While there have been rumors of changes to the Hilton Honors program for quite some time, the company has officially announced some significant changes that will go into effect next year. This could have a major impact on Hilton elites as the company has added a new status tier, Diamond Reserve.
Hilton Honors Announces Elite Status Changes for 2026
Beginning in January 2026, major changes are coming to the Hilton Honors program. These changes are for 2026 qualifying activity which will impact 2027 status. Those that have earned 2026 status through qualifying activity in 2025 won’t see any changes to their elite status for next year.
Find out everything that is changing for the program below.
Hilton is Adjusting Elite Status Requirements
While there are multiple changes, the ones that are likely to draw the most interest are in regards to the adjustment of elite status requirements. Currently, Hilton Honors requires the following requirements for elite status:
- Hilton Honors Silver: 10 nights, 4 stays, or 25,000 qualifying points.
- Hilton Honors Gold: 40 nights, 20 stays, or 75,000 qualifying points.
- Hilton Honors Diamond: 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 qualifying points.
Now, beginning in 2026, for the 2027 status year, Hilton will is adjusting its elite tiers to the following requirements:
- Hilton Honors Silver: 10 nights, 4 stays, or $2,500 in spend.
- Hilton Honors Gold: 25 nights, 15 stays, or $6,000 in spend.
- Hilton Honors Diamond: 50 nights, 25 stays, or $11,500 in spend.
- Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve: 80 nights, 40 stays, and $18,000 in spend.
While Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond status will become easier to earn, the most drastic change here is the introduction of a brand new status tier; Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve.
Hilton Introduces a New Top-Tier Status with Diamond Reserve
For longtime Hilton Honors Diamond members, the most drastic change is the introduction of a new top-tier elite status. Depending on your travels, you’ll either love or hate the change. The new Diamond Reserve tier is in line with Marriott Bonvoy’s Titanium tier in its requirements. As I mentioned above, the new top tier will require 80 nights, 40 stays, or $18,000 in spend.
I’m not surprised to see the company add a new tier, as there was a large gap in spending between its Diamond members and I think those frequent guests will like the changes. While the current Diamond tier won’t see any changes, Diamond Reserve members will offer the following perks:
- Complimentary upgrade priority ahead of Diamond members.
- Guaranteed 4:00p late checkout.
- 120% bonus point earnings on hotel stays.
- Complimentary access to all hotel lounges, including premium clubs (These currently exist at select Conrad and Waldorf Astoria properties).
- Access to a select customer service line.
- One confirmable upgrade award at the time of booking on a space available basis (good for up to seven days).
Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond Status Updates
While Diamond members may not have any issues with the changes, lifetime Diamond members can expect a few minor, though potentially impactful, changes. Currently you can earn lifetime Diamond status after 10 years of Diamond status and 1,000 qualifying nights or, by earning 2,000,000 base points. Now, you’ll be able to qualify via $200,000 in spending instead of the points.
In addition, Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond members will retain Diamond status and won’t be elevated to Diamond Reserve. This, along with being bumped below Diamond Reserve members for upgrade priority (Lifetime Diamonds had priority over standard Diamond members), is likely to sting for longtime Diamond members.
Hilton Honors Eliminates Rollover Nights
One of the great things about the current version of the Hilton Honors program is the existence of rollover nights. Under the current system, if you earn 25 nights you’d qualify for Silver status (which requires 10 nights) and fall 14 nights short of Gold statis (which required 40 nights). The 15 qualifying nights would roll over to the next status year, effectively giving you a head start.
Beginning in 2026, the company is eliminating rollover nights from its Hilton Honors program. While this has been a great part of the program, this change doesn’t come as much of a surprise as it brings the program in line with its peers. Though it is an unfortunate change nonetheless.
Select Brands See Earnings Adjustments
Beginning January 8, 2026, new stays booked at Homewood Suites and Spark by Hilton will earn 5x Points per dollar spent, a reduction from 10x points per dollar spent. Elite tier bonuses and all other member benefits at these brands will remain the same.
Earning Hilton Honors Status via Credit Card Spend
As someone that earns my Hilton Diamond status through credit card spend, the changes to the Hilton Honors program are a bit of a mixed bag. First and foremost, there are no changes to earning existing status tiers from a cobranded Hilton credit card.
Unfortunately, it will not be possible to earn Diamond Reserve status through a Hilton cobranded card. That status can only be earned via qualifying member activity, such as qualifying stays, nights, and spend.
My Thoughts
While I wouldn’t call the changes to the Hilton Honors program customer friendly, I do believe that they make a lot of sense. Hilton’s status tiers capping out at 60 nights put it roughly on par with Marriott Bonvoy Platinum status which, while beneficial, is in the middle of the pack for the company.
The introduction of a new tier, dubbed Diamond Reserve, gives Hilton a 4th, more premium, tier that better aligns with Marriott Titanium and Hyatt Globalist. If you primarily earn status through credit card spend or by being a lifetime Diamond member you’re probably disappointed. However, guests earning Gold and Diamond will find it easier to earn status while those who spend a significant amount of time in Hilton properties will see their loyalty rewarded.
Summary
Hilton has announced some significant changes to its Hilton Honors loyalty program. While the changes are a bit of a mixed bag, I think that the align with the current hotel loyalty landscape and, honestly, it could have been worse.
