Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydney!
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
My guess is that it is
Might be time for an email to Hilton Corp I think
My guess is that it is
Might be time for an email to Hilton Corp I think
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
I guess said specialty may indeed be available in the executive lounge.
Of course, if pressed, the Sydney Hilton Management may simply downgrade the breakfast to Continental for those without exec lounge access and remove the complimentary breakfast at Glass for Diamonds altogether.
I guess said specialty may indeed be available in the executive lounge.
lovestotravel
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Yeh I hope that those whingers next time only get a continental breakfast instead of the full breakfast!
Also I have stayed in a few hotels where the full buffet breakfast does NOT include expresso
Again, feel free to whinge about your continental breakfast, being upgraded to to a full breakfast, and then attempting to complain about $5 for a coffee
Yeh I hope that those whingers next time only get a continental breakfast instead of the full breakfast!
Also I have stayed in a few hotels where the full buffet breakfast does NOT include expresso
Again, feel free to whinge about your continental breakfast, being upgraded to to a full breakfast, and then attempting to complain about $5 for a coffee
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
It's not just coffee. The upcharge applies to tea, too.
I stayed earlier this week. At breakfast I was initially offered "tea or coffee, sir?" but I like to start with fruit so declined and said "not at the moment, thank you". When I got to my hot meal I asked a waiter "may I please have a pot of English breakfast tea?" The response: "There is an additional charge for that. There is no charge for a single cup".
So it's not just coffee (of whatever description) they are now charging extra for, it's also your run-of-the-mill tea.
I don't think I saw any particularly near any tables. The restaurant is pretty compact as it is already, plus the staff are likely to pull you up for causing a nuisance (a steaming kettle) as well as introducing a trip hazard.
All seriousness aside, I know what you're getting at.
I can't believe that they would charge for tea. I suppose you can get "bottomless" English Breakfast in the large jugs (just like a large jug of brewed coffee), but it doesn't make much sense to charge for pots of other basic teas (e.g. Earl Grey, green, camomile, peppermint...). If there are much more specialised teas (e.g. combination, brew leaf teas), then maybe OK - charge for it.
To think you can make your own super duper fruit juice but they charge you for espresso coffees and pots of tea. The mind boggles.
It's not just coffee. The upcharge applies to tea, too.
I stayed earlier this week. At breakfast I was initially offered "tea or coffee, sir?" but I like to start with fruit so declined and said "not at the moment, thank you". When I got to my hot meal I asked a waiter "may I please have a pot of English breakfast tea?" The response: "There is an additional charge for that. There is no charge for a single cup".
So it's not just coffee (of whatever description) they are now charging extra for, it's also your run-of-the-mill tea.
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
The excerpt quoted by Ewing refers to "Hilton Breakfast", nothing to do with HH status benefits.
I would suggest that those guests with breakfast included in the rate should have a specialty tea or coffee FOC.
Of course the management can downgrade the breakfast offering for Gold and Diamond whenever they like.
IIRC Hilton Sydney is managed directly by Hilton Corp and not franchised.
The excerpt quoted by Ewing refers to "Hilton Breakfast", nothing to do with HH status benefits.
I would suggest that those guests with breakfast included in the rate should have a specialty tea or coffee FOC.
Of course the management can downgrade the breakfast offering for Gold and Diamond whenever they like.
IIRC Hilton Sydney is managed directly by Hilton Corp and not franchised.
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Does that relate to elites, or just Hilton standard breakfasts for any guest?
I am wondering if this new coffee/tea tax is a Glass management decision rather than the Hotel's.
Sadly, the image is basically illegible.
Does that relate to elites, or just Hilton standard breakfasts for any guest?
I am wondering if this new coffee/tea tax is a Glass management decision rather than the Hotel's.
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Sorry about that, it relates to standards for the "Hilton Breakfast", not elite benefits
Full link
http://ehotelconcepts.usiti.com/Ham...dards/Hilton Global Operating Manual 2010.pdf
Sorry about that, it relates to standards for the "Hilton Breakfast", not elite benefits
Full link
http://ehotelconcepts.usiti.com/Ham...dards/Hilton Global Operating Manual 2010.pdf
anat0l
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Oh well, if they press ahead, no big deal here. I'll survive. I don't normally like the brewed stuff but at least it is strong enough (thankfully not brewed to American standards).
Same thing if they downgrade the breakfast to continental. Thankfully I know Glass has an impressive continental spread.
Like I said, I also have had plenty of breakfast buffets where espresso coffee is not included. It's just a shame that we know that this has been a benefit for a while and now it is being charged for. Now, someone has raised the possibility that it breaches Hilton Global Brand Standards.
I also acknowledge that those people who do not drink coffee (or do not drink neither tea nor coffee) are at best ambivalent and at maximum not fussed at all to this change.
I wonder if those standards are now out of date (it is 3 years since it became effective).
Irrespective, I suppose a contact to Hilton Corp would be in order. I know FTers must have referred to these standards several times before to complain about service expectations. Just find it funny that people can do that and yet the document is marked 'Confidential'. Imagine if people lodged complaints against the TSA (especially in court) by referring to the screening standards and procedures that was leaked out a year or two ago.
The standards are also biased against those who drink tea and not coffee (let alone those who do not drink neither tea nor coffee, e.g. offer a hot chocolate instead if the patron does not elect to select tea or coffee).
Funny enough, if I were more astute, I could probably pick out several breaches of the standards in my experiences at Hiltons. Not that all of them bother me as such (most would amount to superficial and trivial complaints), but just for the sport (albeit a very petty sport).
Oh well, if they press ahead, no big deal here. I'll survive. I don't normally like the brewed stuff but at least it is strong enough (thankfully not brewed to American standards).
Same thing if they downgrade the breakfast to continental. Thankfully I know Glass has an impressive continental spread.
Like I said, I also have had plenty of breakfast buffets where espresso coffee is not included. It's just a shame that we know that this has been a benefit for a while and now it is being charged for. Now, someone has raised the possibility that it breaches Hilton Global Brand Standards.
I also acknowledge that those people who do not drink coffee (or do not drink neither tea nor coffee) are at best ambivalent and at maximum not fussed at all to this change.
I wonder if those standards are now out of date (it is 3 years since it became effective).
Irrespective, I suppose a contact to Hilton Corp would be in order. I know FTers must have referred to these standards several times before to complain about service expectations. Just find it funny that people can do that and yet the document is marked 'Confidential'. Imagine if people lodged complaints against the TSA (especially in court) by referring to the screening standards and procedures that was leaked out a year or two ago.
The standards are also biased against those who drink tea and not coffee (let alone those who do not drink neither tea nor coffee, e.g. offer a hot chocolate instead if the patron does not elect to select tea or coffee).
Funny enough, if I were more astute, I could probably pick out several breaches of the standards in my experiences at Hiltons. Not that all of them bother me as such (most would amount to superficial and trivial complaints), but just for the sport (albeit a very petty sport).
lovestotravel
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Ask on Flyertalk, pretty sure there is a Hilton rep there or it may be the SPG ones that posts often!
Ask on Flyertalk, pretty sure there is a Hilton rep there or it may be the SPG ones that posts often!
Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
I suspect it is a way to reduce demand on their barista. I was on glass two weeks ago on Sunday morning and waited 20mins for a flat white. I was sitting next to the barista and could see she was under the pump. I reckon they can't cope with demands and would rather slug patrons with $5 tax rare than streamline their service. Either way, not great.
I suspect it is a way to reduce demand on their barista. I was on glass two weeks ago on Sunday morning and waited 20mins for a flat white. I was sitting next to the barista and could see she was under the pump. I reckon they can't cope with demands and would rather slug patrons with $5 tax rare than streamline their service. Either way, not great.
trippin_the_rift
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Some properties should just suck it up since they are already charging a huge premium.
Book $1000/night room, pay $5 for a coffee and 1.5% CC fee. Yeah awesome Hilton.
Some properties should just suck it up since they are already charging a huge premium.
Book $1000/night room, pay $5 for a coffee and 1.5% CC fee. Yeah awesome Hilton.
Read our AFF credit card guides and start earning more points now.
anat0l
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
That's when you consider buying another barista machine and putting on another barista or reorganising the workload.
I know one may argue that's a lot of money (and it probably is), but whilst I'm very naive on the economics, surely with the popularity of the Hilton SYD it cannot be an awful dent in the budget? I mean, the property just renovated their Executive Lounge for heavens sake.
Charging $5 to superficially alleviate the workload seems like an easy way out. Besides, if what you describe was the situation, I don't exactly think this new charge will actually have a profound effect, especially if the wait time was 20 minutes. You might be lucky if that wait time is reduced to 8 minutes - lucky, I said.
And charging $5 for a pot of tea is in no way affected by this. How hard is it to get the kettle, find a porcelain pot with strainer, put tea bag or leaves in and deliver to table. A barista does not need to do that - the waiter who is responsible for seating and preparing the table at first contact with the patron should do this (along with orange juice and other service elements as per the Hilton standards). Yes I know this is "logic application" and they are likely just rolling tea and coffee in the same bundle to avoid headaches (either that or the barista is genuinely and unfortunately put in charge of organising tea as well as coffee).
I'm not saying the baristas don't work hard or aren't overworked, because they do work extremely hard when the restaurant is full and they are more than likely overworked. It's unfortunate that they are not receiving a proper gesture of support from the management.
That's when you consider buying another barista machine and putting on another barista or reorganising the workload.
I know one may argue that's a lot of money (and it probably is), but whilst I'm very naive on the economics, surely with the popularity of the Hilton SYD it cannot be an awful dent in the budget? I mean, the property just renovated their Executive Lounge for heavens sake.
Charging $5 to superficially alleviate the workload seems like an easy way out. Besides, if what you describe was the situation, I don't exactly think this new charge will actually have a profound effect, especially if the wait time was 20 minutes. You might be lucky if that wait time is reduced to 8 minutes - lucky, I said.
And charging $5 for a pot of tea is in no way affected by this. How hard is it to get the kettle, find a porcelain pot with strainer, put tea bag or leaves in and deliver to table. A barista does not need to do that - the waiter who is responsible for seating and preparing the table at first contact with the patron should do this (along with orange juice and other service elements as per the Hilton standards). Yes I know this is "logic application" and they are likely just rolling tea and coffee in the same bundle to avoid headaches (either that or the barista is genuinely and unfortunately put in charge of organising tea as well as coffee).
I'm not saying the baristas don't work hard or aren't overworked, because they do work extremely hard when the restaurant is full and they are more than likely overworked. It's unfortunate that they are not receiving a proper gesture of support from the management.
boomy
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Well said! It's not enough that they are charging ~$300 per night for a toilet size room and $65 for valet parking, now this $5 coffee tax?! That's low
Well said! It's not enough that they are charging ~$300 per night for a toilet size room and $65 for valet parking, now this $5 coffee tax?! That's low
lovestotravel
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
Don't like it, stay elsewhere
The hotel is busy, with the pricing and the surcharges.
Wining about it on here won't change anything
Vote with your feet and $$$$
Don't like it, stay elsewhere
The hotel is busy, with the pricing and the surcharges.
Wining about it on here won't change anything
Vote with your feet and $$$$
Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
I gave this a like.
I gave this a like.
D
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Re: Gold/Diamond [+anyone else][breakfast] Enhancement-coffee [now $5]-in Hilton Sydn
One person voting with their feet and dollars won't even be missed.
Lots of people voting with their feet and dollars is a different story.
Chances are, if all AFF boycotted HSYD, nothing would change, but at least those who have raised this "enhancement" and voiced their opinions have educated others as to what to expect.
I'm greatful for the advice as the last time I stayed there espresso was complementary....at least now, AFFers are forewarned and can indeed choose to vote with their feet PRIOR to arriving at breakfast 1/2 a day after check-in!
Funny thing is, I had already voted with my feet well before hearing of this because I'm simply not seeing the offering as measuring up to the price tag. An additonal $5 for a coffee does not help sway me back!
One person voting with their feet and dollars won't even be missed.
Lots of people voting with their feet and dollars is a different story.
Chances are, if all AFF boycotted HSYD, nothing would change, but at least those who have raised this "enhancement" and voiced their opinions have educated others as to what to expect.
I'm greatful for the advice as the last time I stayed there espresso was complementary....at least now, AFFers are forewarned and can indeed choose to vote with their feet PRIOR to arriving at breakfast 1/2 a day after check-in!
Funny thing is, I had already voted with my feet well before hearing of this because I'm simply not seeing the offering as measuring up to the price tag. An additonal $5 for a coffee does not help sway me back!
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