HiltonHonours Gold, book direct or Agoda?

[Willsmere]

Hi, I have recently tipped into gold for the first time and have selected HiltonHonours as one of my bonuses. I always like to maximise points where possible as long as I dont lose too much benefit as well. So, just wondering, to get the HiltonHonours gold benefits do you have to book direct with Hilton websites or on the phone? If I book through the velocity website hotel booking(agoda) for the 3 points per dollar, do I still get the Gold benefits at Hiltons? Thanks.

 

[Hvr]

Direct with Hilton, using another site means you don't get the benefits of being a HHonors member.

 

[Denali]

Ive read that if you use a 3rd party booking agency (ie Agoda), you wont get the HH benefits.

 

[lovestotravel]

You won't get the Gold benefits booking through a 3rd party site

I'd rather the 3 Velocity points per $1 though, depending on the length of stay etc

 

[AustraliaPoochie]

With Agoda you have to keep track and have to make your own notes which Agoda booking is the one that earns VR.
In Agodas booking system, (in upcoming stay and completed stay info), it does not list VA/VR bookings, which earn VR points.

 

[JessicaTam]

If the VA site is cheaper, then use HH's BRG. If they are more expensive, then you will have to decide whether the extra cost is worth the extra points.

 

[dajop]

You won't get the Gold benefits booking through a 3rd party site

I'd rather the 3 Velocity points per $1 though, depending on the length of stay etc

Don't forget though bookings direct with Hilton still can get 2 velocity points + 10 HH points per USD (which can then be transferred later at 10:1.5 to velocity) such that net earn is 2.6 pts per AUD.

 

[Austff]

You should still get gold benefits if booking thru 3rd party but you will not earn HH points.

 

[Denali]

You should still get gold benefits if booking thru 3rd party but you will not earn HH points.

Have you done this because I was reading a HH thread and I believe it was Princess Fiona that mentioned Hilton may be strict on the no benefits if 3rd party booking (will try to find thread/post)

 

[Austff]

Have you done this because I was reading a HH thread and I believe it was Princess Fiona that mentioned Hilton may be strict on the no benefits if 3rd party booking (will try to find thread/post)

Wife & I stayed at Hilton Milan in Sept on a Travel Pony booking & got diamond benefits.

 

[Denali]

Wife & I stayed at Hilton Milan in Sept on a Travel Pony booking & got diamond benefits.

Thanks, I'll test this out next month as we have a week in SF Hilton

 

[blueturkey]

Last year i booked through hotel travel site and called the Hilton Sydney a week before to add my HHonors to the reservation. Received gold benefits at check-in.

 

[moa999]

By third party they normally only mean the discounted online agencies.
Certainly most travel agency bookings through a proper GDS will get full benefits

 

[Cynicor]

By third party they normally only mean the discounted online agencies.
Certainly most travel agency bookings through a proper GDS will get full benefits

But this (OTA) includes agoda. By the rules, you are not eligible for benefits if booked via a third party.

You may receive them but it is at the discretion/oversight of the hotel.

 

[Nexus9]

Wife & I stayed at Hilton Milan in Sept on a Travel Pony booking & got diamond benefits.

can second this, have always got Gold/Diamond benefits upon flashing the card at check in, regardless of who the booking was made through and which Hilton hotel it was with - only downside is as others have stated if it's a third party you don't get any HHonors points.

 

[Buzzard]

Interesting question because I recently saw an almost $100/night difference between HH and Expedia. Given that the Expedia room is "different" you can't put in for a price match.
Luckily (?) I have had to cancel my plans to go to BNE at that time.