How many times have you checked into a hotel and checked out, and never spoken to anyone in-between? I for one am guilty of being an anonymous traveler, but did you know Hilton HHonors members can tap into all sorts of exclusive perks? Think of it like having your very own concierge. Becoming an HHonors member allows Hilton to know you better and customize your stay based on your preferences.
SAN DIEGO, CA – FEBRUARY 27: Jason Derulo and Hilton encourage music fans to ‘Stop Clicking Around’ and start playing with surprise concert outside of Hilton San Diego Bayfront on February 27, 2016 in San Diego, California. The concert celebrates the recently-launched ‘Stop Clicking Around’ marketing campaign and kicks off 2016 Hilton Concert Series. For more information, visit HHonors.com (Photo by Nancee E. Lewis/Getty Images for Hilton)For example, Hilton partnered with Live Nation to bring one-of-a-kind experiences to the masses, inspiring people to see the world and seek out the unfamiliar. Throughout 2015, Hilton engaged thousands of music fans, who redeemed more than 35 million HHonors points – offering unforgettable moments, from intimate hotel concerts with UK fan-favorite GRAMMY-winner Jess Glynne at Hilton London Bankside to a private drum lesson with the legendary Fleetwood Mac drummer Mick Fleetwood.
To find out more, Hilton invited Male Standard to come stay at the Hilton for a long weekend in San Diego. Keep reading and find out how we got to meet award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Derulo at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront!
Day 1: A Change of Pace
One of my favourite things about getting away is breaking those habits that consume our daily lives; it’s a total rewrite. When I arrived at the Hilton San Diego Bay Front Hotel, I stopped thinking and started living. I met a group of journalists who were in town, and we had a cocktail hour overlooking the San Diego Bay. It was incredible, and as we watched the sun set, I realized that I could breathe better and I found myself just smiling for no reason.
Later that evening, we dined at the incredible CUCINA urbana in San Diego. We happened to be the first group to try their brand new menu, The Beast Feast. The food was mind numbingly good and the chefs prepared a full pig roast for us. If you’re ever in San Diego, you must eat here!
CUCINA urbana’s menu offers a selection of seasonal and locally grown produce. For renditions of Italian salads, there are Insalate such as Farmer’s Chopped with soppresata, pepperoni, tomato, gorgonzola and pepperoncini; or Burrata and Prosciutto Caprese with heirloom tomato, arugula, gaeta olive and balsamic drizzle. CUCINA urbana sits on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Laurel Street in central San Diego, between Hillcrest and downtown, one block from Balboa Park’s museums and theaters.
Day 2: Try Something New
The following day I went whale watching, where we followed a pod of grey whales. Sometimes you have to step out of your norm to truly see and appreciate what is right in front of us. The ocean air, the waves, it was totally refreshing and a great way to spend a day. Once we got back into the bay, our tour group took a really neat GoCar trip. These are tiny cars that have preprogrammed itineraries, and that use GPS to take you on a city tour. It was really cool and a great way to see lots quickly.
I drove through the historic Gas Lamp District, Balboa park, San Diego Zoo, and into Hillcrest. If you only have a weekend and want to do a quick getaway, you need to try a GoCar tour. I took a ton of photos and loved being able to set the pace of the tour. Nothing is worse than arriving somewhere and it being a bust; at least this way, you can move on. I felt like I got to see a side of San Diego reserved for the locals, too. It pays to take a risk and try something new!
That night, we were treated us to an exclusive rooftop gathering where we watched a sunset over the bay. I’m always impressed at where Hilton put their hotels, they always seem to snag the best locations. That night, we ate at C Level, which is by far one of the top rated restaurants in San Diego. The food was spectacular. I chose the Albacore Ceviche, and the Cap Steak with Lobster butter.
Day 3: Make it Memorable
A three-day getaway is more than enough time to make memories; all you need is to add a crescendo to your activities. For me, this was a very special concert with award-winning singer/songwriter Jason Derulo at the Hilton San Diego Bayfront! The look for the night was concert cool, and I met my squad in the main lobby for some pre-concert drinks.
SAN DIEGO, CA – FEBRUARY 27: Jason Derulo and Hilton encourage music fans to ‘Stop Clicking Around’ and start playing with surprise concert outside of Hilton San Diego Bayfront on February 27, 2016 in San Diego, California. The concert celebrates the recently-launched ‘Stop Clicking Around’ marketing campaign and kicks off 2016 Hilton Concert Series. For more information, visit HHonors.com (Photo by Nancee E. Lewis/Getty Images for Hilton)Hilton wants you to make every moment count and stop wasting time looking around dozens of travel websites when you could be out having the time of your life. You get cool perks like free wifi and exclusive discounts on rooms when you book directly. I can’t imagine having this kind of opportunity anywhere else! You can get all the info on the event and what went down here.
After such an action-packed day, we were so hungry and rounded off an amazing night at Rustic Root where we sat by a fire pit and had some cocktails and appetizers. Then we took a stroll through the Gas Lamp District and let the early hours greet us.
The Male Standard Verdict
If you’re looking to take your travel plans to the next level, stop clicking around and consider going to one place that has it all; Hilton HHonors is leading the charge with their customizable vacation add-ons, and have something for everyone. From the moment you check in, they made me feel like a star.
Here is just some of what you get as a Hilton HHonors member:
- Exclusive discounts when you book directly
- Free wi-fi
- Online check-in through the HHonors App
- HHonors points redeemable toward free nights
- Access to unique events like Live Nation concerts and private dining experiences
I’ll definitely book weekends away for me and the wife, especially now that I don’t have to look up trip ideas and know the best eats and attractions.
For more information on the Hilton HHonors discount, or to sign up for Hilton HHonors, visit HHonors.com. To attend future events, visit HHonors.com/auctions.