Gold HH questions for stays in Hilton Sydney and Brisbane

[maaz]

We are staying in Sydney Hilton and Brisbane Hilton in the next month or so. I am a GoldHH and my hubby will be staying with me. I have booked for only one as I have always done both in Australia and overseas (and never said anything about spouse stays free - maybe I should in future).

I have a couple of questions:

I have looked at the Gold Benefits and I can no longer find the free breakfast option or possible room upgrade in the HH website. When we have stayed in the past we have always been upgraded to Executive (sometimes with a little persuasion). In Sydney on the dates we are staying, all rooms are now booked except for the suites. If we do not get upgraded to Executive, do we still get breakfast and would it be in the restaurant or room? I thought there was a benefit that as a GoldHH that you were upgraded to the next level (or higher) but I cannot find that either.

In Brisbane we have booked at an average of $218 per night. I saw the Travelzoo promotion for $149/night for Executive and rang the hotel (on the first day) but because I had booked a non refundable (lesson learnt!!) room we could not take advantage. Just as a matter of interest - would I "expect" to be upgraded to Executive even though I have only booked a Hilton Guest room.

Thanks

 

[tuapekastar]

2 recent stays at Sydney Hilton as a Gold, upgraded to King Relaxation Room and Executive Room respectively, each conferring Exec benefits. But as a Gold, even if not upgraded to Exec level, IIRC you should get a choice between breakfast (full breakfast in glass at Sydney) or 1000 bonus points. I would choose breakfast every time (assuming I wanted it). Of course, YMMV.

 

[ash.1111]

I always book for one, even if my partner is coming. It's a bad habit but never had any issues with doing it that way. I do this just in case the hotel is going to accidentally charge extra for 2.

As HH Gold, both my partner and I were accepted into the Glass restaurant for breakfast when quoting our room number.

I haven't really had much experience re upgrades, but from what I understand, it's space available upgrades (keep in mind other HHonors guests who may arrive later in the day).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I always book for one, even if my partner is coming.

I think a fair few here always book for one as well, but with the special request wording advising of two persons (and respective benefits) as guests!

Tell Hilton what you're doing and they'll generally concur!

 

[ChrisFlyer]

I've stayed in the BNE Hilton a number of times (great after late nights out drinking or clubbing etc), and have always been upgraded as a HHG. I always book a guest room, but have received an Executive room on all but one occasion where I received a Deluxe.

Breakfast used to be free in the restaurant, but the hotel now charges $10pp if you're only entitled to the executive lounge (gold) breakfast. Even if you've only been upgraded to a Deluxe (or not at all), you can still have your breakfast in there though.

In the evenings, the pre-dinner canapés in the lounge are usually quite good, and beer, wine, spirits and liqueurs are all complimentary.

I haven't stayed at the Sydney Hilton, so I can't comment on that property.

 

[ash.1111]

^ I'm staying at BNE next month, looking forward to the Lounge (hopefully!). Do you find weekends are better for upgrades at BNE?

 

[boomy]

^ I'm staying at BNE next month, looking forward to the Lounge (hopefully!). Do you find weekends are better for upgrades at BNE?

This is a typical business hotel in the CBD so normally it will be less busy on weekends (better chance for upgrade) and the lounge will be less crowded as well. Also, the rate is usually much lower Fri-Sun.

Having said that, I must add that from my personal experience, if you are gold/diamond then you are most likely to get an upgrade any day of the week.

 

[Deewhy]

This is a typical business hotel in the CBD so normally it will be less busy on weekends (better chance for upgrade) and the lounge will be less crowded as well. Also, the rate is usually much lower Fri-Sun.

Having said that, I must add that from my personal experience, if you are gold/diamond then you are most likely to get an upgrade any day of the week.

I've stayed a couple of time at BNE during the week as a Diamond earlier this year. First time booked base room and got upgraded to exec room. Second time "sorry sir, no upgrades available". hmmmm.... went to my room and then found out my fellow blue HH traveller got upgraded to an exec room.

So I called the reception and then after a callback they "found" (oh really?) a suite for me. So that worked out, but that experience made me wonder a bit...

 

[mattm199]

What's the recent form at Sydney Hilton for Gold upgrades?

I've been staying at the Brisbane Hilton, and always get an Executive upgrade booking the lowest rate (usually AAA).
Last stay in Sydney (a last minute booking in December) was advised no Executive rooms were possible.
Just curious to see what other's recent experiences in Sydney were....

 

[markis10]

What's the recent form at Sydney Hilton for Gold upgrades?

I've been staying at the Brisbane Hilton, and always get an Executive upgrade booking the lowest rate (usually AAA).
Last stay in Sydney (a last minute booking in December) was advised no Executive rooms were possible.
Just curious to see what other's recent experiences in Sydney were....

Recent stays in this thread should give you an idea:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....on-hhonors/how-do-hilton-treat-you-18502.html

Suffice to say it would appear upgrades are going downhill based on evidence posted?

 

[mattm199]

Thanks Markis10, I had been following that thread, but not seen much for Gold / Sydney / since December.

As always, like when flying, I book something that I'm prepared to accept, and any upgrade is a bonus.

Sydney certainly seems to have gone downhill, often without even water or the apple they used to offer!

Recent stays in this thread should give you an idea:

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....on-hhonors/how-do-hilton-treat-you-18502.html

Suffice to say it would appear upgrades are going downhill based on evidence posted?