“Are there any glaring flaws in my plan?”

[sinophile888]

I have a question about a mattress run I am planning in May to requalify for Gold status. My travel dates are set so as to fit in with other commitments. My HHonours level is currently Gold until either 31/3/2015 or 31/3/2016, probably the former. I am planning to stay at HSW and DT Melbourne. I am not 100% sure about my ability to travel at that time due to a medical condition, which I hope is now sorted but I will know for sure about mid-April.

So this is my plan.
1. Fly QF in both directions as the red e-deal fares are re bookable and QF have multiple flights from which to choose.
2. Stay alternate nights at the DT Melbourne and HSW, with 1 night at the DT, 2 nights at HSW then the same again. If I choose the AAA rate or the Seniors rate rather than the Advance Purchase rate, then the bookings are refundable. This will only cost an extra $90 over 6 nights so seems well worth it.
3. Book a window room at DT.
4. I have enough points for one night, so will choose the most expensive night at HSW.

Hence my question: “Are there any glaring flaws in my plan?”

 

[JessicaTam]

If you stay 1 night, 2 nights, 1 night, 2 nights you will have 4 stays and 6 nights. The points stay counts.

If you alternated 1 night at each you would have 6 stays which may be better for your requal.

 

[sinophile888]

Thanks, JessicaTam.
I am going to try to do a 4 stay/10 night challenge which worked for me last time. I have my fingers crossed.
I think changing hotels for 6 stays would not please my husband very much.

I was very interested to read of your experience at the DT Melbourne. I have factored in booking a room with window at the extra cost.

My other dilemma is that if my Gold status continues for 2015, I would just stay at HSW for the whole time.

 

[opusman]

Is Hilton Gold really worth even one mattress run let alone four? The benefits over silver are pretty marginal aren't they?

 

[JessicaTam]

Is Hilton Gold really worth even one mattress run let alone four? The benefits over silver are pretty marginal aren't they?

Pretty good chance of lounge access would do it for me.

 

[sinophile888]

Is Hilton Gold really worth even one mattress run let alone four? The benefits over silver are pretty marginal aren't they?

Thanks for your answer(edited to reply), opusman.
If all goes well in Melbourne, I am planning a quick trip to Singapore then another to Hong Kong and Shenzhen. My husband likes breakfast, wifi and usually Executive Lounge which goes with Gold status. Without the challenge, I would be Blue which isn't worth very much.

 

[opusman]

Thanks for your answer, opusman.

It wasn't an answer, it was a question (two, actually)

 

[hydrabyss]

Internet and full buffet breakfast in Aust. hiltons and a chance at an upgrade would more than make it worth it for me.

 

[sinophile888]

It wasn't an answer, it was a question (two, actually)

May I rephrase my reply to "Thank you for your reply!?"

 

[JohnK]

Is Hilton Gold really worth even one mattress run let alone four? The benefits over silver are pretty marginal aren't they?

Almost guaranteed lounge access in Asia.

I wonder if there are any Fast tracks out there that do not require you to be an employee of some company.

 

[opusman]

Interesting, I didn't know about the lounge access. Why is it "almost" guaranteed? Up to the individual property?

 

[JessicaTam]

Interesting, I didn't know about the lounge access. Why is it "almost" guaranteed? Up to the individual property?

A diamond member is entitled to lounge access regardless of room booked or received. A gold member only gets lounge access if they are upgraded to an exec level room - which "almost" always happens, property and vacancies notwithstanding.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Almost guaranteed lounge access in Asia.

I wonder if there are any Fast tracks out there that do not require you to be an employee of some company.

Yes, the MVP fast track is not tied to employment

 

[JohnK]

Interesting, I didn't know about the lounge access. Why is it "almost" guaranteed? Up to the individual property?

I put the almost there as a disclaimer.

As a Gold I have never been refused lounge access in Asia but did not necessarily receive an upgrade to Executive floor. In fact the executive floir upgrades are rare for me with Hilton.

 

[Yoz]

I put the almost there as a disclaimer.

As a Gold I have never been refused lounge access in Asia but did not necessarily receive an upgrade to Executive floor. In fact the executive floir upgrades are rare for me with Hilton.

I've stayed at the Doubletree Langfang (now closed) twice on HHonors Gold and got upgraded twice. Although the lounge was under construction so they just served drinks and a plate of refreshments upon request in the bar.

We'll see if I get lounge access in Guangzhou next month

 

[sinophile888]

We stayed at the Hilton Guangzhou Tianhe and also the Hilton Guangzhou Baiyun last November. I liked the location of Tianhe as it was an easy walk from the Guangzhou East train station. Baiyun was a bit of a way out and access by taxi is the easiest. But it had the most comfortable and spacious lounge in any hotel at which I have stayed. It is next door to the Wanda Mall and has a large food market outside the mall in the evening.

We got lounge access at both Guangzhou Hiltons as well as the Conrad Hong Kong. I have Gold status.