Hilton targets other hotel elites with status match offer

With 2016 right around the corner, everyone's elite status earning clock starts anew, and hotel programs vie for the business and loyalty of elite travelers by offering up a slew of free benefits. And on the heels of the big announcement of a tie-up between competitors Marriott and Starwood, the mad dash for hotel loyalty is heating up.

Between now and Jan. 16, elite-level members of other hotel loyalty programs can apply to be "matched" to Hilton's equivalent status level. Should you qualify, the gifted status (along with all of its perks) will stay in place through March 2017. Depending on your elite level, benefits can include everything from suite upgrades and free access to the executive lounge to more bonus points and better award availability. Hilton's top-level Diamond members even get the speediest form of wireless Internet for free.

To apply, complete this form and provide documentation of your existing elite status with another hotel program.

Ben Schlappig of One Mile at a Time points out that status matches are often a "once in a lifetime" offer, meaning that a hotel company won't gift a traveler free status more than once in their life, so you might want to consider whether you'll actually use your new Hilton status before applying. But, Schlappig also points out that Hilton rarely offers status matches anyway, so it's probably worth it to take advantage.