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.

 

[WLGFlyer]

I never bump into this silly game in Asia. I have been disappointed a couple of times, some time ago now, at SYD where we were barred entry to Glass for breaky and redirected to the EL instead - never once seen these silly shenanigans in any Asian hotel.

Seems to be standard now in Australia which still baffles me. Trying to squeeze another $10-20 for something that costs the hotel virtually nothing, let alone the hassle trying to police the buffet selection.

 

[liamsal]

H-BNE
Diamond
May 2018
Rate: $340
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: King Hilton Executive

Received normal benefits, plus late check out until 4pm.

H-BNE
Diamond
May 2018
Rate: $257
Booked: Twin Hilton Guest Room
Received: Twin Hilton Executive

Received normal benefits plus a bottle of sparkling wine was delivered to our room while in the EL with a note from the GM wishing us a happy trip overseas.

Overall really enjoying stays at H-BNE, finding all the staff there are fantastic and looking after us well.

 

[Moopere]

Seems to be standard now in Australia which still baffles me. Trying to squeeze another $10-20 for something that costs the hotel virtually nothing, let alone the hassle trying to police the buffet selection.

Its almost certainly cultural (in my view), that and perhaps a signal that even given the high per night rates, margins are dangerously slim - thus they slip into penny pinching - the coffee tax thats been around for a couple of years signals this to me in a big way. Why on earth would you seriously annoy your five star guests, who are already paying a substantial fee to even be there, with chump change charges like this?

Even non status PAX who are breakfasting with you are paying $35+ for a service you can easily get outside for less than half that, so the premium is built in, why offend their sensibilities?

Anyway, its all been discussed to death and is, for me, just one more nail in the coffin for local travel. I lost Plat status with VA this year because I hadn't done any domestic travel in the previous 12 months, choosing instead multiple overseas trips including exclusively staying at HH properties (in Asia).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Nice upgrade for me tonight at H-CNS. Room 930 (the premier suite) off a standard Gov't rate.

 

[kermatu]

Nice upgrade for me tonight at H-CNS. Room 930 (the premier suite) off a standard Gov't rate.

May I ask what room you booked originally? I’ve had two upgrades to that room before, but only from the spa corner suite rooms.

 

[JessicaTam]

DT MEL

I booked the cheapest government rate and was upgraded to a Flinders St view room. I had dinner in the dining room. I miss Janet.

There has been a delay with the fit out of floor 14 as the owner decided to change design. It now look like that the rooms will have a loft style bedroom as they have very tall ceilings. As close to a suite as we can expect at the DT.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

May I ask what room you booked originally? I’ve had two upgrades to that room before, but only from the spa corner suite rooms.

Base level, king guest. That was the first time I've had 930 as an upgrade. A few times I've had the corner spa suites.

 

[llamaesque]

Hilton SYD, as a Diamond.

Booked Deluxe, 'upgraded' to a Deluxe Plus. Enjoyed the free water. Received a complimentary buffet breakfast at Glass.

 

[mel-world]

I know this could apply to any booking at any Hotel but thought I would mention that I booked a Hilton Grand Vacations property in LAS late last year when planning a five week North American holiday, as I do plan ahead. The cost for 2 nights was a total of $689 - as one day is a Friday. Went back today and got exactly the same room on the same days next week for $439 including tax and no resort fees (common in LAS).

Never any harm in checking if you have the time - sometimes the rate goes up but just as often you can save money, but not often that amount over just two nights. I never commit to a prepaid rate when booking early but the lowest flexible rate then sometimes convert to the prepaid rate a week or so out. My partner's comment: more for me to gamble!

 

[Moopere]

Never any harm in checking if you have the time - sometimes the rate goes up but just as often you can save money, but not often that amount over just two nights. I never commit to a prepaid rate when booking early but the lowest flexible rate then sometimes convert to the prepaid rate a week or so out. My partner's comment: more for me to gamble!

Yes indeed, good strategy. Only really works for me when booking well in advance, but, yes, booking the cheapest form of flexi and then checking from time to time as the date approaches can yield real savings. I've even booked and cancelled the night before arrival (always book first, then cancel old booking second ... don't want to be disappointed!).

 

[boomy]

Property: The Beverly Hilton
Booked: 1 King Bed Standard
Received: 1 King Bed Standard

Hotel was full so no upgrade. Room was in the “Oasis” wing, basically facing the driveway. Bit ironic naming that wing Oasis as there was nothing relaxing about it, quite the opposite.

The good:

• Room size, large and spacious.
• L’occitane amenities in bathroom.
• Complementary water was by Evian.
• Breakfast at restaurant had great selection.
• Location, walking distance from Rodeo Drive.

The bad:

• No executive lounge.
• Room decor very simple and boring.
• Two in one shower-in-bath which I hate.
• Public areas look outdated, need refurbishment.

Overall it’s a decent hotel but nothing glamorous about it apart from the location. Next time I’ll try the newly opened Waldorf Astoria right next door.

 

[boomy]

Probably: Parc 55 San Francisco
Booked: King Bed
Received: King Bed Corner Room

Received minimal upgrade as per standards in the US.

The good:

• Spacious room on high floor with nice city views.
• Extra large bathroom compared to other Hiltons.
  
• PTR amenities, much better than the current C&E.
• Location was good in the heart of CBD close to BART, Cable Car and Union Square.

The bad:

• No executive lounge.
• Breakfast selection very limited.
• Two in one shower-in-bath which I hate.

The ugly:

• Too many hobos and beggars in SFO CBD which makes it unpleasant to walk around, especially at night.

 

[Cynicor]

Conrad Singapore
Booked Base
Received Executive (as a diamond)
Complained in advance about lounge changes so was comped access to 31st this time.
The renovated rooms aren't bad, definitely a step up and like that there are now usb and powerpoints by the bed on both sides, as well as powered blinds.

But I don't think I'll be back for any thing other than a 1 night transit, otherwise I'll do the Fullerton. Too much cost cutting going on.

 

[kermatu]

Base level, king guest. That was the first time I've had 930 as an upgrade. A few times I've had the corner spa suites.

You are obviously a regular but that’s a terrific upgrade.

I don’t book anything there other than spa rooms or the corner spa suites as I try to avoid shower over bath tubs when I can.

 

[turtlemichael]

Probably: Parc 55 San Francisco
Booked: King Bed
Received: King Bed Corner Room

Received minimal upgrade as per standards in the US.

The good:

• Spacious room on high floor with nice city views.
• Extra large bathroom compared to other Hiltons.
  
• PTR amenities, much better than the current C&E.
• Location was good in the heart of CBD close to BART, Cable Car and Union Square.

The bad:

• No executive lounge.
• Breakfast selection very limited.
• Two in one shower-in-bath which I hate.

The ugly:

• Too many hobos and beggars in SFO CBD which makes it unpleasant to walk around, especially at night.

Boomy, I'm booked there at the end of the year. There has been debate on FT over the breakfast for golds/diamonds and a suggestion that you got a voucher of very limited value. Can you elaborate a bit on what you got ? Many thanks.

 

[boomy]

Boomy, I'm booked there at the end of the year. There has been debate on FT over the breakfast for golds/diamonds and a suggestion that you got a voucher of very limited value. Can you elaborate a bit on what you got ? Many thanks.

Diamonds get complementary continental breakfast which can be upgraded for $10-$15 (can’t remember exactly). We upgraded once, to have an omlette and I thought it was waste of money but I don’t like they way they make them in the US so YMMV.
Golds get discount, I saw a couple handing voucher saying they are gold but no idea how much was the discount.

 

[turtlemichael]

Diamonds get complementary continental breakfast which can be upgraded for $10-$15 (can’t remember exactly). We upgraded once, to have an omlette and I thought it was waste of money but I don’t like they way they make them in the US so YMMV.
Golds get discount, I saw a couple handing voucher saying they are gold but no idea how much was the discount.

Thanks for that. Having tried the other Hiltons in San Francisco, Parc 55 is the last option. Maybe it is a good decision to have breakfasts somewhere nearby, or alternately, try another hotel altogether and forget the points.

 

[boomy]

Thanks for that. Having tried the other Hiltons in San Francisco, Parc 55 is the last option. Maybe it is a good decision to have breakfasts somewhere nearly, or alternately, try another hotel altogether and forget the points.

For what it worth I thought Parc was better than the average American Hilton but if breakfast is important for you then you won’t be impressed.

 

[turtlemichael]

For what it worth I thought Parc was better than the average American Hilton but if breakfast is important for you then you won’t be impressed.

I liked the IC a few blocks away but it is quite a few years ago since the last time. Then we had access to the lounge. Being better than the average Hilton in America is faint praise. Oh well, as the OH says, it's only a hotel and a bed

 

[kermatu]

Property: Hilton Parmelia Perth
Date: June 2018
Status: Diamond
Booked: Queen Suite
Rate: Under $200 per night
Received: King Suite, 9th floor.
Benefits: Several waters and a small plate of chocolates in room, with standard note.

Despite being quite critical of this hotel lately (old and tired, no EL) I took a punt and advantage of some good rates (just over $100 p/n after the AMEX cashback). I saw the upgrade online before checking in and was not too pleased as I assumed this would not be a refurbished room. Didn’t go through with check-in.

On arrival after midnight was indeed given the King Suite corner room 919. Was assured it was refurbished. Went up and it wasn’t. So went back downstairs to register my disappointment. Amanda was very nice in the face of my obvious disappointment and looked for alternatives (none available) then we settled on some compensation — some wine and a midnight snack, and extra tapas vouchers. She called me in my room shortly afterward to confirm what I wanted and assure me it was on its way. Was delivered a bottle of red and a really nice toasted Turkish sandwich, chips and fruit. I went back down to thank her and apologise if I had been unreasonable. (I didn’t think I was but I also realised I had actually been given an upgrade, the room was perfectly fine and she could rightly have told me so and not been obliged to give me anything).

Great service that will see me return.

Rest of stay was also good. Staff very friendly. Used my vouchers in one sitting for 4 drinks and 2 tapas plates only (but could have had 4 if wanted). Staff at the bar in the evening were (for the first time in my experience) proactive and attentive.

Breakfast buffet was good, with Jono in fine form and looking after me very well. He really is outstanding. Barista coffee tax and extras (like eggs Benedict) sadly do incur a charge and there was no offer to waive.

One final bonus - have been on the road for a while so needed some laundry done. Turned out to be a public holiday on the Monday (I had no idea as I had meetings scheduled as per normal). Was warned about a double surcharge applying (cost would have been over $150) but I agreed as I had no choice or time to scope out alternatives. Got a call back a few minutes later checking on the items and then confirming if I was ok with the laundry being done in house. I still expected the full charge but was pleasantly surprised to see a bill of only $21 - which was then waived at checkout.