The program's top-tier Diamond status can be found on thehiltonhonorsamerican express aspire card Diamond status offers suite upgrades, a food and beverage credit to cover the cost of breakfast outside of the US, and a late check-out time.

The information for the card has been collected by a third party. The card issuer did not review or provide the card details on this page.

Two years ago, when I opened the card, I didn't know I would never get any of the benefits. This is due to the fact that there is a huge amount of members around the world.

There is a reason why a Diamond+ tier is needed.

You can sign up for our daily newsletter for more TPG news.

As a Hilton Diamond, you're one of many

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

Diamond status is too easy to earn for a top tier status.

You'll find yourself in a lobby full of other Diamond members when you check into a hotel in the U.S. Even if you are a Diamond member, hotels can't differentiate you from everyone else.

This is the main reason why a Diamond+ tier is needed in my opinion.

The traveler's guide to the hotel.

You can sign up for our newsletter.

Suite upgrades — for real

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

I've enjoyed the large footprint of the hotel, but suite upgrades are rare.

Diamond elites can receive suite upgrades, but they are not guaranteed. In my experience, the creme de la creme suites haven't been offered by any of the properties that are part of theHilton group.

You're almost always given a specific room number, which is rarely an upgraded room, after you check in on the hotel's app. The final nail in the coffin for another un-upgraded stay is when you have a specific room number.

Waitlisted upgrade to the best available room should be provided by a Diamond+ tier.

Diamond+ should give at least five nightly suite upgrade certificates that can be used to confirm a suite upgrade at the time of booking. The program would be in line with Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt status, both of which offer a path to advanced confirmed suites upgrade certificates.

Your ultimate guide to hotels.

A proper breakfast

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

The daily elite continental breakfast was replaced by a food and beverage credit at properties in the US.

This credit doesn't usually cover a hotel breakfast. Ryan Smith and his wife were staying at a hotel in Southern California. Ryan was offered a $20 food and beverage credit, which he could use at any restaurant. The price for breakfast at this property was $14.95.

It's not the end of the world if you pay $4.95 per person for breakfast, but it cheapens Diamond status and can make elite members feel like they're not worth it.

This problem is not limited to the U.S. Even though the breakfast buffet cost was $34 per person, I was offered a $17 daily breakfast credit. Diamond status offered a full continental breakfast outside of the US.

A proper breakfast would be provided by a Diamond+ tier.

Which hotel has the best breakfasts? The winner was found by the group eating 10 meals.

Guaranteed 4 p.m. checkouts

HILTON

When I ask for a late checkout, I'm told no time after time. It's usually "how about 1 p.m." when it's not a full "no."

Guaranteeing 4 p.m. checkouts should be offered by a Diamond+ tier. This would bring Hilton's top tier status closer to Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.

When to ask for late checkout at hotels.

Personalized support

HILTON

This is not hard to do. It's common to run into long hold times when calling the Diamond line.

I had to use the phone to redeem the free night certificates from my card. I was on hold for 25 minutes before I was transferred to an agent who didn't know anything about free nights. I was told that I should just use my points since I have enough.

After my request to speak with another agent was denied, I called back, waited on hold, and was connected with an agent who was able to help.

Marriott Ambassador Elite status gives you a designated Ambassador line and Hyatt Globalist status gives you the My Hyatt Concierge. The Diamond+ tier should have its own line.

There are many ways to redeem points with the program.

Partner benefits

ZACH GRIFF/THE POINTS GUY

When it comes to partner benefits, it's not worth it. Marriott Titanium and Ambassador Elite members can be matched with United Airlines premier silver. Hyatt members can get bonus points on American Airlines. Status challenges are run by Hyatt and American.

Delta Air Lines is one of the major U.S. carriers without a close hotel ally.

There are 13 ways to get more points.

Waived fees

KYLE OLSEN/THE POINTS GUY

World of Hyatt is the leader when it comes to waiving fees for elite members.

It would be great to see that benefit extended to stays booked with cash. It would be great to see a Diamond+ tier comp parking fees, which Hyatt Globalist status offers.

I am spending 4 millionHiltonHonors points.

Bottom line

I opened the card for Diamond status when I applied for it. Due to the scarcity of late check- outs, skimpy food and beverage credits, and near-nonexistent suite upgrades, I'm not feeling the love from the hotel.

A Diamond+ status tier would make road warriors like me feel appreciated. If its benefits beat the competition, frequent travelers could move their stays to Hilton properties and earn Diamond+ if they chose to.