Smart With Points Podcast - Boost Your Miles & Points

Welcome to Smart With Points, the podcast where we dive into the world of travelling with miles and points. I'm your host, Jack, and I'm excited to share with you a fantastic opportunity to elevate your hotel game. As someone who spends a fair amount of time in hotels, I'm always on the lookout for ways to maximise status benefits across different chains. Today, we're talking about Hilton's refreshed status match program, which offers a generous route to Diamond status that runs until March two thousand and twenty-seven. Hilton has just revamped their status match program, and what makes this especially interesting is that you can qualify with just mid-tier status from another program. This means that even Marriott Gold members can potentially fast-track to Hilton's top tier. Here's how it works: you'll initially receive Hilton Gold status for ninety days. Complete fourteen paid nights within that period, and you'll be upgraded to Diamond status until March two thousand and twenty-seven. If you're aiming for Gold, you only need eight nights. The match is available from various programs, including Marriott Bonvoy, IHG One Rewards, and World of Hyatt. Now, you might be wondering about the value proposition. Hilton Diamond comes with guaranteed lounge access, when available, and higher upgrade priority. Gold already includes breakfast, or a food and beverage credit in North America, making it arguably the most valuable mid-tier hotel status out there. If you're planning this strategically, I'd recommend waiting until you have a chunk of stays lined up before triggering the match. While the program has been running for years, there's no point starting your ninety-day window without having concrete travel plans. You'll need to show evidence of a recent stay with your existing program, so keep that in mind. One important caveat: if you're already Hilton Gold, for instance through American Express Platinum, you won't be eligible for this match. Additionally, reward nights don't count towards the challenge - only paid stays will help you reach that fourteen-night target. Having experienced both sides of the equation - earning status the hard way and through status matches - I can say that fast-track opportunities like this are worth considering if they align with your travel plans. Just remember to time it right and ensure you can actually complete the required stays within the ninety-day window. Thanks for tuning in to this episode of Smart With Points. If you want to stay up-to-date with the latest news and tips on travelling with miles and points, be sure to subscribe to our podcast on all major platforms or visit our website at smartwithpoints.co.uk.