What It’s Really Like To Have Diamond Reserve Status, Hilton’s New Tier Above Diamond

For years, many have argued that Hilton Honors Diamond status had become diluted, with too many elite members and not enough truly valuable, differentiating perks.

But in 2026, that finally changed. Hilton introduced a new tier above its longstanding highest level, dubbed Diamond Reserve. This ultraexclusive status was designed to separate its most loyal guests from the rest.

Diamond Reserve is built for true road warriors who are also hefty spenders, requiring 80 nights or 40 stays each year and a steep $18,000 annual spend to qualify. In return, it promises a new level of top-tier perks for Hilton’s most elite members.

After years of holding Diamond status, I now have Diamond Reserve this year — but what’s it actually like to have Hilton’s top-of-the-top status? Here’s how the Diamond Reserve benefits stack up in real life.

Upgrades Are Much Better

Upon qualifying for Diamond Reserve status, members receive a Confirmable Upgrade Award (CUR), which appears in their account under the tab that says “Rewards.” You can also earn a second CUR every year by reaching 120 nights.

The award is valid for 12 months from the date of issuance and can be applied to stays of up to 7 consecutive nights, either with cash or points. While the reward should work at all Hilton hotels and resorts, a notable exception is at Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) properties.

What makes this award extra special is that the upgrade can be confirmed at the time of booking, rather than something applied retroactively. Now, you can reserve a standard room and lock in an upgrade to a premium room, up to a 1-bedroom suite, depending on availability.

Best of all, you can book your upgraded stays up to 11 months in advance — so if you have a special destination in mind, you can confirm that in advance with Diamond Reserve.

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1-bedroom suite upgrade.

Beyond these confirmed upgrades, as a top-tier Diamond Reserve member, you now have the highest priority for complimentary, space-available upgrades, above Diamond, Gold, and Silver members.

On a recent ski trip, I skipped using a CUR and kept my fingers crossed for a nicer upgrade instead. Since occupancy at the Waldorf Astoria Park City was unusually low because of record warm temperatures, to my surprise, I was upgraded to a 1-bedroom suite. The upgrade was even confirmed a day before arrival — something that was rare when I held Diamond status.

I’ll have to test this more for my future reservations, but it seems that having Diamond Reserve actually holds more weight for scoring those complimentary upgrades.

4 p.m. Late Checkout (Finally)

Confirmed late checkout has long been a missing piece of the Hilton Honors program, so it’s great to see it added at the Diamond Reserve level. In line with perks offered to World of Hyatt Globalists and Marriott Bonvoy Platinum members, Diamond Reserve now includes guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout across Hilton properties.

It’s a valuable benefit that can extend your trip, especially compared to typical late-morning or noon checkouts. Whether you’re on a short 1- or 2-night trip or have a late evening flight, the peace of mind of having your hotel room for those extra hours can be meaningful for frequent travelers.

That said, it would’ve been nice to see Hilton pair this with a guaranteed early check-in; it’s understandable that it can be logistically difficult to execute both.

120% Points Bonus

Diamond Reserve members also enjoy a solid boost to their earning power, with a 120% bonus on eligible Hilton Honors stays. That’s 20% more bonus points than Diamond members earn.

Pair that with a Hilton co-branded American Express card, and the points really start to add up. Namely, the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card earns 14x points, and the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card earns 12x points on eligible Hilton purchases.

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card

Automatic Hilton Diamond status, an annual free night, and a travel and resort credit make this the perfect card for those who stay in Hilton hotels.

Welcome Offer

Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

150,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $750

Annual Fee

$550

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points 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.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

Paying hundreds of dollars for an annual fee on a co-branded hotel card might seem ridiculous, but you should know that the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card is much more than your run-of-the-mill hotel credit card.

The Hilton Aspire card is not only a phenomenal card for Hilton Honors loyalists, but even those who visit Hilton hotels just a few times a year can still get excellent value out of all the benefits that are packed into this card.

So let’s have a look at what makes the card so valuable to travelers.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 14x points per $1 on Hilton purchases
• 7x points per $1 on flights booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel, car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies, and at U.S. restaurants
• 3x points per $1 on all other eligible purchases

Cons

• High annual fee of $550 (rates & fees)

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Card Highlights

• Earn 150,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card after you spend $6,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy an Annual Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors in your first year of Card Membership and every year upon Card renewal.
• Card Members can earn 14X Points on purchases made directly with hotels and resorts within the Hilton portfolio.
• Card Members can earn 7X Points on purchases of Flights booked directly with airlines or flights booked through American Express Travel, Car rentals purchased directly from select car rental companies, and purchases at U.S. Restaurants.
• Card Members can earn 3X Points on all other eligible purchases.
• $400 Hilton Resort Credit: Get up to $200 in statement credits semi-annually for eligible purchases made directly with participating Hilton Resorts on your Hilton Honors Aspire Card. That's up to $400 back annually.
• $200 Flight Credit: Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter, for a total of up to $200 back each year, on flight purchases made directly with airlines or via AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ using your Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• $209 CLEAR+ Credit: You can receive up to $209 in statement credits per calendar year after you sign up and pay for a CLEAR+ Membership (subject to auto-renewal) with your eligible Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend $30,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you can earn an additional Free Night Reward from Hilton after you spend an additional $30,000 (for a total of $60,000) in purchases on your Card in the same calendar year.
• $100 Property Credit: Receive up to a $100 credit for qualifying charges at Waldorf Astoria^® Hotels & Resorts and Conrad^® Hotels & Resorts properties when you book a 2 night minimum stay with your Card at HiltonHonorsAspireCard.com and select the Aspire Card Benefit rate option on the booking page, or call Hilton Honors at 855-292-5757 with the proper booking reference.
• Hilton Honors Aspire Card Members can enjoy complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status, including perks like Executive Area Access (for full-size reservations and above) in the USA and Canada. Card Members must enroll in the National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status through their American Express online account using their Card. Terms apply.
• Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist^® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
• Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Card is active and in good standing.
• $550 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Terms Apply / Rates & Fees

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

U.P. Rating 

The rating for this card has been determined by our own industry experts who know the ins and outs of credit card products. Bonuses, rewards as well as rates and fees are all taken into account. Compensation from the issuer does not affect our rating. We only recommend products we either use ourselves or endorse.

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Apply Now(at Amex's secure site)

Apply With Confidence

Know if you're approved with no credit score impact

If you're approved and accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.

Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card

An excellent high-earning Hilton credit card that comes with perks like Hilton Honors Gold status and up to $200 in Hilton credits every year.

Welcome Offer

Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.

130,000 points

UP's Offer Valuation*:

Up to $650

Annual Fee

$150

APR

19.49%-28.49% Variable

Credit Recommended

Upgraded Points 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.

Good to Excellent

Why We Like This Card

If you’re someone who loves traveling and loves staying in Hilton hotels, adding a co-branded Hilton hotel card to your wallet is almost a no-brainer. From automatic Hilton elite status to up to $200 in Hilton credits every year, the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card can be a great fit for Hilton loyalists looking to up their travel game.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• 12x points per $1 at Hilton hotels
• 6x points per $1 at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. restaurants
• 4x points per $1 at U.S. online retail purchases

Cons

• $150 (rates & fees)

Read Full Review

Card Highlights

• Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus Points with the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card after you spend $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months of Card Membership.
• Enjoy complimentary Hilton Honors™ Gold status with your Card. Plus, spend $40,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year and you can earn an upgrade to Hilton Honors Diamond status through the end of the next calendar year.
• Get up to $50 in statement credits each quarter for purchases made directly with a property in the Hilton portfolio on your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card. That’s up to $200 in statement credits annually.
• Earn a Free Night Reward from Hilton Honors after you spend $15,000 on eligible purchases on your Card in a calendar year.
• Earn 12X Hilton Honors Bonus Points for each dollar of eligible purchases charged on your Card directly with a hotel or resort within the Hilton portfolio.
• Earn 6X Points for each dollar of purchases on your Card at U.S. restaurants, at U.S. supermarkets, and at U.S. gas stations.
• Earn 4X Points for each dollar on U.S. Online Retail Purchases.
• Earn 3X Points for all other eligible purchases on your Card.
• As a Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card Member, you can enroll to receive complimentary National Car Rental^® Emerald Club Executive^® status through the link on your American Express online account. After you’re enrolled, you can reserve a rental car by calling National Car Rental directly, using your travel service, or by booking online or through the National Car Rental mobile app. Terms apply.
• No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
• Whenever you travel more than 100 miles from home, Global Assist^® Hotline is available for 24/7 emergency assistance and coordination services, including medical and legal referrals, emergency cash wires, and missing luggage assistance. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers. Other terms and conditions apply.
• Points don’t expire while your Hilton Honors American Express Surpass^® Card is active and in good standing.
• $150 annual fee.
• Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
• Terms Apply.

Financial Snapshot

• APR: 19.49%-28.49% Variable
• Foreign Transaction Fees: None

Rewards Center

Hilton Honors

During a recent 2-night stay at the Waldorf Astoria Park City, we dined at the on-site restaurant and spent $50 per night on valet parking. On roughly $250 in total spending, we earned just over 10,000 Hilton Honors points.

Based on our current valuation of about 0.5 cents per Hilton Honors point, that’s roughly $50 back in travel value. In other words, that translates into a 20% return in points that I’ll put toward my next stay.

Access to Premium Clubs

For the first time ever, Hilton is offering complimentary access to its premium clubs exclusively for Hilton Diamond Reserve members and a guest. The bad news? There are only a dozen or so hotels with these premium clubs.

But if you do get the chance to book a Hilton hotel with a premium club, know that it’s a treat. Take, for example, the Conrad, Washington D.C., with its famed Sakura Club, which offers a dedicated concierge service, complimentary breakfast and dinner with made-to-order meals, and a 24/7 fridge stocked with unique snacks and drinks.

We can only hope that Hilton continues to expand its network of premium clubs, as this would be a cool benefit to see more consistently at full-service luxury hotels.

Noticeably Better Customer Service

If you ever need to call Hilton Honors customer service, the system automatically recognizes you as a Diamond Reserve member and routes you to a dedicated 24/7 support team.

I’ve called Hilton plenty of times over the years, and the difference has been noticeable when you’re speaking to Diamond Reserve support. For example, I’m planning a long weekend at the Waldorf Astoria Costa Rica Punta Cacique next year, booked using a mix of points and free night certificates across separate reservations.

I had to call to apply those certificates (since they can’t be booked online, unlike those upgrade certificates), and also wanted to see if I could use an upgrade award across multiple nights. The agent reached out to the property on my behalf and, instead of keeping me on hold for over an hour, followed up with a call once everything was sorted.

Is Diamond Reserve Status Worth It?

Diamond Reserve status can be incredibly valuable given Hilton’s massive global footprint, but it’s not something worth chasing purely for the chance at upgrades.

Unlike standard Diamond status, which you can unlock merely by holding the Hilton Aspire card, there isn’t a shortcut to earning Diamond Reserve status. For most travelers, pursuing elite status — and certainly not the very top level — rarely makes sense unless you’re consistently on the road.

That said, if Hilton is your primary brand, hitting the 80-night or 40-stay threshold may be doable. But the real hurdle is the $18,000 spending requirement. And to be clear, that’s not co-branded credit card spending: It’s $18,000 in actual on-property charges, such as room rates and incidentals.

There are other clear strengths, but also notable gaps in Diamond Reserve. Complimentary daily breakfast for 2 guests at domestic properties, for example, would have been a major differentiator from Diamond. Unfortunately, Hilton didn’t even increase the value of the daily food and beverage credit for Diamond Reserve members, which feels like a missed opportunity.

Another downside of the Hilton Honors program is the cost of redeeming points at top-tier properties. You often need hundreds of thousands of points — sometimes even over a million — for a single stay, which makes it harder to feel like you’re getting outsized value.

The reality is that Hilton Honors operates very differently from a program like World of Hyatt, where nearly all redemptions feel high-value. Hyatt’s strength lies in its reasonable award pricing, while Hilton’s edge is on the earning side, from 120% elite bonus points to generous credit card multipliers to frequent promotions.

Altogether, it’s arguably easier to rack up Hilton points than with any other major hotel program — and there is a much larger portfolio of hotels to use those points at.

Final Thoughts

Overall, it’s great to see Hilton investing more in its most loyal members, as Diamond Reserve represents a clear step above standard Diamond. In reality, though, only the highest-spending road warriors will qualify, which may very well be the point.