Originally Posted by JDiver

That's an exception; Hilton HHonors says Diamonds get Executive Lounge access, full stop; Gold normally get Executive Lounge access only if upgraded to Executive Floors.

An exception does not make a rule.

I have had suite upgrades as a Diamond, and I have had some properties extend various privileges - check out but use Executive Lounge for the remainder of the day I would be in town; extended stay in urgent times when the property was quite oversold; etc.

(I;m currently Diamond and have been for over a decade, am also lifetime Gold.)