Hilton Honors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

[serfty]

I'll be there!



AP is $156 for one adult, and $169 for two adults.

... and of course, an HHonors member can have their spouse stay free ...

 

[oz_mark]

HHonors "Spouse Stays Free" - How to use

... and of course, an HHonors member can have their spouse stay free ...

So how do you book it? Say one adult or two?

 

[serfty]

I book for one and put a note in the comments box:

2 Guests - Hilton HHonors® SPOUSE STAYS FREE

See this FT thread: Spouse Stays Free: The Definitive Thread

...

Generally, if the rate for the executive floor specifically includes "additional components" (like breakfast, dinner or opera tickets) in its description then it is ineligible for "spouse stays free".

Another thing to avoid is booking a "Single" room - it may have bedding for only one person. However, single rooms are generally sold as that - "Single". If you book a "Queen"/"Double"/"King"/"Twin" for one then the room should have the capacity for two.

Here's what I do.

• Ascertain the rate has no additional components.
• Check the price of the rate you want for one guest.
• Note this price.
• Check the price of the rate you want for two guests.
• If this rate for two guests is not more than as the rate for one guest, proceed with your booking for two guests.
• If the rate for two guests is more than the rate for one guest then
  • start the booking again, but for one guest only.
  • Note in the comments section:

    2 Guests - Hilton HHonors® SPOUSE STAYS FREE

Without doing this, I did have a problem three years ago with the Brisbane Hilton. Since I have been doing this, I have not had an issue.

 

[serfty]

...

On the note of "Spouse stays Free" - If a hotel typically gives Diamonds (who select the 'upgrade/breakfast' myway option) the choice of Exec lounge or main breakfast dining then the spouse stays free generally applies (never had it not apply personally).

However, if you, say, book an executive level room at a rate for one with "included full breakfast" then breakfast would generally be available for your spouse in the Exec lounge, but not in the main restaurant.

 

[tuapekastar]

Re: 2011 Melbourne AFF XMAS Drinks/Dinner Fri Dec 23rd

A quick question re 'spouse stays for free'.

I'm definitely going to stay, but +1 is currently OS, only arrives back a couple of days prior, and is not yet certain of attending.

If I book a 'single' (Advance Purchase, non-refundable, non-changeable) and place a comment along the lines of "2 Guests - Hilton HHonors® SPOUSE STAYS FREE" as per the serfty method and then she does not attend, could that be considered a modification to the booking, hence invalidating it and having them cancel my booking when I'm trying to check in? I know this sounds terribly paranoid, but I've been caught out on technicalities before!

"Cancellation Policy

If you cancel for any reason, attempt to modify this reservation, or do not arrive on your specified check-in date, your payment is non-refundable."

It does not appear to be targeted at a situation like the one I may be in, but wondering if anyone has had experience with this.

Perhaps I could 'borrow' someone who is not actually staying, just for the purposes of check-in. :shock:

 

[oz_mark]

Re: 2011 Melbourne AFF XMAS Drinks/Dinner Fri Dec 23rd

It is not my experience, in Australia, that they check that the second person ever actually turns up, so I wouldn't even bother changing the booking.

 

[tuapekastar]

Re: 2011 Melbourne AFF XMAS Drinks/Dinner Fri Dec 23rd

It is not my experience, in Australia, that they check that the second person ever actually turns up, so I wouldn't even bother changing the booking.

Sounds good to me oz_mark, I think I am being paranoid. I will book.

Edit: And I have. PM sent to munitalP.

 

[Storyteller]

Re: 2011 Melbourne AFF XMAS Drinks/Dinner Fri Dec 23rd

A quick question re 'spouse stays for free'.

I'm definitely going to stay, but +1 is currently OS, only arrives back a couple of days prior, and is not yet certain of attending.

If I book a 'single' (Advance Purchase, non-refundable, non-changeable) and place a comment along the lines of "2 Guests - Hilton HHonors® SPOUSE STAYS FREE" as per the serfty method and then she does not attend, could that be considered a modification to the booking, hence invalidating it and having them cancel my booking when I'm trying to check in? I know this sounds terribly paranoid, but I've been caught out on technicalities before!

"Cancellation Policy

If you cancel for any reason, attempt to modify this reservation, or do not arrive on your specified check-in date, your payment is non-refundable."

It does not appear to be targeted at a situation like the one I may be in, but wondering if anyone has had experience with this.

Perhaps I could 'borrow' someone who is not actually staying, just for the purposes of check-in. :shock:

Speaking as someone in the industry, it's only modifying the booking if you contact reservations.

I do think you'd be in waaay more trouble with your missus if you tried to "borrow" someone, than if you booked for her & she gets caught up shopping & doesn't show. If you're really worried that the maid will know you slept alone, rumple the other pillow, pour a bit of coffee into the other cup & toss the other towel into the bath. Sort of the reverse of what folk normally do! If you really want to be complete, take a gladwrap print of your wife's lipstick lip print from her coffee cup at home, fold carefully, and transfer to a cup in your room.

Murphy's Law: she'll arrive to have breakfast with you after you've staged things for the maid..

 

[serfty]

It is not my experience, in Australia, that they check that the second person ever actually turns up, so I wouldn't even bother changing the booking.

I concur.

FWIW, if it costs no more, I generally book for "2 Guests", even if I am the only one staying. I have been able to guest for breakfast on the odd occasion doing this.

 

[oz_mark]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

I concur.

FWIW, if it costs no more, I generally book for "2 Guests", even if I am the only one staying. I have been able to guest for breakfast on the odd occasion doing this.

Standard MO for many folk on FT - it certainly simplifies the 'guesting' process.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

I book for one and put a note in the comments box:

Without doing this, I did have a problem three years ago with the Brisbane Hilton. Since I have been doing this, I have not had an issue.

Any chance of making this sticky? I always forget the text and it does seem to help!

 

[drross]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

Standard MO for many folk on FT - it certainly simplifies the 'guesting' process.

i love it that we all think the same way!!

 

[beardoc]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

I've had the situation where I've always just booked the one adult in the room, and added the name of the spouse when I arrived. I've never had an issue. Even when I have arrived on my own, I'm usually asked if I need one or two keys, and I take the two option. In all cases, as long as there's a second name on the booking, I haven't been charged extra and I've received complimentary breakfasts under the HHonors program for two in all circumstances. Sometimes I've been able to use this to massive advantage, having different guests free for breakfast for for exec lounge drinks.

I suspect that in many cases it's far less of a problem and far less rigid than we think it might be.

 

[Sprucegoose]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

At a recent stay in Sydney I tried to add a 'spouse' post booking and it was going to cost me double!!

Yikes!!

I got my business colleague into the breakfast lounge without hassle though.

Ive now learnt to always book two.

 

[serfty]

...

I suspect that in many cases it's far less of a problem and far less rigid than we think it might be.

Nup, Hilton Brisbane some years ago wanted to charge me additional for having my wife stay with me on a one person booking.

The adamant lady in the exec lounge was 'stunned' when I brought up the amenity online in the Hilton T&C's.

 

[beardoc]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

Nup, Hilton Brisbane some years ago wanted to charge me additional for having my wife stay with me on a one person booking.

The adamant lady in the exec lounge was 'stunned' when I brought up the amenity online in the Hilton T&C's.

Interesting, because Hilton Brisbane was one of those hotels that I've booked a one person booking and arrived with partner. Perhaps I will have to be more aware of this in future. I'll continue booking one person (I'm about to start on a DONE5 in a month) and will report back if I have any grief.

 

[Flashback]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

I just checked the rate (without breakfast) on 1 vs 2 adults and the price is the same, so may as well just book for the 2!

 

[Princess Fiona]

Can't link as iPhone but I just noticed that Exec Lounge access in the HHonors T &C's states you can bring a guest.

 

[beardoc]

re: Hilton HHonors® "2nd GUEST [formerly SPOUSE] STAYS FREE" - How to use

Can't link as iPhone but I just noticed that Exec Lounge access in the HHonors T &C's states you can bring a guest.

When you get a chance from a desktop, could you link this? I just tried to find it and couldn't.

 

[straitman]

Can't link as iPhone but I just noticed that Exec Lounge access in the HHonors T &C's states you can bring a guest.

I did look that up and the only reference I can see refers to a guest that is registered to your room. Is this what you mean?