Dec 16, 2014, 2:26 pm
Last edit by: JDiver
Lifetime Diamond Status with HHonors is now reality. ^
More recent information posted by Lauren (Hilton Honors Representative) reflects changes in the Honors Lifetime Diamond qualifying criteria:
Previous:
Details for the first inductees were announced on the 11th Feb. 2015. Erin (HHonors Rep here on FT) posted the announcement shortly before the emails were sent out to members on the same day.
[B]Initially, Lifetime Diamond Status will go to a select group of members who met all of the following criteria as of December 31, 2014:
All paid stays count — not just the paid stays during the years a member is a Hilton HHonors diamond.
As more information becomes available it will be added here. Should you have any updates please post them in the thread or in this wiki to keep the most pertinent info quickly available to those interested.
For those interested, the development unfolded as follows:
Erin, the HHonors rep on FT posted the following on 16/12/2014: (after some eagle eyed attention by adambrock from an email sent out by Hilton and which he thankfully posted here on FT: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...tus-email.html Kudos to adambrock for noticing and sharing it with the community. ^)
HHonorsRepresentative (Erin) wrote in that thread:
In 2015, HHonors will begin introducing Lifetime Diamond Status! As you may know, we’re always looking for new ways to reward you and we take into consideration your feedback on ways to recognize our most loyal members. Over the past several years, we’ve heard from you that Lifetime Diamond Status is important to you and I’m thrilled to announce that we will be inviting some of our most tenured Diamond members into this status.
I’ll have more details for you in early 2015 and I understand our first Lifetime Diamond members will receive their invitations in the early part of 2015. At this time, this is all the information I have on Lifetime Diamond Status, but I will do my best to keep you all updated as I hear more!
levman wrote in a post on Jan 24:
The best source of info I've found is the email address [email protected]. It seems to be staffed with people dedicated to the Lifetime Diamond program.
More recent information posted by Lauren (Hilton Honors Representative) reflects changes in the Honors Lifetime Diamond qualifying criteria:
Hi all,
A few months ago, we received some great feedback in the Q&A thread with our VP of Hilton HHonors, Aaron Glick. While the team explores a number of initiatives, one area that we could change quickly was our Lifetime Diamond qualifications. As of January 2017, we will grant Lifetime Diamond to all members who have met the following criteria:
• Members who have maintained Diamond status for at least 10 years (years do not need to be consecutive)
AND
• Have stayed at least 1,000 nights - either paid or reward (as you may know, only paid nights were eligible before)
OR
• Have accumulated 2 million Base Points since joining the Hilton HHonors program (this is a new feature to enable more members to enjoy Lifetime Diamond status; also as a reminder, only Base Points are eligible...Bonus Points earned via promotions, co-brand credit cards, or other means do not count towards status)
So now, there will be essentially two ways you can qualify for Lifetime Diamond:
1. 10 years at Diamond with Hilton HHonors + 1,000 nights (including paid and reward)
2. 10 years at Diamond + 2 million cumulative Base Points
An email notification will go out in February to members who have qualified for Lifetime Diamond as of December 31, 2016. If you want a sneak peek to find out if you will qualify, you can contact the Diamond Desk and the team will be happy to help.
Please reach out with any questions or comments, and I’ll be sure to share them directly with Aaron and team.
Thank you!
Lauren
A few months ago, we received some great feedback in the Q&A thread with our VP of Hilton HHonors, Aaron Glick. While the team explores a number of initiatives, one area that we could change quickly was our Lifetime Diamond qualifications. As of January 2017, we will grant Lifetime Diamond to all members who have met the following criteria:
• Members who have maintained Diamond status for at least 10 years (years do not need to be consecutive)
AND
• Have stayed at least 1,000 nights - either paid or reward (as you may know, only paid nights were eligible before)
OR
• Have accumulated 2 million Base Points since joining the Hilton HHonors program (this is a new feature to enable more members to enjoy Lifetime Diamond status; also as a reminder, only Base Points are eligible...Bonus Points earned via promotions, co-brand credit cards, or other means do not count towards status)
So now, there will be essentially two ways you can qualify for Lifetime Diamond:
1. 10 years at Diamond with Hilton HHonors + 1,000 nights (including paid and reward)
2. 10 years at Diamond + 2 million cumulative Base Points
An email notification will go out in February to members who have qualified for Lifetime Diamond as of December 31, 2016. If you want a sneak peek to find out if you will qualify, you can contact the Diamond Desk and the team will be happy to help.
Please reach out with any questions or comments, and I’ll be sure to share them directly with Aaron and team.
Thank you!
Lauren
Details for the first inductees were announced on the 11th Feb. 2015. Erin (HHonors Rep here on FT) posted the announcement shortly before the emails were sent out to members on the same day.
Hi all,
Thanks for your patience as I gathered more details on our Lifetime Diamond rollout. As we’re in the New Year, I have some additional details to share with you.
Initially, Lifetime Diamond Status will go to a select group of members who met all of the following criteria as of December 31, 2014: Members that met this criteria as of December 31, 2014 will be notified via email and receive their Lifetime Diamond Status in the mail at the physical address on their account at the end of February. Members that meet Lifetime Diamond Status criteria in the middle of the year will receive Lifetime Diamond Status at the beginning of the following year.
Please note that we are in early stages of this benefit, which means that elements of this offering may evolve and may change over time. As I hear of any updates, I will be sure to share those here.
As always, your input is truly valued and we welcome your thoughts and feedback during this launch period. We’re here and listening!
Thanks,
Erin
Thanks for your patience as I gathered more details on our Lifetime Diamond rollout. As we’re in the New Year, I have some additional details to share with you.
Initially, Lifetime Diamond Status will go to a select group of members who met all of the following criteria as of December 31, 2014:
- Have maintained Diamond Status for at least 10 years (consecutive or concurrent) and
- Completed paid stays totaling at least 1,000 nights
Please note that we are in early stages of this benefit, which means that elements of this offering may evolve and may change over time. As I hear of any updates, I will be sure to share those here.
As always, your input is truly valued and we welcome your thoughts and feedback during this launch period. We’re here and listening!
Thanks,
Erin
All paid stays count — not just the paid stays during the years a member is a Hilton HHonors diamond.
As more information becomes available it will be added here. Should you have any updates please post them in the thread or in this wiki to keep the most pertinent info quickly available to those interested.
For those interested, the development unfolded as follows:
Erin, the HHonors rep on FT posted the following on 16/12/2014: (after some eagle eyed attention by adambrock from an email sent out by Hilton and which he thankfully posted here on FT: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...tus-email.html Kudos to adambrock for noticing and sharing it with the community. ^)
HHonorsRepresentative (Erin) wrote in that thread:
In 2015, HHonors will begin introducing Lifetime Diamond Status! As you may know, we’re always looking for new ways to reward you and we take into consideration your feedback on ways to recognize our most loyal members. Over the past several years, we’ve heard from you that Lifetime Diamond Status is important to you and I’m thrilled to announce that we will be inviting some of our most tenured Diamond members into this status.
I’ll have more details for you in early 2015 and I understand our first Lifetime Diamond members will receive their invitations in the early part of 2015. At this time, this is all the information I have on Lifetime Diamond Status, but I will do my best to keep you all updated as I hear more!
levman wrote in a post on Jan 24:
The best source of info I've found is the email address [email protected]. It seems to be staffed with people dedicated to the Lifetime Diamond program.
Consolidated "Lifetime Diamond - Experiences, Questions, Is It Worth It?" thread
Feb 8, 2015, 9:51 am
#211
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
I agree. After being made lifetime Plat at *Wood, I stopped staying there and dropped my Amex. Have shifted entirely to Hilton, largely because it is easier to find hotels in smaller markets (and I hate the aloft chain). If Hilton creates a Lifetime Diamond, a load of those folks will move to IHG as they won't have to stay at Hamptons to make their nut to get a nice stay at the Conrad.
I have 5 hilton stays this year and they have all been crap. In most cases I could not even get a room with a king size bed because I was checking in mid-week. I checked in to the Hilton Midtown on Thu and there were tons of suites available and they would not give me one. I had to pay extra to get a suite.
For me Hilton is the most convenient hotel chain to stay in. However, once I hit 60 nights I then will go for top level at the rest of the chains. Last year Hilton lost 175 nights of my travel which is approximately $35,000. If Diamond had any value I would have given those 175 nights to Hilton. Hilton isn't alone here - I think the same clueless MBA consultants are advising all of the hotel chains.
Feb 8, 2015, 7:12 pm
#212
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
The problem with all of these elite programs is that they provide minimal useful benefits. Hilton needs to find a way to incent people to stay beyond 60 nights. For example, if you are a lifetime diamond AND you achieve 60 nights, that should put you way above other diamonds and maybe always get you a suite.
I have 5 hilton stays this year and they have all been crap. In most cases I could not even get a room with a king size bed because I was checking in mid-week. I checked in to the Hilton Midtown on Thu and there were tons of suites available and they would not give me one. I had to pay extra to get a suite.
For me Hilton is the most convenient hotel chain to stay in. However, once I hit 60 nights I then will go for top level at the rest of the chains. Last year Hilton lost 175 nights of my travel which is approximately $35,000. If Diamond had any value I would have given those 175 nights to Hilton. Hilton isn't alone here - I think the same clueless MBA consultants are advising all of the hotel chains.
I have 5 hilton stays this year and they have all been crap. In most cases I could not even get a room with a king size bed because I was checking in mid-week. I checked in to the Hilton Midtown on Thu and there were tons of suites available and they would not give me one. I had to pay extra to get a suite.
For me Hilton is the most convenient hotel chain to stay in. However, once I hit 60 nights I then will go for top level at the rest of the chains. Last year Hilton lost 175 nights of my travel which is approximately $35,000. If Diamond had any value I would have given those 175 nights to Hilton. Hilton isn't alone here - I think the same clueless MBA consultants are advising all of the hotel chains.
The incentive is all the points you earn that you can use on great vacations at Hilton properties. And I reserve the minimum type room that I want on an award which sometimes costs more points. But if I stay more than the minimum to maintain Diamond I get plenty of points to get those nice rooms. I never rely on free upgrades on award stays, that is just setting yourself up for disappointment.
And I don't see the big deal about suites, as long as I get a comfortable bed that is king or queen I am pretty happy. I most certainly would not spend extra money that I wouldn't get reimbursed for just to have a suite. The room is for sleeping. But I guess if you are entertaining in your room you would want something really nice. So far the Hilton chains are very good about getting me the things that are important to me. High floor, hate people above me, and a king bed most of the time. And when they can't get me the king I always get 2 queens which is also fine. And breakfast is important to me too.
Feb 8, 2015, 7:44 pm
#213
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Colorado
Programs: Lifetime UA 1K, Lifetime Hilton Diamond, Lifetime Marriott Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 1,261
I don't care about suites usually unless I need to entertain or I have family.
Feb 9, 2015, 6:41 am
#214
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
In my experience, almost any Hilton (brand, not family) property in a US city center during a work night will push at least that $200 threshold.
Feb 11, 2015, 12:51 am
#215
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TYO
Posts: 1,496
Lifetime DIA status requirements... what a joke?!
Didn't see anyone post it here yet but I was reading about the new DIA lifetime requirements.
The most laughable part is the 1000 nights... given if you requalify with the minimum of 60 nights per year, that'll take about 16 years to reach if my math is correct. I'm sure HHonors will look a lot different (if even existing) then!
http://loyaltylobby.com/2015/02/11/h...nts-published/ for a good laugh.
The most laughable part is the 1000 nights... given if you requalify with the minimum of 60 nights per year, that'll take about 16 years to reach if my math is correct. I'm sure HHonors will look a lot different (if even existing) then!
http://loyaltylobby.com/2015/02/11/h...nts-published/ for a good laugh.
Feb 11, 2015, 1:20 am
#216
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Manchester, England
Programs: Bonvoy LT Plat, HH Diamond, IHG Plat, BMI Gold (RIP)
Posts: 8,021
I'm nowhere near lifetime Diamond on that criteria, but based upon a number of FTers who are real HH road warriors, with 100+ nights a year and a long history of loyalty, it will reward at this time, exactly the sort of people that Hilton want to reward. This is about rewarding those who have been loyal for years on this criteria.
It probably won't make those of us qualifying via stays or spend push on for lifetime status as it may be far out of reach to be motivating, but it may well be that HH are aiming to reward the real frequent stayers.
For those FTers who have qualified over the years and spent almost 3 years in a HH family hotel, I salute you and your lifetime status when you get it. You have earned it.
It probably won't make those of us qualifying via stays or spend push on for lifetime status as it may be far out of reach to be motivating, but it may well be that HH are aiming to reward the real frequent stayers.
For those FTers who have qualified over the years and spent almost 3 years in a HH family hotel, I salute you and your lifetime status when you get it. You have earned it.
Feb 11, 2015, 1:26 am
#218
Join Date: May 2001
Location: TYO
Posts: 1,496
Yeah in that respect... if people have lived the 3 years in Hiltons already... then they definitely deserve a reward (not just for the loyalty, but all the usual hotel troubles one encounters over the years!).
I know I won't be qualifying for this anytime soon. I requalify on stays... and usually need a stay or two by using mattress runs at the EOY.
I know I won't be qualifying for this anytime soon. I requalify on stays... and usually need a stay or two by using mattress runs at the EOY.
Feb 11, 2015, 2:34 am
#219
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: London, UK
Programs: Honors Lifetime Diamond, BAEC Gold
Posts: 67
Well, the 10 years is something that I expected, but the 1,000 (paid) nights is steep. waw.... I wonder what percentage will get this offer now...this might put to bed the discussion about Hilton creating a tier above Diamond; it seems they already have ;-)
Feb 11, 2015, 2:35 am
#220
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: UK
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Priority Club Plat, Accor Gold, Flying Blue, Exec Club.
Posts: 963
The wording "is available for select members"- does this mean all will qualify if the requirements are met or Hilton will invite some and not others?
Feb 11, 2015, 2:48 am
#221
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Gloucestershire
Programs: BA Gold (ex-GGL, maybe future Silver), Hilton Diamond
Posts: 6,197
It would be interesting to see if they can do lifetime gold status, which I would probably hit at 600 or so nights - but lifetime diamond will be a stretch.
Still, lifetime status is meant to keep people loyal throughout their career, and perhaps into retirement, not for those who are bouncing from stay to stay.
Still, lifetime status is meant to keep people loyal throughout their career, and perhaps into retirement, not for those who are bouncing from stay to stay.
Feb 11, 2015, 5:26 am
#222
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: USA FL
Programs: Hilton Honors LT Diamond, Marriott Gold Delta Gold, Avis Preferred Plus,
Posts: 190
Kind of what I expected. The 1000 nights is a little steep but for me it is doable. I stay around 90 nights a year. I have about 3 to 4 years to go to make this. No worries about it diluting the Diamond status by giving it to too many people.
Feb 11, 2015, 5:44 am
#223
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,250
While the 10 years Diamond seems fair, a thousand points is a bit steeper than I was thinking. I got a few more years before I get to 10 years of Diamond, but I was Gold for several years. What I don't understand is that my card says I am a member since 10/2002 but I know I had Hilton activity in the late 90s and I have never cared about that discrepancy before because it was irrelevant, just a number on a card. I really have no clue about my total nights and now I am really curious, so I guess I should contact the Diamond Desk.
Feb 11, 2015, 5:51 am
#224
Join Date: Jan 2012
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 695
I have zero chance of achieving this, but I am young and jobs change and so may travel needs and brand coverage in my targetted geographis.
I am pleased with 1000 paid nights nonetheless - it avoids diluting diamond status further. Theoretically, with about 25 paid stays a year, Lifetime Diamond would appear just as I retire
(I guess the world will look very different then, so I will not aim for that at this stage )
I am pleased with 1000 paid nights nonetheless - it avoids diluting diamond status further. Theoretically, with about 25 paid stays a year, Lifetime Diamond would appear just as I retire
(I guess the world will look very different then, so I will not aim for that at this stage )
Feb 11, 2015, 6:05 am
#225
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: ATL - DL DM/3MM - HH Lifetime Diamond - Marriott Lifetime Plat
Posts: 3,117
I feel like I've just been punched in the gut. When I called to get my lifetime stats, I was told my account had already been looked at and I was a Legacy and would get lifetime - now I look at the requirements and it doesn't look good, I don't have 1,000 nights.
I wasn't complaining about being stiffed for the 100,000 points as I assumed something bigger was on the way. I told 2, 1 year Diamonds about it and they were rewarded but my 19 years as a Diamond isn't.
I'm going to wait for the rollout and if nothing happens, I'm done.
I wasn't complaining about being stiffed for the 100,000 points as I assumed something bigger was on the way. I told 2, 1 year Diamonds about it and they were rewarded but my 19 years as a Diamond isn't.
I'm going to wait for the rollout and if nothing happens, I'm done.