Hilton Honors Program: Beneficial Changes for Elite Tiers and Launch of Diamond Reserve Status

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To the point In 2026, Hilton Honors is reducing the nights required to achieve Gold and Diamond status and adding a Diamond Reserve status for its members.

Hilton has just announced a revamp of its Hilton Honors loyalty program, set to take effect in 2026.

Hilton Honors is making it easier to reach elite status: Gold status will require only 25 nights (down from 40), and Diamond status will require just 50 nights (instead of 60). In addition, a new Diamond Reserve status is being introduced with exclusive benefits.

How many Nights are Required to Achieve Hilton Honors Gold Status in 2026?

Starting in 2026, you’ll need just 25 nights per year to earn Hilton Honors Gold status, which is 15 nights fewer than the current requirement of 40 nights.

This reduction makes Gold status much more accessible to occasional travellers. Gold status benefits remain the same as before:

  • Room upgrades, subject to availability
  • Daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast (varies by hotel brand and region)
  • 80% bonus points on every stay

What is the New Threshold for Hilton Honors Diamond Status?

Diamond status will be attainable with 50 nights per year starting in 2026, compared to the current requirement of 60 nights.

Diamond members will continue to enjoy all their current benefits:

  • 100% more points on hotel stays
  • Room upgrades, subject to availability
  • Access to the exclusive lounge, if available
  • Free premium Wi-Fi
  • Guaranteed room up to 48 hours before your stay
  • Offer Gold status to a member of your choice

What is the New Diamond Reserve Status?

Diamond Reserve will represent the highest tier in the Hilton Honors program, designed for the most loyal travellers. To qualify, members must complete 80 nights and USD 18,000 in annual eligible spend.

Exclusive Diamond Reserve Benefits

This new Diamond Reserve status offers these exclusive benefits, in addition to everything listed above:

  • Guaranteed Upgrade (Confirmable Upgrade Reward): An upgrade is confirmed at the time of booking, up to a one-bedroom suite for stays of up to 7 nights. A second reward may be available after 120 nights or 30,000 accumulated points.
  • Guaranteed late checkout at 4:00 PM on every eligible stay
  • 24/7 Customer Service
  • Access to Premium Clubs: In addition to executive lounges, these VIP clubs are exclusive to Diamond Reserve members and located on property, offering elevated food and beverage experiences.
  • Absolute Priority: Confirmed upgrades up to three days before arrival
  • 120% Bonus: On all points earned during stays

There is no Hilton Honors affiliated credit card in Canada. However, Canadian travellers can still earn Hilton Honors points indirectly through credit cards that offer points transferable to Hilton.

The best are American Express cards, which allow you to transfer their Membership Rewards points to the Hilton Honors program:

And with the American Express Platinum Card, you automatically receive Hilton Honors Gold status just by holding the card.

Other ways to accumulate more Hilton Honors points are by purchasing points (especially during a promotional period with a bonus) or during promotions.

When Do These Changes Take Effect?

All these changes to the Hilton Honors program will take effect in 2026. Hilton has confirmed that the new reduced requirements for Gold (25 nights) and Diamond (50 nights) will apply starting early next year.

Current members will retain their existing benefits until the transition and will be able to take advantage of the new, more accessible thresholds starting in 2026.

Hilton Honors 2026 Status Comparison Chart

StatusNights Required 2025Nights Required 2026ReductionKey Benefits
Gold40 nights25 nights-15 nightsUpgrades, food credit or free breakfast, +80% points
Diamond60 nights50 nights-10 nightsExecutive lounge access, 48-hour booking guarantee, +100% points
Diamond ReserveN/A80 nights + USD 18,000New statusExecutive and Premium Clubs lounge access, confirmed upgrades at booking, concierge service, +120% points

Bottom Line

The changes announced for Hilton Honors 2026 represent an improvement for all members.

The reduction in thresholds for Gold and Diamond, which aligns with the Marriott Bonvoy program, combined with the introduction of the brand-new Diamond Reserve status, demonstrates that Hilton is adapting to the industry and its competitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Caroline Tremblay
Caroline Tremblay
Caroline, a loyalty program specialist, helps families maximize their points to travel more frequently and affordably. With expertise in Disney, AIR MILES, and Costco, she travels the world with her partner and two children through rewards. Passionate about the latest in loyalty programs, Caroline shares tips to help you earn more points and turn your travel dreams into reality.
All posts by Caroline Tremblay

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