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.

 

[kyle]

On an unrelated note, I have a booking for the Conrad Macao. I got in touch to ask about an early check-in. In a response they informed me the exec lounge is closed but instead I'll get a full breakfast in the main restaurant. No mention of it being closed on the website at the time of booking. I'm a little annoyed as it's an excellent lounge and what swayed my decision to stay there.

It's a bit of a pain to cancel and re-book as it's for next Monday. I told them I wasn't impressed and they've offered to put a gin and tonic in my room. I don't really feel like that's a fair exchange. Any thoughts on this?

Just curious re lounge and if you're after complementary food and alcohol, a space to just hang out, something else or all of the above.

There's plenty to see and do in Macau. And after sightseeing, I'll rather stay in the room since it's often a suite upgrade or go to the casino.

I personally don't really find lounge access that attractive. Even as diamond, I rarely go and visit even with free access.

 

[dairyfloss]

On an unrelated note, I have a booking for the Conrad Macao. I got in touch to ask about an early check-in. In a response they informed me the exec lounge is closed but instead I'll get a full breakfast in the main restaurant. No mention of it being closed on the website at the time of booking. I'm a little annoyed as it's an excellent lounge and what swayed my decision to stay there.

It's a bit of a pain to cancel and re-book as it's for next Monday. I told them I wasn't impressed and they've offered to put a gin and tonic in my room. I don't really feel like that's a fair exchange. Any thoughts on this?

I'd make it very clear that you booked due to the lounge inclusion(s), and that if they can't offer this, that you would expect them to offer a suitable alternative (not just a G&T). I'd propose daily drinks vouchers for the bar, and an F&B credit per day for ordering snacks or a light meal equivalent to go with. Is it a flexible booking, should you decide to move away? If not, you might also seek that they waive any penalty, there.

Cheers,
Matt.

 

[Happy Dude]

Yes. I received lounge access and others have reports benefits honoured. Immediately after booking it showed in the HH app. As for points posting, I expect it to, but I don't check out till Friday.

Thanks @Daver6. Pls let us know if the points post or not. It's good to know which bookings outside Hilton will still trigger status benefits. Nonetheless I'll look elsewhere in MEL as Little Queen doesn't seem to give much love to Diamonds.

 

[QF WP]

I've always had Diamond love from DoubleTree Flinders Street, love the positioning for me to use trains to see clients, but the noise at night can be an issue for some if you get the Flinders Street facing rooms.

 

[kyle]

I've always had Diamond love from DoubleTree Flinders Street, love the positioning for me to use trains to see clients, but the noise at night can be an issue for some if you get the Flinders Street facing rooms.

Bourke Street facing rooms especially at lower levels at LQS not good either. Those trams have to 'ding' every time they approach and leave the stop and so much track noise.

 

[jbmemories]

I'm not sure if it's just a booking/app rule or hotel specific, but is it possible to send a message to the hotel more than 2 days prior to your reservation? I've gotten an email to 'upgrade your stay' for $$, but as Hilton Diamond - I'm assuming I will get upgraded to a higher room at a minimum.

 

[justinbrett]

I'm not sure if it's just a booking/app rule or hotel specific, but is it possible to send a message to the hotel more than 2 days prior to your reservation? I've gotten an email to 'upgrade your stay' for $$, but as Hilton Diamond - I'm assuming I will get upgraded to a higher room at a minimum.

Just send them an email.

 

[Daver6]

Highly recommend Sofitel Macau. Base room currently on Accor Red Hot rate for aud116 for Monday, or Prestige Suite for 277 (non sale rate but still fair price given I previously got it for 250 but needed prebooking).

I looked into it as my first choice. My Conrad stay is just one night as arriving a day early before work related stuff at the Sheraton. So location of the Conrad is super convenient.

Just curious re lounge and if you're after complementary food and alcohol, a space to just hang out, something else or all of the above.

There's plenty to see and do in Macau. And after sightseeing, I'll rather stay in the room since it's often a suite upgrade or go to the casino.

I personally don't really find lounge access that attractive. Even as diamond, I rarely go and visit even with free access.

Bit of both really. I'll just be doing some work from the hotel so having somewhere nicer than a room to go sit and work along with tea/coffee nibbles during the day sounded appealing.

I'd make it very clear that you booked due to the lounge inclusion(s), and that if they can't offer this, that you would expect them to offer a suitable alternative (not just a G&T). I'd propose daily drinks vouchers for the bar, and an F&B credit per day for ordering snacks or a light meal equivalent to go with. Is it a flexible booking, should you decide to move away? If not, you might also seek that they waive any penalty, there.

Cheers,
Matt.

Book is flexible. I can cancel. Intend to possibly just spend the entire time at the Sheraton. Perhaps Ill email and suggest a suite upgrade or I cancel.

Thanks @Daver6. Pls let us know if the points post or not. It's good to know which bookings outside Hilton will still trigger status benefits. Nonetheless I'll look elsewhere in MEL as Little Queen doesn't seem to give much love to Diamonds.

Will do.

 

[Daver6]

Well Conrad Macao got back to me. They're offering me an upgrade to a king premier suite and complimentary mini bar (no idea if that has booze in it or not).

I'll probably accept this rather than moving to the Sofitel.

 

[dxwell]

Property: Hilton Sydney
Booked: King Deluxe
Received: Junior Suite
Benefits: Continental Breakfast but being Diamond ate in the EL.
Cost: $1658.76 (was a late booking - can someone help me with negotiating business rates)
27-Nov-2023 - 28-Nov-2023 477.48 AUD
28-Nov-2023 - 29-Nov-2023 565.80 AUD
29-Nov-2023 - 30-Nov-2023 615.48 AUD

I usually stay at the West Hotel as they are 2 mins walk from my major Sydney client. But all rooms are the same size there and upgrades are few and there is no lounge.
I have had many, many business trips to Sydney but incredibly first time at this hotel.
Ended up being a brisk 15 minute walk to my client. Would book again.
I asked for an upgrade at reception upon arriving at 9pm.
Enjoyed the 25m pool in the morning and the Marble Bar where I might have had far too many Old Fashioneds.

 

[Daver6]

Thanks @Daver6. Pls let us know if the points post or not. It's good to know which bookings outside Hilton will still trigger status benefits. Nonetheless I'll look elsewhere in MEL as Little Queen doesn't seem to give much love to Diamonds.

Can confirm points and nights have posted.

 

[Daver6]

Well Conrad Macao got back to me. They're offering me an upgrade to a king premier suite and complimentary mini bar (no idea if that has booze in it or not).

I'll probably accept this rather than moving to the Sofitel.

Property: Conrad Macao
Booked: KING DELUXE EIFFEL TW VIEW
Received: King Premier Suite
Benefits: Breakfast, free mini bar (no alcohol)
Early checkin: Arrived at 9:50am and they had the room ready for me at 11am
Late checkout: 3pm granted.

See this post for the back story. Two days out I received an email from HH advising I'd been upgrade to a deluxe suite (which is what I've received before as a diamond here). This premier suite is massive with three huge TVs (one in a media room with surround sound). By far the biggest hotel room I've stay in. Even has two entrances.



Small portion of the pool area

 

[kyle]

Maybe it's because of what I put in the request section? Thanks LQS.

 

[lovestotravel]

Status: Hilton Gold

Property: Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa - 1 Night
Room booked: 2 BDRM BEACHFRONT W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Rate: Cash
Room received: 2 BDRM BEACHFRONT W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Received: Nothing - A thank you for your loyalty at check-in

Property: Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa - 1 Night
Room booked: 2 BDRM PENTHOUSE W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Rate: Cash
Room received: 2 BDRM PENTHOUSE W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Received: Nothing - Tried to check-in at 1pm. was told check-in is at 3pm and to try back then. After a discussion, managed to get the check-in completed. Nothing at all explained to me, I asked again when the room would be read and was told 3pm and to come back then. I asked to be called/SMSed when ready and the staff pretended to leave a note on the system.

Went back 15 mins later, and no note was left on the system to call/SMS when room was ready, and that was completed at this time. Asked again when the room would be ready and was told 3pm

3:05pm, no call/SMS and went back to the desk and asked for the Duty Manager, a Manager (can't remember his exact title) appeared and we sat down had a friendly chat (yes really). Provided feedback for the 2 check-in agents who were not that helpful, mainly the first one.

Was personally escorted to the room by the Manager, and several of these rooms were ready, $100 drink credit applied to the room and personal business card handed to me.

Never expect too much from the Hilton in Fiji, it's my 6th visit in 12 months, and it serves a purpose for the family trips with large rooms and generally good service. Not sure why people would spend more than 1 night here, we used it as a stopover before going to Vomo.

 

[DC3]

Never expect too much from the Hilton in Fiji

I have stayed there, some time back, and I agree with the above statement

 

[straitman]

As an altern

Status: Hilton Gold

Property: Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa - 1 Night
Room booked: 2 BDRM BEACHFRONT W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Rate: Cash
Room received: 2 BDRM BEACHFRONT W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Received: Nothing - A thank you for your loyalty at check-in

Property: Hilton Fiji Beach Resort and Spa - 1 Night
Room booked: 2 BDRM PENTHOUSE W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Rate: Cash
Room received: 2 BDRM PENTHOUSE W/KITCHENETTE AND LAUNDRY
Received: Nothing - Tried to check-in at 1pm. was told check-in is at 3pm and to try back then. After a discussion, managed to get the check-in completed. Nothing at all explained to me, I asked again when the room would be read and was told 3pm and to come back then. I asked to be called/SMSed when ready and the staff pretended to leave a note on the system.

Went back 15 mins later, and no note was left on the system to call/SMS when room was ready, and that was completed at this time. Asked again when the room would be ready and was told 3pm

3:05pm, no call/SMS and went back to the desk and asked for the Duty Manager, a Manager (can't remember his exact title) appeared and we sat down had a friendly chat (yes really). Provided feedback for the 2 check-in agents who were not that helpful, mainly the first one.

Was personally escorted to the room by the Manager, and several of these rooms were ready, $100 drink credit applied to the room and personal business card handed to me.

Never expect too much from the Hilton in Fiji, it's my 6th visit in 12 months, and it serves a purpose for the family trips with large rooms and generally good service. Not sure why people would spend more than 1 night here, we used it as a stopover before going to Vomo.

As an alternate try the Hilton DoubleTree Sonaisali Island. Much more friendly, a little cheaper and whilst they don't get everything right they work hard at doing so. Another advantage is that it's away from Denarau. We gave up on the Hilton Denarau quite a few years ago.
Airport to Hilton Denarau is 14km and airport to the Hilton DoubleTree is 21km.

 

[straitman]

Status: Hilton Diamond

Property: Hilton DoubleTree Resort by Hilton Fiji - Sonaisali Island. 2 nights extended to 3 nights.
Room booked: Beachfront Queen w/balcony
Rate: APOD Corporate
Room received: King Premium Oceanview Bure
Received: Thank you letter for your loyalty at check-in, Cookies, A gift pack of extra nibbles and water delivered by the managers PA. Managers coughtails and nibbles.
Very personalised attention by all the staff up to and including the General Manager.

We stayed one extra night as we were offered the honour of turning the Christmas Tree lights on. They had a choir, and drinks and nibbles for that occasion.

.

 

[lovestotravel]

As an altern

As an alternate try the Hilton DoubleTree Sonaisali Island. Much more friendly, a little cheaper and whilst they don't get everything right they work hard at doing so. Another advantage is that it's away from Denarau. We gave up on the Hilton Denarau quite a few years ago.
Airport to Hilton Denarau is 14km and airport to the Hilton DoubleTree is 21km.

It's on the list next time, while our stays are only short, we still like a nice hotel

At around $1200 AUD per night for the 2 Bed penthouses, it should be better!

 

[straitman]

It's on the list next time, while our stays are only short, we still like a nice hotel

At around $1200 AUD per night for the 2 Bed penthouses, it should be better!

There are no 2 BR penthouses however there are adjoining Bure’s and Bure’s with 2 X King beds. We will be back there for 2 nights on 16th & 17th and I can get pics if that is of any use.

 

[QF_Flyer]

On an unrelated note, I have a booking for the Conrad Macao. I got in touch to ask about an early check-in. In a response they informed me the exec lounge is closed but instead I'll get a full breakfast in the main restaurant. No mention of it being closed on the website at the time of booking. I'm a little annoyed as it's an excellent lounge and what swayed my decision to stay there.

It's a bit of a pain to cancel and re-book as it's for next Monday. I told them I wasn't impressed and they've offered to put a gin and tonic in my room. I don't really feel like that's a fair exchange. Any thoughts on this?

I agree this is annoying, I got no advance warning of it at all earlier this year and it wasn't mentioned anywhere. Not to mention that Diamonds were always able to get breakfast in the restaurant anyway (was the Grand Orbit before, amazing food, Londoner now which is ok, but not nearly as good).

I definitely don't think a G&T is a fair exchange, but I was given nothing. To be fair I didn't ask, but it was still a bit annoying, given the high cost of that hotel (although still relatively reasonable rewards prices, which is mainly why I stayed, although I must admit that, compared to pre-COVID, reward nights there seem to be a lot more restricted).