6 Best Hilton Beach Resorts

Are you looking for the best Hilton beach resorts in the world? Happily, Hilton offers more than a few options for beach hotels. These run the gamut from overwater villas on stunning atolls to apartment-style accommodations steps away from the sand.

Here's a look at six of the best Hilton hotels on the beach, including several options located in the U.S.

1. Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

It’s impossible to talk about fabulous Hilton beach resorts without talking about the Grand Wailea, a Waldorf Astoria Resort. Featuring a 2,000-foot-long pool and 40 acres of tropical gardens, this stunning hotel is located on the island of Maui in Hawaii.

As is fitting for a high-end resort, room rates here are expensive; you can expect to pay upward of $1,400 per night for a standard king bed room.

However, you can also choose to redeem your Hilton Honors points for this hotel. In this case, you’ll be paying 110,000 points per night for the same room. At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your Hilton points for a value of 1.27 cents each, more than double our valuation of 0.6 cent per point.

If you’re looking for a less expensive option in Hawaii, you may also want to consider the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort. Rooms can be had for $360 or 70,000 points per night.

» Learn more: Your guide to booking award nights with Hilton Honors

2. Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos Pedregal

One of Hilton’s newer hotels and another Waldorf Astoria property, you’ll find easy flight connections to this Mexican resort. Although it’s perched on a cliffside, sandy beaches are still steps away. Even better? Each room comes with its own plunge pool — no upgrade required.

The high-end touches don’t end there, however. At a sprawling 856 square feet, the standard king bed room also features its own personal concierge, fireplace and complimentary tequila gift.

This property is more expensive than the Grand Wailea; after taxes and fees, you’ll be looking at a rate of more than $2,100 per night.

Redeeming points here is also possible; you’ll pay 120,000 points per night for a room, which comes with all the amenities mentioned above. At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your points for a value of 1.81 cents each.

» Learn more: What’s the value of Hilton points?

3. Hilton Sandestin Beach Golf Resort & Spa

Looking for somewhere a little closer to home? Located in South Miramar Beach, Florida, this Hilton resort provides an excellent backdrop to the refreshing waters of the Gulf of Mexico. Featuring four golf courses and an award-winning spa, there isn’t much you’ll be missing here.

The Hilton Sandestin is more affordable than both of the above properties, coming in at just above $400 for a beach view room, including resort fees. These same rooms will otherwise cost 80,000 points per night, though be aware that resort fees are waived when redeeming points for a stay.

» Learn more: Hilton credit cards: Which one should you get?

4. Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi

No Hilton beach resort list is complete without the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi. As expensive as it is luxurious, room options here include villas situated above reefs or directly over the water, each with an infinity pool. Spanning more than 3,000 square feet, each villa includes expansive bathrooms, an overwater hammock and accommodations for up to two adults and two children.

After taxes and fees, rooms cost over $3,000 per night, but you can also choose to redeem 150,000 Hilton points for a stay here. At this rate, you’ll be redeeming your Hilton points for a value of 2.07 cents per point, more than triple NerdWallet’s valuation.

The Maldives is a pretty far-flung destination, so it’s better to stay here longer if you can. When redeeming points, take advantage of Hilton’s 5th night free benefit to pay for four nights while staying for five.

The Waldorf isn’t the only Hilton resort in the Maldives; the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island also features overwater villas and allows you to redeem points. For a villa located on the beach, you’ll need to pay 120,000 points per night — though these rooms aren’t as luxurious as those at the Waldorf Astoria.

» Learn more: Which hotels offer an extra free night on award stays?

5. Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 Myrtle Beach

If Myrtle Beach is more your style, there are several beachfront options from which to choose. Among these, the Hilton Grand Vacations Club Ocean 22 stands out for its apartment-style accommodations. With 777 square feet of space, the one-bedroom king suite includes a full-sized kitchen, washer and dryer and a separate living room.

Rooms here can be affordable, especially considering you’re right on the water. Depending on when you’re traveling, you can book a suite for as low as $260 per night.

In contrast, using points at this resort won’t give you the greatest value. We didn't find any standard room rewards during our search, and premium room rewards begin at 104,000 points per night. At this rate, you’re redeeming your Hilton points for a value of just 0.25 cent each, half of what they’re worth.

» Learn more: How to earn and redeem Hilton free night certificates

6. Hotel del Coronado, Curio Collection by Hilton

Of course, we can’t forget to mention one of the world’s most famous beach resorts — which also is a Hilton property. The Hotel Del, as it’s affectionately called, has hosted guests such as Charlie Chaplin, President William Taft and Marilyn Monroe in its over 130 years of history.

Defined by its iconic red roof, rooms at this resort in San Diego can cost more than $900 per night. However, standard room rewards are available and can be had from just 95,000 points per night, netting you a redemption rate of 0.95 cent per point.

» Learn more: How to pool Hilton points to earn stays faster

Credit cards that earn Hilton points

If you're short on Hilton points, the quickest way to get them is to apply for a co-branded Hilton credit card and earn the welcome offer. In addition to the influx of points, the cards offer a lot of perks, from elite status to free night awards, which you can also use at the above mentioned properties.

If you want to stay at a Hilton beach resort

Hilton has quite a few beach resorts to its name, including luxurious options scattered all across the world. Whether you’re willing to schlep to the Maldives for your own private infinity pool, or you’re looking to stay more local in a Myrtle Beach apartment, you’ll find a variety of offerings within Hilton’s portfolio.

Although many of the resorts listed here are expensive, you can redeem points for your stays — just be sure to take advantage of waived resort fees and Hilton’s 5th night free policy to maximize your vacation.

All photos courtesy of Hilton.