*Brag* Just attained HH Diamond

[BD1959]

Just finished a 5 night stay at HADL and achieved Diamond at night 4 ... Mrs BD wouldn't understand (though she enjoys the Upgrades, Lounge and platters etc, which we've enjoyed as Gold!)
so - as my travel will wind-down from November - thought I'd shriek this from the rooftops with those who "understand" as my one-and-only!!

Sorry, after an hour in the ADL QC (with multiple refills of bubbles) and some "revigourating reds" on return home, I really can't be bothered for multiple searches so, some questions which have probably been asked before with regards to attaining Diamond:

• Presumably a shiny new card will be on its way soon: can I expect anything more than that (fruit platter on next stay??)
• If a status change happens part-way through a stay, does any change in bonus point earn get applied pro-rata or does that only kick-in at the following stay?
• Do I need to request free breakfast coffee at check-in*

Thank you if you've managed to get this far through the post ... that's 20secs of your life gone forever!!

Regards,

BD
*Joke question, no need to respond!!

 

[Freq Flier 2013]

Congrats

 

[Princess Fiona]

Just finished a 5 night stay at HADL and achieved Diamond at night 4 ... Mrs BD wouldn't understand (though she enjoys the Upgrades, Lounge and platters etc, which we've enjoyed as Gold!)
so - as my travel will wind-down from November - thought I'd shriek this from the rooftops with those who "understand" as my one-and-only!!

Sorry, after an hour in the ADL QC (with multiple refills of bubbles) and some "revigourating reds" on return home, I really can't be bothered for multiple searches so, some questions which have probably been asked before with regards to attaining Diamond:

• Presumably a shiny new card will be on its way soon: can I expect anything more than that (fruit platter on next stay??)
• If a status change happens part-way through a stay, does any change in bonus point earn get applied pro-rata or does that only kick-in at the following stay?
• Do I need to request free breakfast coffee at check-in*

Thank you if you've managed to get this far through the post ... that's 20secs of your life gone forever!!

Regards,

BD
*Joke question, no need to respond!!

Don't hold your breath awaiting the card in the post

 

[Deleted member 29185]

• Presumably a shiny new card will be on its way soon: can I expect anything more than that (fruit platter on next stay??)
• If a status change happens part-way through a stay, does any change in bonus point earn get applied pro-rata or does that only kick-in at the following stay?
• Do I need to request free breakfast coffee at check-in*

Hey congrats on the achievement!

Point one - Leave the word "soon" off the comment and it's about right! Diamonds do seem to get little gifts. I do believe most have received a pack of HH playing cards.
Point two - No idea as my memory is not that good! The diamond desk is often good at "good will" gestures however, so maybe worth a try.
Point three - As per Robert the Bruce, 'if at first you don't succeed", ask someone different! :mrgreen:

 

[BD1959]

Thanks for the response swanning_it !!

Regards,

BD

 

[Denali]

Congrats!

If you don't get your free gift *cough* Hilton playing cards, let me know as I found 2 packets the other day that I tossed in the garage sale box.

 

[BD1959]

Very kind offer Denali - I'm back on the 16th, so we'll see then.

Regards,

BD

 

[moa999]

Nice box will arrive with playing cards and a shiny cards if my experience is anything to go by, albeit give it a few weeks

And Congrats

 

[Fifa]

I have been Diamond for 3 years and have never received playing cards!

 

[Princess Fiona]

I have been Diamond for 3 years and have never received playing cards!

Exactly the same here, can't say I've felt the need for them though

 

[Cynicor]

Don't feel bad, same boat for me. HH are useless but if you don't expect anything over the base requirements they will impress you on occasion.

 

[serfty]

I used them since 2005. For a long time they had the best base elite benefits when compared to the other majors.

It's only been the last few years that they have been matched or bettered.

Guaranteed breakfast for Gold and Diamond since 2007.

 

[Cynicor]

Oh, I don't disagree. Though if they have let their competitors catch up then they must keep moving rather than rely on loyalty. I only note that if you don't expect to get the little extras like cards, or certain targeted rewards, or suite upgrades, then you will be pleasantly surprised when they do come and not disappointed when they don't.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The cards are, well, not really worth checking the letterbox for. I only got my pack about 5 months ago or so. Lisa got hers before me and she's a relative new comer to diamond! Go figure.

As far as HH goes, for us here down under, HH seems to me to be the best accommodation program by miles. The comparable or better programs are too hard to attain/retain and the near competition is just.......well...........cough. I am keeping a close eye on Spire, but they'd want to boost the benefit by about 100 fold before I really take notice.

Hilton does seem to do a pretty fair job at consistency and as Cynicor says, as long as they continue to do that, plus surprise us with a little extra from time to time, then the competition has to work pretty hard to beat them. Most of the really good programs and even the OK programs (SPG for example) just do not have the property exposure in this neck of the woods to make them a good proposition unless the vast majority of ones travels are abroad.

My personal opinion, but YMMV.

 

[jackthomas]

Congrats!

If you don't get your free gift *cough* Hilton playing cards, let me know as I found 2 packets the other day that I tossed in the garage sale box.

Give them a mark up, they are $10 here in the minibar! (H AKL)

 

[robd]

Congrats on your new status.

For the record, I've been Gold, Diamond, Gold, Diamond and never received the shiny card or playing cards :-|

 

[jackthomas]

Congrats on your new status.

For the record, I've been Gold, Diamond, Gold, Diamond and never received the shiny card or playing cards :-|

I don't understand the HH consistency (or lack thereof) I've received the same gold card 3 times in the last status year.

 

[Fifa]

As far as HH goes, for us here down under, HH seems to me to be the best accommodation program by miles. The comparable or better programs are too hard to attain/retain and the near competition is just.......well...........cough. I am keeping a close eye on Spire, but they'd want to boost the benefit by about 100 fold before I really take notice.

Hilton does seem to do a pretty fair job at consistency and as Cynicor says, as long as they continue to do that, plus surprise us with a little extra from time to time, then the competition has to work pretty hard to beat them. Most of the really good programs and even the OK programs (SPG for example) just do not have the property exposure in this neck of the woods to make them a good proposition unless the vast majority of ones travels are abroad.

I agree with all your comments swanning_it.
The Hilton benefits we receive in Australia and Asia are far superior to those received in the US. With a little careful planning I am happy to maintain Diamond each year and enjoy the free brekkies and exec lounges (plus the odd upgrades) where available.

I am hoping that IHG Spire offers breakfast and lounge access when the improvements are announced in 2016 otherwise I may use all my points and let it lapse.

Rydges Priority Guest Rewards is not bad a bad program - base level receives 10% off all online rates, 20% off meals & drinks and earns 10 points per night (150 points for a free night), only 5 stays gives Platinum with15% off online rates and 15 points per night. 10 stays for Black with the benefit of 50% off meals and 20 points per night. The Rydges Sydney Airport is our hotel of choice as it often has amazing deals and is so convenient to the International terminal.

 

[drron]

Just shows it is horses for courses.I left HH in 2007 after 7 years at diamond because of their inconsistency.In the last full year did not get one targetted promotion.Rarely an upgrade and refused lounge entry at DBX,ADL and KUL.All thought of as offering good recognition.
So went to SPG who have been much more consistent.And of course brought in the life time benefits some years ago so should reach LTP in ~ 18 months.Even had a suite upgrade before being comped plat from HH diamond.That is another benefit that SPG had well before HH.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Just shows it is horses for courses.I left HH in 2007 after 7 years at diamond because of their inconsistency.In the last full year did not get one targetted promotion.Rarely an upgrade and refused lounge entry at DBX,ADL and KUL.All thought of as offering good recognition.
So went to SPG who have been much more consistent.And of course brought in the life time benefits some years ago so should reach LTP in ~ 18 months.Even had a suite upgrade before being comped plat from HH diamond.That is another benefit that SPG had well before HH.

I'd really like to try SPG but the hotel locations just don't suit me. I'm at Pt Douglas Sheraton tomorrow night and one thing I did notice that also goes against them is that they specifically rule out Gov't contractors from the Gov't rate. I have 4 Gov't IDs for various roles I play there, but only two of the four are genuine Gov't employee cards which will expire at the end of this year leaving just my contract IDs. There was quite a price difference with Sheraton between best rate without Gov't ID and the Gov't rate. Hilton allow Gov't contractors to access the Gov't rate.