• Evolution of the award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program makes earning status even more achievable and more rewarding.
• New Diamond Reserve tier represents exclusive level of recognition and benefits within Hilton Honors.
• Diamond status more quickly attainable, and Gold status now the most valuable mid-tier status.
• Hilton Honors members will continue to enjoy the benefits they value and appreciate the most.

MCLEAN, Va. – Committed to rewarding loyalty at every stage of the travel journey, today Hilton (NYSE: HLT) announced exciting changes to its award-winning Hilton Honors loyalty program. Debuting this January, Hilton will introduce its most elite tier yet – Diamond Reserve – with new elevated benefits, including a Confirmable Upgrade Reward that can be instantly redeemed at the time of booking, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and exclusive customer service support.

What’s more, Hilton Honors Gold status will become the most valuable mid-tier status, with members still enjoying all the current benefits of Gold status, including space-available room upgrades and on-property Food & Beverage credits, while achieving this status even faster. Diamond status will also become more quickly attainable while keeping benefits that members appreciate the most.

“Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their travel journey. Today we are proud to usher in the next chapter for Hilton Honors by delivering on what matters most to our members: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world,” said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. “At a time when many loyalty programs feel increasingly interchangeable, we’re strengthening Hilton Honors for every member – from our superior upgrade benefits for our elite members to more ways to dream, stay, earn and redeem Points across our growing portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels.”

In 2026, earning elite status with Hilton will be even more achievable, opening the door for more travelers to enjoy the recognition, perks and flexibility that make Hilton Honors and the Hilton Honors app a preferred travel companion. Among the highlights:

• Members will earn Gold status with only 25 nights per year – 15 nights less than the current 40-night requirement.
• With Gold status, members will continue to enjoy the same benefits, like early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, a Daily Food & Beverage Credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region) and 80 percent more Points.
• Members will earn Diamond status faster as well, needing only 50 nights instead of the current 60 nights. Diamond members will continue to enjoy the same benefits, including early confirmation of space-available room upgrades, a Daily Food & Beverage Credit or continental breakfast (varies by brand and region), executive lounge access, 48-hour room guarantee and 100 percent more Points.
• With these changes, Hilton has reduced the requirements whether through nights, stays or eligible spend to reach Gold and Diamond tiers, beginning next year.

Unlocking The Best of Hilton Honors

As the new pinnacle of Hilton Honors tiers, Diamond Reserve is an entirely new level of recognition designed for Hilton’s most loyal travelers. Achieved by those who qualify with 80 nights AND $18,000 in USD annual Eligible Spend, this all-new premium tier represents Hilton’s most exclusive expression of loyalty yet.

“Loyalty is not something we take lightly. We’ve spent years listening to our members. Diamond Reserve was created to recognize and reward those who entrust their travel to Hilton,” said Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands, Hilton. “We know that enhancing the stay experience is the foundational building block to driving loyalty, which is why we have thoughtfully designed a suite of ultra-premium benefits intended to make staying with Hilton even better.”

Among the Diamond Reserve tier’s defining benefits is the Confirmable Upgrade Reward:

• The Confirmable Upgrade Reward allows eligible members to lock in premium room upgrades, including up to a one-bedroom suite for stays of up to seven nights, at the time of booking – including through the Hilton Honors app.
• Members will receive their first Confirmable Upgrade Reward when they achieve Diamond Reserve status and the option to earn a second reward at the 120-night milestone or 30,000 Points.
• Confirmable Upgrade Rewards can be used on both eligible paid and reward stays at select global Hilton properties offering complimentary pre-arrival upgrades. This includes hotels across the company’s growing luxury portfolio, featuring brands like Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, and Signia by Hilton.

Additional bespoke benefits reflect the seamless flexibility and personalization that Hilton’s most engaged travelers desire:

• Diamond Reserve status guarantees 4 p.m. late checkout on every eligible stay, giving members more time to relax or prepare for their onward journey.
• Diamond Reserve members will receive unparallelled service through 24/7 exclusive customer service support with specially trained team members dedicated to delivering personalized assistance and priority care.
• In addition to executive lounges, Diamond Reserve members will enjoy complimentary access to Hilton’s Premium Clubs, a growing collection of exclusive, on-property clubs, most commonly found at Hilton’s luxury, lifestyle or full-service hotels, that include elevated food and beverage offerings, quiet workspaces and other coveted features.
• Diamond Reserve members will receive the highest priority for space-available upgrades, confirmed as early as three days before check-in.
• Members who achieve Diamond Reserve will also see their loyalty rewarded faster and more generously than ever before with a 120% Points bonus on every stay.

Favored, Flexible Benefits, Remain

At its core, Hilton Honors remains committed to giving travelers more choice in how and when they redeem their Points. Members will continue to benefit from no blackout dates and no resort fees on reward stays booked with all Points. They can also combine Hilton Honors Points and money to get them closer to their next stay, adding even more flexibility to travel planning. One of the program’s most valued benefits, the Fifth Night Free perk, continues to reward members who book standard room rewards entirely with Points, providing meaningful savings and longer-lasting experiences.

More Ways to Dream, Earn and Redeem at Expanding Luxury & Lifestyle Portfolio

Members who travel with Hilton Honors now have more ways to dream and redeem with their Points, with access to Hilton’s growing world-class portfolio of brands, including more than 1,000 luxury and lifestyle properties. This includes the landmark opening of Waldorf Astoria New York, a property that represents both Hilton’s heritage and its continued evolution, as well as more than 450 boutique hotels from the exclusive partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World.

Learn more about Hilton Honors at stories.hilton.com/hilton-honors-fact-sheet or visit www.hiltonhonors.com to enroll in the program today.

What is Hilton Honors?
Hilton Honors is Hilton’s guest loyalty program. 
 
What changes are being made to Hilton Honors?
Hilton Honors elite status will be more accessible and more rewarding.
– Diamond Reserve is the most elite tier yet.
– Diamond status is more quickly attainable.
– Gold status is the most valuable mid-tier status.
 
Why did Hilton make changes to Hilton Honors?
At Hilton, we listen loudly, and members shared that they are seeking more ways to dream and redeem with Hilton Honors. 
 
Will the existing elite tiers change with these updates to Hilton Honors?
Some tier qualification thresholds will change, but the Silver, Gold and Diamond benefits will be preserved.
– Silver – Remains at 10 nights, 4 stays or $2,500 in spend
– Gold – Now 25 nights (formerly 40 nights), 15 stays or $6,000 in spend
– Diamond – Now 50 nights (formerly 60 nights), 25 stays or $11,500 in spend.
 
Why did Hilton create the Diamond Reserve elite tier?
Diamond Reserve rewards Hilton Honors members who stay with the program beyond achieving Diamond status.  
 
What are the benefits of Diamond Reserve?
Diamond Reserve status is achieved at 80 nights or 40 stays AND $18,000 USD in annual spend. Diamond Reserve benefits include:
– Confirmable Upgrade Reward (CUR)
– 120 percent Bonus Points
– Diamond Reserve customer service support
– 4 p.m. late checkout
– Access to executive lounges and nearly a dozen of Hilton’s Premium Clubs
 
What is a Confirmable Upgrade Reward?
The new Confirmable Upgrade Reward (CUR) allows Diamond Reserve members to lock in room upgrades, including up to a one-bedroom suite for seven nights, at the time of booking. Confirmable Upgrade Rewards are received when reaching Diamond Reserve tier and an option to earn a second at the 120-night milestone or 30,000 Points. 
 
How does a Confirmable Upgrade Reward work?
Diamond Reserve members will select a toggle to show availability for Confirmable Upgrade Reward redemption during the booking process. The reward can be applied on stays up to seven nights at any participating Hilton property. This includes hotels within Hilton’s growing luxury portfolio:
– Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
– Conrad Hotels & Resorts
– LXR Hotels & Resorts
– Signia by Hilton
– NoMad Hotels
 
How can Diamond Reserve members contact the Diamond Reserve Customer Service Support?
Customer service support will be available 24/7 for all Diamond Reserve members through a dedicated telephone line and email, providing guests with reservation help and any additional assistance with their stay in 15 languages.
 
When do the changes to the Hilton Honors program go into effect?
Hilton Honors program updates begin January 1, 2026.
 
Why should I now consider Hilton Honors?
Hilton Honors is a best-in-class hotel loyalty program that rewards guests with benefits they want and need, regardless of where or why they are traveling.
 
How do I sign up for Hilton Honors?
Learn more about Hilton Honors at stories.hilton.com/hiltonhonors or visit www.hiltonhonors.com to enroll in the program today.
 
What did Hilton leadership say?
“Members have told us they are looking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards throughout their unique travel journey. That’s why we are proud to usher in the next chapter for Hilton Honors by delivering on what our members told us matter most: making loyalty both more accessible and more rewarding, in more places around the world.”
– Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton

“We know that enhancing the stay experience is the foundational building block to driving loyalty, which is why we have thoughtfully designed a suite of ultra-premium benefits intended to make staying with Hilton even better.” 
– Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands, Hilton

The post Loyalty Upgraded: Hilton Honors Introduces Faster Path to Elite Status and Reveals New Premium Tier – Diamond Reserve appeared first on Stories From Hilton.