How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[beardoc]

When I was there in early March, the option to have breakfast in the restuarnt was offered; restaurant opens earlier than lounge, and has more options.

I did ask about this on two separate occasions and on each occasion was told that Diamond Members that access Cinnamon Restaurant for breakfast will be charged GBP12.95 per person, but received a free full breakfast in the Executive Lounge. Looking on Flyertalk there seems to be differing experiences for different people. I did make comment of it in the "Tell Us About Your Stay" feedback form.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

Looking on Flyertalk there seems to be differing experiences for different people. I did make comment of it in the "Tell Us About Your Stay" feedback form.

What kind of feedback? My understanding was that diamonds get breakfast in the exec lounge, which is what you got. When I get a full breakfast offered in a restaurant, I accept that as a wonderfully acceptable gesture on the part of the individual hotel, but the exec lounge breakfast is fine otherwise. I'd be reluctant to offer critical feedback about the loss of a benefit that was never officially there in the first place just because I believe "others" got it" (DJ "targeted" promos exempted, which always seem to target everyone but me ). Negative feedback like that is possibly more likely to prompt the hotel to clamp down on the "upgrade" breakfast entirely which may disadvantage those fortunate enough to have it occasionally offered. A bit like thinking "if I can't have it, no one can"!

 

[beardoc]

What kind of feedback? My understanding was that diamonds get breakfast in the exec lounge, which is what you got. When I get a full breakfast offered in a restaurant, I accept that as a wonderfully acceptable gesture on the part of the individual hotel, but the exec lounge breakfast is fine otherwise. I'd be reluctant to offer critical feedback about the loss of a benefit that was never officially there in the first place just because I believe "others" got it" (DJ "targeted" promos exempted, which always seem to target everyone but me ). Negative feedback like that is possibly more likely to prompt the hotel to clamp down on the "upgrade" breakfast entirely which may disadvantage those fortunate enough to have it occasionally offered. A bit like thinking "if I can't have it, no one can"!

It was not critical feedback. It was asking for clarification. It was the last of a series of Hilton hotels I'd stayed with over the last month throughout Europe where I had been offered full breakfasts in the restaurant generally speaking. It was not negative, and I hardly think that my feedback is going to result in the loss of a variably offered option. If they offer breakfast in the lounge for Diamond members, then consistency of the benefit may be more helpful to members rather than taking a lucky dip of whether you get it or whether you don't. I know I appreciate being able to plan my breakfasts - particularly since I'm often inviting extra people to breakfast, and I want to know whether I'm going to have to pay GBP30 extra (for the lounge access) or GBP21.95 for them (for their breakfast downstairs). Being able to plan this beforehand and consistency is more helpful than wondering whether or not I'll be given a benefit.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

If they offer breakfast in the lounge for Diamond members, then consistency of the benefit may be more helpful to members rather than taking a lucky dip of whether you get it or whether you don't.

But the breakfast was provided, wasn't it? I totally (and respectfully) disagree with your above-mentioned statement. A complementary upgrade (whether it be for a flight, a hotel room or just a breakfast) is a wonderful gesture of appreciation from a service provider to their guests, which is generally appreciated by the guest but it can still be rejected if it disadvantages that guest. There's nothing mandatory about an upgrade. The consistency you speak of is whether or not they apply the minimum entitlement.......which it seems they did. If you want forward planned certainty, work on the minimum entitlement rather than the upgraded nicety. I say this from experience. I like the full breakfast. If it's just Lisa and I dining, then the exec lounge continental style is OK but if it's others as well, I'll choose the full buffet with the expectation of paying if required. It's then a very nice experience when they provide that full buffet breakfast as complementary, but not a rude shock if they don't.

In this instance, I don't see that the hotel did anything but provide the offering espoused. If your favourite airline provided the seat, the class and all the benefits advertised, that you purchased, would you be giving feedback that you wanted clarification as to when you can expect an upgrade, just because others have suggested they received (at some point in time) a complementary upgrade, whilst you didn't? I just don't see the logic in that. Nicer if I get it......but still nice if I don't!

 

[lovestotravel]

I did ask about this on two separate occasions and on each occasion was told that Diamond Members that access Cinnamon Restaurant for breakfast will be charged GBP12.95 per person, but received a free full breakfast in the Executive Lounge. Looking on Flyertalk there seems to be differing experiences for different people. I did make comment of it in the "Tell Us About Your Stay" feedback form.

It is a bit vague, and I think Hilton combines the Exec floor access with the continental breakfast, as it's easier/cheaper..... Of course some Hilton have a full breakfast in the lounge, and some only continental.

As a Diamond:

"Continental Breakfast.
You will receive complimentary Continental breakfast for you and up to one additional registered hotel guest in the same room each day of your stay."

Executive Floor Lounge Access.
You will always enjoy access to the Executive Floor Lounge, even if you do not receive a room upgrade to the Executive Floor.

 

[serfty]

There's a thread on Flyertalk regarding this which in post #1 lists hotels and the breakfast provided.

The information is gathered/summarised from posted anecdotes within the thread.

Gold/Diamond Breakfast at Hilton family properties (master thread) - FlyerTalk Forums

 

[kpc]

There's a thread on Flyertalk regarding this which in post #1 lists hotels and the breakfast provided.

The information is gathered/summarised from posted anecdotes within the thread.

Gold/Diamond Breakfast at Hilton family properties (master thread) - FlyerTalk Forums

Great info thread!
And related to Hilton London Canary Wharf mentioned above:
Hilton London Canary Wharf: Full breakfast in lounge; some people have been offered the option of restaurant instead but not all

 

[sinophile888]

Status: HH Gold (Thanks to serfty)
Property: Hilton on the Park, Melbourne
Dates: 15 - 20 April 2012
Rate: A$167 per night
Booked: King Hilton Guest Room
Received: Executive Room
Paid Upgrade: Paid for upgrade to a Relaxation Suite (2016)
Miscellaneous: Welcome letter. Arranged breakfast downstairs in the Gallery Café. I ordered Chicken Congee, then Gluten free toast, neither of which were on display. Tried Two fat Indians a couple of doors up and was very impressed. Was so disappointed not to meet simongr; I have never met an AFFer and got so close. Preferred HOP to HSW, particularly the location. But neither of them is as good as Hilton Wangfujing in Beijing or Millennium Hilton in Bangkok.

 

[Princess Fiona]

Great info thread!
And related to Hilton London Canary Wharf mentioned above:
Hilton London Canary Wharf: Full breakfast in lounge; some people have been offered the option of restaurant instead but not all

Tower Bridge offers Diamond a full breakfast in the restaurant. Wouldn't think they have much option there as the Executive Lounge is small and likely wouldn't fit all the Golds and Diamonds in there

 

[Mollycram]

I love Hilton South Wharf!

Was my birthday this week and was staying at the Sydney Hilton. Got an exec room upgrade and non personalized card from GM but no acknowledgement of my birthday. Not that I was not expecting anything.

However, just checked into the wonderful Hilton South Wharf to find have been upgraded to a two bedroom suite, a bottle of sparkling and strawberries waiting on arrival and a birthday card from the GM. Very, very, nice

 

[esquire]

Status: HH Diamond
Property: Hilton Moorea Resort, Tahiti
Dates: 6-9 April 2012
Rate: "Diamond Standard Room" - HH Points (50,000 p/n)
Booked: Twin Deluxe Garden Bungalow (with plunge pool)
Received: King Deluxe Garden Bungalow (with plunge pool)
Miscellaneous: Welcome letter from General Manager (addressed incorrectly), one bottle of water (first day only). Free "COLD Breakfast only" in the restaurant (no lounge here). Free internet. Denied early check in (2 hours early, eventually got into room nearly half an hour after official check in time after repeatedly checking with them), provided extra 30 minutes late check out.....!

Stunningly beautiful hotel room, grounds and location. Unfortunately customer service and food ranged from acceptable to very poor. (Like being dropped off by the paid 'ferry transfer' (back to Papeete) only to see it leaving port as the hotel clearly didn't check public holiday times- then a fast exit by the mini-bus and left hours at the wharf waiting for the next one.....:evil:

 

[tuapekastar]

Status: HH Diamond
Property: Hilton Union Square San Francisco
Dates: 16 - 19 April 2012
Rate: USD227 (++) per night
Booked: 2 double beds room
Received: 2 double beds bayview room
Miscellaneous: Continental breakfast downstairs in the Urban Restaurant. This was done by voucher and they were very precise about you what you got and what you did not get. Essentially, hot food was going to be $10 extra pp. There was plenty of cold stuff and toast to fill us up. Complimentary bottles (2) of water each day. Complimentary internet. No exec lounge available.

 

[Deleted member 26544]

Status: HH Diamond
Property: Hilton Sydney
Dates: 21-22 April 2012
Rate: $199 best available
Booked: King Guestroom
Received: King Executive
Miscellaneous: Was given the option of having breakfast downstairs in Glass. Welcome card, bottle of water, apple and Tim Tams in the room. The toiletries are larger than I remember - 50ml instead of 27ml.

 

[Moopere]

The toiletries are larger than I remember - 50ml instead of 27ml.

Probably the Executive room at work. Isn't the difference between the standard king and a deluxe king in many/most hiltons the size of the toiletry amenity and the use of a fluffy robe?

 

[beardoc]

Great info thread!
And related to Hilton London Canary Wharf mentioned above:
Hilton London Canary Wharf: Full breakfast in lounge; some people have been offered the option of restaurant instead but not all

That's what I was referring to above.

 

[beardoc]

Status: HH Diamond
Property: Hilton Union Square San Francisco
Dates: 16 - 19 April 2012
Rate: USD227 (++) per night
Booked: 2 double beds room
Received: 2 double beds bayview room
Miscellaneous: Continental breakfast downstairs in the Urban Restaurant. This was done by voucher and they were very precise about you what you got and what you did not get. Essentially, hot food was going to be $10 extra pp. There was plenty of cold stuff and toast to fill us up. Complimentary bottles (2) of water each day. Complimentary internet. No exec lounge available.

I'm so very glad that they've switched to breakfast at Urban Restaurant. The last time I stayed there you were given a voucher for breakfast as a Gold or Diamond that gave you the following at the in-house Starbucks: One coffee of your choice, one pastry of your choice, and one piece of fruit. It was the worst ever breakfast I had had at a Hilton. I'm completely overjoyed that they aren't doing that any more!

 

[drross]

Probably the Executive room at work. Isn't the difference between the standard king and a deluxe king in many/most hiltons the size of the toiletry amenity and the use of a fluffy robe?

I thought that was the case too.

 

[Sprucegoose]

I have a day-use room here in June.
Wasn't expecting anything special and glad to have that confirmed
Will however be better than the airport I think

Agree. The shuttle works well.

Keep expectations low and be happy!

 

[Sprucegoose]

Tower Bridge offers Diamond a full breakfast in the restaurant. Wouldn't think they have much option there as the Executive Lounge is small and likely wouldn't fit all the Golds and Diamonds in there

This is a very real problem at the Tokyo Hilton.

 

[Mollycram]

I thought that was the case too.

Not sure.... I was in an exec room in Sydney during the week and only got the 27ml bottles.