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.

 

[RooFlyer]

Really? The inside looks like a standard DT room. Nothing I can fault from the photos.

Outside - well it's a medieval city I'm sure this hotel has heritage restrictions so not a lot you can do. If you want modern York is not for you.

That said the lived experience by @RooFlyer may differ, I'm only going from the photos.

I agree - the room is quite OK by me. I was serious when I said I love the view ... I regularly decline upgrades (as I did here) in favour of a room in a quiet corner. Don't stay at that many DTs, but if this is 'deluxe' the 'basics' must be very ordinary!

Overall it's a pretty unappealing place however. This is the lobby. The double front doors were chocked open on a cold and wet day and stayed that way until at least 7pm. Cold as a tomb inside. Not a bad restaurant attached though.

 

[justinbrett]

I agree - the room is quite OK by me. I was serious when I said I love the view ... I regularly decline upgrades (as I did here) in favour of a room in a quiet corner. Don't stay at that many DTs, but if this is 'deluxe' the 'basics' must be very ordinary!

Overall it's a pretty unappealing place however. This is the lobby. The double front doors were chocked open on a cold and wet day and stayed that way until at least 7pm. Cold as a tomb inside. Not a bad restaurant attached though.

View attachment 327916

I looked it up - standard room is 19sqm Double Bed, deluxe is 21sqm King. Only a £10 difference so it wasn't a massive upgrade.

I mean, Hilton is an American business hotel chain - if you want luxury go with their upscale brands (like Conrad or Waldorf Astoria).

Double Tree is the step down from Hilton, on the way down to a Hilton Garden Inn, which are hotels I would describe as "fine" but hardly deluxe or luxurious. That said, your "Deluxe" room looks absolutely massive for an English Hotel room.

If I booked DT York and got a room based on those photos, I would not be disappointed. I think the English do ritzy hotels well (ie the Ritz) but not so much the middle market ones.

Hilton York seems to be the same price for the dates I searched and looks a bit nicer, and better location.

 

[RooFlyer]

Double Tree is the step down from Hilton, on the way down to a Hilton Garden Inn, which are hotels I would describe as "fine" but hardly deluxe or luxurious. That said, your "Deluxe" room looks absolutely massive for an English Hotel room.

That's the problem with not being 'loyal' and not regularly staying at one particular chain - I don't know the standard expected/value for money. Accor I do know well, as I used them for many years and I think they are more 'standardised' according to their categories. This place was a step-down from DT Flinders St Melb where I've stayed a couple of times; I chose it here due to proximity to York Minster, the reason for my visit to the city.

I edited my original post.

 

[justinbrett]

That's the problem with not being 'loyal' and not regularly staying at one particular chain - I don't know the standard expected/value for money. Accor I do know well, as I used them for many years and I think they are more 'standardised' according to their categories. This place was a step-down from DT Flinders St Melb where I've stayed a couple of times; I chose it here due to proximity to York Minster, the reason for my visit to the city.

I edited my original post.

I'm the reverse. I stayed at Ibis Styles Sydney (Wentworth St) last week. Ick. Clearly I don't know enough about Accor.

Wasn't my money (nor was it my pick), but I saw what was paid for it - not value for money at all.

 

[Daver6]

I'm the reverse. I stayed at Ibis Styles Sydney (Wentworth St) last week. Ick. Clearly I don't know enough about Accor.

Wasn't my money (nor was it my pick), but I saw what was paid for it - not value for money at all.

Be grateful it wasn't an Ibis Budget then

 

[justinbrett]

Be grateful it wasn't an Ibis Budget then

Ah yes, when I was backpacking in my 20s (well I guess "Flashpacking" as my friend and I both had full time jobs back home) - we frequented ETAP hotels in UK/Europe. I believe these transitioned into Ibis Budget.

Haven't stayed at one since.

 

[Flashback]

I looked it up - standard room is 19sqm Double Bed, deluxe is 21sqm King. Only a £10 difference so it wasn't a massive upgrade.

I mean, Hilton is an American business hotel chain - if you want luxury go with their upscale brands (like Conrad or Waldorf Astoria).

Double Tree is the step down from Hilton, on the way down to a Hilton Garden Inn, which are hotels I would describe as "fine" but hardly deluxe or luxurious. That said, your "Deluxe" room looks absolutely massive for an English Hotel room.

If I booked DT York and got a room based on those photos, I would not be disappointed. I think the English do ritzy hotels well (ie the Ritz) but not so much the middle market ones.

Hilton York seems to be the same price for the dates I searched and looks a bit nicer, and better location.

Most of the DTs I stayed at I preferred over a Hilton. Jordan just reinforced that view. DT Aqaba > Hilton Amman.

 

[justinbrett]

Most of the DTs I stayed at I preferred over a Hilton. Jordan just reinforced that view. DT Aqaba > Hilton Amman.

You can only really compare within the same city.

Hilton are not good at standardisation.

Even then it's not guaranteed - Hilton might have a better location but be an older hotel - DT further out but more modern.

I'd never choose a hotel solely on the brand.

 

[stm1sydney]

Be grateful it wasn't an Ibis Budget then

Ick, Ibis Budget Brisbane Airport in Hendra . Not to be confused with the Ibis next to the domestic terminal.

 

[justinbrett]

Not to be confused with the Ibis next to the domestic terminal.

Which itself is ick.

I was quarantined there overnight back during Rona whilst transiting QLD from dirty NSW to NT.

How do they get a brand new hotel to look so old, cheap and miserable on the inside?

 

[kermatu]

Property: Hilton Auckland
Nights: 2
Status: Diamond
Booked: King Harbour
Received: King Harbour Deluxe Plus, top floor.
Rate: Honours Discount Flex (same as Govt and AAA).
Breakfast: Yes, Continental only (but see below).
Lounge Access. N/A
Amenity: welcome back note, plate of small chocolates, one bottle of still water and one of sparkling mineral water (not replenished), 2 drink vouchers redeemable at bar for set list of house wines, spirits and beer. Drinks come with a bowl of warmed premium nuts.

Used to stay here regularly but moved to the Pullman and the SO given they have Exec lounges. But after a poor stay at SO this year decided to give Hilton another go.

Initial impressions not good. Check-in agent outright lied about suite availability - at least one Bow suite was available. She assured me I had a nice room and also mentioned breakfast was continental only, with a $10 charge for the full buffet.

When I got to the room realised I had been upgraded one or maybe 2 levels. It was a nice refurbished room, top floor, with modern (and mostly accessible) bathroom. Large balcony jutting out beyond the last few rooms so whilst not as good a view as the Bow suites, had an uninterrupted view of the harbour and the city as well. But very exposed and no cover so as soon as the rain started it wasn’t useable.

Only had one breakfast. On arrival young lady said it was continental only. Also confirmed $5 for barista coffee. As I went to the buffet I recognised one of the wait staff from years ago, and more importantly she remembered me. Told me she’d get me an iced coffee (how she remembered that after probably 4 years I have no idea!). I told her I was only on the continental breakfast but she said something to the young lady. Insisted I have an omelette. Then brought me the coffee but also a big glass of freshly squeezed OJ.

No charge for any of this. Very nice when personal recognition trumps a stingy policy. Had always avoided the coffee tax and been told I could have anything off the card - but was not expecting that after 4 years’ absence.

So a mixed stay. Disappointing loss of some Diamond benefits (breakfast, no turndown service). But redeemed in my case at least from the personal recognition from one staff member.

Final note I asked for a taxi to be booked for an early flight. It was but without my knowledge it was a pre-paid rate with Corporate Cabs and charged to my room. $95. Probably about $15 more than a metred rate with Corporate Cabs at 5:30am with no traffic. I didn’t particularly mind and it counts for points, but I really should have been told that’s what would happen.

 

[Flashback]

Property: Hilton Auckland
Nights: 2
Status: Diamond
Booked: King Harbour
Received: King Harbour Deluxe Plus, top floor.
Rate: Honours Discount Flex (same as Govt and AAA).
Breakfast: Yes, Continental only (but see below).
Lounge Access. N/A
Amenity: welcome back note, plate of small chocolates, one bottle of still water and one of sparkling mineral water (not replenished), 2 drink vouchers redeemable at bar for set list of house wines, spirits and beer. Drinks come with a bowl of warmed premium nuts.

Used to stay here regularly but moved to the Pullman and the SO given they have Exec lounges. But after a poor stay at SO this year decided to give Hilton another go.

Initial impressions not good. Check-in agent outright lied about suite availability - at least one Bow suite was available. She assured me I had a nice room and also mentioned breakfast was continental only, with a $10 charge for the full buffet.

When I got to the room realised I had been upgraded one or maybe 2 levels. It was a nice refurbished room, top floor, with modern (and mostly accessible) bathroom. Large balcony jutting out beyond the last few rooms so whilst not as good a view as the Bow suites, had an uninterrupted view of the harbour and the city as well. But very exposed and no cover so as soon as the rain started it wasn’t useable.

Only had one breakfast. On arrival young lady said it was continental only. Also confirmed $5 for barista coffee. As I went to the buffet I recognised one of the wait staff from years ago, and more importantly she remembered me. Told me she’d get me an iced coffee (how she remembered that after probably 4 years I have no idea!). I told her I was only on the continental breakfast but she said something to the young lady. Insisted I have an omelette. Then brought me the coffee but also a big glass of freshly squeezed OJ.

No charge for any of this. Very nice when personal recognition trumps a stingy policy. Had always avoided the coffee tax and been told I could have anything off the card - but was not expecting that after 4 years’ absence.

So a mixed stay. Disappointing loss of some Diamond benefits (breakfast, no turndown service). But redeemed in my case at least from the personal recognition from one staff member.

Final note I asked for a taxi to be booked for an early flight. It was but without my knowledge it was a pre-paid rate with Corporate Cabs and charged to my room. $95. Probably about $15 more than a metred rate with Corporate Cabs at 5:30am with no traffic. I didn’t particularly mind and it counts for points, but I really should have been told that’s what would happen.

Yes, that's what hotels do..... had the same during Shabbat at a hotel in Israel. The taxi never showed..... so the guy on the front desk called one using an app, turned up 3 minutes later and was 50 shekels cheaper.

 

[eric2011]

Final note I asked for a taxi to be booked for an early flight. It was but without my knowledge it was a pre-paid rate with Corporate Cabs and charged to my room. $95. Probably about $15 more than a metred rate with Corporate Cabs at 5:30am with no traffic. I didn’t particularly mind and it counts for points, but I really should have been told that’s what would happen.

I had taxi from SO hotel to International 2 weeks ago and fee was ~$92. This was also at 5.30am. Dont think you were ripped off too much

 

[kermatu]

I had taxi from SO hotel to International 2 weeks ago and fee was ~$92. This was also at 5.30am. Dont think you were ripped off too much

Was $85 on arrival early evening, but agree I don’t think I was ripped off and that wasn’t my complaint. Was more that in the many times I’ve had a hotel book me a cab it was pre-charged without my knowledge.

 

[QF WP]

@kermatu, that's the same experience I have at Perth Parmelia (great server who remembers me and my Earl Grey tea), which is part of the reason I continue to stay there when it's cheaper (normally only Sunday night, given it's busy Monday to Friday with corporates). I would rather go to Samuels on Mill (the new name for the restaurant) and she waves away the need for me to only have continental. I'd perfer to eat there than the EL.

 

[bits]

Property: Hilton Melbourne
Date: 7-13 May
Room booked: King Guest
Rate: Hilton Melbourne 2nd birthday flash sale $222/night
Received: Upgrade to King Deluxe city view, 2 free water bottles per day

Was looking forward to the stay since the lounge was not yet open on our previous stay about a year ago, but overall the stay was a bit mediocre.

Positives:
- The bday sale rate saved me some $$ since it was cheaper than the previously booked govt rate (around $258/night). TBH $222 is a very good price considering what others are/trying to charge currently.
- Tram stop right at front door.
- Lounge doesn't fill up during evening drinks, plenty of seating.

Negatives:
- Minimal upgrade this time (supposedly full)
- Buffet breakfast +$10 (stayed with continental); Barista coffee +$5
- The lounge food is limited and disappointing - less variety than Sydney, no prawns. Standard offering is 2 hot snacks (pies/quiche etc), 2 cold cuts (rotates), and some veg (minimal change) Lounge does not serve breakfast, nor afternoon tea. Only standard selection of drinks/nibbles put out during the day, so there's hardly ever anyone in there during the day. Lounge isn't staffed during the day.

 

[Tlee]

Property: Hilton Bali Resort
Number of Nights: 5 (May 2023)
Status: Diamond
Room booked: Twin Guest Room Garden View
Rate: Points Redemption, 156,000
Received: (arranged at check-in)

• King Bed Executive Ocean View x 1 night (on 10th floor)
• King Terrace Suite Ocean View x 4 nights (on 7th floor)

Breakfast: Buffet at Grain; Set menu at the Lounge
Lounge Access: Yes, 5-minute walking distance from the lobby or a 1-minute buggy ride; serving canapés daily from 5 PM - 7 PM

Positives:

• Spacious. There are 5 F&B outlets, several pools, and 1 SPA on site. Daily activities include yoga (for beginners), water sports, photo shoot, and cultural experience (e.g. making Balinese offerings)
• Staffs were responsive (I think my hotel status played a big role). Sent some feedback to Guest Relations and the managers act quickly to meet me within hours and apologised in person - received a free dinner buffet (most of the restaurant staff know me by name for the rest of my stay)
• A less crowded beach. It connects to the nearby hotels - Kempinski and Ritz-Carlton

Negatives:

• It is a bit far from the major tourist attractions. The taxi/grab fare is cheap and they can pick you up at the lobby. It just takes time.
• Monkeys - even when your room is on the 7th floor
• Pricey (as I travelled solo). No SPA discounts for in-house guests. 25% off discount for F&B was still available for Diamond members.

Conclusion

• I quite enjoyed the stay. Relaxed on a deck chair on my balcony at night. Watched the full moon and night sky, and enjoyed the breeze.
• It suits someone who just wants to chill out within the resort. Overheard an Aussie couple staying here for their honeymoon.

 

[levelnine]

Rate: Points Redemption, 156,000

Did you book this a long time ago? Standard points stay here seems to be at least 43K per night these days.

 

[kyle]

- Minimal upgrade this time (supposedly full)

Yeah supposed full every day. It was so quiet when I stayed last year and it was as stingy.

 

[Tlee]

Did you book this a long time ago? Standard points stay here seems to be at least 43K per night these days.

Two months ago (20 March)
It was 22,000 points per night in 2021...