HHonors Gold - should I pay for the upgrade?

[zultan]

I have made a booking, that is now visible within my HHonors account -- when open it I am offered the chance to pay for a room upgrade. I fancy trying out the executive lounge, but should I wait in case I get a free upgrade as a gold member (thanks to Amex)?

 

[Hvr]

When and where? Someone may have experience of staying at that hotel and can share their upgrade knowledge of that location.

When: because upgrade availability may be affected by local events.

 

[zultan]

Adelaide, end of August. thanks

 

[Daver6]

It might depend on what level room you've booked. Ie, if you've booked base room your upgrade might just be to a room on a higher floor/better view (not really an upgrade IMHO).

At check-in you can always ask if they can give you exec room access. I guess it's a bit of a lottery. IF you go the pay for room upgrade option you can be sure you won't be getting access for free based on HH status.

 

[Blackadder]

I have made a booking, that is now visible within my HHonors account -- when open it I am offered the chance to pay for a room upgrade. I fancy trying out the executive lounge, but should I wait in case I get a free upgrade as a gold member (thanks to Amex)?

Recently had 4 Hilton Stays (2 Sydney,1 Brisbane, 1 Melbourne) 0/4 from upgrades, as a Gold member.

 

[turtlemichael]

It may have changed by now and certainly by the time you get to Adelaide but the lounge was closed when I was there a month or so ago. Maybe someone can update? If the arrangements of canapes in the downstairs bar still apply I would certainly not be paying more for access.

 

[jase05]

It may have changed by now and certainly by the time you get to Adelaide but the lounge was closed when I was there a month or so ago. Maybe someone can update? If the arrangements of canapes in the downstairs bar still apply I would certainly not be paying more for access.

Yeah, I was last there about 6 weeks ago and they were hoping the EL would open again in early June but I haven’t heard anyone report that it has opened again yet

 

[zultan]

So without the EL, is the $125 upgrade from a standard room to junior suite worth the bump? Also, I wonder why hotels require a 3rd party like Nor1 to administer upgrade like this?

 

[Ryan Bingham]

Concur. I wouldn't pay extra to use the bar 'lounge' next to the lobby. In fact, I'd ask for a refund!

 

[Andrew Curran]

I've heard (and someone may be able to verify/correct this) that the ADL EL is back open in the evenings. Even if so, $125 is a bit keen to lock in access