Our Guide to the Hilton hotel brands

When you’re faced with over 20 names under one umbrella, a little clarity goes a long way. That’s where this Hilton hotel brands guide comes in. From the gilded lobbies of Waldorf Astoria to the fuss-free efficiency of Hampton by Hilton, the Hilton portfolio caters to everyone from high-rollers to budget-watchers. The trick is knowing which name actually matches the type of stay you’re planning.

Intro to Hilton

Hilton is one of the world’s biggest hotel operators, with properties across six continents. Founded in 1919, the group now runs everything from luxury city icons to long-stay studios designed for 20-night stints. Its scale means you’ll often find a Hilton property in any major destination, but the real distinction lies in how each brand is positioned. Whether you’re looking for indulgence, convenience, or sheer value, the group has a label that fits.

Geographical focus areas

Hilton has a truly global spread, but some brands cluster more tightly around particular regions. Waldorf Astoria and Conrad dominate in gateway cities and high-end resorts across the US, Europe, and Asia. Canopy, Motto, and Tempo are more likely to crop up in buzzing urban centres, often in the US or Europe. Graduate by Hilton focuses specifically on university towns in North America. Extended-stay names like Homewood Suites and Home2 Suites are plentiful in the US, while Hampton and Hilton Garden Inn dot just about every corner of the globe. For timeshare enthusiasts, Hilton Grand Vacations leans towards sun-soaked resort destinations such as Hawaii, Florida, and Mexico.

List of brands (most luxurious to budget)

Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts

Aimed At: Luxury travellers who want old-world glamour and impeccable service
What to expect: Lavish interiors, fine dining, and landmark addresses
Famous for: Legendary heritage and status as a symbol of timeless luxury

Read our Waldorf Astoria Washington D.C. Review

LXR Hotels & Resorts

Aimed At: Guests who like independent luxury with Hilton perks
What to expect: Unique properties with tailored, personalised service
Famous for: Curated, one-off destinations

Read our Arizona Biltmore LXR Hotel & Resorts Phoenix Review

Conrad Hotels & Resorts

Aimed At: Modern luxury travellers
What to expect: Sleek design, international destinations, and attentive yet unpretentious service
Famous for: Contemporary style and global reach

Read our The Conrad Dubai Review

Signia by Hilton

Aimed At: Business travellers and event-goers
What to expect: Vast meeting spaces, bold interiors, and prime convention settings
Famous for: World-class conference facilities

NoMad

Aimed At: Design-savvy lifestyle travellers
What to expect: Boutique flair, artistic elements, and a residential feel
Famous for: “Great home” concept

Canopy by Hilton

Aimed At: Guests seeking boutique stays rooted in local culture
What to expect: Neighbourhood-inspired design and lively communal spaces
Famous for: Strong local connection

Graduate by Hilton

Aimed At: Families, alumni, and visitors to university towns
What to expect: Playful nostalgia and quirky design details
Famous for: College-town personality

Tempo by Hilton

Aimed At: Professionals balancing work and wellness
What to expect: Calm, modern rooms and practical amenities
Famous for: Helping guests maintain routines on the road

Motto by Hilton

Aimed At: Young city explorers
What to expect: Compact, cleverly designed rooms with vibrant social spaces
Famous for: Micro-hotel concept

Hilton Hotels & Resorts

Aimed At: Mainstream global travellers
What to expect: Consistent, full-service hotels across six continents
Famous for: Being the core Hilton flagship

DoubleTree by Hilton

Aimed At: Leisure and business travellers
What to expect: Comfortable rooms and approachable service
Famous for: Warm cookie at check-in

Curio Collection by Hilton

Aimed At: Independent-minded guests
What to expect: Distinctive hotels with local charm
Famous for: Hand-picked unique properties

Read our Royal Rose Abu Dhabi, a Curio Collection by Hilton Review

Tapestry Collection by Hilton

Aimed At: Mid-scale boutique-focused travellers
What to expect: Stylish hotels with approachable design and personality
Famous for: Authentic local touches

Embassy Suites by Hilton

Aimed At: Families and business travellers
What to expect: Two-room suites, free breakfast, and evening drinks
Famous for: Complimentary cooked-to-order breakfast

Homewood Suites by Hilton

Aimed At: Extended-stay travellers
What to expect: Kitchens, living areas, and hot breakfast
Famous for: Apartment-style amenities

Home2 Suites by Hilton

Aimed At: Budget-conscious long-stay travellers
What to expect: Kitchenettes, pet-friendly stays, and a casual atmosphere
Famous for: Family and pet-friendly approach

LivSmart Studios by Hilton

Aimed At: Guests on ultra-long stays (20+ nights)
What to expect: Value-focused studios with practical amenities
Famous for: Affordability in extended-stay stays

Hilton Garden Inn

Aimed At: Mid-scale business and leisure travellers
What to expect: Upscale accommodation with casual dining
Famous for: Reliable value with a step above budget hotels

Hampton by Hilton

Aimed At: Budget and mid-scale travellers
What to expect: Clean rooms, free hot breakfast, and friendly staff
Famous for: Consistent, reliable service

Our pick – the Hilton brand we search for

If we had to choose one, Curio Collection often comes out on top. These hotels combine the individuality of independent stays with the reassurance of Hilton systems and loyalty benefits. They’re usually in interesting locations, and no two properties are the same. For those who want something a little different without losing the safety net of a global chain, Curio strikes that balance. It’s the part of the portfolio we most often seek when travelling. And yes, we still appreciate a DoubleTree cookie now and then. This Hilton hotel brands guide wouldn’t be complete without admitting that.

Intro to the Hilton loyalty programme

Hilton Honors ties everything together. Members earn points across all brands, from Hampton breakfasts to Waldorf suites. Points can be redeemed for free nights, upgrades, or experiences, and elite members enjoy perks like late check-out, bonus points, and lounge access. Status tiers range from Member to Diamond, with Gold already unlocking free breakfast at most full-service hotels.

The programme is particularly strong because of its huge footprint and generous points-earning partnerships. For travellers who stay often, Hilton Honors makes the sprawling network of brands more cohesive. It’s the natural conclusion to any Hilton hotel brands guide and the reason many stick to the chain.