Hilton has announced a major overhaul of its Hilton Honors loyalty programme, introducing a faster route to elite status and unveiling its most premium tier to date, “Diamond Reserve”. The enhanced structure, set to launch in January, is designed to offer more personalised recognition, quicker rewards and expanded flexibility for frequent travellers.
New premium tier for top members
Diamond Reserve introduces a suite of ultra-premium benefits aimed at Hilton’s most loyal guests. Members who reach 80 nights and $18,000 in eligible annual spending will gain access to guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, exclusive 24/7 customer support, and priority for upgrades confirmed up to three days before arrival.
A standout feature of the new tier is the Confirmable Upgrade Reward, which allows Diamond Reserve members to secure premium room upgrades—including one-bedroom suites—for stays of up to seven nights at the time of booking. A second upgrade reward can be earned at 120 nights or through 30,000 Points.
Faster access to Gold and Diamond
Hilton is also reshaping qualification thresholds to make elite status more achievable. From 2026, members will attain Gold status after 25 nights, down from 40, while Diamond status will require 50 nights instead of 60. Both tiers retain their signature perks, including space-available upgrades, food and beverage credits, executive lounge access for Diamond members and increased Points earnings.
Chris Nassetta, Hilton’s president and CEO, said the updates reflect a push to make loyalty “more accessible and more rewarding”. “We’re strengthening Hilton Honors for every member, from superior upgrades to more ways to earn and redeem Points across our 9,000 hotels,” he said.
Continued flexibility
Hilton confirmed that popular features such as no blackout dates on Points stays, Fifth Night Free and the option to combine Points with cash will remain unchanged.
The changes come as Hilton expands its luxury and lifestyle portfolio globally, offering members more ways to use and earn rewards across brands including Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and LXR.
