In this post:
New Hilton Diamond Reserve Tier CONFIRMED
Last week, we covered Hilton’s acknowledgement of a major change to its loyalty program after a new tier was spotted in the site’s code. Today, Hilton has released the official details of the new Diamond Reserve Tier, which will launch in January.
The new Diamond Reserve tier requires a minimum of 80 nights or 40 stays AND $18,000 in qualifying spend.
Benefits include:
-
120% bonus points earning
-
Guaranteed 4 PM late check-out on every eligible stay
- A Milestone Reward at 120 nights, with the choice of 30,000 bonus points or a Confirmable Upgrade Award valid on paid or redemption stays.
-
Confirmable Upgrade Rewards can be confirmed at booking, including up to a one-bedroom suite for stays of up to seven nights.
-
Highest priority for space-available upgrades, confirmed as early as three days before check-in.
-
24/7 exclusive customer service support
-
Complimentary access to Premium Clubs.
This is a good range of guaranteed benefits as opposed to Diamond, more on par with other big-chain high-tier benefits.
Changes to Hilton Tier Requirements
Despite new lower thresholds, all benefits of Silver, Gold and Diamond status will remain the same. You can now earn status via nights, stays, or eligible spend, rather than nights, stays, or points. This is great if you regularly stay at high-end hotels, and you could easily meet the requirement without spending nearly as much as needed without a spend option.
| Tier | Current requirement | New requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Silver | 10 nights or 4 stays or 25,000 points | 10 nights, 4 stays or $2,500 eligible spend |
| Gold | 40 nights or 20 stays or 75,000 points | 25 nights or 15 stays or $6,000 eligible spend |
| Diamond | 60 nights or 30 stays or 120,000 points | 50 nights or 25 stays or $11,500 USD annual eligible spend |
| Diamond Reserve | N/A | 80 nights or 40 stays AND $18,000 qualifying spend |
Hilton has also confirmed that Lifetime Diamond members will remain Lifetime Diamond members. Qualification for Lifetime Diamond will now be 10 years of Diamond and 1,000 nights or $200,000 qualifying spend.
Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton, said:
“At a time when many loyalty programs feel increasingly interchangeable, we’re strengthening Hilton Honors for every member – from our superior upgrade benefits for our elite members to more ways to dream, stay, earn and redeem Points across our growing portfolio of more than 9,000 hotels.”
A few other changes have also been announced, starting from 1st January 2026, including:
- Milsstone Rewards cut to 180 nights per year rather than unlimited
- Homewood Suites and Spark will now earn 5 points per $1 spent (booked on or after 8th January 2026)
- No more rollover nights – Nights will rollover for the last time in 2026
What do you think of these changes? Let us know in the comments!
Emirates Confirms Free Starlink Wi-Fi Across the Entire Fleet
Ground-quality, ultra-fast connectivity arrives from 23rd November with the first Starlink-equipped Boeing 777. This finally puts a date on the Emirates Starlink ambitions. Emirates will also be the launch airline for the world’s first Starlink-equipped A380 and, once fully rolled out, will operate the largest A380 Starlink fleet.
Boeing 777 installations come first, followed by the A380 programme in February 2026. Each 777 will receive two antennae, while each A380 will feature three – the first in the industry!
The plan is to have around 14 aircraft per month, covering its full in-service fleet of 232 Boeing 777s and Airbus A380S by mid-2027.
Emirates has always invested heavily in onboard connectivity, but pre-Starlink onboard Wi-Fi across all airlines has been slow, patchy, and often paid. Starlink has excellent performance, and Emirates will give free access to every passenger, regardless of cabin class and status.
You’ll now be able to stream, make calls, work, and use social media on seatback screens (which already offer 6,500 entertainment channels) and on personal devices. Live TV over Starlink will debut later this year on personal devices before rolling out to seatback screens by late December 2025.
This announcement follows similar moves by Qatar Airways (which has completed Starlink installation on its Boeing 777 fleet and is continuing its rollout) and British Airways (which plans a fleet-wide Starlink rollout starting in 2026), as well as wider commitments from United, Iberia, flydubai, Air France, Alaska Airlines, SAS and more.
Many airlines have already begun installations, and it’s predicted that Starlink adoption will be widespread across global fleets over the next two to three years.
Starlink is a massive improvement for any airline that implements it. Will the WIFI be as good as on the ground? We’ll have to see!
Save Up to 20% in the Hilton Sale
Hilton has just launched its latest sale covering properties in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. You can save up to 20% off participating hotels and resorts for weekend stays between 4th December 2025 and 12th April 2026, provided you book by 27th January 2026.
If you have a trip in mind before 12th April, now is an ideal time to book at a lower rate.
Until 20th November, there is an app-only sale for Hilton Honors members. The 20% discount is applied to the ‘Best Flexible Rate’. However, sale rate stays are non-refundable and full pre-payment is required.
Something else worth noting is that different countries have slightly different weekend classifications. Europe, UAE, Turkey and Lebanon class Friday-Sunday, whereas Middle Eastern countries other than those just stated class Thursday to Saturday. Not all hotels participate, and even participating hotels may block some weekends.
Make sure you check the sale rate against other rates and sales, such as the advanced purchase rate and the Hilton Americas sale.
If you’re happy booking a non-refundable prepaid rate and you’re planning a trip before 12th April, this is a great offer, especially if you’re planning to book premium hotels.
