How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[boomy]

May I ask boomy, what the rate basis was (sale, AAA etc) and was it last minute or plenty of advance notice?

It was a regular booking through Hhonors. My guess is that they came out with this special rate to try and 'steal' some weekend customers from other hotels (Crown maybe?).
To give you an idea how cheap this rate is, I have a 1 night stay at Hilton Brisbane later this week which will cost me more then the 3 nights at Perth combined!

 

[A330]

Status: Gold
Property: Doubletree Amsterdam Centraal
Date: 23-26 June
Booked: Queen Guest Room 127 EUR per night Advance Purchase
Received: King Deluxe Room? (wasn't mentioned at check in)

I arrived late afternoon on Sunday after a delayed BA flight from LGW. The reception area wasn't busy, only one other guest at the desk. The staff not speaking with the guest was busy on the phone and didn't acknowledge my presence. When she finished on the phone 5 minutes later she checked me in quickly. No cookie was offered, and I didn't bother asking for one. No acknowledgement of Gold status or room upgrade. Room was not very big but at least overlooked the city instead of the train tracks. Amenities are Crabtree & Evelyn, but shower gel & hand wash are in large dispensers attached to the wall and are difficult to use.

Later that evening (approx 9pm) a welcome card was slipped under the door to invite me to drinks & canapes in the Sky Lounge at 4-6pm that day. About an hour later another one appeared with the offer being for the following day's drinks. When I attempted to use this, the Sky Lounge had no clue and sent me to the Executive Lounge on the ground floor. I didn't bother and gave up.

All in all a disappointing stay, the only thing this hotel has going for it is the good location.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

No they didn't know and no 'Surprises' apart from walking into the room and seeing the twin beds...

Yes, my apologies......I should have asked "any nice surprises".

 

[Deleted member 29185]

It was a regular booking through Hhonors. My guess is that they came out with this special rate to try and 'steal' some weekend customers from other hotels (Crown maybe?).
To give you an idea how cheap this rate is, I have a 1 night stay at Hilton Brisbane later this week which will cost me more then the 3 nights at Perth combined!

Yes, BNE rates this year seem somewhat distorted compared to last year. Not many dinkum deals that I can see until the week before Christmas!

Thanks for the info re: Perth......seems (contrary to my belief) that Hilton Parmelia can have some nice finds!

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Status: Gold
Property: Doubletree Amsterdam Centraal
Date: 23-26 June
Booked: Queen Guest Room 127 EUR per night Advance Purchase
Received: King Deluxe Room? (wasn't mentioned at check in)

I arrived late afternoon on Sunday after a delayed BA flight from LGW. The reception area wasn't busy, only one other guest at the desk. The staff not speaking with the guest was busy on the phone and didn't acknowledge my presence. When she finished on the phone 5 minutes later she checked me in quickly. No cookie was offered, and I didn't bother asking for one. No acknowledgement of Gold status or room upgrade. Room was not very big but at least overlooked the city instead of the train tracks. Amenities are Crabtree & Evelyn, but shower gel & hand wash are in large dispensers attached to the wall and are difficult to use.

Later that evening (approx 9pm) a welcome card was slipped under the door to invite me to drinks & canapes in the Sky Lounge at 4-6pm that day. About an hour later another one appeared with the offer being for the following day's drinks. When I attempted to use this, the Sky Lounge had no clue and sent me to the Executive Lounge on the ground floor. I didn't bother and gave up.

All in all a disappointing stay, the only thing this hotel has going for it is the good location.

Can we assume the staff pinched and ate your cookie (the local variety) like they must do for everyone? :mrgreen:.
Might just explain the "out there" attitude.

(PS.......I'd love a view of the railway station if you can see the marina beyond. I have some really great memories of staying on the boatels down behind the station! (I won't go into details on a family friendly forum)!

 

[Flashback]

I'm staying at Hilton Parmelia in early October at a rate close to boomy's so I'll report back. I'm only Gold though.

I'm there on Sunday as a Gold, $133 AAA rate. Will let you know how I get on..... BTW this will be my stay that will qualify HHD.

 

[Sojourner]

Hi Folks,

I am Hhonors gold and staying at the Hilton Brisbane for two nights next week with my partner. We've got plans for the second morning so we only intend on having breakfast there once on the first morning when we meet with two of our friends. Is it possible to use all four breakfast vouchers and for ourselves and two of our friends who are not staying at the hotel?

Also, any reports on whether you can pay to upgrade the continental breakfasts would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[JessicaTam]

Hi Folks,

I am Hhonors gold and staying at the Hilton Brisbane for two nights next week with my partner. We've got plans for the second morning so we only intend on having breakfast there once on the first morning when we meet with two of our friends. Is it possible to use all four breakfast vouchers and for ourselves and two of our friends who are not staying at the hotel?

Also, any reports on whether you can pay to upgrade the continental breakfasts would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

There are no vouchers, just admission to the exec lounge. You can pay to upgrade to breakfast downstairs, and I expect your friends will have to pay full price.

 

[lilbro888]

Just bring them up to executive lounge ( i've always been allowed to bring extra guests ) if you go down to the main restaurant just say you'll have the continental and then get hot food... i've never been pulled up on it!

Hi Folks,

I am Hhonors gold and staying at the Hilton Brisbane for two nights next week with my partner. We've got plans for the second morning so we only intend on having breakfast there once on the first morning when we meet with two of our friends. Is it possible to use all four breakfast vouchers and for ourselves and two of our friends who are not staying at the hotel?

Also, any reports on whether you can pay to upgrade the continental breakfasts would be much appreciated. Thanks in advance.

 

[UP4014]

Wish I could just be treated/ judged on my stays at South Wharf in Melbourne. I've pretty much given up on other locations.

Matt

 

[boomy]

Thanks for the info re: Perth......seems (contrary to my belief) that Hilton Parmelia can have some nice finds!

I get it that some say this hotel is dated.
I think it applies more to the high end rooms and suites (same as in Adelaide).
The location and service are the true highlights of this hotel IMHO.
Oh, and the price

 

[doubleplatinum]

Just bring them up to executive lounge ( i've always been allowed to bring extra guests ) if you go down to the main restaurant just say you'll have the continental and then get hot food... i've never been pulled up on it!

Such integrity

 

[anat0l]

Just bring them up to executive lounge ( i've always been allowed to bring extra guests )

That's an alternative if the lounge doesn't blink twice about the guests.

if you go down to the main restaurant just say you'll have the continental and then get hot food... i've never been pulled up on it!

That's a little dishonest.

The HH Gold benefit is free continental breakfast, but that's only what the hotel must provide. A hotel is free to extend this benefit to a full breakfast at no charge if they wish. I think all properties in Australia and New Zealand (except for one or two) offer this extension.

So in a sense, it doesn't matter if you say "continental only" at the desk since normally (unless they've changed their rules) at Brisbane you will be extended the full breakfast anyway. That said, if you bring in more than the number registered to your room, you are supposed to pay the extras at full cost (again, though, they may let you slide on that one, so be it).

Also, if you went to a property that only offers you complimentary continental breakfast (with full breakfast either at full cost or upgrade charge), then swiping stuff from the hot buffet with the expectation not to be caught is rather dishonest.

 

[A330]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Surfers Paradise
Date: 25-26 August
Booked: Hilton Guest Room 148 per night Wotif Secret Hotel
Received: King Relaxation Suite

The room was booked via Wotif as one of their secret hotels but I was pretty sure of what I was getting prior to booking. The deal included a "guaranteed upgrade", bottle of wine and box of chocolates. About a week prior to my arrival I emailed the reception and asked to add my HH number to my booking. It appeared in my account online but could not be managed online.

We arrived at approx 2pm and were served immediately. The front desk staff were quite friendly, and we were offered a double upgrade. Upgraded as part of the Wotif deal to a Hilton Deluxe Room, then due to Gold status upgraded again to King Relaxation Suite. Given a letter upon check-in detailing benefits of Executive Lounge access. The wotif deal meant that the wine & chocolate could be collected at the Food Store in the lobby. The wine was decent, but the box of chocolates tiny (oh well it was free). The room wasn't ready but we were issued keys to the Executive Lounge to wait. The lounge was unlocked and unattended when we arrived. No food left but there were some soft drinks in the fridge. The sun streaming in the window actually made it quite hot in there so we didn't stick around.

When the room was ready we were offered late check out at 1pm which was enough. Room was on 12th floor and facing the ocean so great views. Waiting in the room was a bucket of 3 xx_X Gold beers on ice, and a note from the General Manager welcoming such a "loyal" guest. We came back to the hotel for the evening drinks. There was a curry dish available, plenty of tapas and drinks were replenished frequently. The poor guy manning the lounge seemed to have a lot on his hands as there was not a spare seat at 6:15pm.

I left for an early JQ flight so missed breakfast but my partner mentioned that there was plenty on offer.

Really impressed with the hotel, especially after the lukewarm reviews on both AFF and TripAdvisor. Staff were pleasant all round, the hotel was clean and the view was great. No points awarded as it was an "opaque" booking, but I wasn't expecting any.

 

[jetlagger]

That's an alternative if the lounge doesn't blink twice about the guests.



That's a little dishonest.

The HH Gold benefit is free continental breakfast, but that's only what the hotel must provide. A hotel is free to extend this benefit to a full breakfast at no charge if they wish. I think all properties in Australia and New Zealand (except for one or two) offer this extension.

Also, if you went to a property that only offers you complimentary continental breakfast (with full breakfast either at full cost or upgrade charge), then swiping stuff from the hot buffet with the expectation not to be caught is rather dishonest.

I was thinking along the same lines - quite dishonest & cheeky.. when I read that 'they just help themselves to the hot food".

IIRC last time I stayed at Hilton BNE, I was offered breakfast in the lounge or upgrade to downstairs at +$10. Which I thought was fair.
Recently I had a stay at a DoubleTree in LAS.
The reception gave mention of a complimentary breakfast for Diamonds & Gold, which was a nice gesture.
At the entrance to the restaurant, when asked if you were Diamond or Gold, we were then 'expressed" to the front of the long queue & mentioned that we had a 'special" sectioned off area.
The buffet offerings were very similar, though the regular area had a couple of more varieties & it was observed that the Diamond & Gold guests were very compliant in staying within confines of the 'special" area despite the buffets being directly opposite each other & easily accessible.
IME, most of the properties in Australia are fairly kind to the elite members & hopefully benefits won't be further diluted due to the perceived 'non compliant" behaviour of some.

 

[Sojourner]

Thanks for the info guys. I find it interesting that there are no vouchers issued - are you expected to just have your room key and gold card on you upon entry? And do you just pay the extra $10 for a full breakfast at the restaurant before you seat?

 

[anat0l]

Thanks for the info guys. I find it interesting that there are no vouchers issued - are you expected to just have your room key and gold card on you upon entry? And do you just pay the extra $10 for a full breakfast at the restaurant before you seat?

There's a few ways that it can be done, but so far staying at a quite a few Hiltons (and Hilton group properties where free breakfast is the benefit), I've never had to use anything - just turn up.

Most of the time there is a list of patrons at the reception which basically is a print out of everyone who is entitled to breakfast without further payment - Golds, Diamonds and guests who have breakfast as part of their room rate. Other times, it may be a case of charging the breakfast to your room folio but then it is removed upon realising your status and by the time you view your folio at checkout, you're none the wiser (a similar approach is taken for complimentary internet).

If there is a different procedure in claiming your free breakfast benefit, I'm sure you would be told so at check-in.

As for handling payment of upgrade charges and what not, I haven't had that experience before; I'd imagine it's a property by property procedure that you'll just have to ask at the service desk or restaurant reception.

 

[beardoc]

Thanks for the info guys. I find it interesting that there are no vouchers issued - are you expected to just have your room key and gold card on you upon entry? And do you just pay the extra $10 for a full breakfast at the restaurant before you seat?

I've never stayed at an Australian property as a Gold or below (I've been Diamond for all my Australian stays), but in every occasion, they take my room number, give me a seat, and then just allow me to get up and leave when I want. Occasionally they bring a folio over but it has "COMPLIMENTARY" stamped all over it. I don't generally leave a tip for those occasions (in Australia), but often take a feedback card about great service I've had at breakfasts.

 

[Princess Fiona]

I've never stayed at an Australian property as a Gold or below (I've been Diamond for all my Australian stays), but in every occasion, they take my room number, give me a seat, and then just allow me to get up and leave when I want. Occasionally they bring a folio over but it has "COMPLIMENTARY" stamped all over it. I don't generally leave a tip for those occasions (in Australia), but often take a feedback card about great service I've had at breakfasts.

I got a breakfast voucher on check-in at HSW last month. 1st time I've ever been issued with a voucher.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I got a breakfast voucher on check-in at HSW last month. 1st time I've ever been issued with a voucher.

I've never yet had a breakfast voucher. I turn up and they check the "freebie" log and show me (us) to a table.

For AU hotels, I've found them to be very considerate with the complementary breakfasts, bearing in mind any status is only entitled to a continental breakfast. I value the additionally offered buffet very much and BNE has probably been the most generous (6 guests once, all complementary, all full buffet and I offered payment for the extras but they declined me....). The $10 upgrade in BNE would very much be worth it. $10 for an upgrade at Lake Taupo would most definitely be not worth it.

PS...I would have reservations about dodging the buffet surcharge as OnQ knows all (apparantly). I think it's yet to be fully revealed to us, just how much our "good" or "ordinary" luck is determined more by our individual ratings. I'm still in two minds about honestly answering feed back surveys. I'm tending to think Hilton skin may not be very thick and is more responsive to supple moisturising than hard cow-dung mud packs.