Changes to Hilton Premium Club

[serfty]

For pre-auth, yes. ...

Is that documented anywhere?

 

[straitman]

Re Lindsay Wilson's Post #36.

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Corporate deal we got was approx $200 for 2 years.

If this type of deal is no longer available then the difference is HUGE :!:

 

[JohnK]

For pre-auth, yes. For actual payment, no.

What about pre-paid rates?

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Corporate deal we got was approx $200 for 2 years.

If this type of deal is no longer available then the difference is HUGE :!:

Yes the difference is huge. I was referring to it earlier that the difference between our corporate deal and the new HPC deal is ~AUD195 pa....

 

[Danger]

Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe the Corporate deal we got was approx $200 for 2 years.

Yes, Straitman. From memory the deal you scored us was just shy of $200 for about 23 months. In talking with a rep from HPC today I was told there would be no more corporate rates so, yes, from $195 for two years to $275 for one year - a huge decrease in value.

 

[serfty]

HPC (nee HDC) was of use to me when it was ~$240 pa in 2005. The corporate deal was very good.

Personally, I see $275 as borderline ...

 

[QF WP]

serfty, it all depends on how much in savings you garner each year versus the $275 paid in obtaining the opportunity to use the discounts. I agree with you that it would require 4 to 5 nights to make it cost neutral (based on the average cost saving of 20% ($50) on a $250AUD night rate), then the savings build up beyond that level of usage.

Still, I believe oz_mark's comment in post 19 is still a valid way to use the Mac/HPC CC. Once the benefits have been obtained (by the pre-authorisation), then change to your preferred card at check-out. The Hotel wants your money, I don't think they are going to care from which card it is obtained. They cannot deny service at that point (it has been obtained). The only nights that I can see that it wouldn't work for, as JohnK pointed out, are pre-paid rates (where it will have been deducted from the card at confirmation of reservation).

itsalongwaydown, your point is very valid. I don't know how many others in HPC obtained similar deals (corporate rates), however I think that the percentage would have been small, thus the reason why MacBank might not want to have maintained the discount (to try and obtain higher revenue). Still, they risk losing a large slice of that previous market (AFF users, for example), if they don't make more of an effort to negotiate a corporate deal. The issue is that it the HPC is now encapsulated within a CC and I think they will be concerned with setting a precedent.

 

[basic]

According to the Macquarie site the credit card costs $200 per year?

-Me

 

[oz_mark]

Where does it say that? The page I looked at says $295:

An annual fee, currently $295 for the Primary Card, and $195 for each Additional Card applies. Other fees and charges may apply.

 

[basic]

Sorry, I was being a spastic.

I officially have a headache from that Macquarie site, too...

-Me

 

[basic]

Interestingly though, can't book JetStar and Virgin Blue in the same booking with MyChoice Travel. Virgin and Qantas is fine though.

-Me

 

[Mal]

While looking through emails about the changes, and the press release for the new card/Hilton tie-in, I noticed their reference to hiltonmacquarie.com (this website is not currently working btw)

It was registered on the 31st August this year.

So the plans have definitely been around for a while for these changes, and fits in well with the dropping of the Plat Amex benefits also at the end of August, and probably some kind of staff planning/briefing/training in early September (when they advised of limited service during a couple of weeks)

Also funny to note that they've learnt from Qantas as the email states:
"Hilton together with Macquarie Bank will enhance "

Uh oh! There's that word again...

 

[oz_mark]

Is that documented anywhere?

According to the T&C's:http://www.hiltonmacquarie.com/pdf/MCS015_HiltonMacTandCs_Oct09_v3_a[1].pdf

To enjoy the privileges provided and run by Hilton (being
Hilton Hotels of Australia Pty Limited) to which you are now
entitled to as the holder of the Hilton Macquarie Platinum
Card, you must produce your Hilton Macquarie Platinum
Card (“Card”) upon arrival at the hotel and or outlets. The
Card will be automatically debited for the charge unless
a separate Card is specified by you for payment or if the
Card is declined.

​

While looking through emails about the changes, and the press release for the new card/Hilton tie-in, I noticed their reference to hiltonmacquarie.com (this website is not currently working btw)

'tis working now.

 

[serfty]

Thanks for that!

Sweet - so it can be done when checking in - just like showing my HHonors, HPC and Credit/Charge cards upon check-in as I do now!

 

[straitman]

I guess I have mellowed a little to the idea of Macquarie taking over the HPC but I still see $295 as expensive. Especially when the Macquarie card does not have to be used to make the payment.

I have emailed them at hiltonmacquarie.com and asked if there is a possibility of any type of group deal again. If they don't come up with some sweetener, I see that they will loose the majority of the current AFF and FT members.

 

[QF WP]

itsalongwaydown, if your want to talk to somebody, I have the direct number of Rory (one of the two contacts at Macquarie). PM me if you want the details.

I had brought up that point with Rory and he was to check out with Robin Waters. Haven't returned his most recent call yet.

 

[straitman]

itsalongwaydown, if your want to talk to somebody, I have the direct number of Rory (one of the two contacts at Macquarie). PM me if you want the details.

I had brought up that point with Rory and he was to check out with Robin Waters. Haven't returned his most recent call yet.

QF WP,

Are you talking to me :?:

It seems that the issue is too hard from the lack of responses. I'll give it a couple more days then get the number if there is no answer.

 

[QF WP]

hahahaha...whoops

Will await your PM or call

 

[oz_mark]

I have been a HPC member for 5 or 6 years now and they have continually 'enhanced' the benefits during that time. Due to the different type of deals we have managed I believe I have had 4 or 5 different membership numbers also so according to the books I have only ever been a member for 1 or 2 years.

I've had a few numbers, and they must be going through their archives - I've been getting offers to rejoin :shock:

 

[straitman]

I've had a few numbers, and they must be going through their archives - I've been getting offers to rejoin :shock:

.... and I have had zip from them. Maybe they think I am just too much trouble :!:

 

[QF WP]

I've had the second follow up telephone call from my contact regarding whether I want to take up their offer. Still haven't returned the call (in case they come up with a deal subsequently).