How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[QF WP]

Just thought I'd create a thread for this - looking back over the last year, I thought I'd done a thread here as well as on Priority Club.

I'm a Gold member.

Friday, 22 May to Sunday, 31 May (yes, 9 nights)
Property: Hilton Cairns
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Travelzoo $135 package rate (included bottle of red wine)
Received: Upgrade to King Suite, card from GM and the wine, obligatory 2 free water bottles per day

Wednesday, 8 July
Property: Hilton Parmelia Perth
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Award room
Received: Upgrade to King Suite, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Thursday, 9 July
Property: Hilton Adelaide
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Award room
Received: Upgrade to Exec Floor, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Saturday, 11 July
Property: Hilton Brisbane
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Met Package (birthday present for Mrs LW, included 2 buffet breakfasts at Atrium Cafe & 2 tickets to Qld Art Gallery for Impressionists Showing from Metropolitan Museum New York - to get some culture)
Received: Upgrade to Exec Floor, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Got some more travel to do to Melbourne this Friday, so hoping to fly down Thursday night to sample the new Hilton.

 

[QF WP]

Hmmm, the lack of diamond upgrades at these two particular properties seems to be continuing. Shame really, but congrats on your wedding anniversary.

+1 QFWP on your celebration..
Sad to see Hilton not recognising so much the diamond status though..
Would have thought better, especially for such an auspicious occasion.

Thank you gentlemen. Happy wife, so happy week

I put it down to both properties being full. As it was my first stay at Sydney, my property "value" is low - but my HSW value is decent.

Not going to stop me staying at either.

 

[muppet]

Thank you gentlemen. Happy wife, so happy week

I put it down to both properties being full. As it was my first stay at Sydney, my property "value" is low - but my HSW value is decent.

Not going to stop me staying at either.

I have been given an "executive" upgrade at HSW in the past, until I asked for a suite.

Two weekends ago I go the same "we're full" so I thought I'd test them and offered to pay for an upgrade. So either actually full or they called my bluff.

 

[jetlagger]

I have been given an "executive" upgrade at HSW in the past, until I asked for a suite.

Two weekends ago I go the same "we're full" so I thought I'd test them and offered to pay for an upgrade. So either actually full or they called my bluff.

But a hotel being 'full" does not often mean 100% occupancy..
I've experienced this on too many occasions. from 'both sides of the fence".
There are often more rooms to sell..

 

[Peter78]

Status: Gold
Property: Conrad Centennial Singapore
Date: 11 September
Booked: Twin Classic Room, S$375 Advance Purchase, Spouse Stays Free
Received: King Business Room.

This was the first stay using my HHonors gold status, after opting in following reaching VA gold last year. I regret that I only "discovered" Hilton properties now, however this stay certainly encouraged me to consider Hilton more strongly in the future.

We had left booking the hotel to quite late so I guess the rate is a bit on the higher side and only the twin bed option was available at this price level. Prior to arriving, we had received an email from the hotel about any special requests and as a result, early check-in has been requested. On the day of the stay, we got out of the taxi at 7.20am following our flight from Europe (more in a separate trip report, which I will write up on the weekend), hoping for a room to be available already. Unfortunately, this was not the case but the front desk manager immediately offered us breakfast free of charge at Oscars, which we gratefully accepted. In addition, we were provided with WiFi vouchers to bridge the wait until a room was available.

At 8.30am, we were approached to learn that a room was now available. We gladly accepted and got some rest before enjoying Singapore, although for one night only. We had dinner at the Old Airport Rd hawker centre, brilliant food and excellent value.

Other benefits we received were the room upgrade, S$20 laundry allowance, breakfast (twice!!), chocolates (8 pieces) as well as fruit (four pieces), free WiFi and a late check-out at 3pm. Chocolates and fruit were delivered a few minutes after getting into our room.

Overall a great stay and when in Singapore again, I will make the Conrad my first choice. Now to decide which Hilton property to go for in Bangkok later this year!?!

 

[lilbro888]

either the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok ( brand new ) or the Double Tree right next door... been at both properties over the last two weeks with great HHonors Recognition & the bet asian hospitality that can be offered. Blows alot of the other Hilton Properties out of the water... if you want an exec lounge go Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok as the Double Tree Property doesn't have one.

Status: Gold
Property: Conrad Centennial Singapore
Date: 11 September
Booked: Twin Classic Room, S$375 Advance Purchase, Spouse Stays Free
Received: King Business Room.

This was the first stay using my HHonors gold status, after opting in following reaching VA gold last year. I regret that I only "discovered" Hilton properties now, however this stay certainly encouraged me to consider Hilton more strongly in the future.

We had left booking the hotel to quite late so I guess the rate is a bit on the higher side and only the twin bed option was available at this price level. Prior to arriving, we had received an email from the hotel about any special requests and as a result, early check-in has been requested. On the day of the stay, we got out of the taxi at 7.20am following our flight from Europe (more in a separate trip report, which I will write up on the weekend), hoping for a room to be available already. Unfortunately, this was not the case but the front desk manager immediately offered us breakfast free of charge at Oscars, which we gratefully accepted. In addition, we were provided with WiFi vouchers to bridge the wait until a room was available.

At 8.30am, we were approached to learn that a room was now available. We gladly accepted and got some rest before enjoying Singapore, albeit only for one night. Dinner was at the Old Airport Rd hawker centre, brilliant food and excellent value.

Other benefits we received was the upgrade, S$20 laundry allowance, breakfast (twice!!), chocolates (8 pieces) as well as fruit (four pieces), free WiFi and a late check-out at 3pm. Chocolates and fruit were delivered a few minutes after getting into our room.

Overall a great stay and when in Singapore again, I will make the Conrad my first choice. Now to decide which Hilton property to go for in Bangkok later this year!?!

 

[Moopere]

either the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok ( brand new ) or the Double Tree right next door... been at both properties over the last two weeks with great HHonors Recognition & the bet asian hospitality that can be offered. Blows alot of the other Hilton Properties out of the water... if you want an exec lounge go Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok as the Double Tree Property doesn't have one.

Don't write off the venerable Millenium Hilton bkk either - depends on how long you are staying and the nature of your stay. The river area is really quite nice and though not central to the nightlife, it isn't a bad springboard to other interesting activities and sites.

I've been to the Millenium any number of times and though the property is not new like the one in sukhumvit status recognition and service is excellent. Service at DT sukhumvit is also good but for those that don't know, be aware that this is a hotel conversion so the property is far from new though the rooms are well refurbed. I'm trying to swing NYE in BKK this year and even though I really want to try the new Hilton, I'll almost certainly go to the Millennium, as NYE overlooking the river, with all the activity that surrounds it will be magic I'm sure.

 

[muppet]

But a hotel being 'full" does not often mean 100% occupancy..
I've experienced this on too many occasions. from 'both sides of the fence".
There are often more rooms to sell..

Yeah I get that.
That's why I offerred to pay.

I assumed that a Diamond willing to fork out the cash would get the suite, unless there were NO upgrades and the suites were all purchased.

I have stayed there about 45 nights over the last 24 months, so I must have a reasonable property value.

 

[dfcatch]

It's disappointing how many AFFers seem to demand their bottles of water. Terrible for the environment, and completely unneeded in Australia. Says something about the environmental credentials of your average AFFer.

Dude - take your ideology elsewhere please.

Regardless of what you think about the use of plastic in society - bottle water is a benefit which many people appreciate and utilize.

As far as your concern about plastic is concerned - I would suggest that plastic bottle usage by AFFers is not your biggest challenge if you want to save the world one bottle at a time.

However - perhaps you could write to Hilton and suggest that they provide plastic recycling bins if that would ease your conscience..??

 

[QF029]

either the Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok ( brand new ) or the Double Tree right next door... been at both properties over the last two weeks with great HHonors Recognition & the bet asian hospitality that can be offered. Blows alot of the other Hilton Properties out of the water... if you want an exec lounge go Hilton Sukhumvit Bangkok as the Double Tree Property doesn't have one.

Do you think the Hilton is worth a 50% points premium over the Doubletree? Obviously they have a lounge but what about the rest of the hotel? From the pictures the pool at the DT looks more appealing.

 

[Flashback]

Status: Diamond
Property: Conrad Centennial Singapore
Date: 13-15 September
Booked: King Classic Room, 20k HH points + pay (first night), 24k HH points + pay (second night)
Received: King Executive Room

This was the first stay as an HHonors Diamond member. Check-in was quick and efficient up in the Exec Lounge and the big, cold glass of water was greatly appreciated as it was rather warm!

We had received an email from the hotel about when we would be checking in, which I responded with the usual 2pm. In the end I arrived around 10.30 and while I did not expect to be able to get our room, fortunately they had one available which was great.

We had dinner at the Old Airport Rd hawker centre due to East Coast Lagoon being closed for R&R and it had a decent selection there and the satay sticks were much cheaper than Lau Pa Sat. We also spent some time up in the Exec Lounge and by pure chance, bumped into some fellow FTers.

We were offered pressing of 5 items of clothing (which we happily used!) and the room also had chocolates and a fruit bowl and the usual HH perks (free internet, etc.)

Service here is absolutely impeccable, especially the EL staff. Nothing is too hard. The pool is nice to relax around and I would definitely stay here again.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Property: Conrad Centennial Singapore
Service here is absolutely impeccable, especially the EL staff. Nothing is too hard. The pool is nice to relax around and I would definitely stay here again.

And at a pretty good P+P rate as well. May I ask what the $ value contibution in that rate was? It sounds like a hotel to put on our list.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton SYD
Date: 13th Sep
Booked: Relaxation Room AAA rate $541
Received: Relaxation Suite on 35th Floor

Second proper upgrade at this hotel ( 2 cat upgrade, last stay was 3 cat upgrade to King Suite).
I had emailed the hotel a couple of days prior to advise of a late check-in, they replied and I noted afterwards that the booking had at that stage been upgraded to the suite.
We eventually got there after midnight due to attending a school function miles away.
Friendly, efficient check-in, was recognised as Diamond member and offered a 2pm checkout without having to ask.
4 bottles of water in the room and the Diamond Amenity appears to have made a return to service:

Excellent breakfast at Glass this morning with a great spot by the window overlooking the QVB


Over all reasonably well impressed by my last two stays there.
It will be interesting to see if the good service continues on my next stay which at this stage is looking like it will be in a standard room.

 

[lilbro888]

we stayed at both properties, hilton before the double tree and were pleasantly surprised that the rooms are pretty much identical ( exec room in hilton/deluxe in double tree ) used points for the DT booking and payed next to nothing for two nights... the hotels are right next to each other and easy access to the sky train...i would go DT if booking with points

Do you think the Hilton is worth a 50% points premium over the Doubletree? Obviously they have a lounge but what about the rest of the hotel? From the pictures the pool at the DT looks more appealing.

 

[anat0l]

Status: Diamond
Property: Doubletree by Hilton Austin University
Date: 8-9 September
Booked: King Bed Guestroom
Received: King Bed Guestroom City View
Other Items Received: Two bottles of water (delivered by housekeeping after arriving in room), unlimited water from Pantry, voucher for one free drink at the hotel bar or restaurant (gratuity not included), complimentary full breakfast (gratuity not included)

Wireless internet, of course, is complimentary for Diamond. And everyone gets a Doubletree Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie upon check-in.

On the morning I was checking out, the fire alarm (very loud, piercing tone) went off. I checked with reception and they said it was a false alarm due to a system failure. Later when I checked out, the same manager helped who talked to me on the phone helped me at checkout. As a way of apologising for the inconvenience, he waived all auxiliary charges I had on the bill (i.e. I only paid for the room + tax).

 

[jetlagger]

Status: Diamond
Property: Doubletree by Hilton Austin University
Date: 8-9 September
Booked: King Bed Guestroom
Received: King Bed Guestroom City View
Other Items Received: Two bottles of water (delivered by housekeeping after arriving in room), unlimited water from Pantry, complimentary full breakfast

Wireless internet, of course, is complimentary for Diamond. And everyone gets a Doubletree Signature Chocolate Chip Cookie upon check-in.

On the morning I was checking out, the fire alarm (very loud, piercing tone) went off. I checked with reception and they said it was a false alarm due to a system failure. Later when I checked out, the same manager helped who talked to me on the phone helped me at checkout. As a way of apologising for the inconvenience, he waived all auxiliary charges I had on the bill (i.e. I only paid for the room + tax).

Nice gesture.. If only the IC MEL would have considered along similar thoughts when the fire alarm activated at a most inconvenient time. :evil:
Those Doubletree cookies are delicious, also was given at the DT LAS.

 

[ms1]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Darwin
Date: 19-21 September
Booked: King Guestroom
Received: King Bed Guestroom Harbour View
Other Items Received: Zilch. No executive floor, no breakfast, no bottled water. Oh wait, I did get some card from the Operations Manager welcoming me back.

 

[anat0l]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Darwin
Date: 19-21 September
Booked: King Guestroom
Received: King Bed Guestroom Harbour View
Other Items Received: Zilch. No executive floor, no breakfast, no bottled water. Oh wait, I did get some card from the Operations Manager welcoming me back.

As a Gold you should've received complimentary continental breakfast at minimum at the hotel restaurant. Unless the hotel doesn't have a restaurant (doubt it), or you selected the 1000 bonus points per stay MyWay benefit instead of breakfast.

According to the HHonors website, Gold should also get water (2 bottles per stay) at Hilton properties. I think some people have resorted to, in these cases, taking the water from the minibar and arguing the charge to be removed at checkout (it's a poor process to follow, however).

 

[jetlagger]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Darwin
Date: 19-21 September
Booked: King Guestroom
Received: King Bed Guestroom Harbour View
Other Items Received: Zilch. No executive floor, no breakfast, no bottled water. Oh wait, I did get some card from the Operations Manager welcoming me back.

Thought the HDRW would offer perhaps an iconic Darwin Stubby in lieu of the water?

 

[DC3]

Did they provide a reason for no breakfast and no water?

 

[ms1]

As a Gold you should've received complimentary continental breakfast at minimum at the hotel restaurant. Unless the hotel doesn't have a restaurant (doubt it), or you selected the 1000 bonus points per stay MyWay benefit instead of breakfast.

According to the HHonors website, Gold should also get water (2 bottles per stay) at Hilton properties. I think some people have resorted to, in these cases, taking the water from the minibar and arguing the charge to be removed at checkout (it's a poor process to follow, however).

I definitely have the breakfast set up in my HHonors profile as oppose to the points but absolutely nothing was offered.