A few months ago, Hilton and YOTEL announced plans to join forces, which I’m happy to see, as I’m kind of a sucker for the YOTELAIR concept. There’s now an update, as the integration of YOTEL into the Hilton Honors portfolio has started, with most properties expected to transition by early September 2026.
We now have a full sense of what Hilton Honors members can expect when staying at YOTEL properties in terms of elite perks, points earning and redemption, etc., so let’s cover the details.
YOTEL & Hilton enter exclusive franchise agreement
Hilton and YOTEL have launched a new, exclusive partnership. With this franchise agreement, all YOTEL properties are joining the Hilton Honors portfolio, meaning members will be able to book through Hilton channels, and to earn and redeem points.
All 23 YOTEL properties across 10 countries are expected to join Hilton Honors. With this partnership, the goal is to more than triple the portfolio in the coming years. The company is known for its highly efficient rooms in urban markets (YOTEL), but also has some in-terminal hotels (YOTELAIR), as well as extended stay properties (YOTELPAD).
In terms of the timing of YOTEL properties participating in Hilton Honors:
- As of July 15, 2026, the YOTEL Club program is winding down, and members should’ve been invited to join Hilton Honors through tailored offers based on previous stay history with YOTEL, including offers for instant and/or accelerated paths toward Hilton Honors elite status
- Also as of July 15, 2026, we’re starting to see the ability to earn and redeem Hilton Honors points at YOTEL properties
- The expectation is that most YOTEL properties will complete the transition to Hilton Honors by early September 2026
With YOTEL properties now joining the Hilton Honors portfolio, what can Hilton Honors members expect?
- Members earn 5x Hilton Honors points per dollar spent on room rate only, so incidentals don’t earn points (this is the same earnings rate as some of Hilton’s limited service brands, but it’s half of the 10x points you get at most brands); on top of that, the typical elite bonuses apply
- Hilton Honors elite members receive space available room upgrades at YOTEL properties, much like at other Hilton brands
- Hilton Honors Gold & Diamond members receive a food & beverage credit, and while the exact amount varies by property, it’s generally around $10
YOTEL rates through Hilton channels seem to be competitive with direct rates, so that’s good, as there’s not much opportunity cost to booking through Hilton. However, generally I’m finding points redemptions to not be a great deal, and to rarely even get close to my valuation of 0.5 cents per point. That’s probably not surprising, given the nature of this partnership.
YOTEL is the first brand in Hilton’s newly established Select by Hilton concept, which the company describes as follows:
Select by Hilton is designed to grow into a brand that creates new ways to stay for guests, with the trust, confidence, and perks they expect from Hilton. High-quality, established hotel brands that join Select by Hilton will retain their own identity and brand management while they connect to the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program and enjoy the benefits of Hilton’s superior distribution and technology platforms.
Here’s how Hilton’s Chief Development Officer, Christian Charnaux, described this:
“The addition of YOTEL to Hilton’s network is the latest example of our commitment to capital efficient growth through a relationship that is both complementary to our existing brand portfolio and offers guests thoughtfully designed, sleek new ways to stay with Hilton in key urban locations around the world. This agreement further strengthens our network effect by connecting a beloved independent brand like YOTEL into the powerful Hilton Honors network and commercial distribution system, while preserving what makes the brand unique.”
Meanwhile here’s what YOTEL’s CEO, Phil Andreopoulos, had to say:
“Hilton brings unmatched global distribution and loyalty scale to our brand and business. YOTEL’s relationship with Hilton allows us to expand our reach while staying true to who we are. What changes for YOTEL is access – not identity – in a capital-light, and scalable way.”
This seems like a logical partnership for both brands
The major hotel groups have been growing at an incredibly fast pace in recent years, with an asset-light strategy. So essentially the play is to see how giants like Hilton and Marriott can get a cut on as many “heads in beds” as possible.
We’re increasingly seeing the major hotel groups expand beyond just traditional hotel concepts, and this is the perfect example of that. We recently saw Marriott acquire the citizenM brand, and I’d say YOTEL is a competitor (at least the city locations). So while Hilton isn’t acquiring YOTEL, a long term agreement seems like a win-win, and I think this is a smart strategy on Hilton’s part.
While I’ve never stayed at a YOTEL city property, I have stayed at multiple airport properties, and I’ve consistently found them to be very good. I find these compact rooms to be so cozy, and YOTEL does a good job with functional design and comfort. So if I can earn and redeem Hilton Honors points for my next YOTEL stay, that’s something I’m happy about!
Bottom line
YOTEL is partnering with Hilton, and with that, we’ll see the roughly two dozen existing properties join the Hilton Honors program in the coming weeks. With this added exposure, YOTEL is hoping to grow massively, and more than triple its property count in the coming years.
With Marriott having recently acquired citizenM, it makes sense that Hilton would also look to partner with such a brand. Hilton Honors members can expect to earn 5x points per dollar spent at these properties (in addition to the ability to redeem points), and elite members can receive a food & beverage credit, plus space available upgrades.
What do you make of Hilton and YOTEL partnering?