Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status: Is there an actual difference? Hilton elite status can help you secure room upgrades, free meals, faster Wi-Fi, and bonus points. It’s one of the most generous hotel loyalty programs around—and easy to access, thanks to the Hilton credit cards.
It’s why I always keep a Hilton credit card in my wallet and happily pay the annual fee. Both status levels offer tremendous perks and value, but which status level should you pursue: Hilton Gold or Diamond?
While Hilton Gold and Diamond status are very similar, there are a few key differences that make it worth upgrading:
- Room upgrades: Hilton Honors Diamond members qualify for space-available upgrades up to a suite. Hilton Gold members qualify for upgrades as high as club level rooms.
- Lounge access: Hilton Diamond members get complimentary lounge access at hotels with an executive lounge. Meanwhile, Hilton Gold elites only get lounge access if they’re upgraded to a club room.
- Bonus points: Hilton Diamond members earn 100% bonus points on paid stays, while Hilton Gold members earn 80% bonus points.
- Free Wi-Fi: Hilton Gold and Diamond members both get complimentary Wi-Fi. Gold members get standard Wi-Fi, while Diamond members qualify for premium internet.
Here’s a closer look at how they compare and why some travelers should upgrade, and others can stick to Gold:
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- Hilton Gold vs. Diamond benefits
- How to earn Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status
- Hilton Lifetime Diamond status
- Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status: Which is better?
- What is the difference between Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status?
- How to go from Hilton Gold to Diamond
- Is it hard to get Hilton Diamond status?
- Is there a level higher than Diamond at Hilton?
- Do Hilton Gold members get free upgrades?
- Can you lose Hilton Gold status?
- How many stays to get Hilton Gold?
- Is Hilton Gold or Diamond status better?
- Is it worth it to be a Hilton Gold or Diamond member?
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond benefits
The difference between Hilton Gold and Diamond status is significant, even if you’re not a frequent traveler. Hilton Diamond members earn more points than Gold elites. They also receive complimentary lounge access and are eligible for room upgrades, including suites, when space is available.
Both Hilton Gold and Diamond elite members receive complimentary breakfast at Hilton stays abroad and a food and beverage credit stateside. Most notably, Hilton Diamond benefits include complimentary lounge access. This can be a great way to expand the meal perk beyond breakfast since many hotel lounges include afternoon tea and evening appetizers that can substitute meals.
That being said, fewer hotels offer lounges nowadays, and the ones in the U.S. are substantially less generous than their international counterparts.
| Hilton Gold benefits | Hilton Diamond benefits | |
| Bonus points on stays | 80% | 100% |
| Room upgrades | Up to executive floor rooms | Up to a suite |
| Complimentary breakfast or food and beverage credit? | Yes, when selected as a MyWay benefit | Yes |
| Lounge access? | Only available when upgraded to the executive floor | Yes |
| Milestone bonuses | Yes | Yes |
| Fifth night free on award stays | Yes | Yes |
| Elite status gifting | No | Yes |
| Premium Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| 48-hour room gurantee | No | Yes |
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond room upgrades
- Hilton Gold room upgrade: Up to suites
- Hilton Gold room upgrade: Up to executive level rooms
Both Hilton Gold and Diamond members qualify for room upgrades based on availability. The difference? Upgrades for Hilton Diamond upgrades may include suites, while Hilton Gold members only qualify for upgrades to preferred rooms
Preferred rooms include “executive level rooms” on higher floors with lounge access. That being said, I have received suite upgrades as a Hilton Gold elite member, even though it’s not guaranteed.
Your experience may vary, but Hilton is incredibly generous to Gold elite members – especially abroad.
But if you want to increase your odds of a suite upgrade, Hilton Diamond is the way to go.
Exceptions
Hilton’s terms specify that upgrades only apply to one room per reservation. However, in my experience, some properties will extend the upgrade to multiple rooms. When I booked three rooms at the Conrad Makkah, the hotel upgraded two of our standard rooms to suites and extended breakfast and lounge access to everyone on the reservation. This isn’t something you should expect as the norm (especially since Hilton’s terms contradict this), but it may happen.
In addition to the above restrictions, several Hilton brands and properties are exempt from offering room upgrades to Hilton Honors elite members:
- Embassy Suites
- Hampton by Hilton
- Hilton Garden Inn
- Spark by Hilton
- Tru by Hilton
- Homewood Suites by Hilton
- Home2 Suites by Hilton
- Hilton Grand Vacations
- Motto by Hilton
- Napua Tower at Grand Wailea
- Imperial Floor at Rome Cavalieri
- Waldorf Astoria Malfives Ithaafushi
- Conrad Maldives Rangali Island
- Hilton Maldives Amingiri Resort & Spa
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond complimentary breakfast or F&B credit
- Hilton Hilton breakfast/food and beverage credit: Standard
- Hilton Gold breakfast/food and beverage credit: Only available when selected as a MyWay benefit
Both Hilton Gold and Diamond members receive a daily food and beverage credit for two at select brands. Depending on the property, this credit usually ranges between $15 and $30. At hotels abroad, elite members receive complimentary continental breakfast instead.
Hilton Gold elite members only qualify for complimentary breakfast or a food and beverage credit if they choose it as their MyWay benefit.
Even though Hilton’s complimentary breakfast is continental and only available for two guests, I’ve found hotels to be more generous. As a Hilton Diamond member, I often receive this benefit for every guest on my reservation when booking multiple rooms.
During my stay at the Hagia Sofia Mansions in Istanbul, the staff extended complimentary breakfast to all nine guests in my group. The benefit was supposed to be limited to continental breakfast only, but we ordered hot items, too, and the staff never charged us for them. Again, this isn’t the norm but rather an exception.
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond lounge access
- Hilton Hilton Diamond executive lounge access: Standard
- Hilton Gold executive lounge access: Only when upgraded to the executive floor
Executive lounge access is the main differentiator between Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status. Diamond members are guaranteed executive lounge access at properties that have one.
Meanwhile, Hilton Gold elite members only receive lounge access if they’ve been upgraded to an executive floor room. This sometimes works out favorably because sending you to the lounge can be cheaper than providing breakfast at the restaurant. This is pure speculation, but it would explain why I got so many executive room upgrades as a Hilton Honors Gold member.
Domestic lounges aren’t that great, but the international ones offer generous food spreads. It’s important to note that not all Hilton hotel brands offer lounges. They’re mostly restricted to Hilton, Conrad, and Waldorf Astoria hotels.
If you stay with these brands often and can benefit from lounge access, then Hilton Diamond status might be worth it. If you often stay with Hilton brands that don’t have lounges, then Hilton Gold will suffice.
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond free Wi-Fi
- Hilton Hilton Diamond WiFi benefit: Premium
- Hilton Gold WiFi benefit: Standard
Wi-Fi matters when you’re traveling unless you’re looking to disconnect completely. Hilton Gold elite members receive free standard Wi-Fi, while Diamond members get premium internet.
In my experience, the premium version is significantly faster. It may not cost much to pay for that upgrade, but getting it free as a Diamond member is nice. If you’re a Hilton Honors Gold elite member who frequently pays for premium internet upgrades, it might be worth aiming for Diamond status instead.
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond bonus points
- Hilton Hilton bonus points: 100% bonus points
- Hilton Gold bonus points: 80% bonus points
Hilton is one of the best hotel rewards programs for earning free nights via paid stays and credit card spending. Hilton members earn 10 points per $1 spent, which is already generous enough.
Hilton Gold members receive an additional 80% bonus, while Diamond members qualify for a 100% bonus. Combine that with Hilton’s frequent double-point promotions and credit card category bonuses, and the bonus points can add up – even on the cheapest hotel stay.
How to earn Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status
Earning Hilton Honors elite status is much easier than with other hotel loyalty programs. You can earn status via nights, stays, or Base Points (i.e. points earned, excluding any bonuses).
If you earn Hilton Honors status via hotel stays, both paid and reward nights count towards elite status.
| Hilton Gold status requirements | Hilton Diamond status requirements | |
| Nights required | 40 nights | 60 nights |
| Stays | 20 stays | 30 stays |
| Base points | 75,000 base points | 120,000 base points |
Once you earn Hilton elite status, it’s valid for the year it was earned, plus the following. For example, if you achieve Hilton Gold status through stays in October 2024, it’s valid through December 2026. If you earn status in January 2025, it’s valid through December 2027.
This system rewards members who achieve status early in the year because it is a significant indicator of their loyalty.
You can also get Hilton status faster through a status match, status challenge, or co-branded Hilton credit card.
Hilton Honors status match and challenge
If you currently have elite status with another hotel loyalty program, you can request a one-time status match with Hilton.
To participate, you’ll need to submit proof of status with another hotel loyalty program, including proof of a stay within the last 24 months. A screenshot will suffice.
Once your status match is approved, you’ll have Hilton Honors Gold status for 90 days. If you complete a minimum of 8 nights within 90 days, you’ll maintain Gold status through March 31, 2026. If you fall short, your status gets downgraded to your previous level.
If you stay 14 nights or more within the 90-day status match trial period, you’ll be upgraded to Hilton Diamond status.
If you have upcoming Hilton stays, leveraging a status match is a great way to fast-track your elite status goals. You’ll earn more points, get more perks, and elevate your status faster.
You can submit a status match request via the Hilton status match link.
Credit cards that include Hilton elite status
Hilton credit cards from American Express offer the fastest (and cheapest) way to earn Hilton elite status. Depending on your spending and travel goals, you can choose from four cards.
Best Hilton Card for Gold status
The Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card is best if you want instant Gold status without completing any spending requirements. The card has a $150 annual fee (Rates & Fees) but includes up to $200 in annual Hilton credits. You can also upgrade to Hilton Diamond status after spending $40,000 on the card in a year. In the process, you’ll earn a minimum of 120,000 Hilton points and a free night award.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 7/31/2024
- Rewards: Earn 12X points at Hilton hotels, 6X points on dining at U.S. restaurants, 6X points at U.S. supermarkets, 6X points at U.S. gas stations, 4X points on U.S. online retail purchases, 3X points on all other spending.
Terms apply.
Best Hilton Card for Diamond status
The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers automatic Hilton Diamond status in exchange for a $550 annual fee. I’ve had this card for five years and keep renewing it because of the status perk, annual free night award, $400 in annual Hilton resort credits, $50 quarterly flight credits, and Amex Offers savings. It pays for itself several times over.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 175,000 Hilton Honors Bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 7/31/2024.
Rewards: Earn 14X points at Hilton hotels, 7X points on travel (Including flights booked directly with airlines or AmexTravel.com and car rentals booked directly with select car rental companies), 7X on dining at U.S. restaurants, 3X on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
Best business card for Hilton elite status
If you’re looking for a business card with Hilton elite status, the Hilton Honors Business Card is a great choice. The card provides instant Gold status and a path to Diamond status after spending $40,000 in a calendar year.
Hilton Gold status alone is worth the $195 annual fee (Rates & Fees), but cardholders also get $240 in Hilton credits (issued quarterly), complimentary rental car status updates, travel protections, and more.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 130,000 Hilton Honors Bonus points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership.
- Rewards: Earn 12X points at Hilton hotels, 5X points on other eligible purchases on the first $100K in purchases per calendar year, and 3X points after that.
Terms apply.
Best Hilton card for elite status with no annual fee
If you want Hilton elite status from a card with no annual fee, look no further than the Hilton Honors American Express Card. Cardholders receive automatic Hilton Honors Silver status, with the option to upgrade to Gold by spending $20,000 in a calendar year.
Cardholders earn generous bonus points on everyday spending and at Hilton hotels, making it a great way to accrue rewards for free Hilton stays.
- Welcome bonus: Earn 70,000 Hilton Honors Bonus points after spending $2,000 on eligible purchases within the first six months of card membership. Offer ends 7/31/2024
Rewards: Earn 7X points at Hilton hotels, 5X dining at U.S. restaurants, 5X at U.S. supermarkets, 5X at U.S. gas stations, 3X on all other purchases.
Terms apply.
Hilton Lifetime Diamond status
There is a level higher than Diamond status within Hilton Honors: Lifetime Diamond. You can earn Lifetime Hilton Honors Diamond status by earning Hilton Diamond status for ten consecutive years. In addition, you must either earn two million Base Points or complete 1,000 nights at Hilton hotels.
Both paid stays or reward nights count towards the Lifetime Diamond status requirement.
Diamond status earned via Hilton credit cards counts towards the Lifetime status requirement. So you could get a Hilton Aspire Card, hold onto it for ten years, and then enjoy Lifetime Hilton Diamond status.
Once you’ve earned Lifetime Diamond status, you’ll receive all the benefits typically offered to Hilton Diamond members.
Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status: Which is better?
While Hilton Gold is sufficient for members who want practical perks like complimentary breakfast and room upgrades, Hilton Diamond offers slightly better perks and upgrade opportunities.
You can earn Hilton Gold or Diamond status pretty easily through co-branded credit cards, but the cost difference between the two levels isn’t significant. So, depending on the number of nights you spend at Hilton hotels, it might be worth upgrading to Diamond status.
Some of my best Hilton Diamond upgrades have included a Haram view suite at the Conrad Makkah, a suite at Hilton Munich Airport and the Penthouse Suite at Conrad Bali. Based on my upgrade stats alone, Hilton Diamond status is worth it.
What is the difference between Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status?
The difference between Hilton Gold vs. Diamond status is in the benefits offered. Hilton Diamond members earn more points, qualify for better room upgrades, and receive lounge access where available.
How to go from Hilton Gold to Diamond
To upgrade from Hilton Gold to Diamond, you need to complete an additional 20 nights and 10 stays or earn an extra 45,000 Base Points. Alternatively, you can upgrade from Hilton Gold to Diamond by spending $40,000 on the Hilton Honors American Express Surpass® Card in a calendar year.
Is it hard to get Hilton Diamond status?
Getting Hilton Diamond status is difficult if you do it through hotel stays since you have to complete 60 days, 30 days, or earn 120,000 Base Points. However, you can easily get Hilton Diamond by applying for the Hilton Honors Aspire Card, which includes an automatic status upgrade.
Is there a level higher than Diamond at Hilton?
There is a level higher than Diamond at Hilton: It’s Hilton Lifetime Diamond status, which you can earn after maintaining ten consecutive years of Diamond membership. You must also earn two million Base Points or complete 1,000 nights at Hilton hotels during those ten years.
Do Hilton Gold members get free upgrades?
Yes, Hilton Gold members get free upgrades based on availability. Upgrades are limited to executive club rooms or lower, though sometimes hotels will give you a suite. Room upgrades are not guaranteed.
Can you lose Hilton Gold status?
You can lose Hilton Gold status if you don’t meet the qualification requirements before your status expires. You can also lose your Hilton elite status when closing a credit card that includes a status upgrade.
How many stays to get Hilton Gold?
You have to complete 20 stays to get Hilton Gold status. You can also earn it by completing 40 nights or earning 75,000 Base Points.
Is Hilton Gold or Diamond status better?
Hilton Diamond status is better than Hilton Gold because it offers more perks and benefits. However, the best status level aligns with your travel habits and goals.
Is it worth it to be a Hilton Gold or Diamond member?
Being a Hilton Gold or Diamond member is worth it if you often stay at Hilton hotels. Hilton has over 7,600 hotels worldwide, with 24 brands catering to different travelers. Hilton elite status can help you get room upgrades, free meals, faster Wi-Fi, and bonus points.
Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline, or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included within the post.
This story was originally published on January 14, 2019. It has been updated with the most current information.
I haven’t stayed in many Hilton brands internationally, but when I had been a diamond for several years, I rarely got upgraded in the states. Unless an upgrade is simply considered a base room on a higher floor. When being upgraded, does the front desk make a point to tell you about it? Nothing had been mentioned to me about receiving an upgrade, and the times I asked for one, they said they didn’t have anything available.
That sucks. That hasn’t been my experience though. I’ve gotten upgrades on mistake rates as a Diamond – they always let me know I’m being upgraded. You’ll definitely get better upgrades abroad though.
I always call a month before & ask for upgrades before arrival – sometimes they will do dep on occupancy levels.
Also imp not to pre-chk on the app fot a reg room or the front desk will only assign that upon check in & not an upgraded room.
Am with you though Ariana, Hilton pretty much makes it easy to suite upgrade w Aspire & Plat is DEF worth it for upgrades/b’fast. Finally something with real value & little effort.
Good advice. That’s really why I never check-in via the app.
The Hilton Ascend is the easiest way to MS HHonors via Supermarket GC’s IMHO. How do you?
If you are a business traveler you should really avoid Hilton Properties. Long Standing Diamond member and get no respect. Had a minor dispute over some points. Multiple phone calls, online chat and several emails. Basically all said the same, sorry you are unhappy, hope you continue to stay at our properties, Ive been reviewing with other business travelers and the Sheraton and Marriott programs are much better. Actually they have not even read the emails. Just keep getting back the same exact boiler plate response except different signatures.
That hasn’t been my experience with Hilton. I’ve always received upgrades and their service has been great. I once had a billing issue with a hotel abroad and the hotel managed dug his heels in, refusing to honor the lower rate. Hilton corporate stepped in and wrote me a check. I’ve always been impressed by that.
I have been Gold for 3 years and never had an upgrade either. They always say it’s booked out.
That’s surprising! Even as a Gold, I’ve gotten upgrades. I once pocked a super cheap rate at the Hilton SF (like $40 per night or something) and they upgraded me to an executive room with an incredible view.
I’ve also been a gold member for about 4 years now and never an upgrade in the US. Maybe this benefit is better abroad, but add me to the list of ‘most people’ who don’t get upgrades from Hilton. I also find it interesting that new comments are no longer allowed….
When I said never an upgrade in the US, I also mean anywhere else. I’ve just never tried abroad. So I’ve never had an upgrade as a gold member. So I’m really hesitant to go diamond.
It’s definitely different in the U.S. I’ve gotten way more upgrades abroad. Not sure what you’re referring to RE comments not being allowed. How were you able to post yours?
Ariana, you must work for Hilton. I don’t know anybody else that goes out of their way to respond to every criticism of Hilton on this site. I was planning on getting the AMEX Hilton Card to get Gold or even Diamond status, but maybe now I won’t. I also unfortunately own a HGV timeshare. Try booking a timeshare stay anything outside of Orlando or Las Vegas, murder. Been trying for 5 years, never can get a reservation.
Lol! I don’t but I do love Hilton. They’re far from perfect but they are the best program in terms of earning free nights. Plus, status is super easy and valuable. That really sucks RE the timeshare. Do you think they’ll give you a refund or some bonus points since you can’t get a reservation? Might be worth a try, especially on the points part.
I’ve also have stayed at many Hilton properties as a Hilton Diamond and have never received a significant upgrade. I’ve actually had hotels ask me to pay for upgrades at a special price just for Diamond members. Look at the other comments, the only person who gets amazing free upgrades is Ariana….
I don’t think it’s just me. Before I switched from Hyatt to Hilton, I kept hearing Hilton Diamond members on FT and other blog comments claiming they were getting upgraded almost every single time.
I have had totally different experience with upgrades all over the US and Europe.
I find the front desk staff treats you like you have no right to ask for an upgrade. I have been diamond for 3 years and already earned my status through 2022 thanks to carryover nights. My average is between 150 to 200 nights per year. It makes no difference. I would guess that I receive upgrades 1 out of 10 stays.
In 2019 they started sending emails offering upgrades for cash. I never bite. Then I get to hotel and get refused a free upgrade. Something fishy is going on.
To me, the only thing I get from diamond is the higher level of points earning. 2020 is my year of exploring other alternatives. Marriott? Hyatt? Can you lure me?
I’ve never asked for an upgrade, so I can’t speak to that. But as someone who spends 150 – 200 nights a year with the brand, you should be getting more upgrades than me.
In the my way preference with regard to breakfast. For diamond members, it is still either breakfast or points at hilton garden inn.
Some of the hotels will give both anyway, but it isn’t listed as a mandate.
I agree – I’ve never received points plus breakfast at any HGI. That said, I almost always score a free breakfast for a third and fourth in my room. If the front desk doesn’t do it, they do it in the restaurant.
Last month, my husband and I stayed in Hilton Aruba resort. I’m a Gold member and they upgraded me to 1 bedroom suite. I never check-in on the app. I always called the hotel once the check-in is available on my app and let them know I want an upgrade. When I stayed at Hilton Niagara falls. I called early in the morning and they upgraded me to a nice corner room with falls view. Sometimes, there’s no upgrade available especially during holidays but in most cases I got upgraded to much nicer room. The only thing about Gold member is that some of the hotels like Hilton Aruba resort and in NYC mid-town Manhattan, they only gave a free continental breakfast so I have to pay extra if I want to have the full buffet breakfast. My favorite Hilton hotel I ever stayed is at Hilton Waikoloa in Big Island. I got upgraded to a nice room as well with partial ocean view and they waived the resort fees. I haven’t use any other hotel credit cards so I can’t compare. I get an corporate discount for Marriott but never use them. I always ended up staying at Hilton.
Question – I have the Aspire card and the Chase Presidential Plus that gets me United club access. From what I read the 250 airline fee return on the asipre includes lounge memebership? So I could just charge the 550 United club access to my card – get 250 back so ti costs me 300 rather than the 450 my Presidential Plus costs me? So 750 in costs rather than 900?
It seems like most people don’t get an upgrade, except Ariana.
If by “most people” you mean the very small number in this comment section, you should probably broaden your sample group.
Yeah Ariana is on the payroll because she has to much time on her hands to comment. On all negative stuff. A paid blogger…I never get up grades either or it’s just a higher floor. What if there’s fire? IJS
I have been a Diamond Member for 3 years now, and was only given one ‘upgrade’ (it was from a queen room to a double room). Nothing more than that in the 350+ nights I have stayed in Hiltons as a Diamond member, this includes stays in Mexico (at a resort), Canada, and Germany (so no better luck abroad than in the states). This makes me wonder if I am better off just doing the AmEx Platinum rather than the Hilton Aspire.
I’m curious about where you typically travel. I’ve found hotels in Asia and the Middle East to be the most generous with upgrades. Stateside, I do get nice upgrades (i.e. suites) if the place isn’t packed or in a major city.
I’ve had the same experience. While diamond (Based upon Nights stayed) I always received upgrades in Thailand, Singapore and Hong Kong. Recently dropped to Gold and still received an upgrade both stays on a recent trip to Amsterdam. In Key West usually always was upgraded to better view rooms at the multiple properties. In Phuket, I once was not upgraded due to the hotel being full. The manager apologized over and over, provided bonus points for my stay and made sure my service was over the top (Doubletree Phuket). On the last two. Nights of stay a private pool access room opened and I was moved there.
That sounds on par with my experience abroad. I think Hilton is just better at elite recognition and maybe properties abroad don’t see as many elite as U.S. hotels do.