How to request a Hilton Gold/Diamond status challenge--and why you should take advantage

Just a quick head-ups that Hilton is still offering status challenges for Gold (mid-tier) and Diamond (top-tier).

All we need is a mid- or top-tier status with a competing hotel chain and evidence of a stay at that chain within the last 12 months (invoice).

Here are the details in a nutshell:

• If approved, Hilton will upgrade your Honors status to either Gold or Diamond for 90 days initially. 
• We simply need four stays during these three months to retain Gold until 31 March 2019. Completing eight stays will get us Diamond until 31 March 2019. 

To request a status challenge, simply head over to the dedicated promo page: HILTON HONORS WILL MATCH YOUR STATUS WITH ANY OTHER HOTEL LOYALTY PROGRAM.

Hilton Honors Gold is amongst the most rewarding mid-tier status levels around, getting us free breakfast for two as well as a fair chance of an upgrade.

I took advantage of this challenge myself before staying at the Conrad Algarve last month, which I reviewed here: My perfect stay at the impressive Conrad Algarve. I matched my Le Club AccorHotels Platinum status to Diamond in order to bag generous benefits like:

• free breakfast in the restaurant (there is no executive lounge at this property)
• 1 tea ceremony OR 1 cocktail experience per stay
• complimentary use of the spa facilities
• complimentary bottle of wine when dining at Louro or Lago Restaurant
• complimentary high-speed internet
• complimentary water
• free daily newspaper

Even if you only have one stay coming up at an expensive property, you might wish to think about requesting a status challenge. You will still receive all the associated benefits, provided that your stay falls within the initial 90-day period. I'd value the benefits I received at the Conrad Algarve at 100€ a day. The buffet breakfast in the restaurant alone will set you back by roughly 25€ per person per day. And this is before factoring in the fee for using the spa and the cost of the afternoon tea (roughly 25€ per person depending on which tea and which pastries you choose).

Full terms and conditions:

“Offer is valid for recipient only. Invitation and offer is non-transferable and status matches cannot be bought or sold. Offer only redeemable once for the lifetime of the promotion. To match your status with Hilton Honors Gold or Diamond status, you must provide your Hilton Honors account number and proof of current equivalent tier status with Starwood Preferred Guest, Marriott Rewards, IHG Rewards Club, Hyatt Gold Passport, Choice Privileges, or other hotel loyalty program. Blue, Silver, and equivalent statuses are not eligible. Acceptable forms of status validation include a screenshot of your current account status or your membership card. Acceptable forms of stay validation include a screenshot of your previous reservations or hotel receipt, redacting any personal information other than your name and membership number. We accept .jpg files only. Do not send any personal information (including your phone number, address, social security number, date of birth, user name, passwords, or credit card information). Hilton reserves the right to downgrade or remove individuals from the program at any time upon submitting any fraudulent documentation for validation. Must be a Hilton Honors member to participate in the promotion. After registering and tier status is validated, Hilton Honors elite tier status will be valid for the following 90 days. Hilton Honors members must complete four stays at Hilton Portfolio hotels during the Promotional Period to maintain Gold Elite status through March 31, 2019. Hilton Honors members who have been granted diamond status match must complete eight stays at Hilton Portfolio hotels during the Promotional Period to maintain Diamond Elite status through March 31, 2019. Thereafter, standard tier requirements must be met to maintain elite status. Please allow up to 5 business days for your upgraded elite status to be reflected in your Hilton Honors account profile. Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond status members may choose from a variety of on-property benefits, which vary by hotel and are subject to availability.”