Earlier this month, I received a small package in the mail from Hilton. Although I knew I had recently earned Diamond elite status (Hilton’s highest elite tier), I wasn’t expecting anything more than a new piece of plastic that states so.<\/p>\n

To my surprise, Hilton gives you a little gift thanking you for being a loyal customer.<\/p>\n

Here’s the un-boxing:<\/p>\n

\n<\/a>(little postcard sized box I received in the mail)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n<\/a>(new card & pamphlet stating Diamond status, and a little encased box)<\/em><\/p>\n

\n<\/a>(a set of playing cards with Hilton logos, and unique facts about each property on each card)<\/em><\/p>\n

Now this isn’t an “OMG, I can’t believe what they just sent me gift”, but it was unexpected, and not part of the benefits outlined in their elite status guide.<\/p>\n

Fortunately for me, I love playing various card games (Big2 anyone?). Being on the road is also a great time for cards as it requires interaction instead of just staring at a screen. Traveling and elite benefits are great, but the most important thing for me is always building memories with people that cannot be replaced.<\/p>\n

If you’re wondering how I earned Hilton Diamond status, the AMEX Hilton Surpass card gives you Diamond status after spending $40,000 in one calendar year. Well that wasn’t too difficult via manufactured spending<\/a>, and when this card offered 6 points per dollar spent earlier this year at drugstores (Hello CVS!). Yea I pretty much went all out in preparation for my trip to Asia.<\/p>\n

Normally Hilton requires 28 stays or 60 nights per calendar year to quality for Diamond. See below.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

If you’re curious about Hilton tier levels, check out their page here <\/a>outlining different levels and benefits. Some of the benefits of Diamond are listed below.<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

My favorites (which aren’t on this list) are free breakfast\/club lounge access, and room upgrades when available.<\/p>\n

I’m planning on writing more about elite benefits and the easiest way to get them soon.<\/p>\n

What’s your favorite loyalty program and why?<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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