Hilton HHonors - Getting to Gold or Diamond

I am currently a HHonors Silver and have been for years and am wondering whether a credit card is the way to hit Gold and possibly Diamond and if being a Gold makes a difference. Most of my Hilton stays are at Paddington and the thing I primarily value is the use of the Executive Lounge

I always have a few Hilton stays a year. According to my account, in 2009, I've had 4 stays totaling 13 nights and have accumulated 37,973 base points. If I were to have used a Citi Hilton HHonors Visa card or the HHonors Amex card, I would have been able to charge perhaps $7K or more to the credit card. Would the points earned on the card count toward the base points? [I think not as they are referred to as bonus points].

The HHonors Amex says you become Gold when you've charged $20K, whether or not the charges are from Hilton Hotels.

So, will getting to Gold make enough of a difference -- I guess with upgrades to rooms that get me into the Executive Lounge -- and could using one of the credit cards do it for me? If yes to both, does only the Amex help?

I am currently a HHonors Silver and have been for years and am wondering whether a credit card is the way to hit Gold and possibly Diamond and if being a Gold makes a difference. Most of my Hilton stays are at Paddington and the thing I primarily value is the use of the Executive Lounge

I always have a few Hilton stays a year. According to my account, in 2009, I've had 4 stays totaling 13 nights and have accumulated 37,973 base points. If I were to have used a Citi Hilton HHonors Visa card or the HHonors Amex card, I would have been able to charge perhaps $7K or more to the credit card. Would the points earned on the card count toward the base points? [I think not as they are referred to as bonus points].

The HHonors Amex says you become Gold when you've charged $20K, whether or not the charges are from Hilton Hotels.

So, will getting to Gold make enough of a difference -- I guess with upgrades to rooms that get me into the Executive Lounge -- and could using one of the credit cards do it for me? If yes to both, does only the Amex help?

Both the AMEX and Visa Signature offer bonus HHonors points, which will not contribute toward the base points necessary to advance to a higher tier.

So, to answer your question, going with an HHonors CC will not escalate your status to Gold/Diamond. However, it would certainly help you to earn more points per stay that could be redeemed for reward stays, entertainment rewards, etc.

I was recently upgraded from Silver to Gold; not only are the complementary lounge/upgrades nice, but you can also select from the other options (free highspeed or even more bonus points) if you are close to a certain reward and could use that extra nudge! ;)

As a last side note, were you able to take advantage of the double bonus points and/or 1000 bonus points promotions in Q1 or Q2 of this year? I accumulated over 127K HHonors points (base + bonus) in 10 stays/38 nights since mid-February! :D

titanz, thanks. I see 50% bonuses not double bonus points. Was this something I had to register for? I'm bad at that because I stay near my clients' offices and don't check my frequent stayer accounts regularly. So, I have 175K points on PC, 500K points on Starwood, 150K on Hilton, a bunch on Hyatt. I've had an used a bunch on both Marriott and Hilton. Not sure where else I have points.

So, based on what you are telling me and what I read, if I were willing to get another Amex card, I could get upgraded to Gold by spending $20K -- no brainer since I have lots of business expenses. But otherwise, the credit cards just give me points and not status.

http://www.hiltonracing.com/about-hilton-racing/benefits/

Each Hilton Racing member will receive a Hilton Racing card with the same benefits as a Hilton HHonors Blue tier Member, but with an exclusive opportunity for fast track* to Gold VIP status.

4 stays within 90 days would get you there

I am currently a HHonors Silver and have been for years and am wondering whether a credit card is the way to hit Gold and possibly Diamond and if being a Gold makes a difference.

Being Gold definitely makes a difference. As a Gold you'll have a shot at upgrades and lounge access. You'll also earn a higher multiplier of bonus points, so you'll earn free nights a bit faster.

The credit card's a great way to reach Gold -- if you charge $20k annually. Not too hard if you charge regular business expenses or have a lot of household expenses. Remember, all charges count, not just hotel stays.

Most of my Hilton stays are at Paddington and the thing I primarily value is the use of the Executive Lounge



I think you should be aware that there is a trend for most, if not all Hilton's exec. lounge to be closed soon or already closed, do a search and you will find there are a number of exec. lounge had already converted to a meeting room, empty space, etc. They closed the lounge and send people to the bar / restaurant, and give out vouchers for snacks and breakfast.

I think you should be aware that there is a trend for most, if not all Hilton's exec. lounge to be closed soon or already closed, do a search and you will find there are a number of exec. lounge had already converted to a meeting room, empty space, etc. They closed the lounge and send people to the bar / restaurant, and give out vouchers for snacks and breakfast.

Really? I find that hard to believe. Could you name ten that have closed?

Just make sure you get confirmation that you enrolled as ealier this year HH denied I enrolled even though I had already received my new membership card!

http://www.hiltonracing.com/about-hilton-racing/benefits/



4 stays within 90 days would get you there

titanz, thanks. I see 50% bonuses not double bonus points. Was this something I had to register for? I'm bad at that because I stay near my clients' offices and don't check my frequent stayer accounts regularly. So, I have 175K points on PC, 500K points on Starwood, 150K on Hilton, a bunch on Hyatt. I've had an used a bunch on both Marriott and Hilton. Not sure where else I have points.


The 50% Gold bonus is awarded to base points earned during a stay. That is separate from any promotion that HH offered during Q1 or Q2. See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/941062-1000-bonus-points-per-night-promo.html

So, based on what you are telling me and what I read, if I were willing to get another Amex card, I could get upgraded to Gold by spending $20K -- no brainer since I have lots of business expenses. But otherwise, the credit cards just give me points and not status.

Correct :)

The 50% Gold bonus is awarded to base points earned during a stay. That is separate from any promotion that HH offered during Q1 or Q2. See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/941062-1000-bonus-points-per-night-promo.html



Correct :)

The 50% bonus is for diamonds. The gold is less than that, 25%, I believe.

At this point probably the easiest way to get immediate gold status is to pop for the Hilton Surpass card ($75/yr) which bumps you up to gold for the first year. After that, you have to spend $20,000/yr for gold and $40,000/yr for diamond to maintain the status based on card usage alone.

I stayed at the Paddington a couple weeks ago and was told specifically that executive floor upgrades which permit lounge access are now restricted to diamond, no matter how empty the hotel is. I was told that golds no longer ever receive this kind of upgrade/access. This may not actually be true, because we all know that desk clerks often make these "policies" up as they go along, but in any event I certainly did not get an executive room/lounge access.

And since "upgrades" to anything other than executive rooms tend not to be very meaningful, the biggest advantages to gold in non-US hotels are usually the breakfasts and the additional bonus points.

Really? I find that hard to believe. Could you name ten that have closed?

Hilton SF Ofarell
Hilton SF Financial District
Hilton Washington Embassy Row

These are the ones I been to, there are many threads about different hiltons, others can chime in or probably look thru the thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/130108-executive-lounge-club-ratings-reports-reviews-best-worst.html?highlight=hilton+executive+lounge

Perhaps someone can make a sticky ?

At this point probably the easiest way to get immediate gold status is to pop for the Hilton Surpass card ($75/yr) which bumps you up to gold for the first year. After that, you have to spend $20,000/yr for gold and $40,000/yr for diamond to maintain the status based on card usage alone.


Is there any other stateside CC where spending will get you to Plat level? Thanks for the info.

I stayed at the Paddington a couple weeks ago and was told specifically that executive floor upgrades which permit lounge access are now restricted to diamond, no matter how empty the hotel is. I was told that golds no longer ever receive this kind of upgrade/access. This may not actually be true, because we all know that desk clerks often make these "policies" up as they go along, but in any event I certainly did not get an executive room/lounge access.


This happened to me at the Paris Hilton where the first time I stayed there, they said I didn't qualify for lounge access but they gave me a coupon for the fabulous buffet which more than compensated for the lack of a lounge. However, several weeks later, they did give me lounge access. Go figure.

The 50% bonus is for diamonds. The gold is less than that, 25%, I believe.

My fault; you are correct. I don't know why, but I thought Diamond earned a 100% bonus, Gold 50%, Silver 15%...guess I got it mixed up with MR?!

Hilton SF Ofarell
Hilton SF Financial District
Hilton Washington Embassy Row

These are the ones I been to, there are many threads about different hiltons, others can chime in or probably look thru the thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/130108-executive-lounge-club-ratings-reports-reviews-best-worst.html?highlight=hilton+executive+lounge

Perhaps someone can make a sticky ?

I can add universal City to that, as well as seattle

Is there any other stateside CC where spending will get you to Plat level? Thanks for the info.

Spending on the Priority Club Visa can get you to Platinum, but it is not worth that much, I don't think. I think Platinum gets you upgraded to Club floors in Crowne Plazas that have lounges, but many don't. It doesn't help with Intercontinentals as these have their own gig with Ambassador (you pay for this) and Royal Ambassador (based on stays or $ spent, by invitation only, I think). HI and HIX don't have much worth upgrading too in the US, though there may be some exceptions in Europe.

None - it's Blue, Silver, Gold and Diamond. ;)

Either Hilton HHonors AMEX (or "Surpass") card can get you to Diamond (or Gold) level, depending in the annual spend level, irrc.

Is there any other stateside CC where spending will get you to Plat level? Thanks for the info.<snip>

I was considering going for HH gold but it seems like the level has been devalued over the years from what I read here. Do you think its worth pursuing or just focus on another program and buy the best rooms anyway ie buy best views, access suites etc ? My corp rate is usually good so maybe the status benefits are not worth pursuing ?

None - it's Blue, Silver, Gold and Diamond. ;)

Either Hilton HHonors AMEX (or "Surpass") card can get you to Diamond (or Gold) level, depending in the annual spend level, irrc.

I currently have a Hilton Platinum AMEX (now just a Hilton AMEX). If i spend $20K/yr, I qualify for Gold. Can I get Diamond if I spend $40K/yr.? This AMEX card has no fee vs the Surpass card which does. The final question is whether having a Diamond status is worth the $79 a year fee and the extra $20k spend a year? versus just having the Gold level?

I currently have a Hilton Platinum AMEX (now just a Hilton AMEX). If i spend $20K/yr, I qualify for Gold. Can I get Diamond if I spend $40K/yr.?

No you can only get Diamond from the Surpass card.

Hilton SF Ofarell
Hilton SF Financial District
Hilton Washington Embassy Row

These are the ones I been to, there are many threads about different hiltons, others can chime in or probably look thru the thread http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/130108-executive-lounge-club-ratings-reports-reviews-best-worst.html?highlight=hilton+executive+lounge

Perhaps someone can make a sticky ?
You could add Hilton Windsor to the list. However 4 closings do not indicate a major move in closings. Also I do not care that much about Us closings. The great value of Executive lounges is overseas. And I do not know of one closing there.

You could add Hilton Windsor to the list. However 4 closings do not indicate a major move in closings. Also I do not care that much about Us closings. The great value of Executive lounges is overseas. And I do not know of one closing there.

+1. US lounges are crap. I tend to look forward to lounge access only when I'm overseas. The ones in China + Sydney are great examples of what a lounge should be!!!

I was considering going for HH gold but it seems like the level has been devalued over the years from what I read here. Do you think its worth pursuing or just focus on another program and buy the best rooms anyway ie buy best views, access suites etc ? My corp rate is usually good so maybe the status benefits are not worth pursuing ?

I don't see what the big deal is or what there is to think about. Use the free fast track link I posted upthread. Collect 4 stays, and you are there.

I doubt many people would argue that it has been de-valued to the point that it isn't worth 4 stays to get it. I certainly think it's worth it.

However, I would not go signing up for another credit card to spend $20K (when I could be getting 1-3% cash back on that amount) or paying a $75 annual fee for gold membership. That's just me.

Fast track and 4 stays is the way to go.

However, I would not go signing up for another credit card to spend $20K (when I could be getting 1-3% cash back on that amount) or paying a $75 annual fee for gold membership. That's just me.


OK, so here is the big question. Is it worth $75 and an additional $20k in spending to go from Gold to Diamond? Is being a diamond to someone who spends 15-20 nights/yr in Hiltons (I am spread out all over the lodging spectrum) worth it? I would really like to know because I certainly could hit the spend, and could even expense the card cost, but why bother if there is little to be gained in the increased level.

OK, so here is the big question. Is it worth $75 and an additional $20k in spending to go from Gold to Diamond? Is being a diamond to someone who spends 15-20 nights/yr in Hiltons (I am spread out all over the lodging spectrum) worth it? I would really like to know because I certainly could hit the spend, and could even expense the card cost, but why bother if there is little to be gained in the increased level.There's more to it than just that. Keep in mind that with the HH Surpass Amex you earn 9 points per dollar on Hilton spend (vs. 6 on the standard HH Amex), plus that extra $20k in spend will earn you 60k+ extra points.

I'm not quite to Diamond yet (my YTD spend will reach $40k in another week or two), but from what I've read, Diamonds often get good upgrades. (Mine as Gold have been fine but nothing special.)

It's worth it to me. If the Diamond upgrades are good enough, I may even shift enough stays to Hilton to qualify normally. I'll likely continue to spend quite a bit on the card though, because I've found the award redemptions in some places are a very good deal.

OK, so here is the big question. Is it worth $75 and an additional $20k in spending to go from Gold to Diamond? Is being a diamond to someone who spends 15-20 nights/yr in Hiltons (I am spread out all over the lodging spectrum) worth it? I would really like to know because I certainly could hit the spend, and could even expense the card cost, but why bother if there is little to be gained in the increased level.

I stay in Hilton chain hotels quite a bit, but most of my travel is domestic and I often end up in the lower end hotels. Diamond is nice, and I've heard that it can be a life saver in a pinch if you are trying to get a room somewhere last minute and everything is booked. I haven't had to do that yet. Otherwise, I don't see a big difference between Diamond and Gold. I'm sure I would appreciate it more if I stayed at more top end hotels or traveled internationally.


So, for me - it is not worth the $75 plus $40K spend to get to diamond when Gold is so easy to get after just 4 stays. IMO, better to put that spending on another card with cash back. The 2% (or whatever) cash back is worth more to me than the extra HH points - I have enough of those already.