How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[drross]

Sums up my experiences this year perfectly. Nothing bad but not as polished as before - a bit surprising given a new GM would have, I thought, sparked a bit of new life. My gifts have been handed to me on check-in (local chocolate or coffee beans) in the brown bag with 2 waters (although waters also sometimes already in the room). Fine but not as classy as being in the room (and inconvenient with other bags). I have found the lounge unpleasant a bit of late when full. It's also clear some regulars (who know Gemma's rules and her style) get on fine but those who don't sometimes get put offside and colours the lounge atmosphere. There have been some nice hot dished lately though.

I wonder how often the boardroom is used or if the lounge could actually be expanded?

the lounge definitely needs to be expanded. last visit had a very loud, very large american expounding his views of the world/politics/etc etc - very uncomfortable - everyone was trying to head out to the balcony area to escape him

 

[kermatu]

I also give regular feedback seeking expansion (and longer opening hours - even if unstaffed).

 

[straitman]

20th Aug 2016
Property: HSW
Booked: King room
Received: Yarra Suite
Status: Diamond
Rate: $199 Gov't Rate

20th Aug 2016 (2nd room booked)
Property: HSW
Booked: King room
Received: Relaxation Suite
Status: Diamond
Rate: $199 Gov't Rate

5th Sept 2016 (tomorrow)
Property: HSW
Booked: King room
Received: 2Br App
Status: Diamond
Rate: $230 Gov't Rate

 

[penegal]

Bill - I am surprised that hotel even asks you to pay a room rate? Don't you own it yet?

 

[Cruiser Elite]

So what is best procedure to ensure upgrade at HSW for Dia mbr?

 

[JessicaTam]

So what is best procedure to ensure upgrade at HSW for Dia mbr?

Just turn up.

They look after Diamonds very well.

 

[straitman]

So what is best procedure to ensure upgrade at HSW for Dia mbr?

Just turn up.

They look after Diamonds very well.

...and ask if necessary but normally it isn't.

 

[penegal]

To be fair, my HSW experience has been different.

I have far fewer stays than you 2, and no personal relationship so I had to ask for a suite (which was granted as it was clearly available)

 

[serfty]

So what is best procedure to ensure upgrade at HSW for Dia mbr?

Tell 'em you're a friend of Bill's

 

[Deleted member 29185]

To be fair, my HSW experience has been different.

I have far fewer stays than you 2, and no personal relationship so I had to ask for a suite (which was granted as it was clearly available)

Me too. For a while I was getting great upgrades (2 bedroom units, city view) but they seem to have all dried up. Of late, it's the room I've booked but perhaps on the city side rather than the bay side. I'm not particularly worried as the whole upgrade and loyalty thing across all travel has become a bit mundane with me. The breakfast is possible the greatest benefit. I've even been thinking of allowing Hilton status to drop and open up the vast array of accommodation choices again.

 

[eric2011]

I've even been thinking of allowing Hilton status to drop and open up the vast array of accommodation choices again.

Sounds good until you find one you like, join their loyalty program, then stay as often as you can to get to the highest level

 

[kyle]

Anyone stayed at Hilton Cairns recently as a Gold? Is the breakfast in lounge or full breakfast downstairs? I'm thinking of changing the MyWay preference to 1,000 points since I already have lounge access in a suite.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Sounds good until you find one you like, join their loyalty program, then stay as often as you can to get to the highest level

Been there, done that. Hilton is the only loyalty program that enticed me due to hotel locations and my stay patterns. None of the others (with the possible exception of Accor) have enough hotels where I want them. I've been meaning to research the "loyalty" programs that give genuine discounts, but I don't class a discount as genuine when it's simply off the best available rate and I can get similar accommodation for less.

 

[mel-world]

8th, 9th Sept 2016
Property: Hilton Buenos Aires
Booked: Queen Deluxe (Base)
Received: King Executive Floor
Status: Gold
Rate: USD250 Senior Rate

This property has undergone a revamp in the Foyer since my last visit with a new coffee shop and restaurant. A light and bright property with all rooms having a city or River Plate view around a central atrium.

The Executive Floor rooms looked like they have been recently upgraded as well compared to a standard lower floor room from my last visit. This Hotel is a little way out of town but in the redeveloped Puerto Madero 'old port' area with many restaurants nearby.

The hotel thoughtfully sent a small cake to the room after hearing that it was my wife's birthday. Much appreciated after a long journey.



The Executive Lounge has also just reopened after some renovations although the Pool is still being repaired. The Hotel can get busy if there is a convention in the adjoining building.

For the first time, we were forced to leave the Lounge by a very loud English speaker who refused to talk quietly on the phone and interrupted the whole lounge ambiance. Not for 5 mins but a full 20 mins (before we left with some choice word in his direction). Mind you, if I was into commercial espionage, I would know a lot about his US based business and its plans for Latin America by now.

 

[mel-world]

And the new Executive Lounge even has a full sized billiard table.

 

[QF WP]

Date: 27 to 29 August
Property: Hilton Surfers Paradise
Booked: King Standard (both nights)
Status: Gold
Received: Upgrade to Exec King, Upgrade to Relaxation Suiite (7th Floor)
Rate: Night one $297, night 2 Award

Checked in via the App for both (separated by a day of course). Met a number of AFF'ers in the Exec Lounge for pre-dinner drinks and canapés. Service from the 3 Staff over the 2 days was excellent - I had bad bursitis in lower back so needed to find a decent massage place for temporary relief - Meg was awesome. Both rooms were well appointed except for the collapsing ironing board for midgets

.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

And the new Executive Lounge even has a full sized billiard table.

Hang, that beats a lot of ELs that are only about the size of a full size billiard table! :shock:

 

[mel-world]

Exactly, and it's getting plenty of action this Friday evening

 

[kermatu]

Anyone stayed at Hilton Cairns recently as a Gold? Is the breakfast in lounge or full breakfast downstairs? I'm thinking of changing the MyWay preference to 1,000 points since I already have lounge access in a suite.

In June or July stayed as a Gold in an Exec spa suite. Full breakfast downstairs no dramas.

 

[stark]

I've come to realise that I like Hilton a whole lot more than they like me. 25 stays so far this year and zero suites. Though to be fair, half of those stays were in USA where I don't really expect too much but still a little disheartening.

I think I'll be checking out a few more hotel brands next year.