How to Earn Hotel Elite Status for Life
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
There's no sweeter feeling than checking in to your hotel after a long flight and having the receptionist recognize your elite status, thank you for your loyalty and offer you an upgrade to a suite with a view. But if you don't meet the strict requalification thresholds for hotel status each year, you'll lose it as fast as you got it!
However, there is a way to earn hotel elite status for life, and unlike lifetime airline status, it doesn't require traveling a million miles. The major hotel chains — Hyatt, Hilton, Marriott and Starwood — all offer their own lifetime status programs to reward customers who are loyal for more than just a year at a time.
Hyatt Lifetime Status
This past March, Hyatt launched its rebranded "World of Hyatt" loyalty program. While the changes make it harder to qualify for top-tier Globalist status on a yearly basis, Hyatt's lifetime status is the simplest and most straightforward of them all. Globalist is the only level you can earn, and there's only one requirement:
Earn a million points over the course of the program, and you'll enjoy top-tier Globalist status for life. No lifetime nights or years with elite status to keep track of; just one metric and one tier it can unlock. Globalists earn some pretty nice benefits, including a 30% points bonus, suite upgrades and Club access and/or free breakfast. Points earned from the Hyatt Credit Card don't count toward lifetime status.
Hilton Lifetime Status
Like World of Hyatt, the Hilton Honors program only offers the ability to earn its top-tier Diamond status for life. Unfortunately, the threshold for doing so is much steeper. Lifetime Diamond requires a total of 10 years of Diamond status (non-consecutive) and:
- 1,000 lifetime nights (including both paid and award stays)
or
- 2 million lifetime points
If you manage to meet those requirements, you'll get a lifetime of suite upgrades, 50% points bonuses, Diamond welcome amenities and other cool perks like a fifth night free on award bookings. Only base points are eligible toward lifetime status so you can't qualify through co-branded credit card spending, though if you have the Hilton Honors Surpass Card from American Express and spend $40,000 a year on it, you'll automatically get Hilton Diamond status, and only need 9 more years of Diamond to earn lifetime status.
Marriott Lifetime Status
After the Marriott-Starwood merger is complete and the two chains are fully integrated, Marriott will be the largest hotel company with over 1 million rooms worldwide. That means more options for earning and redeeming points, and more properties where elites can enjoy their benefits. Marriott Rewards members earn status after reaching the following thresholds:
- Lifetime Silver Elite: 250 nights and 1.2 million points
- Lifetime Gold Elite: 500 nights and 1.6 million points
- Lifetime Platinum Elite: 750 nights and 2 million points
While a million of anything sounds like a lot, you don't need all these points in your account to earn lifetime status; you just need to have earned that many over the course of your membership in the program. Points from hotel stays, credit card spending and transfers from Chase Ultimate Rewards count toward the total, but unfortunately transfers from SPG don't.
Silver elites can look forward to a lifetime of 20% bonus points on all Marriott and Ritz-Carlton stays, while Gold and Platinum members earn 25% and 50% bonuses, respectively. Gold and Platinum elites also are eligible for space available upgrades (including suites!), and thanks to the RewardsPlus program Platinum elites get complimentary United Premier Silver status, which TPG values at $920.
Thankfully, award nights also count toward lifetime status. While transferring Ultimate Rewards points to Marriott usually represents a poor value, transferring enough for a seven-night Hotel+ Air Package would earn you a nice chunk of lifetime points and lifetime nights all in one go.
If you want some extra help, considering the Marriott Rewards Premier Credit Card and the Marriott Rewards Premier Business Credit Card from Chase. Each is offering a sign-up bonus of 75,000 points after you spend $3,000 in the first three months, as well as 15 elite night credits every year, both of which count toward your lifetime status.
SPG Lifetime Status
From the day Marriott announced its takeover of SPG, the brand's taken steps to unify the programs, offering instant point transfers and status matches. While we don't have an exact date on when the single combined loyalty program will be announced, it's pretty clear that the SPG program has an expiration date. If you're close to meeting the requirements for SPG lifetime status (i.e., within the next year) it might be worth pursuing, but if you're just getting started, you'll have better luck long-term focusing on Marriott. Instead of counting total points, SPG members can lock in their status with a combination of lifetime nights and number of years with elite status:
- Lifetime SPG Gold: 250 nights and 5 years of elite status
- Lifetime SPG Platinum: 500 nights and 10 years of Platinum status
SPG Gold members get room upgrades at check-in (excluding suites) and a 50% points bonus, while Platinum members get the same points bonus plus suite upgrades, depending on availability.
Since SPG counts lifetime years instead of points, unless you're 1-2 years away from earning lifetime status you probably won't get there before the program disappears. Note that while the Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express and the Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Card from American Express each offer 5 night credits annually to cardholders these credits don't count toward the requirements for lifetime status.
Bottom Line
While the requirements vary by brand, lifetime status isn't easy to achieve with any program. And it isn't supposed to be; the goal is to reward customers who've been loyal to a brand for years or even decades, but there are things you can do to chip away. This obviously isn't for everyone, as it requires a long-term commitment, but it sure would be nice to never worry about chasing status again.
Are you working toward lifetime hotel elite status?
TPG featured card
Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.