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.

 

[Moopere]

Is this an unusual experience. As mentioned up thread it was my first and last time using express check out with any program; any comments not expressed previously are appreciated.

You've answered your own question there I suspect. Don't -ever- use express checkout. Back when I was new to FF/Hotel programs I did try to make it work, but I had nearly 100% rate of problems. I wouldn't dream of using express checkout nowadays.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

+1 to never using express check out in any hotel in any country any time - bitten once - never again!

 

[jackthomas]

I've actually never had an issue with express check out in 40 or so Hilton stays over the last 2 years, however after seeing these posts I'll certainly be avoiding it.

 

[Buzzard]

Never had a problem in Oz with Express Checkout

 

[dairyfloss]

Hi All - I'm a newly minted HH Diamond member, courtesy of their recent status match offer.
Here's how I went on my first two stays (which I wouldn't have booked with Hilton if it weren't for the Status Match...):

Property: Hilton Lake Taupo
Date: Jan 11-14, 2016 (3 nights)
Status: Diamond
Booked: King Relaxation Suite
Received: King Relaxation Suite
Price: 329.00 NZD per night (Easy Cancellation)

I called the property about 24 hours in advance of the stay, as I couldn't see the hotel map to select a room using check-in on the app. I indicated that we were after the best outlook and privacy, and though they were happy to upgrade me as a HH Diamond to the 1 Bed Apartment, which was newer, bigger & higher up, they said what we had booked was probably the better option, presuming we didn't need the apartment features... which we didn't. They offered to show us the apartment on arrival, but we were very happy with the suite. Full Hot Buffet breakfast offered as Diamond member. 2 x mineral water bottles placed in the room at each turndown. No other amenities given. A few issues with the stay, including the fact that this best pick of the suites sits above the restaurant in the original 'heritage building', and so is quite noisy after close, and until late, while they clean-up from dinner and set-up for breakfast. Service in the restaurant was also a bit lacklustre. Internet service was pretty sketchy, and you needed to login every time you wanted to connect. All-in-all however, we felt it represented good value for the price we paid for the king relaxation suite. Great big bathroom. Decent location a few mins drive from town.

Property: Hilton Auckland
Date: Jan 14-17, 2016 (3 nights)
Status: Diamond
Booked: Deluxe Harbour View King
Received: King Relaxation Suite (+3 categories up)
Price: 458.00 NZD per night (Easy Cancellation)

Upgraded to King Relaxation Suite on the morning of the stay. This is a fantastic room (number 705) on the top [accessible?] hotel level, next to the Presidential Suite. Large living area and bedroom which could be closed off with sliding doors. Huge terrace with deck chairs on the eastern side of the Hilton, overlooking the action at the quay. Chocolates and welcome from the GM in the room. 2 x drink vouchers per night given. Full breakfast in 'Fish' restaurant (which also has a great outlook to the harbour) provided, with no coffee charge, or charge for the fancy mineral water my other half demands... Premium Internet worked well throughout. A great stay, with the only disappointment being that the service in 'Fish' was a bit hit-and-miss for breakfast, with orders forgotten and buffet foods cold or not replaced often enough.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[slc767338]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Rate: $149.25
Date: 5 January
Booked: King Hilton Guestroom Plus
Received: King Hilton Executive Room

Checked in on HHonors app and collected key at Check-In desk, where a 'personalised' letter from the Guest Relationship Manager was offered explaining benefits that I was entitled to throughout my stay as well as an invitation to enjoy breakfast in the Level 2 Stateroom as glass was undergoing renovations.
Room wasn't ready (arrived at around 1pm for a 3pm Check in) but was told that I was welcome to use the Exec Lounge whilst I waited. Did so and lounge manager found me in the lounge to give keys etc.
Room was on level 34 which was a bonus.
Two Complimentary water bottles in room which was nice.
Housekeeping knocked on door at around 6 to ask if I'd like to take advantage of a complimentary trouser pressing, an offer that was gratefully accepted with the promise of having them returned first thing in the morning.
Breakfast offering was extensive (Complimentary Hot and Continental was on offer) although I went down around 15 minutes before end of Breakfast to find the hot food disappearing around me.
Fitness Centre and Pool were top notch.
There were a few issues throughout stay but nothing really warrants mention.

 

[moa999]

Property: Hilton Sydney
Rate: $149.25
.

Corporate rate ???

 

[Buzzard]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Rate: $149.25
Date: 5 January
Booked: King Hilton Guestroom Plus
Received: King Hilton Executive Room

Checked in on HHonors app and collected key at Check-In desk, where a 'personalised' letter from the Guest Relationship Manager was offered explaining benefits that I was entitled to throughout my stay as well as an invitation to enjoy breakfast in the Level 2 Stateroom as glass was undergoing renovations.
Room wasn't ready (arrived at around 1pm for a 3pm Check in) but was told that I was welcome to use the Exec Lounge whilst I waited. Did so and lounge manager found me in the lounge to give keys etc.
Room was on level 34 which was a bonus.
Two Complimentary water bottles in room which was nice.
Housekeeping knocked on door at around 6 to ask if I'd like to take advantage of a complimentary trouser pressing, an offer that was gratefully accepted with the promise of having them returned first thing in the morning.
Breakfast offering was extensive (Complimentary Hot and Continental was on offer) although I went down around 15 minutes before end of Breakfast to find the hot food disappearing around me.
Fitness Centre and Pool were top notch.
There were a few issues throughout stay but nothing really warrants mention.

$149.25 is a fabulous rate for HSYD

 

[Aeolus]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Rate: $149.25
Date: 5 January
Booked: King Hilton Guestroom Plus
Received: King Hilton Executive Room

Super impressed with the extremely low rate. Is trouser pressing a new Exec Room feature? How many pieces were you allowed per day/stay? Hope they do more than just trousers, otherwise it would be a tad sexist. :mrgreen:

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hope they do more than just trousers, otherwise it would be a tad sexist. :mrgreen:

Oh I don't know........my wife seems to wear the trousers in our place!

(at least, I let her think she wears the trousers )

 

[jackthomas]

Quick Question:

Looking at booking a quick weekend away next week in either Cairns or Gold Coast. Haven't stayed at Hilton Cairns in around 6 years, certainly wasn't a status member then. Good property for Diamonds and good lounge? I usually stay in Palm Cove/Port Douglas but not sure the short trip warrants the drive.. If all else fails, I'll just head to HSP, which despite not being popular on here, I actually quite like.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Quick Question:

Looking at booking a quick weekend away next week in either Cairns or Gold Coast. Haven't stayed at Hilton Cairns in around 6 years, certainly wasn't a status member then. Good property for Diamonds and good lounge? I usually stay in Palm Cove/Port Douglas but not sure the short trip warrants the drive.. If all else fails, I'll just head to HSP, which despite not being popular on here, I actually quite like.

Well, I actually like Hilton Cairns. The lounge is not huge, but it's usually adequate. The food has improved in the lounge. You will most likely get an upgrade to an exec level room which is pretty much a normal room with a stocked minibar. If they offer, an 8th floor upgrade is possibly the better value as they are spa rooms (of course only positive if you like spas) and you'll still get lounge access. It's unlikely you'll get a suite upgrade as that's not the done thing in CNS unless they have to, so if you jag one, consider yourself amongst the elite! You can take breakfast in Sunrise Café (I think that's what the breakfast is called, it's the restaurant really) and although not up to Glass standard, is still quite acceptable.

As I work often in CNS, I find the Hilton great for the office facilities they have (including a colour printer) but that won't help you much I guess. The other little secret (as far as I'm concerned) is Mondos. The prices are reasonable, the food pretty good and nothing can beat a nice lunch right on Trinity Inlet with a glass of squealing Pig.

Hilton CNS downside is the price. For me (Gov't rate) it's fabulous, but if you don't have that ability, the rates are quite a bit more than the property is reasonably worth (IMHO). I'm glad you like HSP.....I knew if I looked hard enough, I'd eventually find someone!

 

[drross]

Quick Question:

Looking at booking a quick weekend away next week in either Cairns or Gold Coast. Haven't stayed at Hilton Cairns in around 6 years, certainly wasn't a status member then. Good property for Diamonds and good lounge? I usually stay in Palm Cove/Port Douglas but not sure the short trip warrants the drive.. If all else fails, I'll just head to HSP, which despite not being popular on here, I actually quite like.

Cairns is great. Support everything swanning_it posted .Mondos is even better when they have live music on the weekends/ evenings. Cairns has a good sized outdoor pool too. I prefer it over HSP though HSP has always looked after us.

 

[slc767338]

Super impressed with the extremely low rate. Is trouser pressing a new Exec Room feature? How many pieces were you allowed per day/stay? Hope they do more than just trousers, otherwise it would be a tad sexist. :mrgreen:

Was enclosed as a benefit on the GRM's welcome letter. The complimentary press is for one item per day, per guest and wasn't item specific.

 

[Aeolus]

Oh I don't know........my wife seems to wear the trousers in our place!

(at least, I let her think she wears the trousers )

Hmmm...now that I have actually met her, I might just "accidentally" share this post with her?!?! :mrgreen:
Back to the topic, free ironing at HSYD is fantastic though I don't know if anyone would bother ringing Magic just to have 1 piece of clothing ironed? Maybe this is a sales tactic afterall.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hmmm...now that I have actually met her, I might just "accidentally" share this post with her?!?! :mrgreen:

Oops....forgot about that! I sort of work on the basis of what she doesn't know won't hurt me!

 

[Cynicor]

Hmmm...now that I have actually met her, I might just "accidentally" share this post with her?!?! :mrgreen:
Back to the topic, free ironing at HSYD is fantastic though I don't know if anyone would bother ringing Magic just to have 1 piece of clothing ironed? Maybe this is a sales tactic afterall.

I do this all the time. Often fly with just a single collared shirt for nights out etc.

 

[kermatu]

Quick Question:

Looking at booking a quick weekend away next week in either Cairns or Gold Coast. Haven't stayed at Hilton Cairns in around 6 years, certainly wasn't a status member then. Good property for Diamonds and good lounge? I usually stay in Palm Cove/Port Douglas but not sure the short trip warrants the drive.. If all else fails, I'll just head to HSP, which despite not being popular on here, I actually quite like.

I certainly prefer H-CNS over HSP, though it may be more uncomfortable in Cairns this time of year. I also endorse the previous comments re Cairns, but one thing to add, the lounge has limited hours (breakfast and canapés) only. I love it for it's personal service and it's "family" feel. Room service and laundry are also very reasonable. But it is quite basic in most other respects. Rooms are basically identical other than spa rooms and the Exec Spa suites (4) and Premier Suite (1). I've been lucky to be upgraded to both suites but they are very rare. I can access discounted rates so for me I'd now feel guilty if I stayed anywhere else!

 

[Daver6]

Hmmm...now that I have actually met her, I might just "accidentally" share this post with her?!?! :mrgreen:
Back to the topic, free ironing at HSYD is fantastic though I don't know if anyone would bother ringing Magic just to have 1 piece of clothing ironed? Maybe this is a sales tactic afterall.

The old complementary pressing has caught me out. Was offered 5 items pressed for free on arrival the the Conrad in Singapore. Beauty, I took advantage of it. Get ready to head out the first evening and realise everything I might want to wear is being pressed. Ooops Turns out a t-shirt to the Lizard Tree is acceptable

 

[Aeolus]

Yes, I've so far only experienced free pressings at Conrad which was why I was pleasantly surprised HSYD jumped onto this idea. Being a hotel mainly filled with business people, I think it's a great idea. I believe Conrad Singapore is the most generous at 5 pieces but it's only for per stay. Like you, I tried to max out the 5 pieces limit at Singapore, as I packed light that trip, I ended up with nothing to wear but the clothes on my back until the pressed clothes came back.