How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[Gonetroppo]

Or get them to clarify in writing. Like I've written above, we could see nothing in the T&C that should mean they do not honour a completed challenge for 'already gold' status.

 

[Flashback]

Newb alert. When we checked in we were told that we had selected the 1000 points. It was made out that it was the points or exec lounge. Am I right in that the breakfast option (ie alternative to the 1k) is the cafe/restaurant breakfast? Because I'd imagine we'd have got lounge access with our suite... I told the girl I was newly Gold, so it would have been good if it had been explained more clearly... I specifically asked if it was 1000 points or lounge and we were told yes. :-|

That's correct. Re: lounge access with suite, best way to check on that is do a dummy booking online and see what it says. Asking 1k points vs lounge, the answer given was incorrect. If you were given lounge by virtue through the suite, you could have still exercised your gold option for breakfast rather than 1k points.

 

[anat0l]

That's correct. Re: lounge access with suite, best way to check on that is do a dummy booking online and see what it says. Asking 1k points vs lounge, the answer given was incorrect. If you were given lounge by virtue through the suite, you could have still exercised your gold option for breakfast rather than 1k points.

Correct. That said, often these things need to be done in advance, i.e. you check your profile and ensure you have selected the correct amenity before checking in. I don't have any intervention with the front desk in these matters then. It can do your head in a little bit if you could know you were (or going to be) upgraded to a room type in advance which includes lounge access (i.e. then you could switch benefits); I'm not sure if the front desk is capable of switching your preference at check-in in cases like this (or simply because you changed your mind before check-in).

Diamonds of course take this all for granted since they receive both benefits, so no decision to make, plus access to Executive Lounges on any room type.

 

[blackcat20]

Sounds like we were given a bit of a bum steer then. At least I'll know for next time (and I knew in advance that we had the suite). Thanks all...still learning!

 

[serfty]

...

Diamonds of course take this all for granted since they receive both benefits, so no decision to make, plus access to Executive Lounges on any room type.

It was not so long ago that was a consideration for Diamonds too.

Of course back then there was the third option of WiFi as well.

 

[Flashback]

Correct. That said, often these things need to be done in advance, i.e. you check your profile and ensure you have selected the correct amenity before checking in. I don't have any intervention with the front desk in these matters then. It can do your head in a little bit if you could know you were (or going to be) upgraded to a room type in advance which includes lounge access (i.e. then you could switch benefits); I'm not sure if the front desk is capable of switching your preference at check-in in cases like this (or simply because you changed your mind before check-in).

Diamonds of course take this all for granted since they receive both benefits, so no decision to make, plus access to Executive Lounges on any room type.

Front desk can most certainly change and I have done so in the past. I used to leave it on points and go down for breakfast anyway, often points would still post.

 

[coolumbla]

feeling the love at HSW again with a suite upgrade
Maybe its because I'm now a BIB diamond and have spent way too many nights away from home this year

 

[JMFK]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton South Wharf
Date: 7 September 2014
Rate: $249
Room booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: King Relaxation Suite

Ahhh, HSW, you are kind to me.

Upgrade from base room to Relaxation Suite. I did mention it was my birthday and there was a bottle of champagne and strawberries waiting in the room. Didn't bother cracking it, but I'll save the $6.90 bottle for friends I don't really like

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Date: 12 September 2014
Rate: $199
Room booked: King Hilton Guest Room Plus
Received: King Hilton 'Deluxe'

Same old story at Hilton Sydney. I thought the low rate and obviously low occupancy would of helped my chances. Alas not. Even my usually trusty Exec Lounge check-in failed me. Perhaps I'll have to start looking at NOR1 if I want a genuine upgrade.

I'm moving hotels tomorrow night as the rate is $429 and my loyalty doesn't extend that far, particualrly for a shoe box.

I love to hate this hotel, though I must admit, I do feel a comfortable familiarity when I stay here, particulary as I just enjoyed a nice coffee and scone in the lounge. The afternoon tea spread is new, haven't seen that before, though it has been a while for me.

 

[N860CR]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton South Wharf
Date: 7 September 2014
Rate: $249
Room booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: King Relaxation Suite

Ahhh, HSW, you are kind to me.

Upgrade from base room to Relaxation Suite. I did mention it was my birthday and there was a bottle of champagne and strawberries waiting in the room. Didn't bother cracking it, but I'll save the $6.90 bottle for friends I don't really like

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Date: 12 September 2014
Rate: $199
Room booked: King Hilton Guest Room Plus
Received: King Hilton 'Deluxe'

Same old story at Hilton Sydney. I thought the low rate and obviously low occupancy would of helped my chances. Alas not. Even my usually trusty Exec Lounge check-in failed me. Perhaps I'll have to start looking at NOR1 if I want a genuine upgrade.

I'm moving hotels tomorrow night as the rate is $429 and my loyalty doesn't extend that far, particualrly for a shoe box.

I love to hate this hotel, though I must admit, I do feel a comfortable familiarity when I stay here, particulary as I just enjoyed a nice coffee and scone in the lounge. The afternoon tea spread is new, haven't seen that before, though it has been a while for me.

My mother reported the same from HSW regarding the bad wine. As diamond got no upgrade (full), however they sent up a $4 bottle of white. Would have been better doing nothing!

 

[anat0l]

My mother reported the same from HSW regarding the bad wine. As diamond got no upgrade (full), however they sent up a $4 bottle of white. Would have been better doing nothing!

What the hell is $4 white wine? Immature vinegar?

 

[JMFK]

My mother reported the same from HSW regarding the bad wine. As diamond got no upgrade (full), however they sent up a $4 bottle of white. Would have been better doing nothing!

I've been asked which amenity I would prefer when it's been offered in the past - I always got for the beer and nuts - at least it's a Heineken.

 

[Flashback]

What the hell is $4 white wine? Immature vinegar?

It would be one of the small bottles (187ml)...

 

[JessicaTam]

I've been asked which amenity I would prefer when it's been offered in the past - I always got for the beer and nuts - at least it's a Heineken.

Never been offered an amenity such as wine or beer at HSW. Mind you, I think I have only had one suite upgrade (a twin bedroom) as well.

 

[JMFK]

Never been offered an amenity such as wine or beer at HSW. Mind you, I think I have only had one suite upgrade (a twin bedroom) as well.

To clarify, an amenity has been offered when an upgrade wasn't possible.

It's pretty rare I don't get upgraded, though my stays are less frequent now.

The only time I've had an amenity + an upgrade was a special occasion eg birthday or 30 stay milestone etc.

 

[anat0l]

It would be one of the small bottles (187ml)...

Well that would make a bit more sense.

Maybe they should get a full bottle of Cleanskin and just relabel it "Hilton House White Wine"

 

[boomy]

My mother reported the same from HSW regarding the bad wine. As diamond got no upgrade (full), however they sent up a $4 bottle of white. Would have been better doing nothing!

That's an expensive wine compared to the $2 Merlot they used to give in SYD
This is seriously insulting, better just give a beer or soft drink (if they can afford it ).

 

[N860CR]

It would be one of the small bottles (187ml)...

Unfortunately not... It was a full bottle. Can't remember the name off the top of my head but it's in the same league as Gossips

 

[drross]

Though lay enjoying Hilton Hanoi Opera. Staff in the lounge don't let your glass get empty and they've remembered what beer I prefer and what wine the boss likes. 6 bottles of water a day and a couple of floral arrangements too. Keep running into Peter the manager..very efficient.

 

[boomy]

Status: Diamond
Property: Conrad Bangkok
Booked: King Bed Room
Received: King Bed Executive Suite
When I arrived I was taken to the suite for check in, impressive, even for Conrad. The girl apologised she couldn't give me a Terrace Suite this time, not that I asked for one.
Some nice welcome gifts including a couple of elephants that will be added to my growing Conrad zoo


The Suite was very nice, plenty of bottled water everywhere (important in Asia).



The water pressure from the rain shower was amazing! Almost didn't need to go out for head & shoulder massage after
I checked out the lounge, which was very crowded. Food looked ok but I didn't fly all the way to eat lounge food so I passed. Had a glass of wine, a couple of coughtails and went to check out the pool, which looked great at night. There is nothing better then a refreshing swim after a long flight.
Breakfast at the restaurant was to the usual Conrad (high) standard.
One thing that surprised me was that some of taxi drivers didn't know this hotel, although it's not new at all and is located in the Embassy district. Lucky I was warned about that by the concierge and was given a card with instructions for the taxi drivers.

 

[boomy]

Status: Diamond
Property: Hilton Guam
Booked: Main Ocean King Room
Received: Premier Paradise Suite
Nice upgrade to a huge suite in the premier tower. In the room I found a welcome card, small bottle of wine, fruits and 3 pineapples filled with cookies inside



The suite was a bit dated but had a big balcony with great ocean views. I was lucky enough to get fantastic weather during the day and beautiful sunset later.


The pool area was not crowded and very pleasant. Most of the guests were either Japanese tourists or American soldiers. The Americans were out all day (training I guess) and partying hard in the evening.
The executive lounge is located on the 7th floor of the tower. I didn't expect much (I still remember the terrible lounge in the basement of Hilton Waikiki) but was surprised to see a good variety of finger food and selection of beers and wines on order. Although the lounge was quite full the service was excellent and as soon as my glass became empty, it was refilled again.
I had dinner at Fisherman's Cove after recommendation from zainman and the seafood was great! The desert however was cough but hey, it's America, I should have known that
There are a few shuttle options near the hotel that go to the main shopping centres and other hotels in the area.
The hotel is located only 15 min from the airport which was very convenient after a late arrival and an early departure.