Hilton Honors: is it worth it?

[xtfer]

I took the benefit of Hilton Honors Diamond tier match through Virgin, with the aim of seeing if they could hold my business, but after 6 months I'm struggling to see the value in this program.

As far as I can tell, the main benefits have been more points which could be useful for redemptions, however the other Diamond status benefits have been largely irrelevant. I've not received a room upgrade of any significance, other than "a higher floor" (which is about as pointless a benefit as I could imagine), and the quality of service across the properties I've stayed at has been so lacklustre that it hard to see that I'm getting any better treatment. Even their executive lounges don't match the quality of hotels in cheaper price brackets.

I can't justify continuing to book Hilton's when there are better properties out there at the same price, when even at the top of its loyalty program the benefits are negligible.

Has anyone else had a similar experience, and if so which program would you recommend?

 

[moa999]

It all depends on the hotel - and in general the more you pay for your room and the more you stay at an individual hotel the better the chance of a better upgrade.

Exec lounges and breakfast can be very useful in some locations.

 

[serfty]

If you travel for work and can expense breakfast, dinner, wifi etc then the benefits can decline.

Those parts of my travel where it for personal reason make the breakfast, lounge access etc. useful,

I don't care really about room upgrades - my motto is you can't eat a view ...

Enjoy the double base points ...

 

[mel-world]

I'd be interested to know the cheaper properties with better Executive Lounges.

Forget about North America where there are really no Hilton lounges of note but I have stayed at some Hilton properties with excellent lounges, especially in Asia. I cannot expense anything so any benefit is cash in my pocket. I always go for the cheapest rate and often get upgraded, but, more importantly, get early or late arrival/departure benefits.

 

[earlyriser]

I'd be interested to know the cheaper properties with better Executive Lounges.

Forget about North America where there are really no Hilton lounges of note but I have stayed at some Hilton properties with excellent lounges, especially in Asia. I cannot expense anything so any benefit is cash in my pocket. I always go for the cheapest rate and often get upgraded, but, more importantly, get early or late arrival/departure benefits.

I agree. Asia is where being Diamond is well and truly worth it. I also stay at HSYD a lot and enjoy the upgrade around 1/3 times although it was at a lower rate when I first started staying there often.

 

[moa999]

Asia definitely - particularly Malaysia, Thailand Vietnam and China.

Sing and HK have more limited (and pricey choices)

 

[mel-world]

Just off the the Hilton SIN lounge now..... will report back.

Edit: Quite busy and noisy but good selection of salad, cheese and hot snacks. Plus a glass of pleasant dry white wine - they had spirits available as well. Not a feast but quite adequate for me.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

I have been HH Dia for years and vast majority my nts away are in China - all self funded - around 70nts / year but never stay in a Hilton. For me far better value can be found in other hotel chains price, location and upgrade wise in both SH and BJ than what HH could ever offer - but as always YMMV.