Hilton Melbourne Airport a Hilton no more! (from 31st March 2011)

[markis10]

The perfect hotel guest program, consistent benefits provided every visit, good properties in good locations and points awarded without any problems - it does not exist, so we are left with having a mix of memberships to suit our needs.

 

[nonpop]

The perfect hotel guest program, consistent benefits provided every visit, good properties in good locations and points awarded without any problems - it does not exist, so we are left with having a mix of memberships to suit our needs.

I feel exactly the same way. I'm only a Silver member, but at each property we got our little extra benefits and 8 out of 10 times we also got a room upgrade. And unlike Hyatt, I don't need to specifically ask for my Qantas points as the 'double dipping' feature is very nice.

The Melb Hilton has a perfect location for ealry / late flights.

So now I'm wondering, in Jue I need to use the hotel again ... do I book now and take advantage of the rate or wait for the new owners and hope for a promo / discount / offer of some kind? Mmmmm

 

[QF WP]

Most of us who can obtain mid to top tier in the Freq Guest programs feel like markis10. A little bit more research to compare properties between your top 2 or 3 programs is required, but the benefits are worthwhile.

nonpop, a bird in the hand...at least if they honour a booking at a decent rate, you've already done everything. Who's to say that any promo is going to turn up (less likely given the GFC is fading)...and would saving a couple of bucks be worth all the time you'll spend (make a booking, research new rates, cancel existing booking and make new booking) and be value for your time spent?

 

[oz_mark]

I don't know how many people realise this, but Park Royal hotels participate in the GHA Discovery program (as do Mirvac properties - Citigate, Quay West etc). The base level of Discovery (the gold level) gets you complimentary internet and bottled water. The higher levels start offering room upgrades, late checkout etc.

So, while it is a different program with its own pros and cons, for some people it may be a worthwhile program.

 

[drron]

Not skewed specifically towards Hilton, but at least decent minimum benefits are defined unlike the nebulous PC.

FWIW, last week we stayed at the MEL HI ... on points ...

I guess better than the Formule 1 where I stayed-hope I never get frequent stay status there.:shock:

 

[nonpop]

a bird in the hand...at least if they honour a booking at a decent rate, you've already done everything. Who's to say that any promo is going to turn up (less likely given the GFC is fading)...and would saving a couple of bucks be worth all the time you'll spend (make a booking, research new rates, cancel existing booking and make new booking) and be value for your time spent?

A good point. Have just clicked the "buy" button.
It is a shame though that even though we've booked Hilton, when it comes time to stay there we don't get the Hilton credits. Oh well I guess I just want my cake, to eat it and have the show girls do a little dance.

 

[Pooch]

Oh well I guess I just want my cake, to eat it and have the show girls do a little dance.

Hey ... you're only human (or canine?)

 

[lovestotravel]

Well this explains why Hilton has let the hotel run into the ground over the past few years.

I have enjoyed many a stay here, but the last one just over a month ago, was still great but the rooms are VERY worn!!!

 

[Princess Fiona]

I don't know how many people realise this, but Park Royal hotels participate in the GHA Discovery program (as do Mirvac properties - Citigate, Quay West etc). The base level of Discovery (the gold level) gets you complimentary internet and bottled water. The higher levels start offering room upgrades, late checkout etc.

So, while it is a different program with its own pros and cons, for some people it may be a worthwhile program.

Thanks for the tip I often stay at Mirvac apartments here and had no idea about the loyalty program. Free Internet is a great perk for entry level considering that HHonors only gives it to Gold and Diamond.

 

[lovestotravel]

Seems you can't book the Park Royal Melbourne Airport at all :shock:

 

[oz_mark]

Thanks for the tip I often stay at Mirvac apartments here and had no idea about the loyalty program. Free Internet is a great perk for entry level considering that HHonors only gives it to Gold and Diamond.

Even though it is free to sign up, do check that the property is participating (Mirvac have their finger in that many pies and all....)

 

[nonpop]

For anyone interested ... yes I know this is no longer a Hilton property, but the new 'resident' has really upped the prices from what we can see. And if the property really is just the same, then ... ouch.

 

[QF WP]

I ceased staying there when it changed to Parkroyal. Now I'll just have to hop between HSW and HOTP if I need stays to retain my Gold (but South Wharf has been my pick since it opened).

 

[lovestotravel]

For anyone interested ... yes I know this is no longer a Hilton property, but the new 'resident' has really upped the prices from what we can see. And if the property really is just the same, then ... ouch.

Yep was looking at that last night, prices seem to have jumped up a little!

Given the hotel opened in 2000 it's definitely due for a mild refurbishment inside.

New furniture, carpets and curtains and some new paint would fix most of the issues, the bathroom is still pretty good for a 10 year old hotel bathroom.

I wonder if the new owners will spend any $$ or just run it further into the ground

 

[nonpop]

Yep was looking at that last night, prices seem to have jumped up a little!

Given the hotel opened in 2000 it's definitely due for a mild refurbishment inside.

I wonder if the new owners will spend any $$ or just run it further into the ground

I've got a couple of 'forced' stays coming up where I secured the prices when Hilton was in charge. So will be interesting to see.

The only pain with HOTP or HSW is travel time to airport. May be the Holiday Inn at Melb Airport starts to look attractive with their pricing.