How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[Cynicor]

There are decent restaurants around, but you have to hunt. Also depends what you like (obviously). This was my 5th stay and one of the best so far.

As I go for the riding, I am in bed by around 9 and up at 6 so don't have much time to head out. For this reason I get the dinner packages and everything is sorted.

Food there really isn't that expensive. You're not in BKK or KUL, and I think people forget that in places like Japan. Its prices should be compared to modern European cities really, and then $40 for the buffet is pretty cheap. Also, I really could t agree that a crab leg ramen for $15 (huge, full meal) is expensive for dinner!

But then, I'm from Perth where a (poor) $40 pub steak is the norm.

 

[anat0l]

There are decent restaurants around, but you have to hunt. Also depends what you like (obviously). This was my 5th stay and one of the best so far.

As I go for the riding, I am in bed by around 9 and up at 6 so don't have much time to head out. For this reason I get the dinner packages and everything is sorted.

Food there really isn't that expensive. You're not in BKK or KUL, and I think people forget that in places like Japan. Its prices should be compared to modern European cities really, and then $40 for the buffet is pretty cheap. Also, I really could t agree that a crab leg ramen for $15 (huge, full meal) is expensive for dinner!

But then, I'm from Perth where a (poor) $40 pub steak is the norm.

Oh well, the prices I was going by reviews on various travel websites. OK... dubious source at best...

My sister (and her friend) aren't exactly poor, so they would've just gone to whatever had good taste and value. $40 for a buffet is pretty cheap if it is decent. I'm sure there's a bit of sticker shock between there and Tokyo in the standard restaurants, but given the remoteness of Niseko, no surprises there.

I think they had Teppanyaki one night - I'm guessing this was on the property (could be wrong, didn't ask).

Finally, IMO crab leg in ramen is a waste of time.

 

[Cynicor]

The crab ramen is actually amazing. Really really good- they have the Hokkaido king crab there.

The teppanyaki is crazy expensive, as is beef in general at the property. I think the set menu starts at around $140. But with 3 different buffets and pub meals around 15-25, I just don't think it's as bad as people make out. It's even better if you can do breakfast and late lunch only- lunch buffet $20, and all you can eat, made to order sushi is $30~

And they don't do the annoying ++ thing that a lot of Asian properties do.

 

[jukebox333]

Parmelia Hilton, Perth
HH Gold.

King Hilton Deluxe.
Points redemption 88,234 points
Requested early check in on booking in September, tried to reconfirm by calling 24 hours prior to arrival, but ended up speaking to remote HH call centre who unhelpfully confirmed I had requested this on my booking, but could not confirm it could be actioned.
Attempted 12 noon check in, only to be told 3pm was the target - unless I wanted to take a Queen suite in lieu of the King. Er, no thanks!
Returned at 2pm and was given access to the business centre to use internet whilst room was prepraed. Entry gained at 3pm.
King Suite on 5th floor received.

Free internet, and bed turned down, with small chocolates placed.
Complimentary Bottled Water.
Complimentary full breakkfast at adjoining restaurant this morning.

I made this booking as a redemption on 5 paid nights at Double Tree Suites Times Square and a week of using Hamption Inns in the USA in May. I have to say we just do not do customer service here in Oz like the Yanks do. Even at the budget HI's in the USA, I was emailed the week prior to my arrival welcoming me, given status recognition on check in, and called within 30 mins of arrival, to ask if all was okay with the room. Here in Perth, the welcome was courteous, but cool, and there was no follow up.

The suite itself was fine - although I needed help to find the bath towels (!) - and comfortable, the breakfast in the mid-to-upper range of quality for a buffet, and the location is good for St Georges Terrace if you are there for business, or Perth Arena, if you are there for fun (Rosie!)


(FWIW, The Boss chose the Perth Hyatt!)

 

[DeKa]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton South Wharf
Date: 6-7 February
Rate: low $2xx/night - work rate
Booked: Queen Family Room (only room type available at work rate) - have HH preference set as King bed
Received: Queen Family Room (apparently no Kings left?)

No upgrade, no lounge access. Was happy with breakfast downstairs though.
Two bottles of water each day.

 

[turtlemichael]

Status: Diamond
Property: Doubletree Amsteram Centraal
Date: 6-10 February
Rate: E163
Booked: City Suite
Received: City Suite

I have mixed feels about this hotel. Location is an easy walk from Amsterdam Centraal Station. Go out the last door at the left end and it is across the road. 150 metres from the end of the station. With luggage though it is a bit of a trial crossing tram tracks and over cobbles. We arrived 11.30am from Hong Kong. The room wasn't ready and we were asked to come back at 1.00pm. At 1.00pm still not ready and asked to come back at 2.00pm. We were given lounge access in the meantime. Finally was ready at the normal check in time. Can't complain about that but it would have been better to have clear advice. Was told that housekeeping could not be hurried. The suite itself was modern, spacious and with a good view over the city from the 10th floor. Excellent bathroom but with basic toiletries. Staff were friendly in general. The lounge on the ground floor was ok for breakfast but unsupervised. Access was via key card if the door was not propped open. Consequently there was no control on who entered and on Saturday evening half of Amsterdam appeared to be there. It was a mess with food all over the floors and drinks spilled everywhere. Quite disgusting and we left. We ate at the restaurant once and food was well priced and very good. Housekeeping failed to turn up twice until chased up around 6.00pm. All up, I'd probably stay again but it appeared to me to be in need of better management. I know some people really like this hotel, and I can sort of see why. Maybe we were just a tad unlucky.

 

[netgrom]

Sunday, 16 Feb to 17 May
HH GoldProperty: Hilton Sydney
Room booked: KING HILTON DELUXE ROOM
Rate: Corporate $2xx
Received: Upgrade to Master King Suite top floor (I think its huge), comp water, comp small wine


First ever suite upgrade with quite a few stays so I think I got lucky, I'm sure it will be back to the warddrobe next stay

 

[boomy]

Sunday, 16 Feb to 17 May

Looks like you got very lucky

 

[ash.1111]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Brisbane
Date: Feb
Booked: King (Standard)
Received: King (Executive)

Received a 2pm checkout. I've had good luck at both Brisbane and Melbourne with receiving Exec rooms and late checkouts ... *touchwood*. That's enough to keep me happy!

 

[turtlemichael]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sandton Johannesburg
Date: 13-19 February
Rate: cAUD180.00 AWA
Booked: Hilton King
Received: 1 bedroom suite

An easy ride on Gautrain from JNB then their shuttle. It took 3 phone calls and lots of apologies for the shuttle to get to the station. We were subsequently to find that the timetable was more a maybe than a certainty. Hotel itself is in a good area but a 15 minute safe walk to the many restaurants, including a couple of good ones, at Sandton City and Nelson Mandela Square. No mention of Diamond status at check-in or in the room. I as told that we got the last suite. It was very spacious and in good condition except for the bathroom which was in major need of a refurbishment. The executive lounge was manned by friendly staff and with a good selection of evening booze. Breakfast and evening snacks were plentiful but very tired and looked sanitarily scary! All up, okay and seemed much like an American Hilton on style.

 

[coyote25]

Status: Gold
Property: Brisbane Hilton (three nights)
Dates: 18-21 February 2014

Room booked: King Hilton Guestroom
Room received: King Hilton Executive Room

Rate: $265 all in, per night (Gov Rate)

Upgraded to Executive Floor. Welcome note, free water bottle (1 litre), bottle of wine. Free local newspaper each morning.

As I was upgraded to Executive floor access was given to the Executive Lounge (25th floor). Lounge was good size easy to find a seat. Nice range of finger food during evening. Wide range of beverages, beers and wine.

Breakfast (continental) was available in lounge or in restaurant downstairs (6th floor) for additional $10 charge. Breakfast in lounge offered good selection. Staff very helpful.

Wifi in room free for Gold Members (plus in lounge). Reasonable speed for browsing but not to connect to work VPN.

 

[JessicaTam]

Status: Diamond
Property: London Gatwick Hilton
Date: 12 Feb 2014
Rate: £78 govt rate
Room booked: Hilton King
Room received: Exec king (allegedly)

No turn down, no water, no welcome.

I arrived at 1615 and as there was a queue at the HH desk I asked if I could check-in in the exec lounge - showed my HHD card. I was told no. After waiting in the queue for a few minutes, I was then told I could go to the exec lounge to check in. Went upstairs and when I tried to check in I was told that my room was not ready - by now it was closer to 1630. I waited in the lounge for about 10 minutes until I was given my room. My profile says 'high floor away from elevator'. My room was next to the elevator. I had enough trouble getting a room in the first place and I was heading into LON for dinner, so I did not go back and ask for a different room.

I left written feedback with the exec lounge manager when I checked out the following morning, but have heard nothing since.

I doubt I will go back.

 

[Mal]

Status: Diamond
hotel: Hilton Croydon UK.
Rate : £61 (prepaid)
Room booked :standard double
Given : standard double (3rd floor).

Arrived in room to find the provided gifts.
- two bottles of water (still &sparkling)
- jar of mixed nuts.
- jar of jelly beans
- card from hotel manager welcoming me.
- drink voucher.

Hotel is ok. Fairly new (10 years maybe?) .
No e/l.

 

[anna2103]

Status: Diamond
Property: London Gatwick Hilton
Date: 12 Feb 2014
Rate: £78 govt rate
Room booked: Hilton King
Room received: Exec king (allegedly)

No turn down, no water, no welcome.

I arrived at 1615 and as there was a queue at the HH desk I asked if I could check-in in the exec lounge - showed my HHD card. I was told no. After waiting in the queue for a few minutes, I was then told I could go to the exec lounge to check in. Went upstairs and when I tried to check in I was told that my room was not ready - by now it was closer to 1630. I waited in the lounge for about 10 minutes until I was given my room. My profile says 'high floor away from elevator'. My room was next to the elevator. I had enough trouble getting a room in the first place and I was heading into LON for dinner, so I did not go back and ask for a different room.

I left written feedback with the exec lounge manager when I checked out the following morning, but have heard nothing since.

I doubt I will go back.

very interesting, I had the same experience over Christmas. A quick question about the government rate. I work for the Austrailan Public Service, am I entitled to use that rate, as is it cheaper than the usual advance purchase rate. Thanks

 

[froggerADL]

very interesting, I had the same experience over Christmas. A quick question about the government rate. I work for the Austrailan Public Service, am I entitled to use that rate, as is it cheaper than the usual advance purchase rate. Thanks

The Hilton rules allow you to use the Worldwide Government Rate. It is not always cheaper, but it can be a great flexible rate, e.g. Melbourne.

 

[lovestotravel]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton London Tower Bridge
Date: Feb
Room booked: Double Hilton Guestroom
Room received: Double Hilton Deluxe Guestroom (apparently)
Room after "discussing" ouble Hilton Executive (Large Corner room)

Arrived at the hotel, and was assisted with luggage through the doors (good start), went to the HHonors line where a girl was busy tapping away doing something on the computer, as there was a few people waiting to check-in at the "normal" area. She looked up briefly and told me to line up over there, I said I am Diamond, and she just pointed to the other line (great start)

A Trainee was quite efficient in checking me in, no welcome/recognition of my Diamond membership. No mention of any upgrade, or breakfast or anything else such as the lounge etc. Once checked-in I asked about my upgrade as a Diamond and was met with "Umm let me check with my Manager" The girl who was too busy to check me in at the HHonors line came over and pretended to look at the computer, said there I received an upgrade to a "deluxe" room and that no "executive" rooms were available, and said I still have access to the lounge etc. I politely said that I wasnt' even told about the lounge, nor the upgrade to the "deluxe" room, nor welcomed as a Diamond member. I got some sort of mumbled "apology" and the letter explaining what time the lounge is open for meals/drinks etc

So I went up to the room (6th floor) out of 12 floors... Personally I think it was just a standard room, also with no view (facing building and not towards the Thames/City) Straight up to the exec lounge to relax and have a drink. I decided to ask the girl there about a better room as I had checked online and Exec rooms were showing as were suites and quite a few of these were available. She was very helpful and did say they were quite busy tonight, and I couldn't get a suite (fair enough) but would happily arrange to move me tomorrow to a higher floor, with a view and a much larger room with a separate show/bath combo. I was very grateful and the moving process was communicated efficiently to staff at the front desk and bags were moved during the day while we out. I had great pleasure getting the new room key from the "Manager" at the Front Desk who didn't seem to like that I was moved.

Summary: Very disappointed with the initial poor upgrade (if any) and the check-in from the Trainee and some sort of Front Desk Manager

The saving grace was the lovely female in the Exec lounge who got me a much better room and made up for the check-in foolishness, the great Exec Lounge staff and the good location and value for money. Just a shame they don't look after Diamond members a little more. We were allowed to have a FULL breakfast downstairs which was nice, but I think that's more to do with the limited capacity of the Exec Lounge when busy, rather than a Diamond Benefit as such.



Status: Diamond
Property: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian
Date: Feb
Room booked: Classic Queen
Room received: King Deluxe room with View

A total contrast at this hotel!
Moved up at least 4 room categories to a room with a gorgeous view of the Edinburgh Castle.
2 free drink vouchers
Free FULL breakfast either buffet or A-La-Carte or both! Basically order whatever
Late check-out til 3pm easily given
Free small bottle of Australian wine, and two apples and 2 bottles of water delivered to the room shortly after check-in
Check-in staff member was amazing and remembered my name for the duration of the stay and ensured I was happy with the room/upgrade

 

[JessicaTam]

Status: Diamond
Property: London Gatwick Hilton
Date: 12 Feb 2014
Rate: £78 govt rate
Room booked: Hilton King
Room received: Exec king (allegedly)

...

I should add that I was offered breakfast in the dining room or exec lounge at my choice. I had breakfast in the dining room, and it was fabulous. Great service with someone coming around offering papers, and one of the best omelets I have had.

 

[Fifa]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Narita
Date: 16-19 Feb
Booked: Hilton Queen
Received: Deluxe Plus Queen

Stayed at this hotel as we missed our QF flight due to extreme snowfalls - buses and shinkansens were unable to run from most central Honshu ski resorts. The earliest Qantas could re-book us was three days later than planned.

2 bottles of water each day and a hazelnut wafer thing each on arrival.
There is no exec lounge but full western and Japanese breakfast is offered in the restaurant each day.
Our room looked over the airport but for the whole stay we could not see anything as there was condensation between both windows - sooooo frustrating!
Room was big by Japanese standards.

The hotel runs a free shuttle bus to/from the airport plus Narita train station and Aeon shopping mall.

 

[coolumbla]

Diamond

Brisbane
2 separate bookings GOVT rate for 2 consec days
One for exec room ( first day ) one for low level room ( second day)

same exec room both nights
Usual welcome letter
Had breakfast downstairs and wasnt charged for my coffee

HSW
235 Govt rate twin room
Hotel was full ( checked)

HOTP
155 govt rate
upgrade to suite


I had a reasonable upgrade strike rate at HSW as a gold
As a diamond i am 2/2 at HOTP
If they'd only do something about the corridor carpets and wallpaper!

 

[erkpod]

The downside being that you work for the govt, it's painful

Present company excluded of course, some people would insist on me using the words "employed by..."



As an aside to recent discussion on the government rate, I do have 3 different pieces of ID - none of which have been changed to the new name of the organisation. Nor do I have an official email address or business cards. And knowing my organisation, they'd say that claiming a government rate for personal travel is a no-no.

I'll just continue to get VFF points via Agoda - so much easier. LOL.

Now how to figure out how to make my current trip as a tax deuction.