Hilton just gave travelers a not-so-subtle wink.
Its Hilton Honors loyalty program is gearing up for major changes, and after U.S. Credit Card Guide first broke the story late last week, Hilton has now all but confirmed it’s planning a brand-new, ultra-exclusive elite tier called Diamond Reserve.
Over the weekend, Hilton acknowledged the rumors in a cheeky post on its official Instagram account, sharing screenshots from several blogs reporting on the leak, and writing:
“Official news? Not yet. Exciting news? Absolutely. We’re sworn to secrecy for now, but Hilton Honors members, you might want to stay tuned.”
A New Diamond Reserve Tier
The existence of the new tier first came to light when users on U.S. Credit Card Guide’s forums discovered hidden code on Hilton’s website referencing Diamond Reserve, which appears to sit above the current, top-level Diamond status.
Here’s what’s been uncovered so far:
- Diamond Reserve Requirements: 80 nights or 40 stays and $18,000 in qualifying spend
- Points earning: 22x per dollar spent on eligible Hilton stays (10x base + 12x Diamond Reserve bonus)
- New milestone reward at 120 nights: Choice of a Confirmable Upgrade Reward or 30,000 points – on top of existing 10,000-point bonuses every 10 nights
- Temporary 30% reduction to elite thresholds in 2026, suggesting Hilton is recalibrating requirements ahead of launch
- And possibly an invitation-only “Honor Society” tier, perhaps reserved for hotel owners, and Hilton’s most high-profile (and high-spending) guests
Hilton’s Bigger Loyalty Overhaul
The new Diamond Reserve tier may be just one part of a broader reshuffle. According to the same leak, Hilton plans to lower the qualification requirements across all existing tiers by roughly 30% starting in 2026, making elite status easier to earn. Here's how that could potentially shake out:
- Hilton Honors Silver: Earns after 7 nights, 3 stays, or 17,500 points (down from 10 nights, 4 stays, or 25,000 points)
- Hilton Honors Gold: 28 nights, 14 stays, or 52,500 points (down from 40 nights, 20 stays, or 75,000 points)
- Hilton Honors Diamond: 42 nights, 21 stays, or 84,000 points (down from 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 points)
It’s not yet clear whether those reduced requirements will be a one-year adjustment to ease into the new program or a permanent change. Alternatively, this could mean reducing some benefits at lower status tiers, such as Hilton Honors Gold members receiving complimentary breakfast for hotel stays abroad or a food and beverage credit for U.S. stays.
If the rumors and leaks are confirmed, this would be Hilton’s biggest shakeup to its loyalty structure in years – and a long-overdue fix for its Diamond Elite tier, which has become one of the most crowded elite tiers in travel.
That’s because Hilton is currently the only major hotel chain that offers its top-tier status simply for holding the right credit card. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card grants automatic Diamond status – no nights, stays, or spending required.
By contrast, Marriott’s top card – the Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card – only includes mid-tier Platinum Elite status, while World of Hyatt’s card offers Discoverist status – far below its top-tier Globalist level. Though, as we reported last week, Hyatt could be planning a new premium card next year that may shift that dynamic.
That easy access to Diamond status has created an oversaturation of elite members … especially in the U.S. At some properties, dozens – even hundreds – of Diamond members check in each day, making room upgrades and on-property perks harder to deliver consistently.
By introducing a higher, spend-based tier, Hilton could regain some prestige at the top and finally offer its most loyal (and highest-spending) travelers perks comparable to those enjoyed by Marriott Ambassador and Hyatt Globalist members – such as confirmed suite upgrades and a more personalized service.
It’s also unclear what this might mean for Hilton’s lifetime Diamond members, who may or may not be elevated into the new tier.
Related Reading: Where You Can Still Find Value in the Hilton Honors Program
Bottom Line
Hilton’s playful Instagram post all but confirms that big changes are on the horizon for the Hilton Honors program. While full details haven’t been announced, the leaked “Diamond Reserve” tier appears to be real – and could reshape Hilton’s elite landscape starting as early as 2026.
Whether it brings truly better benefits or just a new layer of exclusivity remains to be seen.
Lead photo courtesy of Hilton
