Exclusive News for Resort Chasers: Hilton Honors Lowers Status Hurdles and Debuts “Diamond Reserve”

Hilton Honors Logo

A new era is coming to Hilton Honors — and elite travelers have plenty to celebrate. Hilton has officially confirmed a major overhaul to its loyalty program launching January 2026, making top-tier recognition more achievable for many guests while adding a brand-new ultra-elite tier for the most dedicated spenders: Diamond Reserve.

Accessible Elite Status: Gold & Diamond Just Got Easier

Travelers who have struggled to hit the current night thresholds will find it meaningfully easier to earn meaningful benefits starting in 2026. Hilton is reducing qualification requirements for its two most popular elite tiers:

Gold (2026 Qualification Requirements)

• 25 nights (down from 40)

  
  

  —OR—

• 15 stays

  
  

  —OR—

• $6,000 annual eligible spend

  
  

Gold status unlocks perks like:

✔ Daily food & beverage credit in the U.S. (or free breakfast internationally)

✔ Space-available room upgrades

✔ 80% bonus points on paid stays

Diamond (2026 Qualification Requirements)

• 50 nights (down from 60)

  
  

  —OR—

• 25 stays

  
  

  —OR—

• ~$11,500 annual eligible spend

  
  

Diamond adds:

✔ Executive Lounge access

✔ 100% bonus points

✔ Higher priority upgrades (up to a one-bedroom suite, based on availability)

These changes increase accessibility while still rewarding those who stay frequently or spend consistently at Hilton portfolio properties.

Introducing Diamond Reserve — The New Pinnacle of Hilton Loyalty

For travelers who spend big on resort-style luxury, Hilton is raising the ceiling with a newly confirmed tier:

Diamond Reserve.

How to Qualify

• 80 nights

  
  

  —OR—

• 40 stays

  
  

  AND

• $18,000 USD in eligible annual spend

  
  

This makes Diamond Reserve tailored to guests who not only stay often — but spend significantly on property.

Elite Benefits Designed for Luxury Travelers

Hilton has confirmed several aspirational perks, including:

✨ Confirmable Upgrade Rewards (CURs)

• Secure premium rooms or suites at booking, not just if available at check-in

• One CUR awarded immediately upon qualification

• A second CUR earned at 120 nights (details still being finalized)

✨ Guaranteed 4 p.m. Late Checkout

—A coveted relaxation benefit, especially at resorts

✨ Premium Club Access

—Enhanced lounge experience at select properties, above standard Executive Lounges

✨ 120% Bonus Points

—Hilton’s highest earning rate yet

These benefits push Hilton into direct competition with luxury-focused elite tiers from other global chains.

Spend Matters More Than Ever

Alongside these tier changes, Hilton is evolving how elite status is earned:

• Elite qualification will now align much more closely with annual eligible spend

• Traditional “Base Points qualification” is being phased out

• Nights and stays remain, but spending power will carry more weight than before

  
  

This means the program rewards travelers who spend more on-property, regardless of whether their nights are short or luxurious.

What You Should Know

Before you start planning your path:

• 2026 activity is what earns 2027 status.

• Current rules remain in place throughout 2025.

  
  

Some details — such as the full list of eligible properties for CURs and the future of rollover nights — are still being finalized and may be clarified closer to launch.

Bottom Line

Hilton Honors’ 2026 refresh is a big win for most travelers:

✔ Gold and Diamond become significantly easier to earn

✔ A new ultra-elite tier offers truly guaranteed luxury benefits

✔ High-spend guests gain more recognition and certainty

Whether you’re a casual resort chaser or a road warrior who lives out of a suitcase, Hilton is making elite treatment feel more achievable — and more rewarding — than ever before.