Hilton Honors Introduces 3 Enhanced Perks for Elite Members

Updated: October 21, 2021, 7:09am CDT

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The 3 Enhanced Perks
Final Thoughts

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Hilton has announced that changes are coming for its elite status holders.

Guests can expect enhancements to some of the perks already available to elite members thanks to improvements and innovations relating to the technology that Hilton uses.

“Our approach to technology always starts with the guest experience, and as travel returns, we are pleased to provide Hilton guests with enhancements to their stay that are seamless, flexible, and allow them to focus on what matters most — creating new memories,” said Chris Silcock, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer for Hilton.

Let’s find out more.

The 3 Enhanced Perks

The perks in question are changes to Hilton’s Digital Key Share, room upgrades, and connection room confirmations.

Digital Key Share

Less plastic is fantastic. Since 2015, Hilton has rolled out its Digital Key technology in around 80% of its hotels across the globe, meaning guests no longer need to carry a plastic key.

The new enhancement means that a primary hotel guest will be able to invite up to 3 additional guests to use the digital key for the same room.

Hilton's DKS Receiving Key — Image Credit: Hilton

Once access has been given, the additional keys will work for the duration of the stay.

Only the primary guest will be able to share and make changes to the Digital Key.

Guests can expect the key sharing to be available “in the coming months.”

Room Upgrades

As a Gold or Diamond elite member, finding out you’ve been upgraded at check-in is undoubtedly one of the best elite status perks.

Alexandra Barcelona - a Curio Collection. The terrace of the King Junior Suite — You just can’t beat an upgrade, especially when it looks like this. Alexandra Barcelona – a Curio Collection. Image Credit: Daniel Ross

Hilton is taking this up a level by advising Gold or Diamond guests of their upgrade up to 72 hours before their arrival.

Once an email or in-app notification has been received, at 36 hours prior to arrival, lucky guests will be able to use the Hilton Honors app to choose the location of their upgrade.

The early upgraded alerts will only be available on stays of up to 7 nights and include the following Hilton brands: Canopy by Hilton, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Signia by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts.

Connecting Room Confirmations

Pre-confirmation of interconnecting rooms was introduced by Hilton earlier in 2021. However, it is now being rolled out globally and will be available to use when booking through Hilton.com or via the Hilton Honors app.

When booking, guests must check the box that says Connecting Rooms. This will allow them to select their preferred connecting rooms and get instant confirmation on booking.

Hilton Connecting Rooms — Image Credit: Hilton

This will be welcomed most of all by families and those traveling in groups.

Final Thoughts

While not revolutionary, the benefits of Hilton’s latest perk upgrades for digital key share, room upgrades, and connecting room confirmations, are sure to enhance your future stays as an elite member.

For ideas on where to plan your next Hilton vacation, check out our guide to the best ways to redeem Hilton Honors points for hotel stays for maximum value.