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.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

Property: Hilton Paris - Opera
Booked: Queen Deluxe Room
Received: Queen Executive Suite

In conclusion, upgrades aside, this property is not on par with acceptable Hilton standards, even in Europe.

boomy we were bitten by HPO couple years back - full story here - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ors/fun-times-diamond-hilton-paris-68855.html

Maybe we should start a thread 'Hotels to Avoid' - could be helpful to many.

 

[Daver6]

boomy we were bitten by HPO couple years back - full story here - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ors/fun-times-diamond-hilton-paris-68855.html

Maybe we should start a thread 'Hotels to Avoid' - could be helpful to many.

That would be a really good idea. Perhaps as a wiki, broken up by country, then city sort of thing.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

That would be a really good idea. Perhaps as a wiki, broken up by country, then city sort of thing.

Somebody clever might start such a thread - way beyond my capabilities.

 

[Princess Fiona]

boomy we were bitten by HPO couple years back - full story here - http://www.australianfrequentflyer....ors/fun-times-diamond-hilton-paris-68855.html

Maybe we should start a thread 'Hotels to Avoid' - could be helpful to many.

That would be a really good idea. Perhaps as a wiki, broken up by country, then city sort of thing.

The problem with such a thread is that there are too many variables.
I'll bet the frequent stayer Diamond at HPO gets way better treatment than a regular Joe Diamond.
In Australia we see that pretty regularly at some properties eg. HSYD and HSW (soon to be a mute point anyway).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The problem with such a thread is that there are too many variables.
I'll bet the frequent stayer Diamond at HPO gets way better treatment than a regular Joe Diamond.

I'm not sure I agree with you on this one PF. The frequent stayer may get better treatment, but they will already know what to expect. A "Hotels to Avoid" thread would be targeted directly at the regular Joe Diamond as it's us that don't know what to expect (as we're not frequent stayers at said hotel) and would therefore like to know what to expect as a regular Joe Diamond and the frequent diamond variables are really not that important.

 

[Cruiser Elite]

The problem with such a thread is that there are too many variables.

Agreed a gazillion variables but one huge constant. Given the huge range of choices in Paris alone if I was considering a hotel there and I read a report such as what I posted I would never consider that hotel. I bet boomy would not have either. I don't imagine it would be a huge thread as in last 20yrs I think this is only Hotel I would ever recommend to 'avoid like the plague'.

 

[boomy]

I'll bet the frequent stayer Diamond at HPO gets way better treatment than a regular Joe Diamond.

The problem with HPO is not Elite treatment. As random diamond member I was treated well, staff were very nice to me and I got suite upgrade. Can't imagine regulars staying there getting better treatment.

The main issue is poor "hard product", low standards closer to DT than Hilton. This property is not worthy to be the brand's flagship property in a city like Paris.

In Australia we see that pretty regularly at some properties eg. HSYD and HSW (soon to be a mute point anyway).

HSYD is good example to why 'hotels to avoid' thread will not work. In the past I used to be one of the regulars there. Not only I didn't get too many valuable upgrades but also very poor treatment by the staff until I gave up on Hilton and switched to SPG for my stays in SYD. While I had some bad experiences, others AFFers are getting the exact opposite treatment so it would not be correct to write it off as hotel that should be avoided.

 

[boomy]

Agreed a gazillion variables but one huge constant. Given the huge range of choices in Paris alone if I was considering a hotel there and I read a report such as what I posted I would never consider that hotel. I bet boomy would not have either. I don't imagine it would be a huge thread as in last 20yrs I think this is only Hotel I would ever recommend to 'avoid like the plague'.

I read your review back then and it was the main reason I've chose not to stay there until now. In recent years I had the opportunity to visit Paris few times a year (mainly on stopovers) and try different hotels in the city while avoiding both Hiltons. The recent HH Europe sale was the trigger to finally try them.

 

[jackthomas]

Property: H SYD.
Room Booked: Relaxation Room
Received: Relaxation Room
status diamond

i used to stay at this hotel fortnightly and for the last 5 or so months have stayed solely elsewhere in Sydney, in light of their dwindling treatment of regular diamonds, came back as quite frankly I missed the place and what do you know.. The now common "Sorry sir we are fully committed, I tried and just couldn't upgrade there is not a single room left"

Did not push it and argue but there are still suites available for sale, it's the lying that makes it worse, we all have access to our iPhone! Of course this room is still a great one.

 

[mel-world]

Property: Hilton, Milano
Room Booked: Standard King, Pre-Paid Euro 164 + Euro 10 tax
Received: Standard King with Lounge Access
Status: Gold

Only stayed one night so accepted low floor standard room as we arrived quite early and always prefer to check-in immediately even if I have to accept what is available. Got water, chocolates and robes immediately and, more importantly Lounge access for drinks and breakfast.

This was the best European Lounge I have ever used. You needed keycard to access so never too busy. Multiple hot and cold selections in the evening, a good choice of wine and beer (did not check spirits). Could have easily had a 'full' meal there as food replenished quickly. Similarly for breakfast. No egg station and no coffee tax - only a machine but an espresso is difficult to mess up. Again an excellent selection and quiet.

Easy walking distance to the massive (Mussolini inspired) Centrale station (5 mins) and a short tram ride to the Centre of town. Recommended.

 

[jackthomas]

Any recent trips/feedback to Hilton Auckland? i stayed here frequently through 2014/2015 when visiting NZ for work often, but haven't been back since, visiting in May.

 

[kermatu]

Any recent trips/feedback to Hilton Auckland? i stayed here frequently through 2014/2015 when visiting NZ for work often, but haven't been back since, visiting in May.

My last dozen trips to Auckland I've stayed at the Pullman, but funnily enough late-May I have one night booked at the Hilton. I will report back if it's ahead of your stay.

 

[Gonetroppo]

Any recent trips/feedback to Hilton Auckland? i stayed here frequently through 2014/2015 when visiting NZ for work often, but haven't been back since, visiting in May.

Had one night with Mr Troppo over Easter 2016. I think it was a free night with the Macquarie card, so a good use of it considering the high rates there. Upgraded to one of their very recently refurbed rooms with a harbour view. 80s retro style, which makes me feel old to know this is even a thing, but it was surprisingly appealing. No lounge, offered a choice of drinks from a special set menu. It wasn't that special - all we were after was 2 kiwi reds (but not pinot noir), but there wasn't even one. On asking the waiter nicely, he said we were also able to choose from the regular menu. Closest we could get was 1 Aussie and 1 Kiwi. There was also a bowl of bread or nuts. A little platter would be a nice touch to make up for the missing lounge.
Brekkie was underwhelming, crowded and super slow on the egg station, but this may have been due to the temporary set up. Spectacular views and no coffee tax that I can remember.
Shower was lukewarm to cold, and front desk indifferent when mentioned. Had a quick look inside one of the bow suites thanks to a friendly housekeeper. Looked very tired and an awkward layout, much preferred our smaller room.
3pm (?) checkout no probs, although they charged for breakfast. On query they said the profile was set to points rather than breakfast - which makes no sense as Mr Troppo is HHD (and was also at time of booking). They wiped the charges but not sure if he ever got the 1K points, girl at reception didn't seem to know this exists.

tl/dr the refurbed rooms are nice, check shower temp on arrival.

 

[mingzie]

Does anyone have a Hilton Sydney vs Sheraton on the Park comparison?

i.e. lounge offerings, service, rooms.

Which hotel wins out in this comparison?

Thanks.

I'm a regular Hilton Syd usually staying in relaxation room/suites whos looking to try SOTP with only Gold SPG. Will I be disappointed?

 

[JessicaTam]

Property: DoubleTree MEL
Date: April 2017
Status: Diamond
Booked: Standard interior room
Received: High floor with window

Drinks voucher at check in. Late checkout until 4pm.

I had a good chat with Tim (who is leaving at the end of this week). Hilton now have the 14th floor and are deliberating between more rooms, or an exec lounge. They are very aware of HSW closing (in effect) so I didn't have to state the case for an Exec lounge too strongly.

Eggs cooked to order for breakfast. I didn't order a coffee, but expect tax still in place

 

[moa999]

Presumably.
May attract more Diamonds
Vs
May cost us a bomb when those retrogrades from Alcoholics & Frequent Flyers forum come visit

 

[JessicaTam]

Property: HSW MEL
Date: April 2017
Status: Diamond
Booked: Standard room
Received: Yarra Suite

visit 1: Here are your two bottles of water
visit 2: Here is a (very large) fruit bowl, bottle of bubbles, and hand written welcome from the Magic Team.
visit 3: Here is the milk you ordered
visit 4: Here is the soy milk you ordered

A great stay; I will be sad to see the brand go. I dropped into the Exec lounge before heading out to a function and had a good chat with Rush. There was a strong suggestion that I chat to the GM (who is staying on) to ask for a status match.

Breakfast was eggs florentine, and my usual bucket of coffee. I told Steph that I was sad to see the brand go, and I would move my stays away. She did say that I would continue to be looked after, but I am not sure how long that would last.

The majority of staff are staying on.

No coffee tax

 

[JessicaTam]

Presumably.
May attract more Diamonds
Vs
May cost us a bomb when those retrogrades from Alcoholics & Frequent Flyers forum come visit

I am sure they will do the sums. However how many diamonds will continue to stay if there is limited incentive to stay with the brand?

 

[sinophile888]

Property: DoubleTree MEL
Date: April 2017
Status: Diamond
Booked: Standard interior room
Received: High floor with window

Date: April 2017, over Easter.
Status: Blue
Booked: Twin with window
Received: HHonours floor 10
Cost: 25000, 25000, 21000, 33000, 30000 points
I cannot believe that I may have had a chance to meet the celebrated and legendary JessicaTam. What a darn pity!

These are the comments I sent to the hotel after returning to Perth:

Positive
- I went to breakfast one morning and while being seated suddenly felt ill.The waiter (may have been called Jon or John) was very kind and offered to send a cup of tea to my room, which he did. He rang my room later to make sure I was feeling better.
- Front desk staff were mostly very friendly.
- I was given a F&B voucher as compensation when no room was available upon my arrival (see below).
- The bathroom was excellent, especially the shower space.
- The lighting was excellent.
- The room size (100x) was perfectly adequate.
- The chair in the room was very comfortable.
- I loved the location.
- My points cost was very reasonable.
Negative
- Over a five day stay, my key card had to be refreshed at least twice a day.
- There was no room ready when I arrived at 4:30pm (see above).
- I did not like the bed (single), it was not flat but slightly raised in the middle. My daughter, however, was quite comfortable. I would contemplate booking a king sized bed when I travel with my husband.

 

[Aeolus]

Conrad Bali
Booked: Deluxe King
Received: Conrad Suite
Noticed some subtle additions in the suite this visit, including new juicer, newer (but very odd looking) Illys coffee machine and a nice bouquet of scented flowers. Suite entrance, despite being ready from my last visit, remains un-manned. Overall, superb service as always. Also, Uber who used to be non-existent around Nusa Dua were in abundance this time. Took the ride to Ulawatu and got the driver to wait. All up 2.5 hrs round trip only cost around AUD20.

Hilton Darwin
Booked: King Guestroom
Received: King Exec Harbour view
I checked in at 6:30am and was quite delighted that the room was already ready. Staff were very friendly. No turndown service, was told coffee tax will be applied but was not charged. I also got to witness the biggest DYKWIA in action at the lounge who threw a tantrum and demanded to see the GM just because the white wine is in the fridge instead of with the reds but in the ice bucket. Made such a scene in a fairly packed lounge. Not a pleasant experience at all for anyone.