Could you recommend the value best option for a Diamond in HKG, KUL, BKK and ICN?

[smit0847]

Hi all (there's no newbie HH thread so I had to start a new thread)

Finally activated my comp Diamond status thanks to my VA WP status as I have several Asian jaunts this year (self-funded, relatively budget conscious). The first will be a night in BKK, 5 nights in HKG and a night in ICN (as part of a USDM Guam trip), the second being 7 nights over New Years in HKG and a night in KUL.

I'm trying to wade through the wealth of information about HH Group properties in these cities and I am very overwhelmed. I know I'm supposed to get quite a few benefits as a Diamond so it makes sense to try and stay in a HH group property where appropriate. As much as I would love to stay in a 5 star hotel in HKG I just cannot afford $400+ per night so would not blow that just for the hope of a room upgrade and a free drink.

However in cheaper cities like BKK and KUL I'm guessing it's well worth paying a bit extra for a decent HH group property but I'm confused by the different brands - should I be sticking with Hilton only hotels as they are the ones who have exec lounges?

My budget for KUL, BKK and ICN is prob $150-$200 per night and HKG prob $200-$300 per night. Could anyone give me some suggestions as to which places will give me the best 'bang for my buck' - I love getting something for a good price and then having all sorts of unexpected extras thrown in as nice surprises. Would really like the BKK and KUL properties to have a nice pool/bar and the HKG place to have a nice exec lounge with a nice view.

Thanks in advance - sorry if these questions have been asked a million times already - I dont often stay in hotels as I LOVE airbnb but figure this Diamond thing is worth something so should be used!

 

[robd]

My research last year led me to Hilton Millennium BKK which I really enjoyed. Fabulous pool and Exec. Lounge, wifi and complimentary breakfast (as Diamond HH). I believe there is now another Hilton property in BKK, so I'm sure someone else will chip in with their reviews and comparisons.

Jnr#2 (Gold HH) recently stayed at Hilton KL. Was booked into standard room (via Expedia.br) and got upgraded to Exec. level 31. Also had comp. wifi, breakfast and another great pool and Exec. Lounge.

There are a couple of discount codes floating around that are well worthwhile for bookings. AAA (RACV) rate is usually good and also provides cancellable bookings.

 

[zainman]

I would try Priceline for some of your bookings in these cities. You can almost always figure out which hotel it is you are bidding on and it's even easier if you take an 'Express deal' using filtering and looking at forums etc. A quick example is that I was able to book the Intercontinental Singapore at about $100 less than the rate offered on their website using Priceline. Yes it won't get me any points but saving a $100 per night is more important to me..

I would be glad to help if you need any assistance/advice using PL..

 

[robd]

I would try Priceline for some of your bookings in these cities. You can almost always figure out which hotel it is you are bidding on and it's even easier if you take an 'Express deal' using filtering and looking at forums etc. A quick example is that I was able to book the Intercontinental Singapore at about $100 less than the rate offered on their website using Priceline. Yes it won't get me any points but saving a $100 per night is more important to me..

I would be glad to help if you need any assistance/advice using PL..

You have to factor in the benefits of status when calculating the cost benefits of booking cheaper properties via third party websites, particularly if there are 2 of you (spouse stays free benefit). A lot of hotels charge for wifi anywhere from $15 to $30 per day, breakfast for 2 @ $30 minimum and canapes and coughtails in the evening would be an easy $50. That's $100 or more just in cash benefits plus other bennies too.

 

[zainman]

You have to factor in the benefits of status when calculating the cost benefits of booking cheaper properties via third party websites, particularly if there are 2 of you (spouse stays free benefit). A lot of hotels charge for wifi anywhere from $15 to $30 per day, breakfast for 2 @ $30 minimum and canapes and coughtails in the evening would be an easy $50. That's $100 or more just in cash benefits plus other bennies too.

I have status with IHG, HH and Accor and whenever I have booked with PL I have received my status benefits (except the points of course). Including breakfast, wifi, spouse stays free. I find that flashing your card at the time of check-in is enough.

 

[robd]

I have status with IHG, HH and Accor and whenever I have booked with PL I have received my status benefits (except the points of course). Including breakfast, wifi, spouse stays free. I find that flashing your card at the time of check-in is enough.

From what I have read, it's a bit hit and miss though.

 

[zainman]

From what I have read, it's a bit hit and miss though.

Yes I have read the same but never experienced it.. and I've never once booked a hotel using the Hotel website in the past 3 years. Always use 3rd party websites (mostly expedia and PL) and flashing the card got me all benefits. YMMV though...

 

[serfty]

At KUL, both properties are good, but the 4000 HH points + ~AUD35 rate at the DT is hard to beat.

More here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer..../hilton-properties-in-kuala-lumpur-48752.html

Stayed at the BKK Millennium several times and always enjoyed it.

I have stayed at the HKG Conrad as well but only ever on awards.

All gave me as a Gold/Diamond executive lounge access.

 

[robd]

Yes I have read the same but never experienced it.. and I've never once booked a hotel using the Hotel website in the past 3 years. Always use 3rd party websites (mostly expedia and PL) and flashing the card got me all benefits. YMMV though...

How have you maintained your status for the past 3 years when 3rd party bookings don't count as stays?

Sorry Smit0847 for going off topic. I have Diamond HH from Velocity and love the benefits.

 

[zainman]

How have you maintained your status for the past 3 years when 3rd party bookings don't count as stays?

Sorry Smit0847 for going off topic. I have Diamond HH from Velocity and love the benefits.

I haven't had all 3 statuses for the 3 years, except Accor. Anyway here is how to maintain them:

IHG= buy ambassador for $200. get IHG gold. Free certificate that is worth more than the $200 you initially paid.
Hilton= Milepoint membership. $50 and you get Hilton gold.
Accor= I think everyone has platinum in this scheme. You get a link every couple of months here and there.

 

[hummel]

I was looking at Conrad HKG for one night over easter and was quite surprised at the rates... and even more shocked at the cost in points!

12 hours on the ground... I think I'll just stay awake!

 

[ts911993]

I stayed at the DoubleTree Hilton in KL last week and I really enjoyed it. Reasonable close to downtown and the nightspots, beautiful room ( i booked whatever the lowest is and hot upgraded to a nice suite, the exec lounge is nice and the staff very helpful. They bought out some nice food in the evening. In fact, Once i was finished I didn't need dinner!

there is all a great food court on the lower level of the Intermark (where the DT is) which has great food for lunch that is very cheap.

One thing to be aware of, my google maps didn't have the correct location of the hotel. If looking for it, try "the Intermark" That was correct.

 

[serfty]

...

One thing to be aware of, my google maps didn't have the correct location of the hotel. If looking for it, try "the Intermark" That was correct.

See here on how to get from Ampang Park Light Rail station through Ampang Park Plaza to the Intermark and DT: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....rties-in-kuala-lumpur-48752-3.html#post986330

 

[smit0847]

Thanks so much for your help everyone. I'll definitely look to book those properties in BKK and KUL.

Im still stuck on HKG. While I would absolutely love to book the Conrad (the reviews are excellent and say they really look after Diamonds), I just cannot justify $500 a night purely to get some free canapes and breakfast. A quick look on airbnb shows a 2 bedroom apartment (Im travelling with a mate) in the same areas for less than half that price. Over the course of 5 nights thats well over $1000. I can think of many other things I would rather spend $1000 on there than a fancy hotel I won't even use that much.

Any other suggestions? Is HKG just a really expensive city for nice hotels?

PS -thanks for the Priceline suggestion - that might be a good compromise - a 4 or 5 star hotel for half the price of the Conrad - prob wont be a HH Group though!

 

[Diesellife]

HK is very expensive for accommodations, especially if you are into the luxurious category.

I stayed in Conrad HK many times on corporate rate - much more 'reasonable' if you can access one.

Otherwise have a look the following properties which could be within your budget, it really comes down to where you want to stay...
- [IHG] Crown Plaza HK (in Causeway Bay), decent price and relatively new hotel (couple years old), doesn't really have an executive lounge, breakfast is ok, nice location within shopping district on the island side of HK
- [Hyatt] Hyatt Regency (in Tsim Sha Tsui), decent price vs comfort and very new hotel (1 year old), with an ok executive lounge, very good location for the Kowloon side of HK