There’s one quote about traveling that I really love. It is often attributed to St. Augustine, and it goes like this: “The world is a book, and those who do not travel read only a page.”  

However, not everyone agrees with it, and I have people very close to me that wouldn’t move from the comfort of their own home, even if they were being paid a lot to do so. We are so different, and I am saving everything that I can to travel. 

Those of us who love traveling know from the experience that accommodation prices have gone up over the last few years. Industry data from leading travel organizations confirms it, showcasing how hotel prices have reached new highs globally. 

In fact, the average daily rate (ADR) for US hotels reached $162.16 in 2025, making a new record high, according to the latest hospitality workforce data from OysterLink. And while the rate of growth is starting to normalize after the post-pandemic increase, the baseline cost of a room has risen due to labor costs and a shift toward luxury travel. 

Moreover, global hotel rates are projected to rise by 4.9% on average in 2026, reveals BCD Travel in its 2026 outlook. 

From time to time, leading hotel chains launch special offers and promotional deals. I recently wrote about Marriott’s major deal for loyal members, and now Hilton has just followed up with a huge offer of its own. 

Hilton launches free stays for kids and teens in a special limited-time offer.

Arkadij Schell/Shutterstock.com

Hilton rolls out free stays for kids and teens in a special limited-time offer 

Hilton recently unveiled a special Kids & Teens Stay Free offer at select all-inclusive resorts across the Caribbean and Latin America. 

The chain behind luxurious brands such as Waldorf Astoria, LXR, and Conrad Hotels & Resorts said its 2026 trends report revealed an increase in multigenerational trips, suggesting that families are prioritizing quality time with their loved ones. 

To respond to the trend, for a limited time, select Hilton All-Inclusive Resorts are offering a Kids & Teens Stay Free promotion. 

Hilton’s Kids & Teens Stay Free offer

  • Offer: Up to two children or teens (ages 17 and under) can stay and eat for free per room.
  • Requirement: A minimum stay of three nights is required.
  • Booking Window: Must book between now and March 31, 2026.
  • Travel Window: Valid for trips taken between April 16 and October 31, 2026.

Participating locations

The offer applies to select all-inclusive Hilton resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America, specifically:

  • Zemi Miches Punta Cana (Dominican Republic): Includes a water park and spa; offer applies to Club Azure rooms, suites, and bungalows.
  • Hilton Tulum Riviera Maya (Mexico): Features 8 pools, 13 restaurants, and a dedicated Family Zone.
  • Hilton Cancun (Mexico): Set on 100 acres of the Mayan coastline with 12 dining options and a splash pool/water slides.
  • Hilton Cancun Mar Caribe (Mexico): Located between Caribbean Sea and Nichupte Lagoon; includes five dining options and a hydrotherapy circuit.
  • Hilton Vallarta Riviera (Mexico): Features two infinity pools and seven specialty restaurants.
    Source: Hilton 

All participating resorts include supervised kids’ and teens’ clubs, cultural workshops, and multiple dining options in the base price.

Do you have to be a Hilton Honors member to access the Kids & Teens Stay Free deal? 

According to the official press release, these limited-time family deals don’t require membership. However, if you become, or are already, a member before booking a trip under this promotion, you might be eligible for additional benefits. 

If you are a member, you’ll collect points for every stay, including this one, and when you have collected enough points, you can redeem them for a free stay. 

Additionally, Hilton members typically obtain multiple benefits. 

Hilton membership key benefits 

  • Lowest Price Guarantee: Members get a “Member Discount” rate that is usually 2-5% lower than the public price.
  • No Resort Fees on Reward Stays: If you use points to book your trip, Hilton waives the resort fees entirely.
  • 5th Night Free: If you book five nights using points, you only pay for four.
  • Spa Discounts: Silver members and above get special discounts on spa treatments at all-inclusive resorts.
  • Points Bonus:Silver: 20% bonus points.
    Gold: 80% bonus points.

    Diamond: 100% bonus points.

    Source: Hilton Honors

Regardless of your member status, Hilton’s new limited-time promotion “is a fantastic deal for anyone planning to travel with children this year,” says Victoria Walker at Upgraded Points. “Hilton’s promotion means that up to 2 kids or teens per reservation can stay for free, potentially saving you hundreds on your next vacation.” 

Hilton’s ‘Whycation’ strategic focus amid changes in travelers behaviors

Hilton’s newest 2026 report revealed that travelers are more eager to take family trips, but even beyond that, the year is expected to highlight the “whycation.” 

“Travelers aren’t just asking where to go anymore. They’re starting with why,” Fernando Luis, Hilton’s vice president and commercial director for Caribbean and Latin America (CALA), told Travel Market Report.

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“It’s a global shift toward more intentional, emotionally driven travel. Whether it’s the need to rest, reconnect, or seek out meaningful experiences, travelers are looking for more than just a getaway. They are looking for purpose.”

Further, luxury remains a top focus for Hilton, and especially in the CALA region, with its Waldorf Astoria and Conrad properties in Costa Rica and Mexico. 

“For customers looking for a luxury experience, Cabo is the world’s top luxury destination in the world,” Luis said. “And then, the desire to have those luxury experiences in Costa Rica continues to grow, and Waldorf Astoria continues to provide an opportunity to truly connect with the soul of Costa Rica there.”

(The Arena Group will earn a commission if you book a trip.)

Please make a free appointment with TheStreet’s Travel Agent Partner, Postcard Travel, or email Amy Post at amypost@postcardtravelplanning.com or call or text her at 386-383-2472.

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