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]

Unhappy with internet. Only allowed 3 devices to connect. I mean come on, in this age, each person would have at least a smart phone and a laptop, if not a smart phone, laptop and tablet. At any one time, both missus and my phone are connected (for whatsapp and stuff). That left only one other device to do work on. Either I do my work or missus do her work. Sorry about the 1st world rant. The internet speed was good.

I work overseas for weeks at a time on projects and often the wife is with me as we are both in the same industry. I have invested in a small router for the hotel room - either a Netgear of Liftronics (?) - the latter from the SQ on-board duty free selection. Allows connection to the wired or wireless system in the Hotel (with a little configuration) and then you can connect multiple devices while the Hotel only thinks one is being used. Have had up to 5 connected while working on the Commonwealth Games in Scotland during July and August.

Probably only worthwhile if staying a few days in one place.

Sorry about the off thread reply...

 

[JessicaTam]

I work overseas for weeks at a time on projects and often the wife is with me as we are both in the same industry. I have invested in a small router for the hotel room - either a Netgear of Liftronics (?) - the latter from the SQ on-board duty free selection. Allows connection to the wired or wireless system in the Hotel (with a little configuration) and then you can connect multiple devices while the Hotel only thinks one is being used. Have had up to 5 connected while working on the Commonwealth Games in Scotland during July and August.

Probably only worthwhile if staying a few days in one place.

Sorry about the off thread reply...

I have a similar device. I plug it into the wired network, and all my devices pair to it. Saves a lot of hassle.

 

[Moopere]

I'm going to do this myself in the future. I'm getting regularly disappointed with the impossibly slow WIFI that a lot of the Hiltons offer. Last stay as HotP the WIFI was so slow as to be unusable ... I couldn't even connect to the 'login' page. Quite often, at the same hotels with woeful WIFI the wired network is more than reasonable, so, yes, the obvious answer is to hook up a router.

Mind you, this might not be a solution that lasts forever. I noticed at one of my recent hotel stays that the WIFI channels are _extremely_ busy ... given strengths of signal monitors on my phone it appears that many many people are doing the same thing which means that the small number of WIFI channels are packed to bursting with competing routers.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm going to do this myself in the future. I'm getting regularly disappointed with the impossibly slow WIFI that a lot of the Hiltons offer.

I'm currently sitting in a motel with free WIFI yet it's virtually unusable. I've overcome this by having Amaysim which gives me 5G/month and is OK speed (fabulous speed in comparison to the motel). Personal hotspot has saved me lots of time.

 

[markis10]

I'm currently sitting in a motel with free WIFI yet it's virtually unusable. I've overcome this by having Amaysim which gives me 5G/month and is OK speed (fabulous speed in comparison to the motel). Personal hotspot has saved me lots of time.

Your probably better off with the Optus $2 days which give you 500mb a day for $2 using the 4g network

 

[JessicaTam]

I'm going to do this myself in the future. I'm getting regularly disappointed with the impossibly slow WIFI that a lot of the Hiltons offer. Last stay as HotP the WIFI was so slow as to be unusable ... I couldn't even connect to the 'login' page. Quite often, at the same hotels with woeful WIFI the wired network is more than reasonable, so, yes, the obvious answer is to hook up a router.

Mind you, this might not be a solution that lasts forever. I noticed at one of my recent hotel stays that the WIFI channels are _extremely_ busy ... given strengths of signal monitors on my phone it appears that many many people are doing the same thing which means that the small number of WIFI channels are packed to bursting with competing routers.

FWIW HotP are upgrading their WiFi network. Both hardware and access software. This will allow similar functionality to other hotels where you enter your name and room number instead of getting a code from reception.

No idea as to time frame.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Charity Begins At Home

Shrek is currently staying at the Hilton Amsterdam.

Status Gold
Booked Standard King
Received Standard King

He's grumpy. No exec lounge access, room rate doesn't include breakfast.
Email exchange ensues between us:
Shrek: I'm not allowed Exec Lounge access
Me: Gold don't get Exec lounge unless upgraded to Exec room
Shrek: We always get Exec lounge
Me: Yes honey that's because I'm Diamond
Shrek: We always get breakfast in the restaurant and you never book breakfast rates.
Me: What have you selected as your MyWay option, 1000 points or Continental breakfast?
Shrek: What? Isn't that Sinatra ?

Clearly I spend too much time online and not enough time at home

 

[mranwa]

I work overseas for weeks at a time on projects and often the wife is with me as we are both in the same industry. I have invested in a small router for the hotel room - either a Netgear of Liftronics (?) - the latter from the SQ on-board duty free selection. Allows connection to the wired or wireless system in the Hotel (with a little configuration) and then you can connect multiple devices while the Hotel only thinks one is being used. Have had up to 5 connected while working on the Commonwealth Games in Scotland during July and August.

Probably only worthwhile if staying a few days in one place.

Sorry about the off thread reply...

I installed fqrouter2 app for my android phone and it turns into a Wi-Fi repeater so my other devices connect to my phone, ie Wi-Fi to Wi-Fi hotspot. Works well. In the end though for some reason I got two login for same room number, one using my last name another my missus last name. Thus able to use 6 devices at same time. Checking with front desk they say I won't be charge...hopefully. Either way I'll keep fqrouter2 app handy. Others might want to try connectify, does same thing for laptop.

 

[robd]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Garden Inn Arlington, Texas
Booked: 2 Queen
Received: 2 Queen
Rate: $180 AAA rate p/n plus tax.

Due to the hurricane in Los Cabos, we had no choice but to change our itinerary at very short notice. As we'd previously done most of the west coast USA and not wanting to lose too much time travelling to the east coast for sun and sand, Jnr#1 and I settled on Texas. So the first stop is Arlington because we found that there was an NFL game being played.

There is a Hilton here just down the road, but it was sold out, so this was the next best option (as far as Hilton properties go).

The property is fine for our purpose, being close to AT&T Stadium. The bedroom is quite spacious as is the bathroom (SOB), although the decor is dated. The beds are supposed to be 'dial a comfort level', but not sure how old they are, as half my bed doesn't match the other half in comfort level even though they're dialled the same.

We received 2 bottles of water on arrival, and have complimentary cooked to order breakfast and wifi. Through the hotel, we booked a return shuttle to the game for $20 each which was very convenient.

The air conditioning works well in the room, but is a little noisy when clicking on and off and also there are no in-room safes, although safety deposit boxes are available at reception. Another notable con for this area (not the hotel's fault) is the lack of public transport. I understand the usual rate for this hotel is ~ $110 p/n, but given it's proximity to the NFL and MBL stadiums, a premium rate is expected on game days.

 

[blackcat20]

FWIW HotP are upgrading their WiFi network. Both hardware and access software. This will allow similar functionality to other hotels where you enter your name and room number instead of getting a code from reception.

No idea as to time frame.

I couldn't connect at all when we were there, it just wouldn't show up on my device.

 

[JessicaTam]

I couldn't connect at all when we were there, it just wouldn't show up on my device.

The signal gets better the higher up you go. :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

 

[blackcat20]

The signal gets better the higher up you go. :mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen::mrgreen:

But we were in a suite!

 

[Aeolus]

Currently at HotP, can report that wireless signal is so much stronger today compared to previous weeks. Lounge is quite empty too so I suspect it's not just the signal strength but also highly dependent on number of users.

 

[robd]

Status: Diamond
Property: Embassy Suites San Antonio Riverwalk, Texas.
Booked: 2 room suite, 2 queen beds, river view
Received: 2 room suite, 2 queen beds, river view
Rate: $203.30 USD AAA rate plus tax.

Received 2 bottles of water on arrival, cooked to order breakfast daily and wifi included.

A nice property decorated in dark timbers, browns and golds, dated, but seems to fit well here. Very similar layout to Doubletree Suites Times Square. We really enjoy having the separate living room. There is also a little balcony which overlooks the Riverwalk, a smallish pool, spa pool & fitness centre. It's well located being within walking distance to The Alamo, The Tower of the Americas, shopping centre etc.

There is no exec. lounge, but the hotel has an afternoon reception between 5.30pm - 7.30pm with complimentary beverages (inc. alcohol) and food (cheese, fruit, salads, corn chips & salsa, lollies, cake etc.); a pretty good spread, which a lot of guests enjoy.

 

[mushypeas]

Status: Gold
Property: Doubletree Marble Arch, London
Booked: King room (7 nights)
Received: King room (corner room - these are much larger than normal king rooms at this property)
Rate: £140

Cookie as usual on arrival, no water in room - breakfast included in downstairs restaurant daily and complimentary wifi.

Hotel has great location, staff were pleasant and overall experience was great.

 

[mushypeas]

Status: Gold
Property: Prague Old Town
Booked: King room (4 nights)
Received: King executive
Rate: 3200CZK (Corporate)

Received fruit platter and litre bottle of sparking water on arrival - wifi & daily water included. Excellent executive lounge staff, surprised at overall quality of English language ability with everyone in the property (and Prague in general). Also celebrated my birthday whilst at property and received bottle of sparkling wine, fresh strawberries and other fruit platter along with chocolates and personalised handwritten note from GM.

Great property, sensational staff and without doubt my best Hilton experience to date.

 

[mushypeas]

Status: Gold
Property: Hampton by Hilton, Berlin West
Booked: Standard Queen (4 nights)
Received: Queen Deluxe Courtyard with balcony
Rate: 30,000 HHonors per night

Breakfast and wifi included, voucher for snack & drink from lounge upon arrival - new property and service and offering was very professional. Very large rooms and Courtyard balcony room was relaxing after a busy day touring the city.

 

[mushypeas]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Frankfurt
Booked: Standard King (1 night)
Received: King Deluxe Plus
Rate: 20,000 HHonor + €90

Had trainee upon check in not yet familiar with HHonors benefits but supervisor stepped in and informed me Wifi, water and breakfast in restaurant all complimentary and due to occupancy they couldn't offer Executive room (or access to lounge). No water in room, called Housekeeping and supervisor called me and advised just take it out of the minibar.

Overall good experience, nice hotel.

 

[NT2010]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Frankfurt
Booked: Standard King (1 night)
Received: King Deluxe Plus
Rate: 20,000 HHonor + €90

Had trainee upon check in not yet familiar with HHonors benefits but supervisor stepped in and informed me Wifi, water and breakfast in restaurant all complimentary and due to occupancy they couldn't offer Executive room (or access to lounge). No water in room, called Housekeeping and supervisor called me and advised just take it out of the minibar.

Overall good experience, nice hotel.

I stayed at the same Hilton Frankfurt on 39 & 30 September - Housekeeping advised too to just "take two bottles of water out of minibar PER DAY" and then she was so nice to send a waiter and bringing me a big bottle of sparkle water as complimentary for Diamond member and a welcome letter from the GM...

At check out, they charged me two small water as I was supposed to have only two per STAY, not per day (I did take 4 small bottles for two days). Also they charged me the big sparkle water as well for Euro$7.5!!! They refused to remove this $7.5 as I could not prove who gave it to me. I was running late for the airport so just paid, rather than fight with them and risk of missing the flight.

 

[mushypeas]

must have just missed you... i stayed on 30 sept departed 1 oct