Spark by Hilton: When You Just Need a Great Night’s Sleep

Cindy Richards Avatar
Front entrance to the Spark by Hilton Phoenix East Mesa hotel
The inviting entrance to the Spark by Hilton Phoenix East Mesa in Arizona. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton

Some trips call for a luxury resort with a spa and infinity pool. Others? You just need a clean, safe, comfortable hotel where you can recharge before another day of adventure. That’s when it makes sense to opt for a budget-friendly overnight at a Spark by Hilton property.

Highlights

  • A great choice for road trips, airport overnights and sightseeing vacations where the hotel isn’t the destination.
  • Free breakfast and Wi-Fi help stretch your travel budget.
  • Backed by Hilton, so you can feel safe and secure and know what to expect from a stay.

Not Every Vacation Calls for a Luxury Hotel

We love a gorgeous luxe resort as much as anyone.

But sometimes the hotel is simply a place to shower, sleep and enjoy a cup of coffee before heading back out to explore. If you’re spending the day hiking a national park, cheering at your kid’s soccer tournament, driving across the country or catching a 6 a.m. flight, there’s no reason to pay for amenities you won’t use.

That’s where Spark by Hilton comes in.

Book a Spark by Hilton Stay

What Is Spark by Hilton?

A woman spreading cream cheese on a bagel
Bagels are featured at the free breakfast at Spark by Hilton. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton

Spark by Hilton is the value-focused “premium economy” hotel brand launched by Hilton in 2023 to serve travelers who want a dependable stay without paying for extras they don’t need. The First Spark by Hilton opened in January 2024 in Mystic, Connecticut. Today, the brand has more than 225 hotels across eight countries, with another 185 hotels in development.

Spark hotels are converted from other brands, refreshed with updated rooms and minimalist design to meet Hilton standards.

SheBuysTravel Tip: Join the free Hilton Honors loyalty program before you book, then book your room through the Spark by Hilton website to save 17 percent on the cost of the room.

The Extras That Actually Matter

man and boy eating bagels at a Spark by Hilton hotel
The continental breakfast is always complimentary at a Spark by Hilton. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton

Instead of fancy restaurants, spas and resort-style pools, Spark focuses on the everyday comforts travelers appreciate:

  • Complimentary continental breakfast each day, with bagels, yogurt, cereal and fruit
  • Free Wi-Fi
  • Comfortable beds
  • Friendly, dependable Hilton-level service
  • Hilton Honors points and member benefits
  • Convenient locations near highways, airports and popular destinations

Who Should Stay at Spark by Hilton?

woman and boy in a Spark by Hilton hotel room
Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton

Spark is a smart choice for:

  • Families on road trips
  • Women traveling solo who want the reassurance of a trusted hotel brand
  • Travelers with early morning flights or late-night arrivals
  • Anyone who’d rather spend money on the destination than the hotel room

How Much Does it Cost to Stay at a Spark by Hilton Hotel?

We checked several properties for booking prices available this summer. Here’s what we found:

Spark by Hilton Clifton

The closet and desk area of a Spark by Hilton hotel room
The open closet and convertible desk are standard in Spark by Hilton hotel rooms. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton
  • Location: On Route 3 in Clifton, New Jersey, five miles from the American Dream retail and entertainment complex and The Meadowlands Sports Complex, and 10 miles from New York City. 
  • Features: Restaurant, free parking
  • Price in early July 2026: Less than $150 per night

Check Prices for Spark by Hilton Clifton

Spark by Hilton Des Plaines Chicago O’Hare

The spacious lobby of the Spark by Hilton Des Plaines Chicago O'Hare
The spacious lobby of the Spark by Hilton Des Plaines Chicago O’Hare has lots of areas for gathering with others. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton
  • Location: Four miles from Chicago O’Hare International Airport, two miles from Rivers Casino and Allstate Arena, three miles from The Donald E. Stephens Convention Center and the Fashion Outlets of Chicago. 
  • Features: Diner-style restaurant, free airport shuttle
  • Price in early July 2026: Less than $120 per night

Check Prices for Spark by Hilton Des Plaines Chicago O’Hare

Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs

orange rockers and a table and chairs in the lobby of the Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs hotel
The welcoming lobby of the Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton
  • Location: Off I-25, near the Air Force Academy and 20 minutes from Garden of the Gods.
  • Features: Pet-friendly, indoor pool, free parking
  • Price in early July 2026: Less than $100 per night

Check Prices for Spark by Hilton Colorado Springs

Spark by Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree

a guestroom with two queen beds in a Spark by Hilton hotel
A guestroom at Spark by Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton
  • Location: Just off 29 Palms Highway, 20 minutes from Joshua Tree National Park. 
  • Features: Outdoor swimming pool, fitness center
  • Price in early July 2026: Less than $100 per night

Check Prices for Spark by Hilton Yucca Valley Joshua Tree

Spark by Hilton Phoenix East Mesa

multi-colored lobby with dining tables and views of a bright sunny day
Bright, fun colors that feel welcoming and joyous! Photo credit: Spark by Hilton Phoenix East Mesa
  • Location: 10 minutes from Phoenix-Mesa Gateway Airport 
  • Features: Heated outdoor pool, free airport shuttle
  • Price in early July 2026: Less than $100 per night

Check Prices for Spark by Hilton Phoenix East Mesa

Spark by Hilton Seattle Airport

The purple and white facade of the Spark by Hilton Seattle Airport
The purple and white facade of the Spark by Hilton Seattle Airport. Photo courtesy of Spark by Hilton
  • Location: Near the airport, with a 24/7 free airport shuttle, and close to the Link Light Rail for easy access to Downtown Seattle.
  • Features: Pet-friendly, connecting rooms available
  • Price in early July 2026: Less than $200 per night

Check Prices for Spark by Hilton Seattle Airport


FAQs

Is Spark by Hilton a budget hotel?

Yes. Spark by Hilton is Hilton’s value-focused brand, offering affordable accommodations with free continental breakfast, free WiFi, comfy beds and the familiarity of the Hilton brand.

Does Spark by Hilton include breakfast?

Yes. Guests at North American locations receive complimentary breakfast.

Can I earn Hilton Honors points by staying at a Spark by Hilton hotel?

Yes. Eligible stays earn Hilton Honors points, and members can also redeem points at participating Spark locations. If you aren’t a member of the free Hilton Honors loyalty program, join before you book to save 17 percent on the room rate,

Is Spark by Hilton good for family vacations?

Absolutely. It’s ideal for vacations where you’ll spend most of your time exploring instead of hanging out at the hotel. Many of the hotels are located close to interstate highways or airports, so they are a great choice for travelers covering a lot of ground on a road trip or planning an early morning flight.

Cindy Richards is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist who serves as the Editor-in-Chief of SheBuysTravel.com. She also is the mom of two now grown kids who have traveled with her since that first, fateful plane ride when one preschooler discovered a barf bag in his seat pocket and his sister, finding none in hers, demanded, “I want a barf bag too!” She has been a reporter, editor and columnist at the Chicago Sun-Times and Chicago Tribune, an editor at Chicago Parent and Catalyst Chicago and an instructor in the graduate school at Northwestern’s prestigious Medill School of Journalism.
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