How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[QF WP]

Just thought I'd create a thread for this - looking back over the last year, I thought I'd done a thread here as well as on Priority Club.

I'm a Gold member.

Friday, 22 May to Sunday, 31 May (yes, 9 nights)
Property: Hilton Cairns
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Travelzoo $135 package rate (included bottle of red wine)
Received: Upgrade to King Suite, card from GM and the wine, obligatory 2 free water bottles per day

Wednesday, 8 July
Property: Hilton Parmelia Perth
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Award room
Received: Upgrade to King Suite, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Thursday, 9 July
Property: Hilton Adelaide
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Award room
Received: Upgrade to Exec Floor, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Saturday, 11 July
Property: Hilton Brisbane
Room booked: King Room
Rate: Met Package (birthday present for Mrs LW, included 2 buffet breakfasts at Atrium Cafe & 2 tickets to Qld Art Gallery for Impressionists Showing from Metropolitan Museum New York - to get some culture)
Received: Upgrade to Exec Floor, card from GM and the obligatory 2 free water bottles

Got some more travel to do to Melbourne this Friday, so hoping to fly down Thursday night to sample the new Hilton.

 

[mel-world]

Hilton Singapore (again)
October 6 (one night)
Gold

My upgrade success continues. This time from a standard twin on a Senior Rate up to a two room Executive Suite with Lounge access. Pity I did not arrive until after midnight and left after breakfast. It would have been nice to stretch out and enjoy the space. The breakfast is again quite limited but not busy at 0900. Did not even try the Digital Key this time. Has anyone had success with this App function? Singapore rooms are getting very expensive, even at standard Hiltons like this. I guess the location matters as the rate here is often about the same or higher than the Conrad at Suntec City at the other end of Orchard Rd.

 

[Moopere]

This post really just an anecdote as I haven't seen it mentioned and I even did a search to check.

Looks like the DT Surin Beach (HKT) is no more - been bought by Accor and is now a Novotel. I had an idea it was a Novotel before it got refreshed into a DT back in 2012/13 ... but anyway. Looks like it disappeared from the Hilton family some time in 2015 - I just wasn't paying enough attention and HKT left me cold when I was last there anyway so no plans to return (though the DT itself was nice).

Anyway, hope the staff all retained their jobs as they looked after me when I was there on an extended stay a few years ago. I'm not 100% surprised its gone though, that area of northern HKT is pretty desolate after 6pm or so and even the taxi's stop working in the middle/late evening (and were extortionately priced anyway from memory).

 

[mel-world]

Conrad Singapore
October 6 (1 night)
Booked Base Room, upgraded to Deluxe on points and recieved Lounge benefits again.
Gold

My run of luck with upgrades contines although this time I am not on an Executive Floor as I arrived early and the assigned room via the App was not yet available. I accepted the first available room as they are all the same size (except the suites) and view from both sides of the hotel is similar. Even the amenities are about the same. For one night it does not matter.

On reflecting on the title of this thread, I must make comment on the Hotel's consistent service levels. During an earlier stay some 4 years or so ago I reported to a staff member on the lack of power points on the work desk. From that stay onwards I always have a power board either waiting in my room or delivered soon afterwards. Some could say that shows the hotel is old and tired, I prefer to say it reflects a staff who read your profile and are anxious to make your stay comfortable and productive. They treat me well so I am loyal.

My bear and I will have a restful night after experiencing the zoo that is the Lounge on a Friday night. Had to wait for a chair but the service, wine and selection of snacks was to the usual high standard.

I will not be around for breakfast as I have a visit to the SQ TPR before my flight to MEL.

It has been a busy week of meetings and some free time to re-qualify for Gold, at least, for another year. I cannot see myself ever making Diamond again as I am semi-retired and the step from Gold to Diamond is just too great. This week has proved that, particuarly in Asia, Gold is still well appreciated and rewarded.

 

[moa999]

Looks like the DT Surin Beach (HKT) is no more - been bought by Accor and is now a Novotel. I had an idea it was a Novotel before it got refreshed into a DT back in 2012/13 ... but anyway. Looks like it disappeared from the Hilton family some time in 2015 - I just wasn't paying enough attention and HKT left me cold when I was last there anyway so no plans to return (though the DT itself was nice)..

I also noticed this tonight, when considering a 7.45pm JQ Friday Deal SYD-HKT...
While quite in the last 12 months, before the last crackdown (which resulted in a lot of illegal construction on the beach being torn up) the beach about 500m from the ex-DT was quite the place in coughet.
I thought it was a nice property, albeit a little tired when I stayed their in late 2014. An old design with a circular layout around a pool area.

I guess we add the JWMarriot with the merger, but no mid-range properties.

 

[straitman]

Hilton Adelaide
Diamond
Date: Saturday 15th October - 1 night
Booked: King Hilton Guestroom for $182 Gov't rate.
Received: King Hilton Executive Room. Top floor and on corner of the building. Very good.
As we were leaving early they offered a boxed breakfast with (no tax) coffee delivered to the room at 0430.
Very good day.

Hilton Wangfujing Beijing
Diamond x 2
Date: Sunday 16th October - 1 night
Booked: King Hilton Guestroom for 48,000 points
Received: King Executive Lifestyle Suite.
I think the bath & shower room was bigger than our largish bathroom at home. The whole place was enormous. The problem was we spent half our very tired time working out light switches and what worked what.

 

[RoMambai]

DT Bangkok
Date: 14-17 Oct, 3 nights
Gold
Booked: Hhonors discount rate ($110 a night)
Received: Upgrade to superior room (slightly larger than the regular) on floor 21. Buffet breakfast included (nice but far from surfeit), complementary standard pour drinks at happy hour by the pool (didn't participate) and late checkout.

All up very nice and comfortable but a tad distant from the attractions I like to frequent (Siam paragon, MBK).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hilton Adelaide
As we were leaving early they offered a boxed breakfast with (no tax) coffee delivered to the room at 0430.

I wonder if many other Hiltons do this? It would suit me right down to the ground for my early flights out of CNS when I miss the breakie!

 

[netgrom]

I wonder if many other Hiltons do this? It would suit me right down to the ground for my early flights out of CNS when I miss the breakie!

I think you would find most hotels would do it if you asked. I have definitely done it at a couple of Hilton's outside of Australia before.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I think you would find most hotels would do it if you asked. I have definitely done it at a couple of Hilton's outside of Australia before.

Straitman may like to confirm, but I have the feeling he was referring to a boxed breakfast in lieu of the diamond complementary breakfast (which is also what I'm meaning).

Are you saying that most will do it for the diamond complementary breakfast, or a paid room service style of offering?

 

[netgrom]

Straitman may like to confirm, but I have the feeling he was referring to a boxed breakfast in lieu of the diamond complementary breakfast (which is also what I'm meaning).

Are you saying that most will do it for the diamond complementary breakfast, or a paid room service style of offering?

Yes, I was referring to a boxed breakfast in lei of gold or diamond complementary Breakfast. Specifically I have done it at Hilton Guam when we had a early flight, but more recently at another hotel chain where the rate included breakfast they offered a take away option as we had to leave before breakfast started. Admittedly I haven't had to try it at a Australian Hilton but wouldn't hurt to ask nicely.

 

[Fifa]

I wonder if many other Hiltons do this? It would suit me right down to the ground for my early flights out of CNS when I miss the breakie!

We received 'breakfast to go' bags at the Embassy Suites Minneapolis Airport earlier this year as we had a 5am flight and MSP does not have an AA Admirals lounge.
It was really basic - orange juice, yoghurt and an apple and we had to eat before going through security but it did the job as our flight was too short to serve breakfast.

 

[pauly7]

Does anyone have any general feedback on how Hilton Perth treats golds?
Also, I'll have a car but the car parking rates look extortionate! Anyone found something close and cheaper?
Thanks

 

[Aeolus]

I wonder if many other Hiltons do this? It would suit me right down to the ground for my early flights out of CNS when I miss the breakie!

HSW offered this to me once but was politely declined as there was a far better option at the F lounge. No harm asking H-CNS since you are a regular there.

 

[Gonetroppo]

I wonder if many other Hiltons do this? It would suit me right down to the ground for my early flights out of CNS when I miss the breakie!

Brisbane Hilton did this for us once - they offered when we happened to mention on check-in that one of us had an early flight to catch - nice touch!

 

[boomy]

Property: HSP Residences
Booked: One Bedroom Apartment
Received: Two Bedroom Sky Apartment

It doesn't happen too often but sometimes residences are cheaper than the hotel. The two bedroom apartment was well furnished, spacious with large balcony.



Being on higher floors the views are very nice.



Diamond members get same privileges as hotel guests, include lounge access and full buffet breakfast. Coffee tax of $5 was also waived.
A welcome letter and two bottles of water in the room.

Ice cream fridge in the lounge for afternoon tea is great idea. Good selection of beers (Heineken, Corona) in the evening but spirits are no longer self-serve, instead available on request.

Hotel restaurant is no longer Salt Grill by Luke Mangan. The partnership finished and soon the restaurant will close for refurbishment and reopen in Nov. Was told the hotel want to make it less fancy and more approachable to families. It will be seafood orientated but remain a-la-carte style, no buffet.
Fortunately, while in transition, the restaurant still offers most of Luke's menu and the same chef still works there so we could enjoy their good steaks for last time.



Property: HSW
Booked: king Guestroom
Received: Relaxation Suite

Hotel was busier than expected this weekend and they were understaffed which resulted in some wait at check in and restaurant but not too bad. Staff in the lounge worked very hard, felt sorry for them. Management didn't predict the hotel will get so busy with a lot last of minute bookings.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Property: HSP Residences
Diamond members get same privileges as hotel guests, include lounge access and full buffet breakfast. Coffee tax of $5 was also waived.
A welcome letter and two bottles of water in the room.

I'm glad the uncertainty of the upgrades and diamond benefits (in particular, lounge access) has been clarified by actions. Previously, I'd been advised by HSP themselves that no upgrades in residences (although that had not often been the case), and no lounge access, even for diamonds, if in the residences.

Thanks for the update.

 

[boomy]

I'm glad the uncertainty of the upgrades and diamond benefits (in particular, lounge access) has been clarified by actions. Previously, I'd been advised by HSP themselves that no upgrades in residences (although that had not often been the case), and no lounge access, even for diamonds, if in the residences.

Thanks for the update.

I called the hotel prior to booking and they made it clear there is no difference between hotel and residence guests in terms of elite benefits.
Honestly I don't know how can they offer lounge access to everyone. When we were there the main part was closed for wedding reception so there were practically less than 20 tables available. There are 55 floors in the main building, luckily it wasn't busy last week but I can imagine later in the summer when diamond families arrive the lounge will become chaotic.

 

[Cynicor]

Think I forgot these recent stays, all as diamond.

Hilton Munich Park. Mid-Oktoberfest.
Points base room
Received an exec room
Full breakfast in buffet

Ok hotel overall, nice location. Just a Hilton really.

Hilton Koln/Cologne.
Booked base room, received same. Paid
No upgrade and I didn't ask about one. Trainee at checkin and I was tired and in a hurry anyway. No exec lounge here.
Breakfast was full buffet.

Another standard Hilton, not much to say.

Waldorf Astoria Trianon Versailles
Booked base room, paid.
Review base as it was full. Got an upgrade on the second night
Not a bad hotel the breakfast buffet is actually pretty poor and I wouldn't pay the extra for it, but it was in my room rate. Not normally part of the WA benefits even fro diamond. Room service meal was also not great.
Hotel itself was quite nice and did the Lamborghini test drive which was excellent. Great location to the tourist sights.

Conrad Singapore
Apparently I'm here enough that they all recognise me on sight, which is kind of scary.
Standard base to exec upgrade, full breakfast etc.
Getting old and tired, needs more power points in accessible locations.

 

[penegal]

As we were leaving early they offered a boxed breakfast with (no tax) coffee delivered to the room at 0430.
Very good day.

That is actually useful, even if just "basics" to keep you going.

 

[Aeolus]

HSYD, booked King Guestroom, received Relaxation Room.
No coffee tax at Glass this morning and waffles are back. The little tubs of yoghurt also reappeared although the flavours are not as extensive as it used to be but still heaps better than the ones at the yoghurt station.