Just a week after (accidentally) hinting that big elite status changes were coming, Hilton has officially pulled back the curtain on its brand-new top tier: Diamond Reserve.
This ultra-exclusive level brings some impressive perks to the table – think a confirmable suite upgrade, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and access to executive lounges and “Premium Clubs.” View from the Wing got the scoop before Hilton made its big news official … and there's even more on tap than just a new top tier.
Perhaps the best news for most travelers? Nothing is changing for Silver, Gold, Diamond, or Lifetime Diamond members. If you currently enjoy Hilton Honors™ Gold status from holding American Express Platinum Card® or get complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond status with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, you’ll still receive free breakfast for two abroad – or a daily food and beverage credit at U.S. properties.
Diamond Reserve debuts in January, and any status you’ve already earned for next year is locked in as-is. So if you’ve already qualified for Hilton’s existing top-tier Diamond status through 2026, there’s no need to scramble to reach this new tier before year’s end.
So what does it take to earn this new status? Quite a lot: 80 nights (or 40 stays) plus $18,000 in eligible spending. And while credit cards can still fast-track you to Gold or Diamond, there’ll be no shortcut to Diamond Reserve.
Let’s dive into what this new tier means – and the other changes Hilton Honors has lined up for 2026.
Diamond Reserve Status Benefits
One of Hilton's biggest knocks has long been that it under-delivers on status benefits. This is largely a byproduct of Hilton (and American Express) giving away Gold and Diamond elite status to anyone with the right credit card. Hilton's new Diamond Reserve elite tier fixes that.
If you're willing and able to spend a whopping $18,000 each year on Hilton hotel stays – plus spend 80 nights (or 40 stays) on the road next year – here's what you'll get:
- Confirmable Upgrade Reward: Confirm your premium room or suite upgrade at the time of booking.
- Priority upgrades: Highest priority for space-available room upgrades.
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
- 120% bonus points on paid stays
- Premium Club access: Complimentary access to all lounges, including Hilton's expanding collection of Premium Clubs
- Exclusive customer service: 24/7 access to Hilton's best customer support team members
Without a doubt, being able to upgrade to a premium room or one-bedroom suite at the time of booking is the most valuable benefit in the bunch.
You'll get one of these upgrade awards automatically upon reaching the Diamond Reserve elite tier and can choose another one as a milestone reward upon hitting 120 elite nights. Each of these certificates expires 12 months after issuance and is valid for stays of up to seven nights.
Other perks, such as a guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout and access to lounges and Premium Clubs, will also be nice.
Other Hilton Honors Program Changes
Starting Jan. 1, earning status at lower tiers will get easier for those who opt for the traditional approach: actually staying at Hilton hotels. But still, the easiest way to earn Gold and Diamond status is to hold a Hilton co-branded credit card or the American Express Platinum Card.
Here's a look at what you get at those status levels and what it takes to earn them in 2026.
Hilton Honors Gold Status
Hilton Honors Gold status comes with some worthwhile perks, such as complimentary breakfast at international hotels (or a daily food and beverage credit in the U.S.), an 80% boost on points earned from paid stays, and complimentary space-available upgrades – though these are quite rare.
Stay (or spending) requirements to earn Gold status in 2026:
- Stay 25 nights (38% fewer nights)
- Complete 15 stays (25% fewer stays)
- Reach $6,000 USD annual eligible spend (was 75K Base Points)
Hilton Honors Diamond Status
Diamond status comes with the same breakfast benefit – or a little higher food and beverage credit in the U.S. – but ups the ante with a bigger 100% bonus on paid stays, higher upgrade priority (still rare), executive lounge access, and more.
Here's what it'll take to earn Diamond status through stays in 2026:
- Stay 50 nights (17% fewer nights)
- Complete 25 stays (17% fewer stays)
- Reach $11,500 USD annual eligible spend (was 120K Base Points)
Reduced Earnings at Some Properties
Effective Jan. 8, 2026, new stays booked at Homewood Suites and Spark by Hilton will earn 5x points per $1 – down from the previous 10x points per $1. 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%.
This move puts Homewood Suites and Spark hotels at the same earnings rate as other budget-friendly options, such as Home2 Suites and Tru. Meanwhile, nights at Hilton's extended-stay brand, LivSmart Studios, only earn 3 points per $1.
Bottom Line
Hilton is rolling out a new top-tier Diamond Reserve status with standout perks like confirmable suite upgrades, guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout, and Premium Club access – but the good news is that nothing changes for current Silver, Gold, Diamond, or Lifetime Diamond members.
Earning Diamond Reserve status will require significant hotel spend and nights, while earning lower-tier status through stays will become slightly easier in 2026. Overall, Hilton is introducing a true “elite” tier at the top while maintaining existing perks for the vast majority of travelers.
