HHonors Gold/Diamond for Velocity Gold/Plat

[serfty]

Since it opened about 2 years ago they have seemed to be continuously attuned to the wants of HHonors statused guests. ^

It seemed for a while they had dragged the HOP in Jolimont across to the same song but that one appears to have regressed lately.

 

[Cynicor]

Most corporate rates required you to actually work for/with that corporation. When searching for rooms, if you are an RACx member, you can check the AAA box and sometimes get cheaper rates. If you need the AAA affiliate number, look at the back of your card and there is usually a small AAA logo and 3 digits.

The AAA rate gives a 5% discount of the room only rate at the Hilton Niseko, for example, but does not affect the package rates.

 

[serfty]

Most corporate rates required you to actually work for/with that corporation. When searching for rooms, if you are an RACx member, you can check the AAA box and sometimes get cheaper rates. If you need the AAA affiliate number, look at the back of your card and there is usually a small AAA logo and 3 digits. ...

Unfortunately, since the new booking software was forced upon us, the three digit "Show You Card and Save" RACV/NRMA etc code no longer works - to get the AAA rate in these cases you have to call.

 

[Cynicor]

Unfortunately, since the new booking software was forced upon us, the three digit "Show You Card and Save" RACV/NRMA etc code no longer works - to get the AAA rate in these cases you have to call.

Really? I just tick the box and the rates come up. I haven't actually booked one as i wanted a package. To book it you need to call?

 

[serfty]

Really? I just tick the box and the rates come up. I haven't actually booked one as i wanted a package. To book it you need to call?

Yes, the rates come up, but you can't confirm the booking without a valid USA AAA code.

 

[Cynicor]

Would it be possible to use a random AAA code available from the Internet for a US club, then just flash your Aussie one on check in/out?

 

[straitman]

Yes, the rates come up, but you can't confirm the booking without a valid USA AAA code.

I just did a sample booking. Using the 16 digit code it did not work but using the three digit code it was OK. (Try 428)

 

[serfty]

I just did a sample booking. Using the 16 digit code it did not work but using the three digit code it was OK. (Try 428)

That the code I use - and yes, they appear to have fixed the problem.

The input screen has been updated. Previously with the new booking portal (last week) the AAA code was entered in a field to the mid right of the "Guest Details" screen - it is now bottom left.

In fact, it seems they have gone from the two column wide screen entry back to a more verticle theme.

 

[Febs]

This may seem a stupid question but whats the deal with corporate rates? I remember hearing that even RACV can give you some discounts etc, is this true?

Large corporations (and smaller ones too I guess) basically negotiate rates with hotels based on volume. For example my employer has excellent rates with Crown (Towers/Promenade/Metropol), Westin and a few other smaller chains here in Melbourne, while some of my clients have great rates with the Hyatts and Hiltons.

The rates can be as good as 1/2 the cheapest advertised rate, and usually include cancellation up to 4pm or 6pm day of arrival (and sometimes breakfast/Internet). Very handy for holidays overseas too.

Hotels usually request proof that you're an employee/contractor, but I've found in Australia they're pretty lax about this (very strict in Asia though IME). I know there's one member here (not me) who manages to get around this though.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Febs]

Received my Diamond card today (one day before my first Hilton stay as a Diamond - good timing ). It says expiry 03/2013 though. Is that what everyone's says, despite the 6 month rule?

I'm making 4 stays so will get it extended anyway...but curious.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[simongr]

I believe that is the general experience Febs. I think that as all Hilton status expiries are 31 March that Hilton cards are all printed with 31 March expiry. There is also nowhere in your your account details to check the status expiry - again as everyone has the same status period.

 

[straitman]

I believe that is the general experience Febs. I think that as all Hilton status expiries are 31 March that Hilton cards are all printed with 31 March expiry. There is also nowhere in your your account details to check the status expiry - again as everyone has the same status period.

Personally I would just quietly accept it and move on.

 

[simongr]

I just did a sample booking. Using the 16 digit code it did not work but using the three digit code it was OK. (Try 428)

That is good news

 

[MrJetset]

Would it be possible to use a random AAA code available from the Internet for a US club, then just flash your Aussie one on check in/out?

You'll find there are codes for RACV, NRMA etc and these are generally better than the rate of the day, can sometimes be better than prepaid rates, without the restrictions or deposit required.

 

[simongr]

I find the NRMA rate about equal to the Internet prepurchase rate without restrictions - a great rate and worth the membership almost!

 

[straitman]

Just a reminder that I have posted elsewhere, previously, that the AAA rates cannot be used if/when people use the Hilton Premium Club discount.

 

[JohnK]

Personally I would just quietly accept it and move on.

Are we quietly saying that complimentary Diamond membership will be until March 2013 regardless of whether the 4 stays are completed or not?

 

[Febs]

Are we quietly saying that complimentary Diamond membership will be until March 2013 regardless of whether the 4 stays are completed or not?

I'm not risking it - doing a bit of hotel hopping this week and a few multi-night stays at HSW in the coming weeks to make sure. Conveniently, 4 stays also gets you a free night under the current promo.

simongr - completely agree with your comments on the HSW by the way. The lounge is fantastic (more lounges need outdoor terraces!) and the suite upgrade was very nice - love the view!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[JohnK]

I will do the 2 stays required as well as they should only cost me ~AUD108/night and I throw away that sort of money on useless things anyway.

 

[drross]

just book it, then when you get the HH Gold card, ring HH and ensure they attach your HH number and status. I have to do this on most of my bookings as our corp travel agent has a mental block in adding hotel loyalty programme numbers to bookings :shock:

we must use the same corporate travel agent - mine never remembers to attach my HH number to the bookings.