All 18 Hilton Hotels Brands, Ranked From Worst to First
What began as a single hotel purchased by Conrad Hilton in 1919 is now an industry empire. With hotels in every major international city, Hilton might just be the most famous hotel brand in the world.
Since its inception over 100 years ago, Hilton has opened numerous properties under brands that differ in services and price points. While this means that most people can find a hotel that suits their specific needs (and the depth of their pockets), not all Hiltons are created equal.
These are all 18 Hilton Hotels brands, ranked from worst to first.
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18. Home2 Suites
Launched: 2009
No. of properties: 551
Bottom Line: Home2Suites
Geared toward long-term travelers who want extended stays, Home2 Suites comes with specific amenities like kitchens, complimentary breakfast, self-service laundry and free Wi-Fi. All of its more than 380 properties are in the U.S. and Canada.
If you're looking for something midscale that will sort of feel like a home away from home, this is a decent option — as long as you don't expect something very nice. Let's face it, when a brand's name uses the number "2" to replace "to" as if it were an early 2000s teenager texting a friend, elegance is out of the equation.
17. Hampton Inn & Suites
Launched: 1984
No. of properties: 2,816
Bottom Line: Hampton Inn & Suites
Wherever you go in the U.S., it's hard to escape from the Hampton by Hilton brand, which also has properties in 34 countries and territories.
The midscale hotels are OK, especially for their tier. They are slightly more expensive than the competition, but they offer better amenities like free breakfast, a business center and digital check-in.
On the downside, the brand design is often ugly. Or at least uninspired.
16. Embassy Suites
Launched: 1984
No. of properties: 262
Bottom Line: Embassy Suites
Embassy Suites is for people who want to know what they're getting into. Sure, the brand is not going to win "Best Personality" in the Hilton yearbook, but it's dependable and consistent. And sometimes, that's just what travelers are looking for.
Every room is a suite (no surprise there), either a studio or a double room. For the latter, you can expect two TVs, a mini fridge and a comfortable living area.
This Hilton brand leans to the bland side, but we appreciate that it provides a decent place to stay at an affordable price point.
15. Homewood Suites
Launched: 1989
No. of properties: 534
Bottom Line: Homewood Suites
Homewood Suites is for remote workers and business travelers looking for a comfortable place where they can work and sleep.
Besides being made up entirely of suites, this brand offers special amenities that are perfect for a staycation. For instance, you get full kitchens (none of that mini fridge nonsense), free grocery shopping services and a complimentary breakfast. But the real cherry on top is that the suites are pet-friendly.
You just have to ignore the eye-sore exteriors.
14. Tempo
Launched: 2020
No. of properties: None open yet
Bottom Line: Tempo
Hilton's newest brand, Tempo is aimed mainly at business travelers. If you fall under this category, it'll definitely be interesting for you.
You'll enjoy the coffee and tea bar, social spaces and meeting rooms. And because exercise is an integral part of staying sane while traveling, every hotel has a fitness center that is state-of-the-art, as well as in-room Peloton bikes.
Overall, however, this brand has little to differentiate it from other business-centric competitors. The brand could do better at offering amenities that appeal to all kinds of travelers. Since it currently has no open locations, it's also difficult to judge how well it'll deliver on its promises.
Stay-Worthy Tempo Property
Tempo by Hilton Boston is not yet open but promises to be a great addition to the city's accommodation offerings.
13. Hilton Garden Inn
Launched: 1996
No. of properties: 951
Bottom Line: Hilton Garden Inn
Today's travelers are on the go go go. Hilton Garden Inn is definitely aware of this. The brand offers amenities like free Wi-Fi, digital check-in, meeting spaces and wireless printing.
It stands out from the competition with its food. Rather than a breakfast buffet, it offers a la carte options, investing in menus that are nutritious and delicious.
The brand doesn't rank higher because the food isn't enough to make it very noteworthy. But for something generic at a good price point, there is nothing wrong with it either.
12. Hilton Grand Vacations Property
Launched: 1992
No. of properties: 68
Bottom Line: Hilton Grand Vacations
Travelers have grown wary of timeshares because they are often borderline scams. We wouldn't say this is true of Hilton Grand Vacations, but the scheme is definitely not for everyone. The average cost of joining is around $22,000. If you're a regular person, you're better off renting villas on Airbnb.
But what we do like about Hilton's program — as opposed to, say, Marriott Vacation Club — is that it allows for more flexibility. Instead of paying a set fee, people come up with a plan that fits their needs.
This means you may pay less than $22,000. Or, if your lifestyle calls for it, a bit more.
11. Motto
Launched: 2018
No. of properties: 3
Bottom Line: Motto
Launched in 2018, Motto is one of Hilton's newest brands, so it has yet to earn worldwide fame. The idea is to provide micro-hotels in coveted cities at reasonable prices.
This brand is good for people who see hotels as a place to sleep, but who don't really need full service or personalized attention. Rooms use space-efficient design. Tasteful bunks or wall beds, for example, optimize space.
Common areas also make it easier to meet other travelers. Just be aware that the rooms are tiny.
10. Tru
Launched: 2016
No. of properties: 222
Bottom Line: Tru
Though midscale, Tru beats out other Hilton brands because of its originality. Hotel chains can very often fall victim to blandness but Tru's whole identity depends on being different and innovative.
For now, the brand is only in the United States and Canada. Guests can expect large lobbies with gathering spaces, a pantry you can access at any hour of the day, modern design and quirky decoration. This is for people who hate feeling like they're in the same place every time they go on vacation.
That said, the experience and decor are definitely geared to a younger audience who'll be more impressed with foosball tables than spas.
Stay-Worthy Tru Hotel
Tru by Hilton Monroe in Ohio has an interesting design and fun common spaces that make it easy to meet other travelers.
9. Signia
Launched: 2019
No. of properties: 2
Bottom Line: Signia
Another Hilton brand geared heavily toward business travelers, Signia's main focus is wellness on the road. Its emphasis is on staying centered while balancing work and travel.
To do this, the brand offers premium spa experiences as well as fitness classes. The idea is to encourage guests to stay active and find ways to disconnect. Besides wellness, typical business amenities like meeting spaces are available.
The brand's two open hotels certainly make good on their promise of upscale services and eye-pleasing designs. Whether it'll manage to keep this up with future properties remains to be seen.
Stay-Worthy Signia Hotel
Signia San Jose in California is the brand's most impressive property.
8. DoubleTree
Launched: 1969
No. of properties: 642
Bottom Line: DoubleTree
Mention DoubleTree by Hilton to anyone and the first thing they'll say is: "Oh, the cookies!"
This is because DoubleTree had the genius idea of welcoming all its guests with warm chocolate chip cookies when they arrive.
But this upscale Hilton brand goes beyond bribing you with sweets. Attention is personalized and check-in is digital (a great plus in the post-COVID era). Guests also greatly applaud the brand's pet-friendly attitude.
But, really, you had us at warm cookies.
Stay-Worthy DoubleTree Hotel
With waterfront views and proximity to natural and cultural landmarks, DoubleTree by Hilton Paracas in Peru is a great base for exploring the area.
7. Tapestry Collection
Launched: 2017
No. of properties: 84
Bottom Line: Tapestry Collection
Hilton's Tapestry Collection seems to have been made with well-off millennials in mind. The brand is all about seeking authentic experiences rather than just empty luxury. Each property has a unique boutique feel and a distinct personality.
Guests receive upscale treatment and are pampered. But these aren't the resorts for the types of travelers who just want to relax by a pool.
If you stay here, take advantage of the interesting events and offerings your specific property organizes.
6. Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Launched: 1919
No. of properties: 596
Bottom Line: Hilton Hotels & Resorts
Hilton's signature brand has almost 600 properties spread around over 90 countries.
The upscale brand is associated with good service and consistency, so it appeals to travelers who want to arrive at a destination and know exactly what they're going to get. It's also a very popular brand for loyalty point users.
That said, Hilton Hotel properties vary drastically. Some are incredibly ugly gray blocks that ruin the cityscape. Others are beautifully designed and enhance their locations. If aesthetics matter to you, do your research before booking.
5. Canopy
Launched: 2014
No. of properties: 37
Bottom line: Canopy
If ever a Hilton brand was desperate to fit in with the youth, it's Canopy. It goes so far as to dub its concierge staff "enthusiasts." What they're enthusiastic about is open to interpretation — the hotel, life, the idea of making enough money to pay rent? No one knows.
Get past this cringy attempt to be cool and focus on the hotel's fun daily events. Or its gorgeous design that matches the aesthetic of each city. There is also an emphasis on "authentic" experiences and local food rather than the generic menus that plague the modern hotel industry.
4. Curio Collection
Launched: 2014
No. of properties: 124
Bottom Line: Curio Collection
If you love independent hotels but also want to accumulate loyalty points, book a Curio hotel. With over 120 hotels and resorts, Curio seeks to bring a curated and elevated experience to guests.
Amenities vary by property, as the brand seeks to make each hotel different, with a location-specific flair. The one constant is quality. Every hotel in this brand has either four or five stars. Many are also located in historical buildings that are iconic to the area.
Stay-Worthy Curio Hotel
Part of the Curio Collection, the St. Louis Union Station Hotel repurposed one of the city's most important landmarks. Just be warned that you probably will never want to leave its eye-catching lobby.
3. LXR Hotels & Resorts
Launched: 2005
No. of properties: 9
Bottom Line: LXR
While small, LXR is a unique Hilton collection. It only has nine properties in six countries and one territory. Every hotel it holds, however, is astonishingly luxurious.
Customers tend to skew older and wealthier, as lower quantity definitely means higher quality (and higher prices). Expect unique local experiences that are often exclusive to hotel guests, individualized service and gorgeous properties.
Stay-Worthy LXR Hotel
The oceanfront Mango House in Seychelles pampers guests with five fine-dining restaurants, a luxurious spa and access to adventure tours in this gorgeous African island nation.
2. Conrad Hotels & Resorts
Launched: 1985
No. of properties: 43
Bottom Line: Conrad Hotels
Named after Conrad Hilton, the company's founder, this brand is one of the most luxurious in the Hilton roster.
Every Conrad Hotel property has a perfect location. Services and amenities are impeccable, and each guest is treated like royalty. The brand invests heavily in hiring some of the best chefs in the world, and it pays off. We would normally tell you not to dine at your hotel, but if you're at a Conrad, make an exception.
1. Waldorf Astoria
Launched: 1893 (incorporated by Hilton in 1949)
No. of properties: 31
Bottom Line: Waldorf Astoria
Decidedly the most upscale of all Hilton brands, there is simply no way to compete with Waldorf Astoria. The brand is so iconic that most people don't even realize it's owned by Hilton.
Award-winning properties offer restaurants led by Michelin-starred chefs, ultra-luxurious spas and wellness centers, and a concierge service that will actually do everything in its power to get you whatever you want.
Stay here for an experience even Anna Delvey would envy.