Hilton hotel: Photo: © 2025 Hilton Hilton Honors debuts new Elite level. The Hilton hotel chain has announced one of the most significant moves by the Hilton Honors loyalty club in recent years. Namely, the program has launched a new super tier called Diamond Reserve, along with a cross-platform upgrade meant to considerably simplify and accelerate access to higher statuses.
The move is designed to reward loyalty at every stage of a member's journey, and centers on more personalized benefits, greater flexibility, and a clear increase in value for club members.
President and Chief Executive Officer Chris Nassetta: “Today we are proud to usher in the next chapter for Hilton Honors by delivering on what matters most to our members. 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.”
The Diamond Reserve rank will launch this January and will be the club's new pinnacle.
The main benefits include:
Confirmable Upgrade Reward, a room upgrade pre-approved at the time of booking (including up to a bedroom suite), for stays of up to 7 nights, also through the Hilton Honors app.
Guaranteed 4:00 PM check-out for all eligible stays.
Dedicated 24/7 support with expert representatives with priority handling.
Top priority for upgrades up to three days prior to check-in (subject to availability).
Complimentary access to Premium Clubs: dedicated clubs with high-end food and beverages, quiet workspaces, and preferred amenities.
Increased points bonus: 120% on every stay.
Eligibility for Diamond Reserve is determined by meeting 80 nights and $18,000 in annual Eligible Spend.
Starting in 2026, the thresholds for reaching the two popular ranks will be reduced:
Gold: 25 nights per year (instead of 40)
Diamond: 50 nights per year (instead of 60).
Gold members will continue to enjoy existing benefits such as room upgrades depending on location, food and beverage or breakfast credit (by brand/region), and 80% more points. Diamond members who reach the upgrade sooner will enjoy lounge access, 48-hour room commitment, 100% more points, and more, without affecting the familiar benefits basket.
CEO Nasseta explained that members have been asking for more personal recognition and meaningful rewards along the journey, and the update is designed to do just that: make loyalty more accessible and rewarding, against the backdrop of a growing hotel portfolio of more than 9,000 properties worldwide.
According to Mark Weinstein, chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands, Diamond Reserve was developed after years of listening to members. "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."
Hilton emphasizes that the benefits that members particularly value will not be going anywhere. The list includes:
No Blackout Dates and No Resort Fees on stays purchased entirely with points.
Option to combine points + money for more flexible planning.
Fifth Night Free: Fifth night without points when booking a standard room with points only.
More places to dream and convert points.
With over 1,000 lifestyle and luxury hotels, club members enjoy broader access to conversions, including the reopening of the Waldorf Astoria New York, and expanded partnerships with Small Luxury Hotels of the World (more than 450 boutiques).
Photo: Ceri Breeze / Shutterstock.com
January (Launch): Diamond Reserve tier opens with Confirmable Upgrade, 4:00 PM check-out, 24/7 support, upgrade priorities, and a 120% bonus.
2026 (Statuses): Gold at 25 nights; Diamond at 50 nights; reduced requirements also on eligible stays/spends.
Stays: Fifth Night Free, no Blackout Dates, no Resort Fees on points stays.
The update to Hilton Honors combines a significant improvement in status attainment with a new tier that adds benefits before, during, and after your stay. For frequent travelers, especially across the group’s luxury brands, it’s a step up that enhances the certainty, flexibility, and rewards of the loyalty program.