Doubletree Melbourne

[QF WP]

drross, you're right, a DT is not a Hilton. Reduce your expectation accordingly and you won't be disappointed. Although those cookies are nice...but the DT in MEL won't match the HSW [particularly the EL], ever (IMHO)...

 

[Princess Fiona]

DTs don't always go cheaper than a Hilton in the same city, it will always depend on the hotels yield management. KL and Darwin often see the DT dearer.

Likewise in NY where the DT TS is usually far more expensive than any of the Midtown Hilton's

There it's Location Location rather than actual quality of the property.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

the DT in MEL won't match the HSW [particularly the EL], ever (IMHO)...

I see this as possibly the best benefit of MEL having a DT.......it may take some of the pressure off HSW, which from reports here, seems to have got a bit stingy with upgrades.

 

[TomVexille]

I see this as possibly the best benefit of MEL having a DT.......it may take some of the pressure off HSW, which from reports here, seems to have got a bit stingy with upgrades.

But surely to do that they can't really be demanding a premium over HSW? Can they?

But I do agree. A third property does mean that the HH elites may spread out just a little.

As for the location, I think it's in a pretty darn good spot in the city. Much more accessible for those not driving.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

But surely to do that they can't really be demanding a premium over HSW? Can they?

Does it matter? We can each make our own decisions about Location, Location, Location......but it must take at least some business away from HSW. I say the more the merrier as long as they stay viable and can keep up the services we've come to expect.

 

[TomVexille]

Does it matter? We can each make our own decisions about Location, Location, Location......but it must take at least some business away from HSW. I say the more the merrier as long as they stay viable and can keep up the services we've come to expect.

Totally agree. At the end of the day it doesn't matter and it's up to us to make the decision.

 

[Moopere]

I see this as possibly the best benefit of MEL having a DT.......it may take some of the pressure off HSW, which from reports here, seems to have got a bit stingy with upgrades.

Indeed, and must be enjoying amazing occupancy if the asking prices for the rest of the year are anything to go by.

Whats the deal with Melbourne anyway? Soon to be supporting 3 Hilton family hotels? Per night pricing all year, particularly at HSW has been extremely variable, but uncommonly high for long stretches. MEL is the mecca of hotel stays or something? I used to live there, lovely town sure, but something this year has been different if asking price and availability are anything to go by.

 

[boomy]

Whats the deal with Melbourne anyway? Soon to be supporting 3 Hilton family hotels?

Used to be 3 Hiltons in MEL for a while until the airport hotel became Park Royal in 2011.

 

[boomy]

A few interesting things I noticed while looking at DT T&CS:
1. Complementary self parking - a HUGE benefit considering the outrageous parking rates in the CBD.
2. Free cancelation by 6pm on the day for flexi/AAA bookings - gives the option to play BFOD with other hotels in the area until the very last minute.
3. Only Wired Internet is mentioned in the room - I hope they also provide complementary in-room Wireless to Gold/Diamond members.

 

[DC3]

Used to be 3 Hiltons in MEL for a while until the airport hotel became Park Royal in 2011.

Not happy when the Hilton MEL Airport was lost.

Not sure whether the DT will suit me though. The free parking would be a bonus, however, I always enjoy an EL.

Edit: No mention of an EL at the DT is there?

 

[kpc]

A few interesting things I noticed while looking at DT T&CS:
1. Complementary self parking - a HUGE benefit considering the outrageous parking rates in the CBD.

Interesting to know...I assume the DT Mel does not have an executive lounge

 

[boomy]

Interesting to know...I assume the DT Mel does not have an executive lounge

Don't be spoiled, you'd be lucky to get a room with window

 

[JessicaTam]

Don't be spoiled, you'd be lucky to get a room with window

There's always Young and Jackson's.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

There's always Young and Jackson's.

And Chloe!

 

[JessicaTam]

And Chloe!

Hence the wink!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Hence the wink!

And I thought that was just an eyelash in your eye! :mrgreen:

 

[woodborer]

Interesting to know...I assume the DT Mel does not have an executive lounge

The Citigate certainly doesn't. My advice here is keep your expectations low.

 

[Catweazle]

A hotel room without a view? Fawlty Towers' Mrs. Richards would be sure to complain...

But really, the images don't look that exciting in comparison to other hotels of a similar category. Have I just been spoilt in life?

Saw $145 for 3rd Jan a while back. Not sure if that's still the same... But anything over $200 would make me look to other properties, HH or otherwise, I think.

 

[Flippantflyer]

A hotel room without a view? Fawlty Towers' Mrs. Richards would be sure to complain...

But really, the images don't look that exciting in comparison to other hotels of a similar category. Have I just been spoilt in life?

Saw $145 for 3rd Jan a while back. Not sure if that's still the same... But anything over $200 would make me look to other properties, HH or otherwise, I think.

So I decided to give it a try this week (Tuesday night). Paid $131 (a sale rate) and glad I didn't pay any more than that. Don't believe I received any meaningful Diamond upgrade (although room did have an external window most definitely not what anyone would call a view. Was next to the elevator which is the opposite of what I specify on my hhonors profile. Room was fine but nothing special -and certainly not even close to a patch on upgrade rooms I usually get at Hiltons.

No restaurant yet (under construction) - breaky was free but very average. May be a lot better once the restaurant's done?

Front desk suggested they were looking at developing an executive lounge in the future (on the top floor) but wouldn't hold my breath especially as the restaurant looks a ways away.

In all, very fine for $131 but wouldn't pay much more than that unless everything else was substantially more expensive.

 

[jackthomas]

I had a quick look through today (it is literally right next door to my Gym) and it is still a mess of a building site.. Completely uninspiring.