How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[sinophile888]

Status: Gold
Property: Conrad Hong Kong
Date: Nov 8th
Rate: $175 + 32000 points
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
Loved the breakfast. We have never stayed on Hong Kong Island before and didn’t find the location as convenient as the Kowloon side. The lounge had a fabulous view but was small and a bit crowded.

ShangriLa Shenzhen from Nov 9[SUP]th[/SUP] to 11[SUP]th [/SUP]($250 pn executive room)

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Tianhe, Guangzhou
Date: Nov 11th - 14th
Rate: $130, $145, $145
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
We walked to the hotel from the Guangzhou East train station. Mr. sinophile was pretty sure he knew the way from our last stay there. When you come out to the train station, cross the road, turn left, walk to the end of the road towards IKEA, turn right and the Hilton is on your right. The hotel is conveniently located. Whole stay was excellent.

Marco Polo Wuhan from Nov 14th to 17th ($250 pn executive room)

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Baiyun Guangzhou
Date: Nov 17th – 21st
Rate: $130
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
We made the mistake of getting off the train from Wuhan at Guangzhou North rather than the main Guangzhou South train station as it was closer on the map to the Baiyun area. Guangzhou North turns out to be a suburban station with stair only access. When out of the station, we were in a street market. Taxi drivers and passers-by were killing themselves laughing at us. Caught a taxi and drove down all back streets, alleys, one-way streets and along canals for about 20 minutes. Finally we popped up on the expressway. Baiyun is next to a mega-mall and about 20 minutes taxi from the Canton Fair site. But it felt like a building in a very large paddock. Hilton Baiyun had the best lounge by far for both size and layout. Enjoyed the whole stay.

ShangriLa Shenzhen from Nov 21st to 24[SUP]th[/SUP]

Status: Gold
Property: Conrad Hong Kong
Date: Nov 24th - 26th
Rate: $445, $175 + 32000 points
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
It took a lot of convincing to talk myself into paying $445 for one night, but the convenience outweighed monetary considerations just this once. (I only had 80 000 points and spending them at the Conrad HK gave me the best return.) Breakfast again a highlight.

The trip was very low-key and so interesting. Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Wuhan have little or no tourist aspects, but have so much of interest to see. We think Guangzhou must be the manufacturing centre of the whole world. East Lake and the short Yangtze cruises were all we could find in Wuhan. Neither Guangzhou hotel had a tourist desk. We made one suggestion only to be told that it was too far and quite boring. In Guangzhou we were asked by a girl on the street where our driver, guide and translator were. It helps that my husband speaks a little Mandarin, the Chinese people are so helpful if you make an effort to speak Mandarin.

I planned the trip to take into account my husband’s birthday, (which I forgot on the day), a desire to try out the high-speed train (from Guangzhou to Wuhan and return), a wish to do a short night cruise on the Yangtze (we did Chongqing to Shanghai in 2004 and Shanghai to Chongqing when the dam was full in 2011, but didn't see the lights) and most importantly, a mattress run to extend my Gold status for another year. I am not positive but think the four Hilton/Conrad stays did the job. Thanks to serfty once again for our current Gold status.

 

[jetlagger]

Status: Gold
Property: Conrad Hong Kong
Date: Nov 8th
Rate: $175 + 32000 points
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
Loved the breakfast. We have never stayed on Hong Kong Island before and didn’t find the location as convenient as the Kowloon side. The lounge had a fabulous view but was small and a bit crowded.

ShangriLa Shenzhen from Nov 9[SUP]th[/SUP] to 11[SUP]th [/SUP]($250 pn executive room)

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Tianhe, Guangzhou
Date: Nov 11th - 14th
Rate: $130, $145, $145
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
We walked to the hotel from the Guangzhou East train station. Mr. sinophile was pretty sure he knew the way from our last stay there. When you come out to the train station, cross the road, turn left, walk to the end of the road towards IKEA, turn right and the Hilton is on your right. The hotel is conveniently located. Whole stay was excellent.

Marco Polo Wuhan from Nov 14th to 17th ($250 pn executive room)

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Baiyun Guangzhou
Date: Nov 17th – 21st
Rate: $130
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
We made the mistake of getting off the train from Wuhan at Guangzhou North rather than the main Guangzhou South train station as it was closer on the map to the Baiyun area. Guangzhou North turns out to be a suburban station with stair only access. When out of the station, we were in a street market. Taxi drivers and passers-by were killing themselves laughing at us. Caught a taxi and drove down all back streets, alleys, one-way streets and along canals for about 20 minutes. Finally we popped up on the expressway. Baiyun is next to a mega-mall and about 20 minutes taxi from the Canton Fair site. But it felt like a building in a very large paddock. Hilton Baiyun had the best lounge by far for both size and layout. Enjoyed the whole stay.

ShangriLa Shenzhen from Nov 21st to 24[SUP]th[/SUP]

Status: Gold
Property: Conrad Hilton
Date: Nov 24th - 26th
Rate: $445, $175 + 32000 points
Room Booked: Hilton King
Room Received: Executive King
It took a lot of convincing to talk myself into paying $445 for one night, but the convenience outweighed monetary considerations just this once. (I only had 80 000 points and spending them at the Conrad HK gave me the best return.) Breakfast again a highlight.

The trip was very low-key and so interesting. Shenzhen, Guangzhou and Wuhan have little or no tourist aspects, but have so much of interest to see. We think Guangzhou must be the manufacturing centre of the whole world. East Lake and the short Yangtze cruises were all we could find in Wuhan. Neither Guangzhou hotel had a tourist desk. We made one suggestion only to be told that it was too far and quite boring. In Guangzhou we were asked by a girl on the street where our driver, guide and translator were. It helps that my husband speaks a little Mandarin, the Chinese people are so helpful if you make an effort to speak Mandarin.

I planned the trip to take into account my husband’s birthday, (which I forgot on the day), a desire to try out the high-speed train (from Guangzhou to Wuhan and return), a wish to do a short night cruise on the Yangtze (we did Chongqing to Shanghai in 2004 and Shanghai to Chongqing when the dam was full in 2011, but didn't see the lights) and most importantly, a mattress run to extend my Gold status for another year. I am not positive but think the four Hilton/Conrad stays did the job. Thanks to serfty once again for our current Gold status.

Thanks for the reviews.. Interesting about the GZ properties.

 

[cgoh]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sukhumvit
Date: Nov 2nd
Rate: P+P 12k + 1200THB
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: King Executive plus

Status: Diamond
Property: Conrad Bangkok
Date: Nov 4th
Rate: P+P 16k + 2000THB
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: King Executive

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Nov 7th
Rate: RM370++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Grand Executive suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Nov 7th
Rate: RM370++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Grand Executive suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Double Tree KL
Date: Nov 8th
Rate: 4k points + RM111
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Deluxe Suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Nov 13th
Rate: RM370++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Grand Executive suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Double Tree KL
Date: Nov 14th
Rate: 4k points + RM111
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Deluxe Suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Nov 13th
Rate: RM498++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Grand Executive suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Nov 28-30th
Rate: RM450++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: King Executive Plus room (suite unavailable due to request for smoking room)

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Dec 1st
Rate: RM370++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Grand Executive suite

Status: Diamond
Property: Double Tree KL
Date: Dec 4th
Rate: RM 400 ++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Executive room (downgrade from Deluxe suite due to smoking room being unavailable)

Status: Diamond
Property: Double Tree KL
Date: Dec 6th
Rate: 4k points + RM111
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Executive room (downgrade from Deluxe suite due to smoking room being unavailable)

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Dec 13th
Rate: RM370++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Lifestyle suite on Level 31

PS: This is where my phone was lost (stolen).

Status: Diamond
Property: Double Tree KL
Date: Dec 14th
Rate: 4k points + RM111
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: King Executive Suite
This stay I have diamond amenities waiting for me in room (a fruit platter and cake), also a personal call from Lounge manager to ensure I received my preferred room and an invitation to the lounge for drinks.

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton KL
Date: Dec 15th
Rate: RM370++
Room Booked: Base room
Room Received: Lifestyle suite on Level 17 with private balcony and spa.

 

[JessicaTam]

That's quite the mattress run cgoh!

 

[Milboo]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Mexico City Airport
Date: November 30
Rate: $177 USD
Room Booked: King bed deluxe
Room Received: King bed deluxe

Note - hotel not the easiest to find in the airport but very convenient! Highly recommend the margaritas in the bar. Extensive buffet breakfast included.


Status: Gold
Property: Hilton LAX
Date: 15 December
Rate: $162
Room Booked: King Exec Floor
Room Received: King Exec Floor

Note - no minibars in room. Executive lounge is quite limited in size and continental buffet at breakfast was minimal. Drinks at coughtail time were not free from what I overheard but food selection was passable.

These were my first 2 stays as a Gold having been with Intercontinental Ambassador previously. I was a little unimpressed at lack of recognition. As a gold with IC I always got a welcome note and a gift and fruit plate and water.

 

[Mollycram]

Checked into HSW today and was told that policy meant that they could not upgrade more than two levels above the room grade booked. Interesting to hear whether this was just a convenient statement or something they adhered to... Has anyone been successful in getting a two+ level upgrade in recent times?

Was also told that Brett was coming back to be GM. Hopefully things will revert to the good old days but given the increasing occupancy rates at this hotel I doubt it....

 

[trblvb]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Surfers Paradise
Date: Dec 20
Rate: $149 Travelzoo (my last one for the year)
Room Booked: Executive as per Travelzoo deal
Room Received: King Relaxation Room
Third stay for the year at this Hilton. Noticed improvements with Customer Service. Welcome note from GM and 3 beers in room. Think they still need to sort out ‘Magic’ from a service viewpoint and Exec. Lounge food. Breakfast was ok.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Date: Dec 21
Rate: $239 (I think...sorry being lazy tonight) + negotiated $180
Room Booked: King Guest Plus
Room Received: King Deluxe (later a king suite)

Coming from a IC Harbour Bridge and Opera House view club suite to a HSYD dogbox was a tad disappointing.
Despite booking said room for 2+1, we felt very deflated when shown the room. No trundle (despite it being requested in the booking) and told an extra $75 would be charged. I disputed that as I had booked the room for 2A + 1C (spouse stays free). I do understand that somewhere it probably states something about existing bedding, but hey, HSYD gets away with claiming an upgrade for the same dogbox rooms, regardless of what you book, so what the heck....I whined about it! Further salt in the wounds was the fact our "king" bed was in fact 2 singles pushed together with a king sheet over them........that's not a bloody king bed....and the mattresses were visibly sagging in the middle of both of them. When the trundle finally arrived, they had to shove all the furniture into the corners of the room to fit it! Work at the desk?...forget it! The $75 for a beatup trundle is a joke, the "welcome" card was MIA, and when I asked about a suite upgrade (yes I did ask, even though generally I couldn't really care less) I was told all suites were occupied. A quick check on line showed various better rooms available, including the King suite which I have been upgraded to in SYD previously. I phoned "magic" to see if I could arrange a paid upgrade and was advised the duty manager would need to appove that (remember, I had previously been told all suites were occupied). I waited an hour for the duty manager to return my call and finally a nice and apologetic "magic" operator rung back and said the duty manager was too busy to talk to me and she suggested that perhaps I should go downstairs and ask there to speak to her :shock:.........too busy?? get a diamond guest to trek downstairs?? WOW was all I could think, but I took her advice and did just that. I happened accross the HH guest relations manager and I explained to her my predicament....including the fact I realised I had probably booked an inappropriate room and asked her if I could arrange a paid upgrade. To her credit, she clarified some facts first, including asking me whether we had been offered the trundle as a complementary gesture (we hadn't) and very quickly offered me a paid upgrade of $180 for one of the king suites which were still available (this was about 6pm so the chances of them selling were diminishing rapidly). To be honest, I had already decided a figure with which I'd have been happy to pay and it was considerably more than the $180 offered so I accepted without hesitation (the suite was available on-line at just under $1000).

All in all, the outcome was satisfactory for both myself and my wife but it was like pulling teeth and made me late for the frequent flyer event for which we were there. I know I broke my cardinal rule and booked a room I knew we'd be most likely unhappy with and I know that HH does not guarantee a suite upgrade, but why was it so hard to buy an upgrade when the chances were they'd go unsold anyway? I should have looked on-line at midnight to see if the remaining suites were still available but between that episode, the $5 coffee BS and the far superior deal at IC, I'll just about bet we've stayed our last stay for some time at HSYD.

As a postscript, the king suite we finally received, was rundown. Some binds didn't work, the carpets were grubby, cable ducts were hanging off and wait for it........the king bed was also not a king bed but two singles pushed together which were both sagging in the middle. Should it really be that hard?

 

[anat0l]

the king bed was also not a king bed but two singles pushed together which were both sagging in the middle. Should it really be that hard?

I think several Hilton beds are like this (King = 2 x single beds). Of course, the degree in which the divide is "hidden" can vary.

 

[dfcatch]

Sorry swanning_it,

Given the timing you mention - the duty manager and HH relations manager were busy meeting with Trippin and myself in the EL. I believe the HH relations manager's phone rang when the front desk was trying to find a manager for you .

You'll no doubt be pleased to know that one of the things that we were complaining about was Diamonds being denied upgrades when several classes of inventory are still available to book online.

Whilst there was not a specific answer forthcoming - they were left in no doubt that it is a problem that costs them future business.

 

[JessicaTam]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton South Wharf
Date: Dec 21-22
Rate: $199 govt rate
Booked: King Guest Room
Received: King Exec Room

I rang for some soy, and when it arrived it was accompanied by a large bottle of sparkling water and some fruit.

We had an area set aside in the lounge for the Xmas drinks, as well as a great selection of hot finger food served to our tables. Drinks were constantly topped up as well. I think there may have been a few jealous looks from other guests! :mrgreen:

On return from dinner, there was another large bottle of water, some more fruit and a (personal) welcome note from the Guest Relations Manager. I had been dealing with her for the last few weeks regarding the drinks in the exec lounge, so that was a nice little touch.

As an aside, I have stayed a few times at HSW since becoming diamond and have yet to receive a suite upgrade. Mind you, none of the AFFers there that night were upgraded past an exec room, and we were all placed together at one end of a corridor, which may explain it this time.

 

[blackcat20]

Status: Diamond
As an aside, I have stayed a few times at HSW since becoming diamond and have yet to receive a suite upgrade. Mind you, none of the AFFers there that night were upgraded past an exec room, and we were all placed together at one end of a corridor, which may explain it this time.

And even this little Blue member got an upgrade to an Exec room

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Sorry swanning_it,

Given the timing you mention - the duty manager and HH relations manager were busy meeting with Trippin and myself in the EL. I believe the HH relations manager's phone rang when the front desk was trying to find a manager for you .

You'll no doubt be pleased to know that one of the things that we were complaining about was Diamonds being denied upgrades when several classes of inventory are still available to book online.

Whilst there was not a specific answer forthcoming - they were left in no doubt that it is a problem that costs them future business.

I guess it's a big problem for them. The rooms are miniscule and I assume gold/diamond guests are plentiful. Really, given the place is far better suited to business travellers, why can't they just be up-front about it. Forget the "room type" sham and simply give the real options ie - dog-boxes, corner dog-boxes, dog boxes with exec lounge access, relaxation dog boxes, relaxation suite, king suite etc rather than the plus/deluxe/executive rubbish. As a frequent business traveller, if I was on my own, I'd have no problems with their small rooms. As for an upgrade......there's not much they can upgrade to.....corner room or relaxation room perhaps, or a suite. I actually asked if a corner room was available as the upgrade but told no (which was most likely correct as they were apparantly 98% full). I don't think there is an easy answer exept booking elsewhere, which is what I'll be doing in future. As I said, the IC was far better value for us and I actually like the fact you know what you'll be getting rather than the lottery upgrade at HSYD. It's just a pity there are few ICs in Australasia and a large chunk of CPs and HIs are ordinary at best.

 

[austgap]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Cairns
Date: Nov 22-24
Rate: $199 little league rate
Booked: King Guest Room
Received: King Spa Room

Had the most unusual conversation with the staff at the front desk when arriving. He initially offered me a twin spa room with an ocean view, yet when I asked if I could have any room as long as it had a king, he was so shocked he began to argue with me about it. Thankfully he finally relented.

Hotel is pretty aged these days, yet room was clean and functional. Still don't think I'm quite a fan of the spa bath window looking into the bedroom. Can only imagine how weird it would be if you had a twin room. Did partake in the evening canapes at the lounge with a colleague at the Shangri-la and then one night at the Hilton's. Shangri-la easily more impressive.

Staff fine, yet nothing amazing. Felt the GM card was a bit cheesy, expressing desire for 9s in the survey. Local honey was an interesting diamond gift.

 

[austgap]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Brisbane
Date: Dec 22-23
Rate: $157 little league rate
Booked: King Guest Room
Received: King Exec Room - floor 25

Had both the concierge and front desk staff remember me from rom previous stays which was nice. Upgraded to the top floor room, clearly the hotel is filled with leisure travellers judging by the conversations at breakfast. First night additional water offered at turndown, second night no such luck.

Executive club busy yet service good, expect my colleague and I be informed that "this is your last drink" at 8pm. Potentially a language confusion, did startle us. Breakfast downstairs was fine, noticed the sign for barista coffee as a charge yet nothing was on the bill which is good. Service epically slow.

Not a bad way to sneak over for one more year of HHDiamond

 

[Princess Fiona]

Will update when it's not as hectic as now.
At Conrad New York and quite honestly astounded at how good it is.
Fantastic service and blown away by this hotel

 

[Ewing]

Will update when it's not as hectic as now.
At Conrad New York and quite honestly astounded at how good it is.
Fantastic service and blown away by this hotel

Glad you're enjoying it. I loved my stay there last month and will definitely be staying there next time!

 

[boomy]

I guess it's a big problem for them. The rooms are miniscule and I assume gold/diamond guests are plentiful. Really, given the place is far better suited to business travellers, why can't they just be up-front about it. Forget the "room type" sham and simply give the real options ie - dog-boxes, corner dog-boxes, dog boxes with exec lounge access, relaxation dog boxes, relaxation suite, king suite etc rather than the plus/deluxe/executive rubbish. As a frequent business traveller, if I was on my own, I'd have no problems with their small rooms. As for an upgrade......there's not much they can upgrade to.....corner room or relaxation room perhaps, or a suite. I actually asked if a corner room was available as the upgrade but told no (which was most likely correct as they were apparantly 98% full). I don't think there is an easy answer exept booking elsewhere, which is what I'll be doing in future.

Why would they change anything when they are 98% full?! The problem is that too many elite guests are "addicted" to the brand because they want to keep their status (gold/diamond) so they automatically book the Hilton when staying in Sydney.

 

[jetlagger]

Why would they change anything when they are 98% full?! The problem is that too many elite guests are "addicted" to the brand because they want to keep their status (gold/diamond) so they automatically book the Hilton when staying in Sydney.

I've thankfully never been on the status chase with Hilton & in SYD the IC is much more desirable. ;-)

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Why would they change anything when they are 98% full?! The problem is that too many elite guests are "addicted" to the brand because they want to keep their status (gold/diamond) so they automatically book the Hilton when staying in Sydney.

Hey, I resemble that remark :mrgreen:......or perhaps I should say, I use to resemble that remark!

You are very right. 98% occupancy is a pretty enviable level but in any case, just like VA, I had fun while it lasted, but status will wain for me (well, not for a few years though. I have HH diamond until Mar 2015 and I still have a HH diamond comp thanks to VA up my sleeve.....presumably, and possibly a further gold a couple of years down the track). My +1 also has a comp HH diamond or a plat IHG so please understand I'm not complaining about all this, I just wonder at the logic involved with both VA and HH to go to all the effort to win new elite clients and then seemingly devalue a fair chunk of what they gave us. Oh well, no one ever suggested the "loyalty" game was logical :shock: