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]

Has anyone been inside the refurbished HH Parmelia?

I must admit I thought they were mad upgrading the old building when you have two new DT within walking distance of the old Parmelia. However, as previous posts from me about DT Northbridge and my rant above re: DT Waterfront, I wonder if they've either internally organised a niche of distinction with the DT's, or, more likely imho, they already knew exactly what was coming and felt they could still grab market share by offering a proper HH experience? Time will tell I suppose.

Anyway, I think they're taking bookings already, and certainly the official line appears to be that by 1st Feb they'll definitely be taking guests. Together with the loudly trumpeted WA government 'subsidy' of Perth hotels which is starting on the 29th JAN (I think??), I thought I'd wander over to their website to test the waters.

I'm underwhelmed by their marketing so far, via the web site. People who are not familiar with the Parmelia already, but maybe _do_ know about the existence of the two DT's, will be coming to the HH site to see why they should choose this hotel when, on the face of it, its not in either a convenient or picturesque environment ... and the web site gives you nothing.

The gallery is made up of 2-3 dozen uncaptioned photos .. so you largely don't know what you're looking at. No entry photo ... no loud and clear promotion of the new executive lounge ... theres a photo in the gallery that _might_ be the lounge, but how would you know?

Has the pool gone? The new web site doesn't mention it and there are no photos.

What about the 'fitness centre' - no photos, no explanation of what this might be. Is it a mini gym? A couple of walkers? what?

The new web site is done in the new hilton style thats been insidiously overtaking all the old and useful sites that were in the old style. It looks fresh sure, full of white space and big bold graphics and buttons as is the current fashion - but, as per the current fashion, tells you almost nothing that you really want to know, nor provide you a reason to choose the products/services over the competition.

sigh ... its like they still think they're the only Hilton property in town.

 

[kyle]

Property: HSP
Booked: King Guest Room
Received: King Relaxation Room
Rate: 33,000 points (cash was $355)

Check in was fast and efficient, no suites available but the room we got was large enough with direct ocean views. Hotel was quite full, mostly with families being school holiday. Thankfully there was an adult area down at the pool section which was nice and quiet.

Executive lounge was temporarily moved to the ballroom on level 1. Plenty of space to keep guests separated but with seating arrangements it felt we were attending a wedding. An average canapé selection was provided as well alcoholic drinks by request (everything was on display but it was table service).

Breakfast at restaurant was buffet style, pretty much the same as before just no self service. We went down to eat late and didn’t have to wait for a table, it was not crowded.

Overall it was nice stay at a city where life is pretty much normal with almost no restrictions. I know this property is controversial and while it had its issue years ago it’s quite a decent these days. If I had to pick one negative it was the curtains in our room which couldn’t be closed perfectly so it wasn’t dark enough and the sun woke us up early. Luckily I wasn’t hungover that morning

Rooms still have dirty windows?

 

[marki]

Any heads up advice for Hilton Darwin. ?

 

[eric2011]

Prices are higher than what I expected.

I got a Junior Suite on a Fri and Sat night for $449 per night. I thought that was quite good for Syd. Booked it about 6 weeks ago

 

[DC3]

Any heads up advice for Hilton Darwin. ?

A posting from a Sydney-based FlyerTalker:

FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Australia {AUS}

Post 32995484 - FlyerTalk is a living, growing community where frequent travelers around the world come to exchange knowledge and experiences about everything miles and points related.

www.flyertalk.com

and, some more discussion, here:

DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Australia {AUS} - FlyerTalk Forums

Hilton | Hilton Honors - DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Australia {AUS} - I called a few days before we arrived, and the hotel told me the "either breakfast OR an upgrade" story, and said upgrades were iffy, so I paid to upgrade to a Junior Suite, with an adjoining room. They also...

www.flyertalk.com

 

[HappyFlyerFamily]

A posting from a Sydney-based FlyerTalker:

FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Australia {AUS}

Post 32995484 - FlyerTalk is a living, growing community where frequent travelers around the world come to exchange knowledge and experiences about everything miles and points related.

www.flyertalk.com

and, some more discussion, here:

DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Australia {AUS} - FlyerTalk Forums

Hilton | Hilton Honors - DISCUSSION for Hilton Honors Hotels in Australia {AUS} - I called a few days before we arrived, and the hotel told me the "either breakfast OR an upgrade" story, and said upgrades were iffy, so I paid to upgrade to a Junior Suite, with an adjoining room. They also...

www.flyertalk.com

I must have missed something. The 2nd links seems 12 years old. Went straight to 2008 discussion

 

[DC3]

I must have missed something. The 2nd links seems 12 years old. Went straight to 2008 discussion

Post # 423, onwards, is the start of the recent bit (the first link).

Although, starting at post # 1 (in 2001) is okay as well.

 

[hydrabyss]

I got a Junior Suite on a Fri and Sat night for $449 per night. I thought that was quite good for Syd. Booked it about 6 weeks ago

I had a look at the new room names and the new junior suite is the old relaxation room. The old junior suite is now an executive suite.

The old relaxation suites are city suites and the old king suites are ambassador suites and for some reason are showing two different room photos for it.

I have been staying around the corner at the QT and have not been able to get in the door of the Hilton since june. If I get the chance I may drop in to see what is happening with breakfast and the lounge.

If the price comes down a bit I may switch some bookings over but I booked this years stays at the QT when they had a sale last year when the borders where closed for around $160 a night . Surprisingly I have seen some familiar Hilton faces working there.

 

[BD1959]

Stayed at Hilton BNE for 2 nights last week (HH Diamond).

Arrived just after the evening drinks/canape service had finished, girl on check-in most apologetic and without any sort of prompt suggested they send a bottle of wine to my room instead ... most appreciated.

A couple of points not previously discussed - or at least not that I've seen:

1. The Pool and Gym are both open; the Gym is open 24/7 - which I found quite surprising. Still, prefer to run around the Botanical Gardens if weather permits.

2. Room Service stops at 10pm.

Regards,

BD

 

[Moopere]

Even with a full refurb of the old hilton (opening next month), I would find it hard not to look at this as a better choice. Although old hilton will finally have an exec lounge, this has one already in place with signage but just hasn't been opened. No idea when or if this will occur (considering they closed the DT Northbridge lounge.

I must have missed this comment when I originally read the post. I've just been to the DT Waterfront web site and scratched around a bit more - is there no exec lounge? Its not being advertised and none of the rooms currently mention having exec lounge benefits.

Did you see signage to the exec lounge? Is that what the comment above is saying? So, one is coming, but not open or finished or something?

 

[amcmahon]

I must have missed this comment when I originally read the post. I've just been to the DT Waterfront web site and scratched around a bit more - is there no exec lounge? Its not being advertised and none of the rooms currently mention having exec lounge benefits.

Did you see signage to the exec lounge? Is that what the comment above is saying? So, one is coming, but not open or finished or something?

There is signage in all the lifts for the exec lounge on level 1. I took a walk by it and its fully fitted out ready to go. Just not opened. I have not seen any information on when or if it will be opened.

 

[Flashback]

They'll all close now anyway because of the massive outbreak of COVID in Perth, won't open for a few years I'd say.

 

[DC3]

Has anyone actually been into an EL in Oz lately, or seen one that’s open?

 

[justinbrett]

Has anyone actually been into an EL in Oz lately, or seen one that’s open?

Cairns and Surfers Paradise both have temporary lounges open

 

[DC3]

Cairns and Surfers Paradise both have temporary lounges open

Has anyone been to a non-temporary EL, lately? I get the impression that Hilton ELs are all still closed.

Edit: I visited a temporary EL (drinks/canapés) at SP many months ago when it was in a corner of the restaurant, while they were working on the new EL (closer to ground level). Cairns drinks/canapés are still in the bar area?

 

[justinbrett]

Has anyone been to a non-temporary EL, lately? I get the impression that Hilton ELs are all still closed.

Edit: I visited a temporary EL (drinks/canapés) at SP many months ago when it was in a corner of the restaurant, while they were working on the new EL (closer to ground level). Cairns drinks/canapés are still in the bar area?

SP is in the ballroom
CNS was in the Gin Social (main bar area)

My room at CNS was two doors down from the actual EL. All shut up.

 

[muppet]

SP is in the ballroom
CNS was in the Gin Social (main bar area)

My room at CNS was two doors down from the actual EL. All shut up.

Re: HSP with its ballroom EL

Who really wants free booze this much?

ELs are nice because of views and atmosphere (HSYD excl. )

Personally these window-less ballrooms as ELs are not worth it for me.

 

[justinbrett]

Re: HSP with its ballroom EL

Who really wants free booze this much?

ELs are nice because of views and atmosphere (HSYD excl. )

Personally these window-less ballrooms as ELs are not worth it for me.

I never went - we had an apartment on level 39 with sweeping views of the ocean - I was happy to drink my own booze!

The Gin Social in Cairns was nice, at least there was a view outside.

 

[Moopere]

Re: HSP with its ballroom EL

Who really wants free booze this much?

ELs are nice because of views and atmosphere (HSYD excl. )

Personally these window-less ballrooms as ELs are not worth it for me.

Yes I agree. I generally don't stress the EL liquor budget when I visit. Perhaps a G&T, maybe ... or a single glass of white.

My reason for going, and the reason that motivates me to try hard to only stay at hotels that offer an EL or 'club' is for the view, some peace and quiet (I generally don't go during zoo hours) and a nibble - but really, its ultimately the ambience.

Precious few EL's actually get this and ambience isn't their strong suit generally speaking. Still, some properties understand the concept and I return to those properties as often as I can (and let them know!).

 

[boomy]

Re: HSP with its ballroom EL

Who really wants free booze this much?

ELs are nice because of views and atmosphere (HSYD excl. )

Personally these window-less ballrooms as ELs are not worth it for me.

Agree 100%

The atmosphere in that ballroom is a bit gloomy and booze mostly cheap quality. I was told they will move back to L2 soon, not that the space there is much better but at least has some natural light and also outdoor seating.