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.

 

[Aeolus]

You have my attention!

Where does one find the details?

Glad you have indicated an interest for the Simplification dinner. Hope you won't be disappointed with what I have to tell you though. Oh btw, the "sorcery" worked with QF too tonight

 

[JessicaTam]

The details for the Simplification dinner are here.

 

[Cynicor]

Hilton Singapore- HH Diamond.
Booked base, upgrade to exec room.
Can't see why this place is often pricier than the Conrad.
Apart from location, which may be preferable depending on what you are after, the only thing better is the gym. The gym is pretty much full sized and very decent.


Oh well.

Conrad Singapore
Booked base room for 3 nights
Revived Centennial Suite
Decent hotel still, no complaints so far except the ongoing lack of champagne in the lounge.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Big thumbs up to Morrison by Doubletree in DUB. For a 4* this is a superb hotel - service is impeccable. When I booked booking confirmation that came back clearly showed room size smaller than that described on website - I took snips of both and emailed over to Morrison. I had a response next day apologising for discrepancy and advising this anonoly on website would indeed be fixed.

In mean time they said they had physically measured their BIGGEST Junior Suite and it indeed exceeded the 48sq mtrs advertised and they would reserve that for me. On arrival as we were checking in I was read the notes pertaining to booking - 'Room 334 measured and exceeds Junior Suite dims - reserved for Mr Cruiser Elite 7nts JUne 23 to June 30 - DO NOT MOVE' - clerk laughed as she repeated the DO NOT MOVE in capitals - indeed the room was huge - could not have wished for better:



Staff at the Morrison SENSATIONAL - GREAT location - so central - walking distance to whole of DUB - and across river from Temple Bar which means simple access and easy escape late at night. I could not recommend accom in DUB more highly.

EDIT: First morning we went down to brekky and gorgeous little lady at entry says 'Good morning Mr and Mrs Elite - welcome to breakfast at the Morrison - as Hilton Diamond you are eligible for FREE breakfast - help yourself to everything available from buffet and anything you would like from our a-la-carte menu'. WOW - compare that to some other responses from Hilton or affils - like Waldorf in LON last year - 'Continental only Sir - you may not have any hot items' - give me a break - jerks!

 

[GoldCanyon340]

Property: Hilton Adelaide
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: Corner Executive Room
Stay: 6 nights
HHonors: Diamond

Two bottles of water being delivered every day. Lounge has been fairly quiet so far. No problems with having a cooked breakfast downstairs in the restaurant, even though I generally opt for the smoked salmon and cold cuts anyway. Interesting that the printed page detailing the Executive Lounge Benefits states a restaurant brekkie is $25pp, but this was manually crossed out when I checked in. So whether this means this is a benefit for Diamonds or they simply haven't changed their Word document is uncertain.

 

[kyle]

Property: Hilton Adelaide
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: King Executive Room
Stay: 2 nights
HHonors: Gold

Same as the poster above, two bottles of water each day. Was advised at check in breakfast at lounge or full buffet downstairs, both complimentary, even though benefits letter says $25pp. Very enjoyable stay and friendly staff. One slight mishap, one time it took them 30 mins to fetch the car. I think they forgot.

 

[mattmison]

Property: Hilton Sydney
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room Plus
Received: King Executive Room
Stay: 1 night
HHonors: Diamond

At check-in was told they'd bring up two complimentary bottles of water which never came. The line for breakfast in the restaurant was ridiculous - though they did have staff offering those in the queue pastries and apologising for the delay. It was a saturday morning and apparently there was a big group staying at the hotel. Luckily we weren't that hungry so had breakfast in the lounge instead.

 

[Moopere]

No problems with having a cooked breakfast downstairs in the restaurant, even though I generally opt for the smoked salmon and cold cuts anyway. Interesting that the printed page detailing the Executive Lounge Benefits states a restaurant brekkie is $25pp, but this was manually crossed out when I checked in. So whether this means this is a benefit for Diamonds or they simply haven't changed their Word document is uncertain.

This has happened to me any number of times and I think I've finally nutted out what going on.

A non status holding executive floor customer doesn't have access to 'free' breakfast in the restaurant. So, said customer can choose the restaurant if they like, but will need to contribute to the cost of it (Sounds like about 10$ off the usual price to me).

The Executive Floor benefits page often handed out is not really aimed at status holders, simply the standard no status exec floor guest - but as a status holder the wording and the additional charge mentioned has caused me problems more than once (in my own head).

It didn't really dawn on me until I had a think about being a status holding guest who fails to gain an executive room upgrade ... golds and diamonds are entitled to a free breakfast regardless of room type but without EL access that breaky _must_ be in the restaurant .... and it seemed illogical to me that if one did score an exec upgrade that you'd then be "punished" by not being allowed in the restaurant without paying extra.

 

[Virgin Bart]

Property: Hilton Adelaide
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: King Executive Room
Stay: 2 nights
HHonors: Gold

Same as the poster above, two bottles of water each day. Was advised at check in breakfast at lounge or full buffet downstairs, both complimentary, even though benefits letter says $25pp. Very enjoyable stay and friendly staff. One slight mishap, one time it took them 30 mins to fetch the car. I think they forgot.

We were probably there at the same time, kyle.

Property: Hilton Adelaide
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: Junior King Suite
Stay: 3 nights (10-13 July)
HHonors: Diamond

Note the upgrade was pre-arranged due to many recent stays at the property. Couldn't get upgrade to the main suite as someone had it already - pretty sure it was Leigh Matthews.

Good service again, two bottles of water per day, nothing else. Full cooked breakfast downstairs no problem. Hot food chef at breakfast not the chirpiest bloke (older Asian guy), but incredibly efficient and therefore fantastic IMO.

Another good stay (was there for the Hawks match)

 

[docjames]

Gee the Hilton Adelaide is seeing some action!

 

[kyle]

We were probably there at the same time, kyle.

Property: Hilton Adelaide
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: Junior King Suite
Stay: 3 nights (10-13 July)
HHonors: Diamond

Note the upgrade was pre-arranged due to many recent stays at the property. Couldn't get upgrade to the main suite as someone had it already - pretty sure it was Leigh Matthews.

Good service again, two bottles of water per day, nothing else. Full cooked breakfast downstairs no problem. Hot food chef at breakfast not the chirpiest bloke (older Asian guy), but incredibly efficient and therefore fantastic IMO.

Another good stay (was there for the Hawks match)

Yup, was there between 11 and 13 July!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Property: Hilton Bomonti Istanbul
Booked: King Taksim Suite
Received: King Taksim Suite
Stay: 7 nights
HHonors: Diamond

WOW - what a hotel - brand new - opened for business Jan 6, 2014. 803 rms I think - major conference ctr orientation but quality of build / property stunning. Bit out of town but TL25 (AD12.50) taxi fare ave to most places. Our suite simply STUNNING - 6 individual living areas - 84sq mtrs I think. On arrival requested upgrade - was told that we can give you bigger suite with 2 bdrms - you want it? At that stage Cruiserette and I still talking so no need bigger suite. Suite had full suite amenities - 3-4 botts water everyday - bowl fruit every day - free bottle Turkish red wine appeared one day. In general the King Taksim Suite SPECTACULAR.

I was really disappointed with Exec Lounge first day in terms of quality of wine on offer - but the nibbles offered seemed to greatly improve after first day and indeed were REALLY good - wine kinda grew on me but still really just ordinary.

BUT staff in ALL areas SENSATIONAL - Vildan in Exec Lounge just a STAR. Berk behind concierge desk also FABULOUS in how he helped me retrieve my iPhone 5S which I left in unidentifiable taxi after returning to hotel one aft.

There were some other minor issues like lack of turn down service which I have addressed in another thread - some hiccups at brekkie with quality in some areas - pool just too damn cold to swim in etc - I sent off letter to General Manager on my return to Oz - you will get gist of my letter from his thorough response to every point:

Dear Mr. Elite,

Many thanks for having taken the time to write me regarding your recent stay which is much appreciated.
I was delighted to read that you enjoyed your overall stay and your positive comments regarding the team and in particular about Vildan and Berk.
In the meantime, I have shared your balanced feed-back with the team and we discussed the areas for improvements where possible.

With regards to the turn-down service, this has probably to do with the fact that some Hilton brand standard differ across regions. For all Hiltons in Europe the standard is to offer turn down service upon request only. However, I fully agree that when a guest stays 7 nights and requests turn down on the first night we should offer this service during the remainder of the stay without further delay. In the meantime, I have talked to my head housekeeper and she will change procedures accordingly and with immediate effect.

Having an above average interest in wines myself, I have to agree with you regarding the quality of wines when comparing to other countries. However, the import tax on alcohol are of such levels that it is not commercially sustainable to offer any non-Turkish wines. Also, the supply of non-Turkish wines cannot be guaranteed due to tight and hard to follow customs controls and regulations. Therefore and as Turkish wines are generally high in alcohol, we have chosen to offer what we believe is the best/only local value for money wine which is not too high in alcohol.

Your comments with regarding the egg station and breakfast tea are well noted and English Breakfast Tea is now available during breakfast, thank you for highlighting this. As for the pool and though not warm enough for many of our guests, we have to follow local H&S legislation which dictate that a swimming pool can be heated up to a maximum of 28 degrees only.

Once again, thank you very much for the detailed feed-back provided and in appreciation of the effort made to share your valuable comments with us, I have instructed my Hilton Honors manager to add 20000 points to your membership card.

I look forward to the opportunity to welcoming you back at our hotel when next visiting Istanbul and perhaps have a glass of local wine from a different label together.

Kind regards,
Remco


REMCO NORDEN I General Manager

HILTON ISTANBUL BOMONTI HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER
t: +90 212 3753000 I m: +90 549 7903001 I f: +90 212 3753001
Silahsör Caddesi No:42 l Bomonti Sisli ISTANBUL 34381 I Turkey

Thank you Hilton Bomonti.

 

[hummel]

Property: Hilton Bomonti Istanbul
Booked: King Taksim Suite
Received: King Taksim Suite
Stay: 7 nights
HHonors: Diamond

WOW - what a hotel - brand bes - opened for business Jan 6, 2014. 803 rms I think - major conference ctr orientation but quality of build / property stunning. Bit out of town but TL25 (AD12.50) taxi fare ave to most places. Our suite simply STUNNING - 6 individual living areas - 84sq mtrs I think. On arrival requested upgrade - was told that we can give you bigger suite with 2 bdrms - you want it? At that stage Cruiserette and I still talking so no need bigger suite. Suite at full suite amenities - 3-4butts water everyday - bowl fruit every day - free bottle Turkish red wine appeared every day.

There were some minor issues like lack of turn down service which I have addressed in another thread - some hiccups at brekkie with quality in some areas - pool just too damn cold to swim in etc - I sent off letter to General Manager on my return to Oz - you will get gist of my letter from his thorough response to every point:

Thank you Hilton Bomonti.

Great to see a proactive manager...and 20,000 points to boot!

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Property: Morrison by Doubletree, Dublin
Booked: Studio Suite
Received: Studio Suite
Stay: 7 nights
HHonors: Diamond

WOW - WOW - 3 times double WOW - for a 4* hotel the Morrison is SPECTACULAR. Every facet of this hotel is FAULTLESS. Remember 4* but rooms PERFECT - ALL staff SENSATIONAL - location BRILLIANT (opposite side of Liffey to Temple Bar which is in total 150mts walk - and after a nights revelry you walk back across Liffey to your hotel and escape the infectious madness of Temple Bar) - breakfast BRILLIANT - BEST omelettes I have ever eaten in my life.

I have previously posted about this hotel earlier in this thread - again WOW.

Again I sent off letter to General Manager on my return to Oz complimenting him on his hotel but more importantly his STAFF - they are BRILLIANT.

Dear Cruiser,

Many thanks for your mail and for taking the time to write to me following your week long stay with us.

It was a pleasure to have met you on the morning of your check out and I am delighted that you & Cruiserette enjoyed your stay with us so much.

We have a senior managers meeting weekly and I will be sure to pass on your feedback and kind comments to the team. Let me assure you, as in any profession, it is always great to know when we have had a guest enjoy their time with us and the guys will be absolutely chuffed with your comments.

I genuinely hope we will get to welcome you back again soon. As ever, please contact me directly if there is anything I can do either for yourself or family/friends you may have coming to Dublin in the future. It would be a pleasure to assist.

Thanks again and kind regards,

Patrick

Patrick Joyce
General Manager
The Morrison, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Ormonde Quay
Dublin 1

TEL: - 01 8872400
WEB: - www.morrisonhotel.ie

Anybody heading to Dublin make this your HQ. YES there are better 5* hotels but I will be my leftie there will be no better overall packages available in other hotels - IMHO of course.

 

[LACE]

Property: Morrison by Doubletree, Dublin
Booked: Studio Suite
Received: Studio Suite
Stay: 7 nights
HHonors: Diamond

WOW - WOW - 3 times double WOW - for a 4* hotel the Morrison is SPECTACULAR. Every facet of this hotel is FAULTLESS. Remember 4* but rooms PERFECT - ALL staff SENSATIONAL - location BRILLIANT (opposite side of Liffey to Temple Bar which is in total 150mts walk - and after a nights revelry you walk back across Liffey to your hotel and escape the infectious madness of Temple Bar) - breakfast BRILLIANT - BEST omelettes I have ever eaten in my life.

I have previously posted about this hotel earlier in this thread - again WOW.

Again I sent off letter to General Manager on my return to Oz complimenting him on his hotel but more importantly his STAFF - they are BRILLIANT.

Dear Cruiser,

Many thanks for your mail and for taking the time to write to me following your week long stay with us.

It was a pleasure to have met you on the morning of your check out and I am delighted that you & Cruiserette enjoyed your stay with us so much.

We have a senior managers meeting weekly and I will be sure to pass on your feedback and kind comments to the team. Let me assure you, as in any profession, it is always great to know when we have had a guest enjoy their time with us and the guys will be absolutely chuffed with your comments.

I genuinely hope we will get to welcome you back again soon. As ever, please contact me directly if there is anything I can do either for yourself or family/friends you may have coming to Dublin in the future. It would be a pleasure to assist.

Thanks again and kind regards,

Patrick

Patrick Joyce
General Manager
The Morrison, a DoubleTree by Hilton
Ormonde Quay
Dublin 1

TEL: - 01 8872400
WEB: - www.morrisonhotel.ie

Anybody heading to Dublin make this your HQ. YES there are better 5* hotels but I will be my leftie there will be no better overall packages available in other hotels - IMHO of course.

Great to hear. I booked in for a few nights in October after reading your previous post.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Great to hear. I booked in for a few nights in October after reading your previous post.

Which room did you book?

 

[LACE]

Which room did you book?

Just a king guest room but will hope for an upgrade.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Hey good clever AFF Hilton experts - if I am Dia is it advantageous to select the double pts offer?

 

[Cynicor]

nope. Only double base points, effective paying 21++ (~20AUD) for 2700 points. I'd pay, at most <.5c per point.

No added benefit for diamond as everything is calculated on BP.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Thanks Cynicor - much appreciated.