Is the booking process normally this bad?

[big_RED]

I chatted to Hilton over website chat on Sunday for a booking for 29 people and they directed me to [email protected] which was great - I could write all my questions and room requirements into the email. 3 days later I hadn't had a reply so went back to the online chat tonight who said I should have received a reply within 24-36hrs. They then gave me a 1300 number which I've just spent 20 minutes with.

I stated I was a Diamond Status holder and that I had a number of questions regarding a large 29 person booking. I asked if there was another email address I could send all my questions and specific room bookings to but they said no and that they could help. I spent 15 minutes going through my booking requirements for various room sizes etc - and then after a few minutes on hold with them checking availability they said they weren't able to help me and that the group bookings team would need to help. They said they weren't open now, but I could leave a vmail and they'd call me back at 8am. I asked to confirm if they were in AUS or USA and the call operator said USA and then realised they'd be calling me at 2am... so then thought for a bit and then just gave me the direct email address of the hotel I wanted to book at... which would have been great 3 days ago...

I assume it isn't support's policy to just provide the direct email address of the hotel straight away, but for a Diamond status member (or even non-members) it was a pretty terrible experience when the total figure of the booking will be large and their main email for these types of bookings doesn't even reply.

Does anyone have any other suggestions about how to go about this in the future?

Thanks!

 

[DC3]

I would be discussing it directly with the property. You could expect more personalised service than dealing with central reservations in the USA.

 

[big_RED]

I would be discussing it directly with the property. You could expect more personalised service than dealing with central reservations in the USA.

Is it easy to get the direct hotel's email or phone number? I've found it really hard to find or receive this info across Marriott and Hilton.

 

[DC3]

I just tested with 3 x random dummy bookings and they each produced some contact details:

 

[big_RED]

I just tested with 3 x random dummy bookings and they each produced some contact details:

Omg I completely missed that!! I was looking in the footer for the hotel contact details. That is embarrassing. Thanks!