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 2024, offering eligible members the chance to get Gold or Diamond status through to March 2026.
Hilton will initially offer you Gold status for 90 days. During those 90 days, you are given the opportunity to either retain Gold or attain Diamond status.
Hilton Status Match Challenge Details
The basics of the status match challenge have not changed since last year. It still consists of both a Status Match component, and a Status Challenge component.
How does the Hilton Honors Status Match Challenge work?
In order to be in the running for the status match challenge, you will need to have status in an eligible program. The application form offers the following programs:
- Marriott Bonvoy,
- World of Hyatt
- IHG Rewards Club,
- Choice Privileges
- Best Western Rewards
There is also an ‘Other’ which you can use if you are trying to match form a different program, such as Accor Live Limitless (ALL).
If you meet those criteria the rules are:
- You will need to show that you have had at least one stay with the chain you are matching from.
- If you are successful:
- You will be given 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 8 nights in the 90-day period, you will be granted Gold until March 2026.
- On the other hand, if you manage 14 nights in the 90-day period, you will be granted Diamond Status.
The Match: 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.
If you are accepted, you will receive Gold Status for 90 Days.
The Challenge: Keep your Hilton Honors Gold or Attain Diamond until March 2026
Once you have received the match, you are then into the challenge period. During the 90-day period you can
- Stay 8 nights during the 90-day period and keep Gold status through to 31 March, 2026
- Stay 14 nights during the 90-day period and be upgraded to Diamond status through 31 March, 2026.
Value of the Status Match Challenge
The value of the Status Match Challenge comes from the benefits that Gold or Diamond status offers.
While Gold is the middle level status in Hilton Honors, it offers some money saving benefits. For example, members with Gold status receive complimentary breakfast, which can be quite a saving in itself. In addition, you could take advantage of fifth night free on award stays.
Step that up to the highest level of DIamond and extra benefits are on offer. The most valuable of these is probably access to the executive lounge while staying in a hotel.
Thoughts
Hilton Honors have had one form or another of this promotion pretty much non-stop over the last few years. While the requirements have increased from last year, they are probably still doable for many. And getting status through to 2025 is a good thing!