Hilton confirms new Diamond Reserve tiers for 2026 and confirmable upgrade rewards
Earlier this month, TPG reported that Hilton may add new top-level membership tiers to its loyalty program and reduce requirements for existing tiers. As of today, we can officially confirm that these changes are indeed happening in the new year.
Here’s information about Hilton’s newest and most elite membership tier, Diamond Reserve, confirmed, as well as information about faster pathways to Gold and Diamond status in 2026.
Related: The 21 Best Hilton Hotels in the World
Introducing Hilton’s new premium level Diamond Reserve
Designed for Hilton’s most loyal members, guests can achieve the new Diamond Reserve status through significant spend and stay requirements. You need to stay 80 nights and Spend $18,000 in qualified expenses per year to qualify. Members can begin working toward this new status on January 1, 2026.
“Loyalty is not something we take lightly. We’ve been listening to our members for years. The Diamond Reserve was created to recognize and reward those who entrust their travel to Hilton,” Mark Weinstein, Hilton’s chief marketing officer and head of luxury brands, said in a statement. “We know that enhancing the stay experience is the cornerstone of greater loyalty, so we’ve crafted a set of ultra-premium benefits designed to make the Hilton experience even better.”
One of the coveted perks that come with Diamond Reserve membership is the Confirmable Upgrade Bonus, which “allows eligible members to lock in a premium room upgrade at the time of booking, including a one-bedroom suite for stays of up to seven nights,” according to a statement from the company. Confirmable upgrade awards are available for stays booked through the Hilton app. Members will receive their first confirmable upgrade reward immediately upon reaching Diamond Reserve status, with the option to receive a second reward at the 120-night milestone. These awards can be used on eligible paid stays and award stays at select Hilton properties that offer complimentary upgrades before arrival, including luxury brand properties such as Waldorf Astoria, Conrad and LXR.
Other benefits of diamond stockpiling include:
- Guaranteed late check-out time of 4pm for every qualifying stay
- Get a dedicated customer service support team (24/7)
- Complimentary access to Hilton Executive Lounge and Premium Club
- Highest priority for upgrades with available space, confirmed up to three days before check-in
- Earn 120% Bonus Hilton Honors Points Every Stay
An easier path to Gold and Diamond status in 2026
In addition to adding new elite tiers, Hilton plans to make it easier to qualify for Gold and Diamond status in 2026 (note that Silver status will remain the same).
Reward your inbox with the TPG daily newsletter
Join over 700,000 readers and get breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive offers from TPG experts
“Members tell us they want more personal recognition and meaningful rewards on their unique travel journeys,” Hilton President and CEO Chris Nassetta said in a company statement. “That’s why we’re proud to start a new chapter in Hilton Honors by delivering on what our members tell us matters most: making loyalty more accessible and valuable in more places around the world.”
These changes are as follows:
- Gold status now requires 15 stays, 25 nights or $6,000 in purchases
- Gold members will continue to enjoy the same benefits (advance confirmation of available space upgrades, daily dining credit or continental breakfast, and an additional 80% Hilton Honors points).
- Diamond status now requires 25 stays, 50 nights or $11,500 in purchases.
- Diamond members will continue to enjoy the same benefits (advance confirmation of room upgrade availability, daily dining credit or continental breakfast, Executive Lounge access, 48-hour room guarantee and 100% more Hilton Honors points).
bottom line
While there are certainly some big changes coming to the Hilton Honors ecosystem with the launch of a new elite status and two major tiers in 2026, members can still enjoy the same benefits they know and love, like a calendar with no blackout dates, no resort fees for award stays booked with all points, and of course, the fifth night free benefit.
The new Diamond Reserve tier is Hilton’s move to ensure its most loyal members (many of whom are road warriors) feel appreciated and rewarded. It’s certainly only available to a select few, but the company appears to be making those members feel as valued as possible, with access to a specially trained customer service team and exciting new upgrade offers.
Related reading
