A dream week, €12,000 flight and stay all paid for with points: the success story of one of our readers

Who said points are only for dreaming of business trips to the Maldives?

This success story, which was shared with us by a reader from the TFC community, proves that even on mid-range you can get exceptional deals. And we are not talking about compromises: luxury hotels, business flights and even a convertible to tour the Costa del Sol. All for a cash outlay of just 350€.

Of course one could go to the same place by flying in low-cost, staying in a B&B with few pretensions, but this is not the case with the one Francis organized.

Here are the details.

Goal: Marbella, in style

The chosen destination is Marbella, in southern Spain, based at the Nobu Hotel Marbella, part of the circuit SLH (Small Luxury Hotels) affiliated with Hilton. Not just a resort, but a five-star oasis by the sea frequented by celebrities and VIPs.

The trick? Hilton Honors Points

Our reader took advantage of the program Hilton Honors, redeeming 520,000 points For a 5-night stay, Taking advantage of the fifth night free promotion For program members.

Value? Up to 8,200€ cash For the same stay:

• 130,000 HH points per night, also during the first week of July

• Cash price for Hilton Gold members from 1,604€ per night

How to get to Marbella: fly in business, spend less than a sandwich

The flight was booked with the Miles & More (MM), taking advantage of the new dynamic pricing system of the German loyalty program. Routing: Ljubljana - Munich - Malaga outward, Malaga - Frankfurt - Ljubljana on the way back.

Only 3,750 miles each way in business class Total: 7,500 miles MM + 175€ tax. The market value for the same route in business would have been about 3,264 per person.

The choice of business is not only for convenience, but for the benefits attached to the ticket:

• Free hold: 2 bags of 23kg each (even if not used)

• Cabin: 2 bags of 8kg each

• Guaranteed front row seats free of charge

• Fast disembarkation and no waiting at the baggage belt, so you get to the car rental counter first.

Another interesting detail? The economy ticket cost virtually the same, only with slightly lower fees. At this point, who would give up business?

Convertible car? Free with American Express Platinum voucher

To complete the experience:

• 5 days car rental

• Choice: Fiat 500 Convertible, perfect for touring the Andalusian coast

• Price: 153€ covered with an Amex travel voucher

• Extra spending? Only 3€

Cara American Express Platinum holders have, each year, a voucher worth €150 included in the card fee, and this was a perfect way for Francis to use it.

Dining is also covered: 150€ free dinners

Thanks to the promotions Amex Dining Credit for Overseas, our traveler was also able to add to the savings:

• 75€ credit per person, one for him and one for his wife

• Total: 150€ free meals In 3 participating restaurants in Marbella

This is also one of several cash backs included in the Platinum card, certain this year Is different from last years, but it is still 300 € off the holder can obtain in Italian and foreign restaurants each year.

The final bill

Here is a comparison of how much this trip would have cost and how much was actually spent:

Item	Full price (€)	Price paid (€)
Hotel Nobu Marbella (5 nights)	8.200	0 (520k HH)
LH Business Flights	3.264	175€ + 7,500 MM
Convertible car rental	153	3€ (Amex voucher)
Dining credit Amex	150	0€
Total	11.767€	~350€ + points/miles

A bargain? No, A real travel hacking expert strategy. We on this site call them for this very reason. successful store.

Bonus: a look into the future

Francis did not stop there: he has already booked for February 2026 a flight Venice - Dubai - Venice always with Miles & More:

• 3,750 MM miles each way in economy

• Only 7,500 total miles per person

• For 4 passengers: 30,000 MM + 1,000€ tax

This is an extraordinary value, considering that numerous round-trip routes are still available starting from 7,000 miles.

Basically simply by asking for the Gold Miles&More Mastercard and taking advantage of the 6,000-mile bonus you have almost enough points for an award ticket to Dubai

Conclusion

This success story is a perfect example of how, even without traveling to the other side of the world, it is possible to build dream trips with a well-thought-out mix of promotions, bonuses and benefits tied to a credit card like Amex Platino. All with a keen eye on the real value of redemption, exploiting the potential of loyalty programs in the mid-range as well.

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