Originally Posted by
gooselee
A quick google search shows that you can likely request a challenge to HH Diamond.
http://www.statusmatcher.com/company/21349
Or get the Amex Surpass or Citi Reserve CC. Sub $100 AF for HH Gold is probably cheaper than any challenge, unless you already have stays planned.
Amex surpass kept me a GOLD for years with no minimum stay requirement. And in US it is $75 annual fee.