Booking through a third party site

[alieninperth]

I know that Hilton does not honour status when bookings are made through a third party site unless it uses one of the approved GDS systems. I want to book Hilton South Wharf for the end of march through the entertainment book website as the rate is much lower than the normal Hilton site (about $60 per room per night). I'm concerned that if I do, my gold status will not be recognised.

The other thing is that the cheapest available room through the entertainment site is a twin and I would prefer a King or Queen. What is the likelihood of Hilton 1) upgrading my room, and/or 2) changing the room to a King/Queen?

My gut it telling me that they will not recognise status and that I should be prepared to accept what I book, but does the brains trust have any idea or comments that could shed light on this?

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

You are booking through the entertainmentbook website and NOT hilton.com website your status will not be honoured.

60$ price difference ..is free breakfast; lounge if there is one?; an upgraded room and Hilton honours points worth 60$ per night to you?

 

[alieninperth]

The only thing guaranteed is the breakfast, the room upgrade and lounge access are possible and the points are not really worth anything to me. I think the savings are worth while but I'm not willing to take a twin. I might just book at the Crown instead, its only a few bucks extra for a king.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

Unfortunately - Hilton does not have an EntertainmentBook 'Code' like Marriott does. For Marriott you can book direct, get the discount, get the perks etc. using NPR code. Entertainment book though routes you through their booking tool for Hilton. IHG also lets you use an Entertainment Book code to get the perks as well. Hoping in 2017/18 that in addition to Marriott and IHG that other chains will have NPR codes so we can book direct and get the discount and benefits.

 

[SponsorSFC]

Anyone had any experience with getting status benefits using the Amex credit?

I am tempted to return to Conrad Singapore in August using my newly acquired Explorer Credit.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

Using what program? i.e. what does using an Amex card vs. a Visa or Mastercard confer to you? have you found a hidden gem for us

 

[SponsorSFC]

Nothing hidden.

I am a HHonors Diamond so would like to receive my status benefits if I make a booking using the $400 travel ccredit that comes with the Amex Explorer Card.

I was hoping someone else may have had experience as Gold/Diamond using Amex credits from other cards.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

cool ..no ..same problem as above ...you are needing to book via an Indirect channel ..some people are lucky and chat up the front desk and get them to recognize Diamond status but generally this is not what the hotels are encouraged to do ..they are paying a commission to amex 18-25% or more ..they want you to book direct.

as an aside the amex travel site ..yo uwill find some okay deals inthere or at least the 'same' price as other sites for hotels ..but there are many places that are grossly overpriced ;-)

 

[ozjuice]

Nothing hidden.

I am a HHonors Diamond so would like to receive my status benefits if I make a booking using the $400 travel ccredit that comes with the Amex Explorer Card.

I was hoping someone else may have had experience as Gold/Diamond using Amex credits from other cards.

From what i read there is no points earn via Amex credit vouchers for hotels, only flights.

http://www.pointhacks.com.au/credit-cards/american-express-explorer-guide/

 

[SponsorSFC]

Thanks.

That may mean we return to MBS or give Raffles a try.

 

[andye]

Unfortunately - Hilton does not have an EntertainmentBook 'Code' like Marriott does. For Marriott you can book direct, get the discount, get the perks etc. using NPR code. Entertainment book though routes you through their booking tool for Hilton. IHG also lets you use an Entertainment Book code to get the perks as well. Hoping in 2017/18 that in addition to Marriott and IHG that other chains will have NPR codes so we can book direct and get the discount and benefits.

I didnt know that EB bookings were good for status recognition. I havent spotted any advantages over 'your rate' (via mrrebates) yet but helpful to have in the armoury

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

Only EB bookings that are done via the Hotel's website directly

To date I have only been able to do this via IHG and Marriot ...if you or anyone else knows of any other 'flags' that allow direct bookings where you can pass in a code like IHG and Marriott to unearth the special EB discount ... please post!