Motto by Hilton is a budget hotel brand owned by Hilton Hotels Corporation
Motto by Hilton is Hilton's economy hotel chain, designed for travelers who want a clean, modern room at a lower nightly rate than Hilton's full-service properties. The rooms are smaller and more efficiently designed than traditional hotels, with a focus on the essentials: a comfortable bed, a shower, and reliable Wi-Fi. There are no on-site restaurants, room service, or front desk staff on duty 24 hours — you check in and out through a mobile app or kiosk.
Motto properties are typically located in urban areas, near highways, or in secondary markets where land and labor costs are lower. This cost structure lets Hilton pass savings to you. The brand launched in 2017 and has expanded to dozens of locations across the United States and internationally.
If you stay at Motto, you earn Hilton Honors points the same way you would at any other Hilton property. Those points can be redeemed for free nights, room upgrades, or transfers to airline partners. You do not need a separate membership to earn — your Hilton Honors account is the same one you use across all Hilton brands.
Key Takeaways
- Motto by Hilton rooms are smaller and lack amenities like restaurants or 24-hour front desk service, which is why nightly rates are lower than other Hilton brands.
- Check-in and check-out happen through a mobile app or self-service kiosk, not a staffed front desk.
- You earn Hilton Honors points at Motto properties at the same rate as other Hilton hotels, and those points work across all Hilton brands.
- Motto properties are concentrated in cities and along highways, so availability depends on your destination.
How Motto rooms are different from other Hilton properties
A Motto room is roughly 200 to 250 square feet — smaller than a standard hotel room at a full-service Hilton. The layout is open and minimalist: bed, desk, bathroom, and not much else. There is no minibar, no room service menu, and no housekeeping during your stay. You get fresh towels and linens when you check in, and you leave the room as you found it.
The trade-off is price. A Motto night typically costs 30 to 50 percent less than a comparable Hilton Garden Inn or Hilton Hotels property in the same city. You are paying for a place to sleep and shower, not for amenities or services you may not use.
Motto does include Wi-Fi, a work desk, a 40-inch flat-screen TV, and a modern bathroom with a walk-in shower. The bed is a queen or double queen, depending on the room type. Climate control, a safe, and USB charging ports are standard. These are the things most business and leisure travelers actually need.
Checking in and out without a front desk
Motto properties do not have a traditional front desk. Instead, you check in through the Hilton Honors app on your phone or through a self-service kiosk in the lobby. The app lets you enter your room number and unlock the door with your phone — no key card required. If you prefer a physical key, the kiosk prints one.
Check-out is equally straightforward: you leave the room and the door locks behind you. There is no checkout line, no conversation with staff, and no hold-up if you need to leave early. If you have a question or a problem during your stay, you can call or text the property through the app, and a staff member will respond.
This system works well if you are comfortable with technology and do not need personal service. If you prefer to speak to someone face-to-face or need help with luggage or directions, Motto may feel impersonal. Some properties do have a small staffed desk during peak hours, but this varies by location.
Earning and using Hilton Honors points at Motto
Every night you stay at Motto, you earn Hilton Honors points based on your membership level and the room rate. Base members earn 10 points per dollar spent. Elite members earn more — Silver Elite earns 10 points per dollar, Gold Elite earns 15 points per dollar, and Diamond Elite earns 20 points per dollar. These are the same earning rates as other Hilton brands.
You can also earn bonus points through Hilton Honors promotions, which change seasonally. These promotions often offer 50 to 100 extra points per stay or double points for a limited time. Check the Hilton Honors app or website before you book to see what is current.
Points can be redeemed for free nights at any Hilton property, including Motto. A free night at Motto typically costs 10,000 to 15,000 points, depending on the location and season. You can also use points toward room upgrades, airline miles, or gift cards. Points do not expire as long as you have account activity at least once every 12 months.
Where Motto properties are located
Motto by Hilton has properties in major U.S. cities including New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Washington D.C., and San Francisco. The brand is also expanding into secondary markets and near airports. International locations include Canada, the United Kingdom, and parts of Europe, though the majority of properties are in the United States.
Because Motto targets budget-conscious travelers and operates in high-density urban areas, you will not find properties in small towns or rural areas. If you are traveling to a destination where Motto has no location, you can book a Hilton Garden Inn, Tru by Hilton, or another Hilton brand and still earn Hilton Honors points.
You can search for Motto properties on the Hilton website or app by filtering for the Motto brand. Availability and pricing vary by date and location, just as they do at other hotels.
Pricing and what is included
Motto nightly rates typically range from $60 to $150, depending on the city and season. Urban locations and peak travel times cost more. Off-peak rates and secondary markets cost less. Rates are usually lower than other Hilton brands in the same area, but higher than independent budget chains.
Your room rate includes Wi-Fi, local calls, and access to the Hilton Honors program. Parking is not always included — some properties charge a daily parking fee, while others offer it free. Check the property details when you book to confirm what is covered.
Taxes and resort fees (if any) are added at checkout. Motto properties typically do not charge resort fees, but a few locations do. This information appears during the booking process before you pay.
Is Motto right for your trip
Motto works well if you want a low-cost, no-frills place to sleep in a city or near an airport. It is ideal for business travelers who spend most of the day out of the room, or leisure travelers who do not plan to use hotel amenities like a pool, gym, or restaurant.
Motto is less suitable if you travel with young children, need daily housekeeping, want a gym or pool, or prefer to speak to a human at the front desk. If you need those things, a Hilton Garden Inn or Tru by Hilton may be a better fit — they cost more but include more services.
If you are a Hilton Honors member, booking at Motto still earns you points and counts toward elite status, so it can be a cost-effective way to accumulate rewards while keeping your hotel bill low.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be a Hilton Honors member to stay at Motto?
No, you can book and stay without membership. However, you will not earn points unless you join Hilton Honors, which is free. Membership takes two minutes to set up on the Hilton website or app, and you can link it to your reservation before or after you book.
Can I use Hilton Honors points earned at other hotels to book a Motto night?
Yes. Points earned at any Hilton brand can be redeemed at any other Hilton brand, including Motto. A Motto free night typically costs fewer points than a full-service Hilton, so it can be a good value if you are trying to stretch your points balance.
What happens if I have a problem during my stay and there is no front desk?
You can call or text the property through the Hilton Honors app, and a staff member will respond. For emergencies, there is usually a phone number posted in the room. Response times vary, but most issues are handled within 15 to 30 minutes.
Are pets allowed at Motto?
Pet policies vary by property. Some Motto locations are pet-friendly and charge a nightly pet fee, while others do not allow pets. Check the property details on the Hilton website when you search, or call the property directly to confirm before you book.
Can I upgrade my room at Motto?
Room upgrades at Motto are limited because all rooms are similar in size and layout. If you are a high-level Hilton Honors elite member, you may receive a complimentary upgrade, but this is not may provide. Upgrades are more common at full-service Hilton properties.