Elite treatment at Hilton Surfers Paradise

[tuapekastar]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

THe lobby of HSP is downright ugly.

Not disputing that, but is it not because it was originally designed and built as some sort of apartment block, and Hilton only stepped in late in the piece (for whatever reason), and had no wiggle room with the lobby due to the stage of construction that had been reached? I imagine they could tart it up somewhat, but the basic design was well in place before Hilton got involved. That's just what I have heard, may not be correct.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

is it not because it was originally designed and built as some sort of apartment block, and Hilton only stepped in late in the piece

You're testing my memory now, but I believe it was always a Hilton, just not meant to be as extensive as it currently is. Originally 170 hotel rooms and the rest I think were owner occupied/rental appartments (with the residences being offered 5* room service provided by Hilton) but the Raptis strife ended up meaning Hilton took on more than originally intended although even right back when Raptis was joint partners with Villa World, it was still a Hilton and interestingly, the original design was for a bigger project and when Raptis took over completely, it shrunk to what it is today so one might be forgiven for thinking cost cutting was being implemented even before construction started. In any case, there was always to be a lobby and the whole ground level could have been revamped very quickly and could have been done exceptionally well. The high street is still a failure even today and in my estimation that would have made a fabulous European style mixed use access including valet set-down area (similar to Hilton Sydney, but better), eateries and some shops. It would not have been difficult and the foyer could have been amazing (to match the building design, which is very innovative, attractive and world class from the outside).

But given the GFC woes, perhaps we're lucky to have what we have?

 

[austgap]

I seem to have been very lucky with upgrades at the HSP, possibly due to the fact that I've met the lounge manager and now email her directly after making bookings. In the last 8 stays over the two months book at basic level and have always been given a relaxation suite. Saying that it's hardly anything special about it!

As a diamond though, I've always gained lounge access even when staying the in the residences. When asked I've been told that upgrades are not the norm for the residences since they are owned by individuals. Yet - I've usually been given a free upgrade to an ocean view, or the offer of a heavily discounted upgrade from 2->3 bedroom apartment.

If you can, try and avoid the reception staff they are disorganised and hopeless, that and the people who are meant to clean the tables/chairs at salt. Always filled with crumbs and whatnot.

 

[k3nnis]

Hi,

mind sharing the email address ?

also how do I avoid reception when checking in ? Can we checkin via the exec lounge ?

I seem to have been very lucky with upgrades at the HSP, possibly due to the fact that I've met the lounge manager and now email her directly after making bookings. In the last 8 stays over the two months book at basic level and have always been given a relaxation suite. Saying that it's hardly anything special about it!

As a diamond though, I've always gained lounge access even when staying the in the residences. When asked I've been told that upgrades are not the norm for the residences since they are owned by individuals. Yet - I've usually been given a free upgrade to an ocean view, or the offer of a heavily discounted upgrade from 2->3 bedroom apartment.

If you can, try and avoid the reception staff they are disorganised and hopeless, that and the people who are meant to clean the tables/chairs at salt. Always filled with crumbs and whatnot.

 

[Fifa]

also how do I avoid reception when checking in ? Can we checkin via the exec lounge ?

I have considered checking in at the exec lounge but during the day the lounge is often not staffed, so that idea would be a waste of time.
So I suppose it would depend what time you checked in.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I have considered checking in at the exec lounge but during the day the lounge is often not staffed, so that idea would be a waste of time.
So I suppose it would depend what time you checked in.

The last time I was there, I asked the main downstairs check-in desk if I could check-in via the exec lounge and they said yes, of course. So I then asked how I gain access to the exec lounge to do that and the reply I got was a pearler....."Oh, you can't so I guess that'd make it a bit hard" . I later asked the valet guys as I thought they'd be able to manage it, to which I recieved blank stares that immediately reminded me of Pink Floyds song "Shine On You Crazy Diamond"........what were those immortal words about Syd?......."Now there's a look in your eyes like black holes in the sky"......

 

[k3nnis]

I will be checking in approx 1pm.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I will be checking in approx 1pm.

Don't expect your room to be available. I'd estimate approximately half my check-ins found an unavailable room, even when checking in 2 hours after normal check in time. Don't worry though, they'll let you in the lounge if you have an exec room.......but at that time of day, all you'll find is a near empty drinks fridge which is smaller than my home bar fridge and if you're really lucky, the left-overs from breakfast may still be out (don't laugh, that has happened to us).

 

[jetlagger]

I duly hope the HSP GM is reading & absorbing the 'Constructive Criticism' comments in this thread. ;-)

 

[k3nnis]

Lol I think it sounds like I made a huge mistake booking the HSP!!! Hopefully it proves me wrong. I booked an exec room $149 on the travel zoo deal.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Lol I think it sounds like I made a huge mistake booking the HSP!!! Hopefully it proves me wrong. I booked an exec room $149 on the travel zoo deal.

Well the zoo part fits right in!

But in all honesty, I've had some really good stays there. It's a bit like a kids lucky dip......you might just get the trinket that's not total cough.

 

[Fifa]

Lol I think it sounds like I made a huge mistake booking the HSP!!! Hopefully it proves me wrong. I booked an exec room $149 on the travel zoo deal.

I don't think you made a mistake for that price.
But as you are HHonors Gold, have breakfast in the restaurant instead of the lounge.

 

[boomy]

Lol I think it sounds like I made a huge mistake booking the HSP!!! Hopefully it proves me wrong. I booked an exec room $149 on the travel zoo deal.

At least you come well prepared after reading this forum
Don't worry, it's not that bad. The location is great. Enjoy the city & the beach.

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks guys. Yep will try the restaurant breakfast instead of the lounge. I will be there for 5 nights.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Thanks guys. Yep will try the restaurant breakfast instead of the lounge. I will be there for 5 nights.

Report expected, of course!

Enjoy your holiday.....

 

[k3nnis]

Thanks. Will report back.

Report expected, of course!

Enjoy your holiday.....

 

[sydflyer]

I concur with others on the standards of HSP - definitely a 3 star feel. The only thing executive about the lounge is the name. Having breakfast there is like sorting out your own cereals and toast for breakfast in the kitchen at school camps 20+ years ago...

The Hilton at LAX was the same.

Conversely, Tokyo Hilton Shinjuku and Millennium Hilton Bangkok are excellent. There seems to be quite a variance in the standards of the Hilton brand.

 

[anat0l]

There seems to be quite a variance in the standards of the Hilton brand.

I would put that down as more commensurate to the variance of standards throughout regions around the world.

 

[doubleplatinum]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

The big deal was when I asked for my eggs Benedict and the chef said that he will give me the boiled eggs & sauce on a plate and I need to do the rest.I told him that if he doesn't know how to make it properly he should not work in a 5* hotel.

You must have felt so superior, you are lucky I wasn't within earshot

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Re: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

You must have felt so superior, you are lucky I wasn't within earshot

I sort of get your drift (dig your drift, man.....if I were 10 years older) but surely boomy has a point. The HSP was most definitely marketed pre-opening as a 5* hotel, but the experience if far from it. Is he/she wrong to expect basic requests to be able to be supplied. Expecting the customer to do-their-own is not what I would expect if paying $35-$40 for a breakfast and the staff should be able to fill such orders. Many people do that themselves at home so what's the deal with "here's the basics....you assemble"....it's not IKEA!