Hampton by Hilton: 15 Most Popular Locations [Detailed Guide] (2024)

With over 2,500 properties and more than 20,000 rooms, Hampton by Hilton — a mid-price hotel chain formerly known collectively as Hampton Inn — is easily the biggest brand in the Hilton collectionand one of the largest hotel franchises in the world. While you can find Hampton hotels in 29 countries and territories across the globe, the vast majority are located in the U.S.

The first Hampton Inn opened in 1984 in Memphis, Tennessee as a budget hotel, though the brand soon upgraded to upper-midscale after introducing free continental breakfast, free local phone calls, and a “100 percent satisfaction guarantee” policy — all first-time offerings for mid-price hotels at the time.

Hampton properties can be found in both big cities and small towns, making them a convenient choice for business travelers and families. With over 2,000 properties in the U.S. alone, you won’t be far from a Hampton whenever you’re on the road.

Let’s dig into the details of what you can expect from your stay at a Hampton by Hilton.

Everything You Need to Know About Hampton by Hilton

Hampton by Hilton competes with brands such as Fairfield by Marriott, Holiday Inn Express by IHG Hotels & Resorts, Comfort Inn by Choice Hotels, and Wingate by Wyndham.

Hilton classifies the Hampton brand as 1 of 3 upper midscale brands in the Hilton portfolio. This means guests can expect limited food and beverage options onsite, unlike a full-service brand such as the DoubleTree by Hilton.

Rooms are generally more basic with this limited-service hotel brand, and there are fewer small touches than what you might get from a full-service DoubleTree (no warm chocolate chip cookies at check-in).

That being said, every Hampton property offers free internet access and a free hot breakfast (including waffles and oatmeal)to all guests. With so many locations across the U.S., lots of travelers value the ease of access and consistency of the product.

100% Hampton Guarantee

It’s not often that hotels stand by their product so strongly that it offers refunds if you don’t enjoy your stay, but that’s exactly what Hampton does.

It states on its website that “Making you happy makes us happy. So, if we can make your stay better, talk to any member of our team, and we’ll make sure you’re 100% happy. GUARANTEED™”

Gestures like this help a midscale brand like Hampton build loyalty. Travelers know that their concerns will be addressed, and if something goes wrong with their stay, Hampton will refund them as a gesture of good faith.

Hampton Inn and Suites

Hampton Inn and Suites are also part of the Hampton by Hilton brand and are great if you need a little more space. While these locations still provide standard rooms, you can also book a suite so you’ll have a bit more room during your stay.

In addition to the free breakfast, the 100% Hampton Guarantee, and free internet, your suite will include several nice additions. With the extra space, you will have a sofa sleeper to relax on (or turn into another bed). This is particularly useful for families who are traveling. The suite is also great for longer stays and includes a microwave and a refrigerator.

Unfortunately, most Hampton locations don’t allow pets, so you’ll have to leave your 4-legged friends at home.

American Express Hilton Credit Cards

The co-branded Hilton cards provided by American Express might be the best way to earn Hilton Honors points that can be used for award stays.

If you want to get a little more out of your stay at a Hampton by Hilton, check out one of the co-branded Hilton credit cards.

You automatically receive Gold status when you have the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. One of the best parts about Gold status is that you’ll get free breakfast every morning during your stay and space-available upgrades to nicer rooms. You also get your fifth night free on award stays of 5 nights or more.

The Hilton Honors American Express Cardprovides Silver status to the cardholder. Like Gold status, Silver status provides the fifth-night free benefit on award stays.

The Platinum Card® from American Express provides cardholders with Gold status at Hilton (and Marriott Bonvoy), which also comes with all of the usual status perks.

Hot Tip:Check out our comparison of the benefits and perks of each Hilton Honors credit card for more details and be sure to check out our complete guide to the best credit cards for Hilton loyalists.

The 15 Most Popular Hampton by Hilton Hotels

You can use your Hilton Honors points to book award nights at any Hampton by Hilton property. Hilton no longer has an award chart that divides hotels into categories, though, so you won’t be able to easily predict how many points an award stay will cost.

You can use Hilton’s online toolto see the maximum points cost of an award stay, but it won’t show you the minimum amount required — which is the award price you want to stretch your points further.

Remember, if you have Hilton Gold or Diamond status and stay at a Hampton property, you’ll get your choice of 250 Hilton Honors Bonus Points or a snack and a non-alcoholic beverage.

Based on demand and search volume, these are the top 15 most popular Hampton by Hilton properties around the country.

1. (Tennessee)

It’s all about location, location, location at the Hampton Inn & Suites Nashville/Downtown, which puts guests smack in the heart of Music City.

Not only is the property just around the corner from the Country Music Hall of Fame, but it’s also close to a host of other Nashville attractions, including the Ryman Auditorium (home to the Grand Ole Opry), the Johnny Cash Museum, and the pedestrian bridge that leads to Tennessee Titan games during football season.

Both families and those traveling on business appreciate that the 207 well-maintained rooms are modern and spacious and come with coffee makers and mini-fridges. Some rooms feature balconies and whirlpool tubs while larger suites have kitchenettes and separate living areas.

Although there’s no restaurant or bar on-site, you’ll find a heated indoor pool and whirlpool, as well as a gym. Self-parking incurs a daily $20 fee.

Paid rates hover around $200 per night, while award stays are from 54,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night for a standard room.

2. (South Carolina)

Hampton’s Myrtle Beach location may not be the flashiest hotel in South Carolina’s iconic resort town, but it’s a solid choice for families. The beachfront location sits right on the sand while also being within walking distance of several restaurants, shops, and bars — which is a good thing, too, since the hotel has no on-site restaurant.

Downtown Myrtle Beach and its famous SkyWheel and boardwalk are a 7-minute drive away, but it’s worth hanging back at the hotel to enjoy some of its great amenities, including 7 pools, 2 lazy rivers, and a water park area for kids. There’s also a full-service spa where adults can book massages and facials, as well as a free airport shuttle.

Also, while every guest room has a private balcony, not all guarantee an ocean view, so be sure to request one when you book.

Paid room rates clock in around $160 per night on average, with award stays ranging anywhere from 35,000 to 70,000 Hilton Honors points per night during high season.

3. Hampton Inn Orlando International Drive/Convention Center (Florida)

This Hampton property proves that staying near Orlando’s world-class attractions does not have to burn a hole in your wallet.

Staying at this 108-room hotel will put you within a 15 minutes’ drive of Universal Studios Florida and SeaWorld Orlando and less than 30 minutes from Walt Disney World Resort. Bonus: the hotel offers a free shuttle bus to all 3.

Families can spread out thanks to king and queen beds and pullout sleeper sofas, and there’s an outdoor pool that’s perfect for cooling off after a day pounding the pavement in the hot Florida sun.

Talk about value: paid rates hover around $90 per night for standard rooms, hardly ever reaching the triple digits, while award stays are from 23,000 to 40,000 points per night for a standard room.

4. (Louisiana)

The best of New Orleans, including Bourbon Street and the French Quarter, is within easy reach from this 201-room property occupying the Carondelet Building — considered to be the city’s first skyscraper.

The building’s old bones mean that guest rooms benefit from high ceilings, large windows, and spacious digs, though those located nearest street level can get noisy due to the St. Charles streetcar line that runs right in front of the hotel.

Dining, shopping, cultural tours — everything is at your disposal here. Take a walk to the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas or the Mercedes-Benz Superdome to catch a Saints game, or stop by the front desk to arrange tickets for a show at the Saenger Theater. Although there’s no pool or bar, we doubt you’ll mind what with all the fun of Bourbon Street just a block away.

Award stays range from 26,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night. If you plan to pay by cash, nightly rates average around $100 per night.

5. (Louisiana)

As its name implies, this hotel is a no-brainer for business travelers and anyone in town attending an event at the convention center just across the street. The property is also well-equipped to handle events of its own: 15 meeting rooms can accommodate up to 400 people, as well as a no-fuss lobby bar perfect for post-work happy hours.

Will an early meeting prevent you from making it to the complimentary breakfast? Not to worry — “On the Run” breakfast bags are available to go. 2 more perks we love: free shuttles to the cruise ports as well as special cruise packages for treating clients (or yourself).

While you’re a bit far from the French Quarter, a short taxi ride will get you there. Otherwise, consider a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites New Orleans Downtown (French Quarter Area), whose rates are similar (26,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night, or around $115 for a standard room) but is less business-oriented.

6. Hampton Inn Washington, D.C./White House

D.C.’s Golden Triangle neighborhood has emerged as one of the best places to stay in the nation’s capital, for the sole reason that it’s possible to walk to nearly every attraction.

From this 116-room hotel, the White House and Lafayette Square are a block away while the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, National Mall, and National Portrait Gallery are all less than 25 minutes on foot. The Farragut West Metro station, around the corner, makes everything else easily accessible.

Along with your standard Hampton décor, standout interior design details — wordplay, decorative lettering — are a nod to the building’s roots as the former Kiplinger Editors building. Elsewhere, you’ll find a heated indoor pool and 24-hour grab-and-go market when you tire of the free breakfast. Typical for D.C., parking is valet only.

Expect to redeem anywhere from 49,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night to stay here. Paid rates hover around $160 per night for a standard room.

7. Hampton Inn by Hilton Washington-Downtown-Convention Center (Washington, D.C.)

Business travelers favor this particular Hampton Inn for its proximity to both the Verizon Center and the Walter E. Washington Convention Center.

There’s not much else going on in the immediate vicinity, but if you don’t mind a bit of walking, you’ll appreciate this property for providing great value and a central location close to Union Station, Ford’s Theatre, and the National Portrait Gallery.

Guest rooms are designed with busy, self-sufficient travelers in mind and come with microwaves and mini-fridges, while larger suites have seating areas for after-hours meetings. There’s also a 24-hour business center and minimart for late-night cravings.

When work is over, a full-service American restaurant and lobby bar provide a much-needed break, as does the gym and heated indoor pool (though they both run on the smaller side).

Award stays range from 35,000 on the low end and top out at 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night, depending on demand. Cash rates average about $145 per night for a standard room.

Hot Tip:If you’re here on business, there is a concierge service that can take care of dry cleaning and valet laundry — a more personalized alternative to the hotel’s coin-operated laundry room.

8. Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach (Florida)

Sprawling resorts aren’t the only places where you can enjoy the beautiful beaches of Florida‘s sunny Panhandle. Don’t believe us? Just consider Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach, located right along the Pensacola Beach Trail, which faces the sand and the Gulf of Mexico.

You get far more than what you pay for at this property. In addition to guest room balconies featuring pool or water views, there’s a tiki-style bar for adults, a miniature golf course, an indoor arcade room with its own snack bar, and 2 outdoor pools that face the beach.

That said, you’re a bit removed from the rest of town. A toll bridge divides the hotel from nearby restaurants, making them hard to reach, and the hotel is still around 9 miles from downtown Pensacola and its bigger attractions.

An award stay at Hampton Inn Pensacola Beach is from 56,000 to 60,000 Hilton Honors points per night. In terms of paid rates, expect to fork over around $220 per night for a standard room.

9. (Illinois)

When it says downtown, it really means it. From Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown, you’re just a 6-minute walk away from the river and popular Chicago attractions like Millennium Parkand the Magnificent Mile, Chicago’s famous shopping district.

This Hampton by Hilton hotel is especially unique in that it features not just 1 but 2 full-service restaurants. After gorging yourself on ribeye, work it off in the 24-hour gym or indoor pool.

Unlike many hotels on this list, it’s worth noting that most rooms here have no mini-fridges or minibars (sorry, leftovers). Also, being in the heart of it all does tend to have its downsides. In this case, you’ll be across the street from a fire station, where sirens can (and do) blare at all hours of the day and night.

Awards stays range widely in terms of redemptions, depending on demand — anywhere from 26,00o Hilton Honors points to 60,000 points per night. Cash rates average about $130 for a standard room.

10. Hampton Inn Chicago Downtown/Magnificent Mile (Illinois)

Hampton by Hilton’s second Chicago property on this list is a bit farther from the river than Hampton Inn & Suites but no less central — just a minute’s walk from the shopping of Magnificent Mile and about 8 minutes to the Lakefront Trail.

Because the hotel shares its skyscraper with Homewood Suites, the lobby gets busy but stays come with the added (and included) benefit of access to both sets of amenities. Higher rooms offer views of Lake Michigan, as does the 40th-floor gym and seasonal rooftop pool.

Valet parking is available, if expensive — this is Chicago, after all.

Points redemptions and cash rates are similar to the Hampton Inn & Suites Chicago-Downtown — between 21,000 and 60,000 points, or around $135, per night for a standard room.

11. Hampton Inn San Diego-Downtown (California)

A boon for travelers seeking dependable, convenient, and inexpensive accommodations within San Diego, this Hampton Inn is located a mere 5 minutes from theSan Diego International Airport and directly off of I-5. The hotel even offers free airport shuttle service if you don’t want to rent a car.

Once you arrive, there isn’t much to say about property save for its rooftop pool and sundeck. However, if you have some time to burn between flights, this is a solid choice to base yourself. The hotel is well within walking distance of downtown including Little Italy, a charming neighborhood packed with restaurants and co*cktail bars.

Award stays here range widely between 29,000 and 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night, depending on demand. Cash rates hover around $175 on average for a standard room.

12. Hampton Inn Tropicana (Las Vegas, Nevada)

Looking to stay close to the Las Vegas Strip? You’ll be just a 5-minute drive from the action when you book a room at Hampton Inn Tropicana.

Business travelers especially dig the hotel’s accessibility — 10 minutes from the airport and right off the highway — as well as its facilities, which include over 11,000 square feet of space across 12 meeting rooms in an attached event center, a 24-hour gym, and work desks in every guest room. Book a suite if you want a microwave and wet bar.

While there’s no full-service restaurant (which might explain the lack of mini-fridges), breakfast is supplemented with room service and a limited lobby bar that opens at night. Another highlight is the outdoor pool area, which features a decorative waterfall, a hot tub, and cushy loungers. A complimentary shuttle bus is also available to whisk guests to the Strip and the airport.

Award stays range from 29,000 to 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night. Room rates average around $150 per night for a standard room.

13. (Nevada)

With a stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites Las Vegas Airport Hotel, you’ll be about halfway between the airport and the Strip, so you can enjoy the high-octane energy of the city’s famous casinos and heady nightlife while also getting a good night’s sleep — i.e. not actually sleeping near the noise.

When you’re not trying your luck at the slots or catching a Cirque du Soleil performance, the hotel offers an outdoor pool and fitness center for working off those calories from the complimentary breakfast. There’s also a free airport shuttle that covers the 10-minute drive to and from Harry Reid International Airport.

Award stay rates are extremely reasonable, from 26,000 to 30,000 Hilton Honors points per night, while cash rates average around $125 per night for a standard room.

14. Hampton Inn Pigeon Forge (Tennessee)

This hotel’s rustic, red-brick facade is a refreshing change for the Hampton brand, inspired perhaps by its scenic location in rural Tennessee. The 2 biggest reasons to stay here are obvious: Dollywood and Great Smoky Mountains National Parkare both within striking distance of Pigeon Forge.

Nature rules in this part of the country, and the same can be said at this hotel. Along with both indoor and outdoor pools, you’ll also have access to a hot tub, a back porch lounge area lined with rocking chairs, and an outdoor fire pit.

Rooms range from 29,000 to 40,000 Hilton Honors points per night for award stays or around $145 for standard rooms.

15. Hampton Inn Columbia-Downtown Historic District (South Carolina)

This Hampton Inn’s proximity to the University of South Carolina puts it at number 15 on this list of most popular Hampton Inn locations.

Both prospective and enrolled students and their families filter in and out of the hotel throughout the school year, co-mingling with other travelers who’ve come to attend events at the Metropolitan Convention Center (within walking distance) and college football and basketball games. Other local attractions include the South Carolina State Museum down the road.

Along with complimentary breakfast and free Wi-Fi, there’s also an outdoor pool to help alleviate the southern heat.

Award room rates range from 40,000 to 50,000 Hilton Honors points per night, or around $125 per night for a standard room.

Final Thoughts

Hampton by Hilton is clearly designed for the budget-conscious business or leisure traveler, but that doesn’t mean that your stay won’t be enjoyable. In fact, if you pick the right Hampton property, it could be very nice.

Besides, with the 100% Hampton Guarantee, you can feel confident that you’ll get a good value… or your stay will be refunded.

Don’t forget: if you have Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond status, you’re entitled to Bonus Points or a snack and a non-alcoholic drink. You can even give your Hilton Honors account a boost with the Hilton Surpass cardto help you earn more Hilton Honors points for your next award stay.

The next time you’re looking for a cheap paid or award stay, see what Hampton by Hilton has to offer!