May 18, 2026

What's Next for Hilton Honors? We Asked the VP.

30 minutes

Hilton recently made some significant changes to its loyalty program, so we went straight to the source. Brad Anderson, Vice President of Hilton Honors, joins Chris and Katie for a full breakdown of everything new, including the brand new Diamond Reserve elite tier, what the Confirmable Upgrade Reward actually means for loyalists, and how Hilton is lowering the barriers to existing status tiers without taking anything away from current members.

We also cover new hotel openings, the Small Luxury Hotels of the World and AutoCamp partnerships, the future of Hilton Honors credit cards, and what earning and redeeming points look like going forward.

Plus, there's a targeted sale on Hilton Honors points with up to a 100% bonus running through May 29.

(00:00) - The Upgraded Points Podcast Episode 58

(01:14) - Walt Disney World Giveaway

(02:04) - Hilton Honors Points Sale

(02:58) - Hilton Honors Changes in 2026

(05:48) - Hilton’s new Diamond Reserve Elite Tier

(09:35) - New Hilton Locations

(12:30) - Brad's Favorite Hilton Hotel?

(16:13) - Small Luxury Hotels of the World

(18:01) - Hilton Partnerships

(20:30) - Hilton Credit Cards and Hilton Honors Points

(22:15) - Top 4 Hotels for Redemptions

(26:35) - The Future of Hilton Honors

Ultimate Summer of Magic Disney Giveaway:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/win-trip-disney-world-summer-2026/

New top-tier Hilton Honors Diamond Reserve status:
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-honors-diamond-reserve-status-benefits/

What It’s Really Like To Have Diamond Reserve Status, Hilton’s New Tier Above Diamond
https://upgradedpoints.com/news/hilton-diamond-reserve-status-worth-it/

Inside the $350M Renovation of Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort
https://upgradedpoints.com/travel/hotels/grand-wailea-waldorf-astoria-resort-whats-new-review/

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