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.

 

[foggy]

Eating Japanese fruits is one of the reasons I go there. Strawberries, persimmons, grapes, white peaches... So sweet...

I agree, but those types of fruits I treat more like a dessert/treat. My wife went into a local supermarket and bought 4 different trays of strawberries. The cheapest tray it was $1 per strawberry. The white strawberry was at least $5 per strawberry, finished them too quickly to do a count.
For them to get enough vitamin c on these, I'll go broke quickly.

 

[kyle]

I agree, but those types of fruits I treat more like a dessert/treat. My wife went into a local supermarket and bought 4 different trays of strawberries. The cheapest tray it was $1 per strawberry. The white strawberry was at least $5 per strawberry, finished them too quickly to do a count.
For them to get enough vitamin c on these, I'll go broke quickly.

I found that the fruit shops in the smaller streets were cheaper.

 

[boomy]

Property: Conrad Singapore
Booked: Grand Deluxe King
Received: Executive King

The room doesn’t look any more impressive after refurbishments. Lack of proper work desk in a business hotel seems like a bizarre oversight.

While the room was nothing special, the lounge on level 31 looked very nice after some upgrades. I’ve noticed significant improvements in service, food and drinks quality. They even serve premium champagne which is unusual for Conrad.

I understand the entry rules were unclear for a while so I’ve asked at front desk and in the lounge. Both gave me the exact same answer:

There are two main differences between the lounge on level 4 and the one on level 31. In the latter no kids under 12yr allowed and smart casual dress code apply. F&B should be the same in both.

Making two lounges, one more casual for families and another more formal was brilliant idea in what is otherwise a mediocre Conrad property.

 

[boomy]

Property: Hilton Narita
Booked: Standard Queen
Received: Deluxe Plus Queen

Good hotel for short stopover, late arrival or early departure from NRT. Much cheaper than staying in the city and very convenient with complementary shuttle to Narita town and the airport.

No lounge in this hotel so they offer two drink vouchers for the bar.
Breakfast at restaurant was extensive with plenty Japanese and Western options.

On the way back from town I heard two Americans taking about getting free bikes from Hilton and spending few days riding in the area. It actually sounds like a good idea for something to do at the end of a trip, especially in spring or autumn.

 

[foggy]

Conrad Osaka, Japan
Date: January 11-13
Booked: Twin Executive room
Price paid: 44391.00JPY for 11th ($482.82 after AMEX cashback), 12th weekend certificate
Received: King Suite + Rollaway bed (complimentary)
Status: Diamond

I booked twin executive room, even though I was diamond, in hopes of getting an upgrade to suite. Also I am travelling with wife + 3 kids and booked as 1 adult + 2 kids.

Check-in
Checked in at executive lounge, asked for upgrade, was told there was no twin suites available at this hotel. I said I was fine with a king suite upgrade. She was fine to give me an upgrade for the 11th but the 12th was a base room so was unable to upgrade. I said I was willing to pay for the suite and hoped to get a rollaway bed comped. She called her manager, manager on duty wanted to see me at the lounge. After meeting the manager on duty he said their hotel policy is 2 category upgrade only but on this occasion he was willing to upgrade me to the suite room for my 2nd night (12th) and also comp the rollaway bed in hopes I could give them a review after the stay (on tripadvisor). I happily obliged.

Room

Things I like about the room;
- Very spacious
- Bose speakers
- Dyson hair dryer
- Closet space
- Great sized tub

Dislikes
- Lighting in living areas


BREAKFAST
We had breakfast downstairs in the main restaurant. Fresh fruits offered at breakfast was very much like Hilton Nagoya banana, green kiwi, grapefruit, apple, orange, pineapple. Maybe my expectations were too high. They had 2 types of smoothies that changes. The real winner here is the specially baked bread of the day which for the first day was an Almond Croissant which was heavenly. The picture does not do justice to how amazing this was, I stuffed myself with 3 of these. I was very sad to learn on the 2nd day that it changed daily and the raspberry croissant was not nearly as good. If you do stay here and have breakfast on the 40th floor (main lobby), be sure to ask the staff members as they do not put these out at the normal bread stations and are baked/made fresh.
LOCATION
Having stayed at Hilton Osaka previously, I thought I was going to hate staying here but it was not too bad at all. The Higobashi station just downstairs is a 2-3 minute walk. There is an elevator to the station (if you are using a pram) just on the right side of conrad's entrance as you are leaving the hotel. I'd definitely stay at the Conrad over the hilton as the extra 5 minute or so commute was nothing in comparison to the hard product of both hotels.

Executive lounge
We had dinner at the lounge on the 12th (saturday) and was pleasantly surprised they had a live singer there till 7.45pm. Not sure if its every saturday night only or friday's too. Great singer, fantastic views and great atmosphere. Kinda wish my kids had a sitter that night. The spread was a vegetable curry, rice, pork katsu, cheese platters, some fruits and a very nice strawberry cake. Very happy with the dinner we had there.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

DT-CNS
2nd time in a row, the suite!

 

[DC3]

DT-CNS
2nd time in a row, the suite!

View attachment 150538

Upgrade?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Upgrade?

Er, yes ... I should have said, king guest booked.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

Hilton Sydney

Date: Checked in today
Booked: Deluxe Room about $217 a night semi flex. (which will be split using 2 amex cards for $160 statement credits)
Received: Relaxation Room
Status: Diamond

Staff were cold except those friendly ones in the lounge. While the rate was great for what I got, I'm not sure if I will return.

Totally echo your sentiments. I will not be staying again as it is overcrowded and customer service has gone downhill. I'm not usually one to complain but I actually complained to the lounge attendant about how cold the check in staff member was (scored a bottle of red from it which seemed like adequate redress). They did not welcome back as diamond, no explanation of onsite benefits or lounge or anything and after staying in Asia it was drastic contrast. Lounge, whilst busy, is still not bad and food on offer is fine. Interestingly, I was not allowed back into the Lounge on day of departure as it was too crowded but got 2 vouchers to bar downstairs.

 

[GSP]

DT-CNS
2nd time in a row, the suite!

View attachment 150538

Booking (using points and therefore standard room) at Cairns and most likely DT. As Diamond, would be interested in what I should expect?

TIA

 

[GSP]

Or ask.

 

[earlyriser]

Interestingly, I was not allowed back into the Lounge on day of departure as it was too crowded but got 2 vouchers to bar downstairs.

How crowded? I stayed a good two hours yesterday after checking out, but it was almost empty.

 

[hydrabyss]

Booking (using points and therefore standard room) at Cairns and most likely DT. As Diamond, would be interested in what I should expect?

TIA

Hilton usually gets me an exec room on either top floor or one down. If you want a suite cheapest I have been able to get is one for an extra $50/night. I only stay a few times a year so not a regular but still get a decent room each time.

DT used to get a waterfront but last few years mountain view with balcony.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Booking (using points and therefore standard room) at Cairns and most likely DT. As Diamond, would be interested in what I should expect? TIA

As per @hydrabyss above:
H-CNS - I usually get an executive room on 9th floor (top). Occasionally I get a relaxation room on 8th floor, occasionally a relaxation suite and even less occasionally (read, rarely) the premier suite. Also rarely is a standard room (I think once that I can remember) but it was on the 7th floor and due to a chocker block full hotel. Usual amenities like the two waters and full breakfast in lounge or downstairs (the "breakfast card" is gone). They have removed the coffee machine from "Sunrise" (cough decision which I have on good advice was made by the new F&B manager wanting to increase profit from the barista coffee's). Breakfast in the lounge is remarkably good, so I often just go there (no need to face the tourist hoards ) and Anne very nicely gives me a machine coffee, which is nice. Generally they also give a block of Daintree Estate chocolate.
DT-CNS - This hotel has no lounge and just one suite, so the upgrade is usually to an ocean view room with balcony, however at times I've also had the mountain view (or hotel next door view) with no balcony. It is variable and depends on how full the hotel is and the suite is possible as long as it's not already booked. The new management team seem to have improved this place dramatically. Instead of the lounge, you get a "small bites" plate from the bar along with one alcoholic drink and one non-alcoholic drink. They also offer a 20% discount at the bottle shop for take away (a Gordons G&T 275ml bottle comes in at about $6 which is not too bad for a hotel ... Dans have them for about $5.30) and it is actually quite relaxing sitting out on the balcony watching the seaway traffic and the activities along the foreshore with a G&T (although some might see that as somewhat tragic! ). Of course the DT also has the signature cookie and of late, have been giving diamonds a lovely box of choc coated macadamia nuts along with the two waters etc etc. They have also ditched the "breakfast card" and it seems to be full breakfast again now for diamonds. Like Hilton, DT have removed the coffee machine at breakfast, so it's either mud or the coffee tax (or the Nespresso machine in the room).

Enjoy your stay! (Do I detect a mattress run?)

 

[GSP]

Enjoy your stay! (Do I detect a mattress run?)

No, using points for this and DT is cheaper so likely to go there. I used my ANZ Traveller card for free return flight with Virgin and used Velocity points for my wife, so taxis are the only expense I can't avoid. Purpose of the trip was I stupidly signed up for the Marathon in Cairns at the end of April.

Thanks for the other feedback, most helpful.

 

[kermatu]

No, using points for this and DT is cheaper so likely to go there. I used my ANZ Traveller card for free return flight with Virgin and used Velocity points for my wife, so taxis are the only expense I can't avoid. Purpose of the trip was I stupidly signed up for the Marathon in Cairns at the end of April.

Thanks for the other feedback, most helpful.

Just to add to others' comments on the Hilton Cairns, a Diamond will have access to the lounge irrespective of room booked or upgrades. Lounge has pretty decent evening canapes (fair wines, reasonable beers and spirits) and nice cold food and two or three (usually good) hot items. Service is great - especially for regulars.

I get the best of both worlds and usually have breakfast downstairs then after a walk or bit of work get to the lounge for a coffee and fresh juice with Anne (and maybe a pastry if I'm bad).

 

[boomy]

Conrad Osaka, Japan
Date: January 11-13
Booked: Twin Executive room
Price paid: 44391.00JPY for 11th ($482.82 after AMEX cashback), 12th weekend certificate
Received: King Suite + Rollaway bed (complimentary)
Status: Diamond

I booked twin executive room, even though I was diamond, in hopes of getting an upgrade to suite. Also I am travelling with wife + 3 kids and booked as 1 adult + 2 kids.

Check-in
Checked in at executive lounge, asked for upgrade, was told there was no twin suites available at this hotel. I said I was fine with a king suite upgrade. She was fine to give me an upgrade for the 11th but the 12th was a base room so was unable to upgrade. I said I was willing to pay for the suite and hoped to get a rollaway bed comped. She called her manager, manager on duty wanted to see me at the lounge. After meeting the manager on duty he said their hotel policy is 2 category upgrade only but on this occasion he was willing to upgrade me to the suite room for my 2nd night (12th) and also comp the rollaway bed in hopes I could give them a review after the stay (on tripadvisor). I happily obliged.

Room

Things I like about the room;
- Very spacious
- Bose speakers
- Dyson hair dryer
- Closet space
- Great sized tub

Dislikes
- Lighting in living areas

View attachment 150484 View attachment 150483 View attachment 150482 View attachment 150481 View attachment 150479
BREAKFAST
We had breakfast downstairs in the main restaurant. Fresh fruits offered at breakfast was very much like Hilton Nagoya banana, green kiwi, grapefruit, apple, orange, pineapple. Maybe my expectations were too high. They had 2 types of smoothies that changes. The real winner here is the specially baked bread of the day which for the first day was an Almond Croissant which was heavenly. The picture does not do justice to how amazing this was, I stuffed myself with 3 of these. I was very sad to learn on the 2nd day that it changed daily and the raspberry croissant was not nearly as good. If you do stay here and have breakfast on the 40th floor (main lobby), be sure to ask the staff members as they do not put these out at the normal bread stations and are baked/made fresh.View attachment 150487
LOCATION
Having stayed at Hilton Osaka previously, I thought I was going to hate staying here but it was not too bad at all. The Higobashi station just downstairs is a 2-3 minute walk. There is an elevator to the station (if you are using a pram) just on the right side of conrad's entrance as you are leaving the hotel. I'd definitely stay at the Conrad over the hilton as the extra 5 minute or so commute was nothing in comparison to the hard product of both hotels.

Executive lounge
We had dinner at the lounge on the 12th (saturday) and was pleasantly surprised they had a live singer there till 7.45pm. Not sure if its every saturday night only or friday's too. Great singer, fantastic views and great atmosphere. Kinda wish my kids had a sitter that night. The spread was a vegetable curry, rice, pork katsu, cheese platters, some fruits and a very nice strawberry cake. Very happy with the dinner we had there.

Fantastic hotel, absolutely loved every single thing there apart from the wines and spirits in the lounge which were too cheap for hotel at this caliber. Do they offer decent stuff now (my last stay was in February)?

 

[Matt_01]

Property: Hilton Sydney
Booked: King Hilton Deluxe
Received: King Hilton Deluxe Plus
Status: Diamond

I did not bother to enquire about space upgrades as I am travelling solo. Quite unexpected I also ran into another AFFer in the executive lounge.

 

[Finale]

About Hilton Sydney when I was upgraded to a Relaxation room last time. While the room was nice and spacious, we were so lucky to get the one that was next to staff service room and could hear them working all day. When it was silent at night, we could also hear the lifts as they were next to staff service room.

And to make it worse, our room was on 35th floor right below Exec lounge and the noise from up there was bad especially during breakfast and booze time. I kept hearing things dropping on the floor, chair dragging etc

I would say it's best avoid all rooms on 35th floor on the West side (George st.) as they are under exec lounge.

 

[hydrabyss]

About Hilton Sydney when I was upgraded to a Relaxation room last time. While the room was nice and spacious, we were so lucky to get the one that was next to staff service room and could hear them working all day. When it was silent at night, we could also hear the lifts as they were next to staff service room.

And to make it worse, our room was on 35th floor right below Exec lounge and the noise from up there was bad especially during breakfast and booze time. I kept hearing things dropping on the floor, chair dragging etc

I would say it's best avoid all rooms on 35th floor on the West side (George st.) as they are under exec lounge.

All Relax. Rooms are located in the same position in the building and will end with 26 number. I have never had 35 but another regular had mentioned the noise so always make sure not to get it. Although given the choice of a regular room would most likely still take it as the lounge shuts after 9pm and does not open till 6.30am.