Suite upgrades, bonus points and more: 6 amazing benefits that make Hilton Diamond status worthwhile

Editor’s note: This is a recurring post, regularly updated with new information.

The Hilton Honors program has undergone significant changes in the last few years, including a name change and several new features like the ability to pool points with friends and family.

While Hilton's variable award pricing raised the cost of many properties and reduced the program's overall value, there's still one group of customers who can count on exceptional treatment: Diamond elites. The top members of Hilton's loyalty program continue to enjoy incredible perks that enhance their stays' value and comfort. Here are the top six benefits of Hilton Diamond status.

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Hilton Diamond Status is possibly the easiest top-tier hotel elite status to earn, and it can be obtained in several different ways. Frequent travelers earn Diamond status after 30 stays or 60 nights in a calendar year or after earning 120,000 base points in a year. Due to the pandemic, these requirements have been reduced by half.

Those who travel less but still want to enjoy luxury perks also have several options for earning Diamond status. Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card cardholders automatically receive Hilton Gold status and can upgrade to Diamond by spending $40,000 a year on the card. The card comes with a $95 annual fee (see rates & fees).

Meanwhile, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers complimentary Diamond status, which is one way it takes the sting out of its $450 annual fee (see rates and fees). Even better, it's currently featuring a welcome offer of 150,000 bonus points after spending $4,000 on purchases within the first three months of account opening.

The information for the Hilton Aspire card has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.

Whatever path you take to get there, you'll enjoy being a Diamond member. Here are six of the best benefits available to Hilton's top elites.

Related: Choosing the best Hilton credit card for you

Room upgrades

There aren't many sweeter (suiter?) feelings in the world than booking the cheapest room at a luxury hotel, yet staying in one of the most expensive ones. Diamond members enjoy space-available upgrades at eligible Hilton properties worldwide, but unlike lower-tier elites, the terms and conditions explicitly include suites. The rate difference between a standard room and a suite at higher-end properties can often be hundreds of dollars a night, making this one of the most valuable benefits.

Related: How to redeem Hilton points for upgraded rooms

Bonus points

Diamond members can rest assured that if they end up paying cash instead of redeeming points for their stay, they'll at least get some hefty earnings in return. Diamonds get a 100% points bonus, which works out to 10 extra points per dollar at most full-service properties.

Counting the base points they earn, this adds up to a nice 20 points per dollar spent. TPG values Hilton points at 0.6 cents each, so this works out to a generous 12% return on cash bookings.

Related: The best ways to earn points with the Hilton Honors program

Executive floor lounge access

In addition to complimentary breakfast for you and one guest, Diamond members receive access to the Executive Floor Lounge (where applicable) even if they aren't upgraded to an Executive Floor room. Not every property has a lounge, but those that do, often provide multiple food and drink offerings a day, including breakfast, hors d'oeuvres and evening cocktails.

Related: Hilton shares details of food and beverage credit replacing daily breakfast

Welcome amenity

Sometimes the smallest personal touches are the ones that make the largest impact, and Hilton goes out of its way to make Diamond members feel welcome all around the world. While the exact benefits vary by property, Diamond members will receive a welcome amenity at check-in.

This might be bonus points, complimentary drinks, or a tasty snack like the one TPG Contributor Eric Rosen found in his room at the Waldorf Astoria Amsterdam.

Fifth night free on award stays

While this benefit is available to all Hilton elites (with a minimum of Silver status), frequent travelers with Diamond status are sure to get the most value out of it. Diamond members will receive every fifth night free on stays up to 20 nights when booking award stays using all points. This means if you max out the bonus, you can get up to four free nights per stay.

If you're traveling to a faraway destination like the Conrad Maldives (shown below) but don't quite have enough points to extend your stay, the fifth-night free benefit could come in really handy.

Related: Maximizing redemptions with Hilton Honors

Diamond status extension

This is the most unique benefit offered to Diamond members and one not matched by other hotel chains. Current Diamond elites who've held Diamond status for at least three years (not necessarily consecutive) and have at least 250 lifetime paid and award nights or at least 500,000 lifetime base points get one chance to extend their Diamond status by a year.

If you're just not traveling as much as you used to, remember that "life changes, but your status shouldn't have to." Just don't forget this perk can only be used one time, so make it count.

It's worth noting that Hilton has extended elite status due to the coronavirus pandemic. However, this benefit will definitely come in handy after the pandemic.

Related: 7 reasons to get the Amex Hilton Aspire card

For rates and fees of the Hilton Aspire Card, please click here.

For rates and fees of the Hilton Surpass Card, please click here.