Before the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend, McLaren Racing driver Lando Norris celebrated his 24th birthday. To ensure the milestone was one to remember, Hilton sent an exciting array of Vegas-themed deliveries directly to Norris’ hotel room via "vroom service," helped him rack up Hilton Honors points, and refuel with delicious, convenient bites via traditional room service (his favorite, a chicken sandwich, was always waiting in the pit).
Hilton is a treasured McLaren Racing partner, and Virgin Hotels Las Vegas, Curio Collection by Hilton, is his top pick in Vegas, the UK native says, in part because of Hilton's long legacy in Sin City. The Las Vegas Hilton was once the largest hotel in the world, and later became the first hospitality company to introduce "residency" for performers like Elvis Presley and Johnny Cash.
But for Norris, it's as much about comfort as it is location. "When you travel as much as I do, always on the move, a comfortable and reliable stay is so important," he says. Read on for more from the young sports star about his travel habits and hotel must-haves.
Name your three most important hotel amenities.
"Racing is a very physical sport, so I need a comfortable bed to get a quality night's sleep, a gym or spa, and a great restaurant so I can refuel," Norris says, adding that he chooses to stay at Hilton properties every time there's a big race because of the reliable quality. The brand is consistent, he says, "no matter where I am in the world."
What's the first thing you do when you enter a hotel room?
"I usually head to the window to see what sort of view I have. Then I connect to the free Wi-Fi so I can check in with my friends and family, watch some videos, and relax."
3 Reasons to Travel With Hilton Honors
The deals, duh. There are a few ways for Hilton Honors members to get a great deal. Members can choose how they want to spend their Points with the flexible Points & Money slider—with no blackout dates, no fees on free nights at resorts, no hidden terms. When booking a five-night stay entirely with Points, the fifth night is always free, allowing members to stretch their Points and their stay.
The flexibility. Should you choose to take a break from travel, you can redeem your points for daily purchases on Amazon, Ticketmaster, or Lyft, or use them to access exclusive experiences like celebrity-DJ'd parties and tickets to major awards shows.
The locations. You can use your points at thousands of locations around the world for everything from wedding weekends to dream vacations.
What's your Hilton Honors points style?
"I'm a points saver. I travel a lot for work, so they add up quickly. When I have a break, I use them to either book a great holiday or grab tickets to a concert or sporting event with Hilton Honors Experiences."
Where would you travel with 1 million Hilton Honors points?
While his career has already taken him to amazing places like Abu Dhabi and Singapore, there are still tons of places on Norris's bucket list. "I'd use them to stay with Hilton in a place I haven't visited," he says.
Speed Round
- Closet or suitcase?
"When I'm on the road, it's easier just to live out of my suitcase. I pack in an organized way—everything is easy to grab—and it saves me from having to repack." - Sunrise or sunset?
"I'd definitely pick sunset. I'm not a morning person!" - Robe or towel?
"I think you need both, then you can't go wrong." - Fitness center or spa?
"Both. Fitness center for a workout while on the road, but a spa when it's been a long week, to make sure I get some good rest and recovery." - BYO toiletries or use the hotel's?
"I'm a mix. I carry a few essentials, but Hilton hotels have great toiletries if I forget something or run out." - Wake-up call or alarm?
"You can't snooze a wake-up call, but I use both just in case!" - Regular checkout or late checkout?
"I'll take a late one whenever I can—I like a slow morning." - Room service or restaurant?
"Room service. After a long day, it's nice to decompress. A good meal, TV on…it's a bit like being at home."
Becca Strassberg is a writer, editor, and Brooklyn native. She has been the Senior Lifestyle Editor at HearstMade since September 2021. Most importantly, her dog's name is Brisket.
