Hilton HHonors - Maintain status without stays?

I'm currently a Diamond but having switched jobs at the beginning of the year, my travel has sharply decreased and I am due to lose my status before too long. I know that the HHonors Citi card grants you complimentary Silver status for one year but what about after that?

Is there any way to maintain status without hotel stays? I know I can't maintain Diamond status but would like to at least keep Silver for when I use points or take the occasional business trip.

Total spend on the AX HHonors card can qualify you for Gold, but you'll only get to Diamond on Stays, Nights or Points.

If you buy a HGVC timeshare then you get comp'd silver, and if you buy alot then you get comp'd gold ... not sure of the exact details, but it's probably been discussed before.

Hilton AMEX platinum will comp you silver as long as you have the card regardless of using it

Hilton AMEX platinum will comp you silver as long as you have the card regardless of using it


If you are not travelling much, the AMEX card is probably your best bet. As a silver you should still have access to the VIP awards. The perks that come with Gold or Diamond are probably only really usefull if you travel a lot. Sure room upgrades are nice, but they are never garunteed.

Total spend on the AX HHonors card can qualify you for Gold, but you'll only get to Diamond on Stays, Nights or Points.Twenty grand spend per calendar year gets you to Gold (and also at least 60,000 points). Gold works well for upgrades, especially ourside the US.

While not really helpful to the OP, this is one area where we actually have better options in Sweden (typically the great offers are only available in the US). The Swedish HHonors Amex gives complimentary silver status, and the HHonors Amex Gold gives gold status.

Lots of ways to keep status:

1. Stays from points count towards status, so redeem your points!
2. Amex card that have a $20K yearly spend will ensure gold status.
3. Buying Hilton timeshares at certain properties will get you Diamond for life. It cost my neighbors $50K to enjoy Diamond privlages 4 nights a year.
4. Be charming when calling Hilton. I have been Diamond for many years then one year I took a local project and was dropped to Gold. I called Hilton and had them look at my history and amount of money I spent on their partners + Amex (way above $20K) and they switched me back no questions asked.

Citibank Chairman card also gives you Hilton Gold VIP status for as long as you hold the card ^

While not really helpful to the OP, this is one area where we actually have better options in Sweden (typically the great offers are only available in the US). The Swedish HHonors Amex gives complimentary silver status, and the HHonors Amex Gold gives gold status.

Hey OP ... move to Sweden! ;)

Hey OP ... move to Sweden! ;)

They are supposed to have all those blonde girls over there aren't they? :p

Seriously though, thanks to all for the advice. I applied for the AMEX card online and received instant approval. I should be able to maintain gold with the $20,000/year in spending through my Costco purchases alone! :-)