How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[mel-world]

Sometimes when you stay often in the same property for a number of years, they can start to take you for granted. Arrived at the KL Hilton last night after checking in via the App. Waste of time that was. Despite informing reception that I had done this, he still took my credit card and took some time to take a deposit, then told me I had chosen a room - I took the room I was offered with the proviso that an upgrade would be offered on arrival - but no offer of an upgrade, any Diamond recognition, no mention of benefits. I think he may have said "welcome back" but that is about all I got. The room was a standard King with the minimum amenities although got two bottles of water but I think that is standard in every room. Did get some grapes, an apple and a few almonds but no coat hangers at all and the WiFi was just terrible. Fortunately, I could use the wired system for the computer but could not use the tablet at all.

I do still like the breakfast selection in the Exec Lounge, including an egg station with 'real' eggs still in their shells. Now we will see if the usual wait for the a taxi is as bad as usual at 9 in the morning. Maybe I will try the Doubletree next time - it is just not as convenient to the airport train or the office.

 

[moa999]

So DoubleTree Johor Bahru. Took the bus from airport (a bit of a nightmare but will comment about that on hotel thread).

Got my preselected Rm on 25th floor - just a regular King Exec ( was highest floor offered but hotel actually goes to 30 with EL on 29). Is the only marked HH floor. A few larger rooms on the floor plan.

No Welcome Letter but front desk commented I had choice of main restaurant or EL so I asked about drinks and told 530-730.

Delivered two pieces of fruit (red and green apple) as I was about to get into shower.

EL is nice with decent views and alcohol but less food than its KL twin (the hotel design is very DT KL) and its two Hilton siblings.

So I think the answer is as Gold I got an EL upgrade for a basic King Room

--

Mamak Kitchen in the morning was actually better than KL (and that's difficult). Only counted 3/20 rooms with newspapers on the HH floor so light loads

 

[QF WP]

I can't say as we booked the 3 bedroom apartment due to the number of us, but we were given the top floor and the apartment was excellent. One of the best I've stayed at. I can't really fault the property, as said above, the staff just seem to have a ho hum attitude. Nothing to complain bitterly about, but nothing to complement either. They just seemed to be going through the motions and the guests pose a disruption to their busy schedule of doing not much.

I could have said that verbatim. We booked a 2 bedroom Suite and it was at the absolute end of the far wing away from reception. The kids and Mrs QF WP loved the room but not the walk to the reception (past the pool), car, or restaurant. We decided to dine out in town every night and just use the restaurant for the first and last night dinner.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I could have said that verbatim. We booked a 2 bedroom Suite and it was at the absolute end of the far wing away from reception. The kids and Mrs QF WP loved the room but not the walk to the reception (past the pool), car, or restaurant. We decided to dine out in town every night and just use the restaurant for the first and last night dinner.

We scored better than. Our apartment was right beside reception (immediately to your right as you stand facing the reception counter). It took up the entire end of the building so we had 3 side of balconies/windows. From the front balcony, the view was stunning, over the lake to the snow capped alps beyond. From the back balcony, across the swimming pool area to the thermal pools and creek behind. Drying room (we were skiing) was conveniently located between our stair foyer and reception. As I said, the apartment was excellent. As far as three bedroom apartments go (and we've stayed in plenty), HSP offering is down the coughpy end and H-Taupo is right up there at the "exceptionally well done end". If they had a lounge and "adjusted" the staff indifference, I do think it'd be my favourite Hilton out of all I've stayed at (including a few Conrads).

 

[moa999]

Well finally got some specific hotel benefits.

Upgraded to '05 King Exec Suite from base King at DT KL.
(About 7 stays over 2 yrs as Gold, never a Suite)

Pity only staying one night.

 

[Hvr]

Am currently in the Hilton Praed St Paddington on my last night here in London. Sitting in the Executive lounge having some nice food and a couple of Diet Cokes.

The lounge isn't full at all with many spare seats and table. For those who know the lounge I am by the window overlooking the Paddington Station shopping/departure area and yes they can see me.

There is an exit from the hotel into this area and then straight onto the Heathrow Express (HE) for a 15 minute trip to T3. Booking this hotel meant I got a discount voucher for the HE.

Got upgraded to a tower room which is bigger than what I booked. No usable fridge nor are they available. Ice isn't close either.

 

[Aeolus]

I took the room I was offered with the proviso that an upgrade would be offered on arrival - but no offer of an upgrade, any Diamond recognition, no mention of benefits.

I NEVER take up the online check-in options for Asean hotels unless the assigned room is already an upgrade. They're either too lazy or couldn't be bothered modifying the check-in so you'll be stuck with the room provided. I checked in at the EL at Hilton KUL the last time I was there in Feb, asked nicely and received a corner room.

 

[Buzzard]

A question for those more knowledgeable than I. Looking at booking a Double Double for 3 people. If I select 3 in the room it goes up in price from 2 in the room. As a Diamond I am entitled to Partner stays Free. Should I book it for 2 and then take a third person, my partner?

 

[Deleted member 29185]

A question for those more knowledgeable than I. Looking at booking a Double Double for 3 people. If I select 3 in the room it goes up in price from 2 in the room. As a Diamond I am entitled to Partner stays Free. Should I book it for 2 and then take a third person, my partner?

Yep. Assuming your "third" is a child (under 18 at most Hiltons), then book for 1A+1C and then add the text "HHonors benefit, spouse stays free. Total occupancy 2A + 1C".

It's always worked for me.

 

[drross]

A question for those more knowledgeable than I. Looking at booking a Double Double for 3 people. If I select 3 in the room it goes up in price from 2 in the room. As a Diamond I am entitled to Partner stays Free. Should I book it for 2 and then take a third person, my partner?

go for it Buzzard. i only book for myself and add details re wife in the comments section - no dramas to date

 

[Cynicor]

A question for those more knowledgeable than I. Looking at booking a Double Double for 3 people. If I select 3 in the room it goes up in price from 2 in the room. As a Diamond I am entitled to Partner stays Free. Should I book it for 2 and then take a third person, my partner?

It has changed now to "Second guest" stays free. So unless the third is a child, you may have issues. It depends where the hotel is and how "by the book" they are. Any further info pls?

 

[Hvr]

A question for those more knowledgeable than I. Looking at booking a Double Double for 3 people. If I select 3 in the room it goes up in price from 2 in the room. As a Diamond I am entitled to Partner stays Free. Should I book it for 2 and then take a third person, my partner?

This can be very country specific with legislation about how many people can occupy a room. Therefore as previously noted more information is required.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

It has changed now to "Second guest" stays free. So unless the third is a child, you may have issues. It depends where the hotel is and how "by the book" they are. Any further info pls?

I'd be thinking a child is the third as the price only rose when the occupancy went from 2 to 3 hence I'm guessing Buzzard did the exact same search I usually do...that being 1A=$x, 1A+1C=$x, 2A+1C=$y (where y is more than x). If the 3rd was an adult, a search 2A would usually equal $y so from the info given I'd guess the intended guests are 2A + 1C.

This can be very country specific with legislation about how many people can occupy a room. Therefore as previously noted more information is required.

If that was the case this time, the search for 3 guests would omit the room that could not sleep 3 people from the options. From what Buzzard wrote, it tends to indicate the same room was available, just at a higher price so I'd be guessing the room can sleep 3 (which one would assume is correct for a double double).

 

[Buzzard]

The room is a Double Double for 3 adults. It only adds $35 per night for the extra adult (SIL) so have decided to just book it.
Many thanks to all the posters for your input. This will be my first stay at the BNE Hilton.

 

[QF WP]

Party in your room then Buzzard . My experience has been the same when booking a double double - always used the "Spouse Stays Free" in the comment section and extra has been child/children (who share a bed).

 

[Deleted member 29185]

The room is a Double Double for 3 adults. It only adds $35 per night for the extra adult (SIL) so have decided to just book it.
Many thanks to all the posters for your input. This will be my first stay at the BNE Hilton.

I've always found H-BNE to be pretty good with the "allowances" over and above prescribed diamond benefits. It's odd that the price only changed for 3 adults, which indicates 2 adults are the same price and therefore "spouse stays free" should still work for you......maybe! Enjoy the stay. (PS try not to park there as the parking fee is about $50+ a night).

 

[Cynicor]

I've always found H-BNE to be pretty good with the "allowances" over and above prescribed diamond benefits. It's odd that the price only changed for 3 adults, which indicates 2 adults are the same price and therefore "spouse stays free" should still work for you......maybe! Enjoy the stay. (PS try not to park there as the parking fee is about $50+ a night).

As I mentioned before, it is no longer spouse stays free, to avoid this type of situation. (I.e. To make more $$)

It is now "second guest" stays free.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

As I mentioned before, it is no longer spouse stays free, to avoid this type of situation. (I.e. To make more $$)

It is now "second guest" stays free.

Ok, I now see what you are saying. Is this now common? I must admit I've still seen plenty of hotels charging for the 2nd guest when doing an online search unless the 2nd guest is a child.

EDIT: I just did a dummy search for BNE, HSW and HSP and BNE and HSW both charge the same for one or two guests whilst HSP charge more for the 2nd guest. I didn't log on as a HH member and I was under the impression that was only for HH members. Is it now for everyone but only at select hotels?

 

[DC3]

Where a hotel charges for a 2nd guest in the same room, that guest will stay for free if you book as a HHonors member. In those cases, I book for one guest (me) and add a comment like "Two guests. HHonors 2nd guest stays free". I also list a second guest name into the booking, but not really necessary (unless they will arrive before me).

 

[Cynicor]

Ok, I now see what you are saying. Is this now common? I must admit I've still seen plenty of hotels charging for the 2nd guest when doing an online search unless the 2nd guest is a child.

EDIT: I just did a dummy search for BNE, HSW and HSP and BNE and HSW both charge the same for one or two guests whilst HSP charge more for the 2nd guest. I didn't log on as a HH member and I was under the impression that was only for HH members. Is it now for everyone but only at select hotels?

Sorry- the benefit used to be officially "spouse stays free". So you could book 2 adults for a 3 person room and avoid the extra charge for the 3rd. Or 1A 1C and have 2A 1C, as a child is more likely to have no added charge whereas a second adult is.

Now the benefit is second guest stays free, you can't really avoid a charge for a 3rd adult. I doubt most hotels will bill for your child though, so it's only a small "enhancement".

None of this is programmed into the HH booking system, it's something you need to remember to claim. Many Asian hotels will charge for a second guest but in AU it seems to be more of a room charge. Also, if using the benefit the second guest is not eligible for package inclusions (I.e rates that include dinner etc).