Points Diaries: How 5 days in Greece earned 29,707 Points
Today we chat with an editorial strategist, Leanne Philip, who has a penchant for breakfast carbs and always spends some of her stay in the spa or on-site fitness center.
Edited by Alison Cavatore | May 28, 2026
Occupation: Senior Manager of Editorial Strategy
Home base: Columbia, Maryland
Most frequently travels with: Husband and daughter
Hilton Honors Tier: Gold
Points balance: 345,157
Tell us about your stay in Greece?
”Honestly, this will probably go down as a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me. I had initially booked Adia Aluma Athens, Curio Collection by Hilton as a spring break trip for my Greek mythology-obsessed 5-year-old (Thank you, Disney’s “Hercules”). Unbeknownst to me, my husband took this as an opportunity to plan a belated 40th birthday celebration for me, inviting TWENTY-THREE of my closest family members to join us for our trip. I also had the presence of mind to book a suite this time around (looking at you, Hilton Honors sale!), which meant my husband and I didn’t have to sit in the dark with our headphones on when our daughter went to bed at 8pm.”
”Honestly, this will probably go down as a once-in-a-lifetime trip for me.”
- Leanne Philip
How do you curate your perfect stay?
”I think it’s important to choose a hotel based on the things that matter most to you. I know that seems obvious, but I feel like a lot of times people will put their needs second in favor of a better deal or something like that. Don’t get me wrong, I love a good price, but I also think that travel is an opportunity to indulge in the moments and rituals that mean something to you. For me, wellness is a big part of my life, so whenever possible I try to book a hotel with an on-site spa or, if that’s not an option, somewhere where I have access to a fitness center. The Points I earned on this trip just so happen to be more than enough to cover a nature-focused massage at Hilton Yala Resort — I won’t lie, it kind of feels like fate lol. My daughter, on the other hand, LOVES a hotel breakfast, which is why we also almost always stay at hotels that have on-site dining options. A make-your-own waffle bar hates to see her coming!”
From Points to possibilities
Here are the Hilton Honors Experiences Leanne would use the 29K Points she earned during this stay on:
What was your standout memory from the trip?
”I mean, what wasn’t a standout memory? It’s hard to settle on just one, but I have to say the excursion we did at the Acropolis was such a treat. I booked a private family-friendly tour through GetYourGuide and the guide, Jason, was so well-versed in making history engaging for little ones. He actually managed to keep all nine of our kiddos interested for the full 2-hour tour — no easy feat! Plus, it was so nice to stay in the same hotel. It made it so much easier to coordinate things like enjoying a drink at the rooftop bar with my cousins, knowing all our kids were happily asleep downstairs being cared for by their grandparents. Also, the absolute hilarity of showing up to every attraction in Athens as a mob of 26 people ranging in age from 78 to 5 months.”
”...it was so nice to enjoy a drink at the rooftop bar with my cousins, knowing all our kids were happily asleep downstairs being cared for by their grandparents.”
- Leanne Philip
How often do you travel?
"My husband and I believe travel is one of the best ways to teach our daughter to experience and appreciate new cultures, so we travel quite a bit. We’ve been traveling internationally with her since she was 14 months and typically do 1-2 larger family trips a year. I also do quarterly girls’ trips with my friends — those can be domestic or international, depending on who’s going. Oh, and then we have annual summer trips that we take with different friend groups. So yeah, lots of travel both internationally and within the U.S. for us. In fact, this year will be a bit of a standout: I decided to mark my 40th year by traveling somewhere (small or large distances) every single month of the year. So far, I’ve done the Dolomites, New York City, Athens, and then have Atlanta, Mexico, and London coming up in April, May, and July. TBD on where I’m going in June!”
Do you have any tips for using your Hilton Honors Points?
”Not so much for using them, but I did recently learn that you can set your preference for Points within the Hilton Honors App. Previously, I would always check-in at the front desk because I thought that was the only way to ensure I could take advantage of the Bonus Points offer versus a food and beverage credit. A friend showed me how to automate that selection for each Hilton brand within the app which has been SUCH a game changer. Now, whenever possible, I just request the Digital Key and head straight up to my room — perfect for my millennial, don’t-talk-to-anyone heart. I will say, my husband loves to book Lyfts using his Hilton Honors app — he loves the convenience of ride sharing and the satisfaction of knowing he’s also earning more Points.”
What’s the one Hilton Honors benefit you always take advantage of?
”The 15% spa discount. Like I said, wellness is important to me, and you better believe that if there’s a spa in my hotel, I’m going. Especially if I can enjoy my massage and save myself 15%. Yes, and yes.”
Last question: Which Hilton hotel is at the top of your must-stay list?
”Easy, ROKU KYOTO, LXR Hotels & Resorts. It’s meant to be stunning. We went to Japan for our honeymoon and have decided to celebrate our 10-year anniversary in 2028 by doing Japan round 2. They have all these on-site experiences like kintsugi and traditional tea ceremonies — I’m saving up my Points so I can really splurge and do it all!”
Leanne Philip
Leanne Philip is the senior manager of editorial strategy at Hilton. An avid traveler, she has written for numerous print and digital platforms, including Travel + Leisure, TripAdvisor, The Atlantan, and Barneys New York. These days Leanne is adding a family-friendly lens to her travels — sharing her love of exploring new cultures and destinations with her daughter through itineraries to Rome, Zurich, London, and more.
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