Hilton Honors elite status: What it is and how to earn it
If you've ever been a road warrior, chances are you've experienced firsthand how valuable hotel elite status is, thanks to the on-property perks it conveys to frequent guests. However, it can be challenging to understand the value of these benefits, especially considering the time and expense you may need to invest to earn them.
Fortunately, the Hilton Honors loyalty program has various shortcuts to start enjoying benefits immediately.
In this guide, we'll explore Hilton's loyalty program to help you determine whether it is worth pursuing. We'll also discuss earning Hilton elite status through stays, spending and the right credit cards.
Related: The 21 best Hilton hotels in the world
What is Hilton Honors status?
Hilton Honors is Hilton's loyalty program, used by over 8,000 properties in more than 170 countries. The program includes high-end brands like Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton and Curio Collection by Hilton, plus budget-friendly brands like Hilton Garden Inn and Home2 Suites by Hilton. You can join Hilton Honors for free online as an entry-level member.
Hilton rewards its most loyal customers in the Hilton Honors program with the following elite status levels:
- Silver
- Gold
- Diamond
- Lifetime Diamond
How to qualify for Hilton Honors status
Here's a look at what you'll need to qualify for Hilton status every calendar year:
- Silver: 10 nights, four separate stays or 25,000 base points
- Gold: 40 nights, 20 separate stays or 75,000 base points
- Diamond: 60 nights, 30 separate stays or 120,000 base points
Lifetime Diamond status in the Hilton Honors program is given to any member who has held Diamond status for 10 years (the years do not need to be consecutive) and has reached at least one of the following milestones:
- Completed 1,000 nights in Hilton properties (these can be a mix of paid and reward nights)
- Earned at least 2 million base points
Hilton Honors status levels and benefits
Here's a look at the benefits you'll receive when you reach each elite status level in the Hilton Honors program.
Silver
The lowest Hilton Honors elite tier offers:
- Bonus points: Earn 20% more points than a regular member, which equals 2 extra points per dollar spent (12 points total) at most properties or 1 extra point per dollar spent (6 points total) at Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton brands.
- Fifth night free on award stays: Whenever a Silver member redeems Hilton Honors points for stays of up to 20 nights, they will receive every fifth night free (up to four free nights).
- Two complimentary bottles of water per stay: This perk is offered at most properties (Hampton by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton are excluded).
- Elite rollover nights: When a Silver member completes more than the minimum 10 stays or four nights required for Silver status, the excess nights can roll over to the following year's status qualification, giving them a head start on the next year.
- 15% discount at an all-inclusive spa
Gold
The next tier of the Hilton Honors program is Gold status, which offers all of the Silver status benefits, plus:
- 80% points bonus: Earn an 80% bonus on paid stays, resulting in an additional 8 points per dollar spent (18 points total) at most properties or 4 extra points per dollar spent (9 points total) at Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton brands.
- Room upgrades: Gold members are eligible for space-available upgrades to preferred rooms (up to executive floor room types) at most brands. Suite upgrades are not included, though they can still happen. Brands that do not offer complimentary upgrades are Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton, Hilton Grand Vacations and Motto by Hilton.
- Food-and-beverage credit or breakfast (varies by brand and region): Gold members and one additional registered guest will enjoy a complimentary food-and-beverage credit at most brands in the U.S. or a continental breakfast abroad.
- Milestone bonus: After reaching 40 eligible nights in a calendar year, Gold members earn 10,000 bonus points for every 10 nights they stay.
Diamond
The top tier in the Hilton Honors program is Diamond, which provides all of the Gold benefits, as well as:
- 100% points bonus: Diamond members earn a 100% bonus on all stays, taking home 10 extra points per dollar spent (20 points total) at most properties or 5 additional points per dollar spent (10 total) at Home2 Suites by Hilton and Tru by Hilton brands.
- Room upgrades: Diamond members enjoy similar upgrade perks as Gold members, but the terms and conditions specifically include suites (junior, standard or one-bedroom).
- Executive lounge access: Diamond members are guaranteed executive lounge access at applicable properties, even when they aren't upgraded to an executive-level room.
- 48-hour room guarantee: Hilton Honors provides guaranteed availability for Diamond members with 48 hours of notice.
- Complimentary premium internet: Hilton Honors provides complimentary internet to all members of its loyalty program, but Diamond members can access faster premium networks during their stays.
- Elite status gifting: When a Diamond member stays 60 nights in a calendar year, they can gift Gold status to another member. After staying 100 nights a year, this gift is upgraded to Diamond.
- Diamond status extension: Enjoy a one-time status extension for an extra year. This perk is only available to those who have been Diamond members for at least three years, stayed 250 lifetime nights or earned 500,000 base points.
Can a credit card help earn Hilton Honors status?
Hilton Honors status is easy to earn with the following credit cards (enrollment is required):
| Hilton Honors status | Is a benefit of the following cards |
|---|---|
| Silver |
|
| Gold |
|
| Diamond |
|
This means you can hold top-tier elite status without any stay or spending requirement in a Hilton property.
Is Hilton Honors status worth it?
When deciding on a hotel loyalty program, make sure it has properties where you travel the most. Thankfully, Hilton has thousands of properties in the U.S. and abroad. From large cities to expressways, you'll find that Hilton has a diverse portfolio, so, in most cases, there's a Hilton near wherever you are. Compared with smaller programs like World of Hyatt, there is more likely to be a Hilton property in the destination you are visiting.
You'll walk away with a solid stash of Hilton Honors points whether you're earning status organically or through a credit card. So, you should ensure you value Hilton Honors points before chasing Hilton elite status — otherwise, you could be left with a stash of points you can't use.
Remember, Hilton prices award nights dynamically. This means the number of points you'll need can vary based on demand, cash pricing or other factors. Because of this, we've seen Hilton award rates range from very reasonable to astronomically high, like well over 1 million points per night for the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi on peak dates.
Hilton elite status is one of the easiest to earn since many credit cards include it as a perk. This is, however, a double-edged sword because it means there are many Hilton elite members out there. If you are staying at a property in the U.S., dozens of other Gold and Diamond members could stay there simultaneously, meaning upgrades are rarer and early check-in or late checkout is harder to get. Don't expect a jaw-dropping suite upgrade as a Diamond member in the U.S., though these are much more likely at properties in Asia and the Middle East.
That said, Hilton Gold status is probably the best mid-tier hotel status you can hold, given it comes with either a food-and-beverage credit in the U.S. or access to continental breakfast in other countries (though a full hot breakfast is usually offered, no questions asked). Gold status is worth having if you value a free drink at the bar in the evening or breakfast the next morning. Diamond status is especially valuable if you regularly stay at properties outside of the U.S., as these properties are generally where you'll find fewer Diamond members during your visit.
Bottom line
Earning elite status with a hotel program is a great way to maximize your stays, and Hilton Honors offers some nice perks for its loyal customers. Getting even the highest levels of Hilton elite status is easy, as the Hilton Honors Aspire Card includes top-tier Diamond status as one of its benefits.
Hilton points are not the most valuable hotel points you can earn — and Hilton status is not the most valuable hotel status available. However, Hilton properties are everywhere, from the largest cities to small towns worldwide. Plus, Hilton Honors points are easy to earn and redeem.
Holding elite status in the Hilton program is a great way to maximize your travel, especially for Gold members who receive a food-and-beverage credit and for Diamond members staying outside the U.S. Plus, Hilton elite members (Silver and above) can take advantage of a fifth night free on award stays, which increases the value of your points.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Surpass, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Hilton Honors Business, click here.
For rates and fees of the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Platinum Card, click here.
For rates and fees of the Amex Business Platinum Card, click here.
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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.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.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.