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May 13, 2023

2023’s Hottest Destinations for Summer Travel

Hilton HonorsCategory|June 6, 2023 Summertime has arrived, and if you’re

Hilton HonorsCategory|June 6, 2023

Summertime has arrived, and if you’re wondering where to vacation under the sun, trust Hilton Honors members to lead the way. From beaches to cities, frequent travelers like Hilton Honors members know where to go, with destinations offering an array of fun activities to enjoy. And Hilton Honors members know it matters where they stay, seeking reliable and friendly service at Hilton hotels with benefits like free Wi-Fi and Digital Keys through the Hilton Honors App and exclusive elite status perks such as space-available room upgrades and a 5th night free on reward stays. Where are the hotspots this summer? Check out the hottest U.S. destinations, according to Hilton Honors members*, and Hilton properties that will enhance your stay.

For nearly 100 years, travelers have descended upon the 60-mile stretch of beachfront found in the community of Myrtle Beach to enjoy the spoils of summer along the shores of the Atlantic Ocean. With more than 90 golf courses, the city is more than a beach lovers' paradise, offering award-winning greens for amateurs, including the challenging 18-hole, par 72 Tournament Players Club (TPC) of Myrtle Beach's undulating course. When enjoying the shore, visitors can walk along the 1.2-mile boardwalk and visit scores of shops, restaurants and attractions.

Newly renovated in time for summer beach season, sample the offerings of the Kingston Resort complex with a stay at Embassy Suites by Hilton Myrtle Beach Oceanfront Resort. With access to Currents Waterpark and the complex's eight unique swimming pools, eight sports courts, a fitness center, two water parks, three golf simulators, a spa and salon and seven dining options, guests of the beachfront property have all they need for a perfect summer vacation in one place. The all-suites hotel features its own outdoor and indoor pool, ocean-view dining at Coastal Grill, free breakfast with made-to-order omelets and an Evening Reception with complimentary drinks.

Located on Puget Sound in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle's Emerald City is one of the most-searched destinations amongst Hilton Honors members for summer travel, and for good reason. Not only is the vibrant city filled with unique attractions like the iconic Space Needle, the Chihuly Garden and Glass Museum and an array of homespun breweries and restaurants, but it's also filled with thousands of acres of parks and surrounded by lush evergreen forests, mountains and sea life-filled waterways. From whale-watching excursions to exploring nearby Mt. Rainier National Park's glacier-carved gulches, fern-forested hiking trails and vista points with expansive views, Seattle provides both nature and culture in one visit.

Immerse in the local vibes with a stay at the boutique Hilton Motif Seattle, in the center of Seattle, blocks from the famous Pike Place Market, the Seattle Aquarium and the Seattle Art Museum. The hotel offers guests—and their pets—sweeping views of the city skyline to Puget Sound in 319 locally inspired guest rooms and suites that pay homage to the Pacific Northwest surroundings. During your stay, don't miss Frolik Kitchen + Cocktails, the hotel's signature restaurant and bar on the fifth floor. Consistently voted one of America's best rooftop bars, the indoor/outdoor space features handcrafted libations and locally-inspired fare.

A thriving resort town since the 19th century, Saratoga Springs remains a New York escape for city-dwellers looking for some R&R in an area filled with natural springs. As "the Queen of the Spas," Saratoga Springs still features spas and bathhouses, including those at Saratoga Spa State Park. But the travelers who head for these hills also find excitement at its Saratoga Race Course, home to the Mid-Summer Derby, the Travers Stakes.

Next door to Saratoga Spa State Park and just five minutes from the race course, find spacious suites at Homewood Suites by Hilton Saratoga Springs. The pet-friendly rooms provide guests with in-suite kitchens and complimentary Wi-Fi to create a home-away-from-home during your getaway. Kick off your excursions with a daily free hot breakfast and get to know fellow travelers during Wednesday night evening socials with complimentary drinks and snacks.

Miami is hot, hot, hot any time of year, but summertime is Miami's off-season, meaning visitors have more space to enjoy its beaches, festivals, attractions and shops, at lower rates. The warm weather makes it ideal for summer getaways, with Greater Miami offering more than 20 miles of Atlantic Ocean shoreline. Take to the water on jet skis, water skis or a boat for a deep-sea fishing adventure—or simply take a dip between resting beneath an umbrella as you sit on the golden sand. On land, explore Vizcaya Museum & Gardens, a National Historic Landmark, shop Bayside Marketplace and take in a baseball game. To taste Miami's Latin American culture, tour Little Havana and sample authentic Cuban fare.

Recently receiving accolades as one of the best hotels in Miami Beach by U.S. News & World Report, Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach is located in the SoFi enclave of South Beach, just steps from the lively nightlife, restaurants and boardwalk. Guests may enjoy the hotel's Bentley Beach Club, with oceanfront views, beach lounges, poolside cabanas and access to the hotel's fitness center and Spa 101. While lounging near the aquamarine waters, sample a taste of the Aegean Sea at Santorini by Georgios, one of Miami Beaches’ most popular Greek restaurants.

Hugged by the Ohio River, Cincy's museums and attractions have been ranked some of the best in the nation. Last year, USA Today named the 150-year-old Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Garden as the Best Zoo and second-best Botanical Garden in the country. From the Art Museum and Art Academy to the History Museum and the Children's Museum, this small city with a big heart has something for everyone. Visit Smale Riverfront Park to enjoy the outdoors along the river, hike the 13 miles of trails in Mt. Airy Forest and explore the Over-the-Rhine neighborhood and its revitalized Washington Park, home to many of the city's top attractions.

In the heart of it all, find The Cincinnatian Hotel, Curio Collection by Hilton. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the building has been a fixture of downtown since 1882 and today features a mix of Second Empire architecture, vintage artwork and modern design. Grab a drink, small plate or dinner at Maverick's Restobar before retiring to a distinctive, well-appointed room with bold colors, rich textures and vibrant photography depicting the city's most famous landmarks.

The Windy City's summer breezes, fresh off Lake Michigan, keep travelers cool during the summer heat. With 28 miles of lake shoreline and 24 sandy beaches, Chicago provides a traditional beach getaway combined with an energetic city setting. Set sail on Lake Michigan or take a cruise along the Chicago River beneath the city's towering skyscrapers before hitting the pavement to adventure in the city's iconic 25-acre Millennium and Grant Parks, home to Cloud Gate (a.k.a The Bean), Buckingham and Crown Fountains, Lurie Garden and Pritzker Pavilion, where the Summer Music Series and the Grant Park Music Festival offer free open-air entertainment.

Minutes from the park, stay at theWit Chicago, a Hilton Hotel, which recently became a member of Hilton Hotels & Resorts. Every suite in the hotel has been fully renovated ahead of the hotel's full makeover, where reimagined interiors feature modern furnishings and brighter interiors paired with three-dimensional art sculptures, artistic light fixtures and signature in-room art elements. In a city filled with delectable international dining options, locals and travelers alike take to the rooftop for the internationally acclaimed ROOF indoor/outdoor dining venue, which offers skyline views and handcrafted cocktails and cuisine.

Long considered the Country Music Capital of the World, travelers are discovering the city is so much more than its country roots. While country music reigns supreme in attractions like the world-famous Grand Ole Opry and Ryman Auditorium, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Broadway's lively honky-tonks, music for all genres can be enjoyed across the city. As the capital of Tennessee, the city is deemed "Little Athens" for its number of colleges and universities—even featuring a 42-foot gold statue of the Greek goddess Athena in the Parthenon, a full-scale replica of the Athens original. The city also offers fun for outdoor enthusiasts, including nearby waterfalls, zipline adventures and cavern tours.

When staying in Music City, enjoy the new Embassy Suites by Hilton Nashville Downtown, the largest Embassy Suites in the world with more than 500 rooms within its modern 30-story downtown skyrise. Guests can enjoy the city's newest hotspot, Hand Cut Chophouse, and the highest rooftop bar, The Overlook, as well as the adjoining rooftop swimming pool. The hotel plays homage to the city through musical influences in design and décor, and guests can relax in one-bedroom suites with separate living and sleeping areas and accommodations outfitted with two king beds in already spacious rooms. Complimentary made-to-order breakfast can be enjoyed in harmony before exploring the city and returning to enjoy a nightly Evening Reception with complimentary drinks and snacks.

Not a member of Hilton Honors? Become a member for free here.

Starting May 1 through September 5, 2023, Hilton Honors members have two options to score extra Points for upcoming stays with the Points Unlimited Promotion. Members can earn 4,000 Bonus Points at any of Hilton's 270+ resorts around the world, or 2,000 Bonus Points on all other stays. There's no limit to how many Points members can earn!

Hilton's data is based on the number of bookings made by Hilton Honors members at each hotel during July 2023 and the total number of available rooms in the city that month, averaging that into the number of bookings per room. The report then ranks each city by the number of bookings and the bookings per available room, combining those data points into a "norm_score" to determine the most popular destinations.