Hilton announced today the previously rumored changes of its 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.
“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.
But here’s the bad news:
- Elite Rollover Nights are ending. They will be rolling over for the last time in 2026.
- Milestone Bonuses are capped. They will be earned up to 180 nights (for a total of up to 210,000 points annually).
- Starting January 8, 2026, new stays booked at Homewood Suites and Spark by Hilton will earn 5 Points per $1 USD (down from 10X). Elite tier bonuses and all other member benefits at these brands remain the same: Silver Members earn a 20% Bonus, Gold 80%, Diamond 100%, and Diamond Reserve 120%.
- Qualification for Lifetime Diamond changes to 10 years of Diamond AND 1,000 nights OR $200,000 pre-tax spend (that last part previously was 2,000,000 base points).
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.
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 benefits include:
- 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 unparalleled 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.
