The Guide to Hilton Diamond Status

Are you a Hilton loyalist? Do you arrive in a city, scope out the nearest Hilton property, and settle in without looking elsewhere? Hilton rewards its frequent customers with an elite status program that offers suite upgrades, food and beverage credits and executive lounge access, so it’s no surprise that many travelers seek out its hotels.

Here's a look at Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status, the benefits that this top-tier elite status provides and how much it’s worth.

Sitting at the top of the four tiers of the Hilton Honors loyalty program, Hilton’s Diamond elite status comes with an impressive array of perks. This includes:

• 100% bonus on points. Diamond members earn an additional 100% bonus on all Hilton Honors points earned during stays.

• Room upgrades. Those with Diamond status can be upgraded to a one-bedroom suite, if available.

• Executive lounge access. Diamonds receive access to the lounge no matter their room type.

• 48-hour room guarantee. The Diamond guarantee allows members to book rooms at sold-out hotels with at least 48 hours of notice.

• Elite status gifting. Diamonds can gift Hilton Honors™ Gold Status to other members once they’ve stayed 40 nights per year. They can gift Diamond status after staying 70 nights per year.

• No resort fees on award stays. This benefit is awarded at all tiers of status; it can save up to $45 per night in some locations.

• Complimentary WiFi. Diamond members are entitled to premium complimentary internet.

• Free bottled water. This benefit starts at Silver elite status but applies to Diamonds as well.

• Fifth night free. Silver elite members and above receive the fifth night free on award stays.

• Diamond status extension. Allows for a one-time extension of elite status after meeting eligible criteria.

• Daily food and beverage credit or complimentary breakfast. Gold members and above receive a credit (in the U.S.) or free breakfast when staying with Hilton.

• Late check-out. Diamond members can request up to a 4 p.m. check out.

Can Hilton Diamond members check in early? Unfortunately, this isn't guaranteed, even for top-tier status holders. Availability varies by property, but it never hurts to ask.

» Learn more: The complete guide to Hilton Honors

There are four different ways to become a Hilton Diamond member, though some are more challenging than others. However, for 2022, Hilton has reduced its requirements for earning elite status by 30%, making it easier to earn status.

Stays

If you’re trying to become a Diamond member based on the number of stays, you’ll need to complete 21 stays in a calendar year. This can be good for those who frequently stay a single night in a Hilton hotel.

Nights

Members can earn Diamond elite status by staying 42 nights in a calendar year.

Base points

Base points are earned according to the amount of money you spend. Most stays grant 10 base points per dollar spent, meaning the more expensive the hotel, the more easily you’ll earn status. Tru and Home2 stays earn five base points per dollar spent.

To become a Diamond member via base points, you’ll need to earn 84,000 points in a year.

Credit cards

The easiest method to obtain Diamond elite status comes via Hilton’s co-branded credit cards. Two of these cards can get you to Diamond.

Here's how to get Hilton Diamond status for free (in essence): The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card grants you complimentary Hilton Honors™ Diamond Status for as long as you hold the card. You’ll pay a $550 annual fee in return, but the card also comes with a number of other benefits, including an anniversary free night certificate and a $400 resort fee credit.

Your other option is the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card. Charging just a $150 annual fee, the card gives you complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold Status. However, you can also opt to spend $40,000 on the card in a calendar year, which will give you Diamond status.

Terms apply.

» Learn more: Is a Hilton Honors credit card worth it?

NerdWallet reviewed a variety of hotels to determine the value of their elite status programs. Of these, Hilton scored second-best overall, lagging just behind Hyatt. To calculate the value of these benefits, we compared tangible value that you can receive from the program, such as suite upgrades, lounge access and free breakfast.

» Learn more: Which is better, Hyatt or Hilton?

Achieving lifetime Diamond elite status

It’s possible to earn lifetime Diamond elite status with Hilton. To do so, you’ll need to be a Diamond member for at least 10 (non-consecutive) years. You’ll also need to complete one additional milestone:

• Complete stays totaling at least 1,000 paid and reward nights or...

• Earn two million base points.

Once you’ve completed these requirements, you’ll receive Diamond elite status for life, no matter how many Hilton stays you complete in the future.

» Learn more: The best perks of lifetime Diamond

Status match

Hilton has a dedicated program for status matches. You’ll need proof of elite status in another program to be eligible. You must also not have enrolled in a status match with Hilton previously. Finally, only those with a general member or Silver elite status can request a match.

Once your request is approved, you’ll be upgraded to Gold status for a trial period of 90 days. If you’d like to extend your Gold status or reach Diamond status, you’ll need to complete the following requirements:

• Stay seven nights within 90 days to receive Gold status.

• Stay 12 nights within 90 days to receive Diamond status.

» Learn more: A guide to hotel elite status matches

How long does Hilton Diamond status last?

Hilton elite status is typically valid for the year that you’ve earned it and the year afterward. For example, if you earn Diamond status in March 2023, you’ll hold it through the rest of 2023 and all of 2024.

Those who hold a Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card will have Diamond status as long as they have the card.

» Learn more: How to make the most of Hilton Diamond status

If you already held Diamond elite status in 2021, Hilton automatically extended your elite status until March 31, 2023. There have been no updates that Hilton will extend status beyond this date.

» Learn more: How much are Hilton points worth?

Hilton’s top-tier Diamond elite status offers big rewards, including suite upgrades, food and beverage credits and executive lounge access. Although it’s possible to earn Diamond status by spending a lot of time in Hilton hotels, holding one of its co-branded credit cards is a more cost-effective way to take advantage of this highly lucrative status.

Photo courtesy of Hilton.