If you’re a frequent traveler, you know how important it is to have elite status with a hotel loyalty program. It gives you access to exclusive benefits and perks and can also make your travels more comfortable and enjoyable.
Two of the top-tier elite status levels offered by hotel loyalty programs are Hilton Diamond and Hyatt Globalist. Both come with a wide range of benefits and perks, such as room upgrades, late check-out, and free nights. However, there are also some key differences between the two that may make one program more appealing to you than the other.
In this post, we’ll take a closer look at Hilton Diamond and Hyatt Globalist and compare the benefits they offer. We’ll also discuss the requirements for achieving elite status, as well as the earning and redemption options available. By the end of this post, you’ll have a good understanding of what each program has to offer and be able to make an informed decision on which one is right for you.
How to Earn a Status
The process for earning Hilton Diamond and Hyatt Globalist status is slightly different. To become a Hyatt Globalist, you must earn at least 60 qualifying nights or earn at least 100,000 base points in a calendar year. For Hilton Diamond, you must earn at least 60 elite qualifying nights (and have at least 30 stays) or earn at least 120,000 base points in a calendar year.
However, if you have the Hilton Aspire credit card, you can earn Diamond status without meeting any night or stay requirements. You can also earn a Free Night Reward and get an automatic Diamond status renewal every year as long as you are a cardmember.
Having the World of Hyatt Credit Card can help you fast-track your way to Globalist status (but you won’t get it automatically like with Hilton Aspire). World of Hyatt Credit Card holders receive 5 elite qualifying nights per year and have an option to earn two additional night credits for every $5,000 spent using the card. Additionally, members using the business version of the card can receive five additional night credits for every $10,000 spent.
Globalist vs Diamond: Benefits At Glance
| Benefit | World of Hyatt Globalist | Hilton Honors Diamond |
|---|---|---|
| Points Earning | 5 Base Points per eligible $1 spent + 30% Bonus on eligible purchases | 100% Points earning Bonus on stays |
| Room Upgrades | Upgraded room including Standard Suites based on availability at check-in at participating locations | Up to a 1-bedroom suite upon availability |
| Free Breakfast | Complimentary breakfast daily at participating Hyatt hotels (up to 2 adults and 2 children) | Daily Food and Beverage Credit or Continental Breakfast (varies by brand and region) |
| Resorts Fees | Waived on Eligible Rates & Free Night Awards | Waived only on Free Night Awards stays |
| Free Parking | Free Parking on Free Night Awards | — |
| Late check-out | 4pm upon availability | 4pm upon availability |
| Wi-Fi | Complimentary premium Wi-Fi where available | Complimentary premium Wi-Fi where available |
| Fifth night free | — | 5th night free on standard room reward stays |
| Lounge or Club Access | Breakfast and evening appetizers daily in the Club lounge | Executive lounge access |
| American Airlines Benefit | Earn 1 Hyatt Point for every $1 spent on qualifying American Airlines flights | — |
Points Earning
Both programs offer different ways to earn points. World of Hyatt Globalist members earn 5 base points per $1 spent on eligible purchases, plus a 30% bonus. This means that for every dollar you spend on eligible purchases at Hyatt properties, you’ll earn 5 points, plus an additional 1.5 points (30% of 5) for a total of 6.5 points. This can add up quickly, allowing you to redeem your points for free nights and other rewards at a faster rate.
Hilton Honors Diamond members, on the other hand, earn a 100% points earning bonus on stays. So, for every dollar you spend on eligible room rates, you’ll earn twice the standard amount of points (10 base points plus 10 bonus points).
According to our valuation, Hyatt points are worth at least 2 cents each, and Hilton points are worth at least 0.6 cents each. This means that the Hyatt program offers a cash back equivalent of 13% (6.5 * 2cpp), and the Hilton program offers a cash back equivalent of 12% (10+10 * 0.6cpp), which is pretty similar.
Room Upgrades
World of Hyatt Globalist members are eligible for upgraded rooms, including standard suites, based on availability at check-in. That being said, if a suite is available at check-in, you will be upgraded to it at no additional cost. This can definitely add a touch of luxury to your stay and make your travels more comfortable.
Hilton Honors Diamond members can receive up to a 1-bedroom suite upon availability. This means that if a 1-bedroom suite is available at the time of check-in, the hotel will complimentary upgrade you to that suite.
Free Breakfast
Both programs offer a complimentary breakfast (or a breakfast credit) benefit, but the details vary. World of Hyatt Globalist members receive complimentary breakfast daily at participating Hyatt hotels (up to 2 adults and 2 children). So, suppose you’re staying at a Hyatt property that offers breakfast; as a Globalist, you’ll be able to enjoy complimentary breakfast each day of your stay for up to 2 adults and 2 children (this is excellent for families!).
Hilton Honors Diamond members are offered daily food and beverage credit or continental breakfast, which varies by brand and region. It’s worth mentioning that the breakfast credit was introduced during the pandemic as a cost-cutting measure, and then subsequently, it was made permanent.
So, for example, in the United States, the Hilton breakfast credit is just $30 ($36 at select properties) for two people, which is inferior to Hyatt and most likely won’t be enough for a family of 4. Luckily, you still get a free breakfast benefit internationally, but in the U.S., Hyatt is a clear winner in terms of breakfast perks for its elites.
Resort Fees
Resort fees can add up quickly, and both programs offer ways to waive them. World of Hyatt Globalist members have resort fees waived on eligible rates and free night awards. This means that if you’re booking an eligible rate or using a free night award, any resort fees that would typically be charged will be waived, saving you money on your stay.
Hilton Honors Diamond members have no resort fees only on award stays, so you would still need to pay them if you’re booking with cash. So Hyatt is a clear winner here as well.
Free Parking
World of Hyatt Globalist members receive free parking on Free Night Awards, while Hilton Honors Diamond members do not get this benefit. So, if you booked your room using points or redeemed Free Night Award certificates with Hyatt, any parking fees that would typically be charged will be waived (including valet). This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you’re staying for multiple nights.
Late Check-out
Both World of Hyatt Globalist and Hilton Honors Diamond members are eligible for a 4 PM late check-out based on availability. As a member of either program, you can request to check out as late as 4 PM on the day of your departure if the hotel has availability, giving you more flexibility and the opportunity to make the most of your stay.
However, it’s worth mentioning that for us, it’s always been hit or miss with both Hyatt and Hilton. Late check-out availability can be limited and subject to change, depending on the hotel’s occupancy and other factors.
Wi-Fi
Both programs offer complimentary premium internet where available.
Fifth Night Free
Hilton Honors Diamond members receive a 5th night free on Standard Room reward stays, while World of Hyatt Globalist members do not have this perk.
When you book a Standard Room reward stay with Hilton Honors points, your 5th night will be free. This can be a great way to stretch your points even further!
Lounge or Club Access
World of Hyatt Globalist members have access to the Club lounge, while Hilton Honors Diamond members have executive lounge access.
As a Globalist member, you’ll have access to a special lounge at participating hotels where you can enjoy breakfast and evening appetizers at no additional cost. As a Diamond member, you’ll have access to an executive lounge, which can include additional amenities such as drinks, snacks, and dedicated business centers.
American Airlines Benefit
American Airlines and Hyatt have a reciprocal loyalty program partnership, which allows members of both programs to earn points when staying at participating hotels or flying on American Airlines.
In a nutshell, American Airlines AAdvantage members can earn AAdvantage miles for their stays at Hyatt hotels, and Hyatt Globalist members can earn Hyatt points for their flights on American Airlines.
This benefit is exclusive to Hyatt, and Hilton offers nothing similar.
Botton Line
In summary, Hilton Diamond status and Hyatt Globalist status both offer valuable benefits and perks for frequent hotel guests, but the choice of which one is right for you will depend on your personal travel preferences and priorities, as well as the locations and amenities of the hotels in each brand’s network.
