For the last few years, Hilton Honors have run a status match challenge offering elite members of other programs a head start on Hilton Honors status. They have now just updated the challenge for 2021, offering eligible members the chance to get Gold or Diamond status through to March 2023.
Having said that, there may be some issues meeting the requirements in the current environment. However, it may be worth keeping in mind when travel returns to more normal patterns.
Challenge Details
The challenge is not an outright status match. If accepted, Hilton will initially grant Gold status and will receive the benefits of Gold for 90 days. During that 90 day trial, the number of nights you stay will determine your status through to March 2023.
If you stay 5 nights, you will be granted Gold Status through to March 2022. On the other hand, if you manage to achieve 9 nights, you will be granted Diamond. Either way, the status will be valid until March 2023.
If you compare the requirements to last year, you will note that the hurdles have been halved. This reflects the fact that Hilton Honors have halved the requirements for Gold and Diamond memberships during 2021.
Under the offer, you can match from a range of other programs. The application form offers the following programs
- Choice Privileges
- World of Hyatt
- IHG Rewards Club,
- Marriott Bonvoy,
- Best Western Rewards
- Le CLub AccorHotels (now Accor Live Limitless)
- Radisson Rewards
- Wyndham Rewards
The list you select from does include ‘other’ so they are open to the possibility of status at another chain.
How does the Hilton Honors Status Match work?
If you have status in one of the eligible chains, you can apply for the challenge. There are additional conditions of receiving and keeping that status. Basically, the rules are:
- You will need to show that you have had at least one stay with the chain you are matching from.
- You will be granted Gold status for 90 days if your application is successful
- To extend your status, you will need to stay a specified number of nights within the 90 day period.
- If you stay 5 nights in the 90 day period, you will be granted Gold until March 2023.
- On the other hand, if you manage 9 nights in the 90 day period, you will be granted Diamond Status.
How to Register
Hilton Honors have an online application form where you can fill in your details, and provide documentation of the requirements. You will need to upload documents showing your status and that you have, in fact, had a stay at the competing chain. The proof of a stay needs to show that you have made a stay within the 12 months prior to requesting the match.
Hilton Honors Status Match Form
Keep your Hilton Honors Gold or Attain Platinum until March 2023
If Hilton Honors grant your request for a match, you’ll start off with Hilton Honors Gold. You will receive Gold status for 90 days, and need to complete your challenge within that time.
Remember, if you stay 5 nights in those 90 days, you will retain the Gold Status. Push onwards to 9 nights, and Diamond could be yours through until 2023.
Thoughts
While 2021 might be a lean year for travel, I suspect there will be some good offers around. As such, you may come out at the end of the year with a bunch of shiny new cards, all ready for 2022.
