton Garden Inn Kyoto Shijo Karasuma.

I can’t claim to know much about any of these, but three more options in Kyoto can’t be a bad thing. 

Other things to note

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend vouchers cover the room only, and do not include breakfast.

You will not be eligible for Hilton Honors benefits and points on these stays, although some 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. This isn’t an entitlement, however, so YMMV. 

All bookings must be made with a valid voucher code at least 14 days in advance of arrival via this webpage. Eligible rates will be displayed with a “Confidential Price” label.

Voucher stays follow the hotel’s flexible rate policy, which usually allows for free cancellations at least 24-48 hours before check-in. 

What’s interesting is that the T&Cs say you don’t need to present the physical voucher during check-in, though you will need to show the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend Card. Based on past experience, however, some properties insist on collecting the voucher, and don’t care what card you use to pay!

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend sign-up offer

If you don’t currently have a AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend, the following offers are now available.

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend
Apply Here
	New Customers	Existing Customers
First Spend	5K	5K
Spend S$1,000 (Mo. 1)	–	10.8K + S$150 eCapita Vouchers
Spend S$3,000 (Mo. 1-3)	25.4K	–
Base Miles from S$1,000 (@ 1.2 mpd)	–	1.2K
Base Miles from S$3,000 (@ 1.2 mpd)	3.6K	–
Total Spend	S$3K	S$1K
Total Miles	34K	17K + S$150 eCapita Vouchers
Annual fee must be paid

The new customer offer is take it or leave it for me, and it’s the existing customer offer that’s surprisingly the better of the two. 

For more details on these offers, refer to the articles below. 

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend welcome offer for existing customers: 15,800 bonus miles & S$150 eCapitaVouchers

New AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend welcome offer: Up to 30,400 bonus miles

Conclusion

American Express has published its full list of participating Hilton properties for the AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend free night benefit, and we’re seeing a significant expansion from 2023 mostly due to China’s reopening.

I personally aim to get at least S$250-300 in value out of the voucher, but everyone’s individual benchmark will differ.

Any hotels on this year’s list catch your eye?