How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[nightelves]

Yeah was tempted to pinch the pjs at Marriott. However thought against it in case they might charge me.

 

[kermatu]

Interesting! Never been to hotels with free PJs yet. Which hotel chain?
Agree with Boomy that turndown service is pretty inconsistent these days.

Wasn't a chain. Can't remember name of hotel sorry - it was in Stockholm about 10 years ago. Was not expensive, quite small (maybe 60 rooms) with a younger clientele.I wasn't a seasoned traveller at the time and wouldn't have expected a turn-down service there, so got quite a surprise when we got back to the hotel late and there was water, some marzipan/chocolate by the bed, two books in English (2nd hand from their share-library downstairs) and the PJs on the bed. I first thought I'd entered the wrong room! But when the friend I was meeting up with in Stockholm went to her room a bit later she found similar, and with a note saying it was free to use and keep.

 

[boomy]

In Japan some hotels have pyjamas in the rooms and sometimes housekeeping place them on the bed at turndown.

 

[eric2011]

Turndown service used to be standard at Australian Hiltons but last few years it's been overly inconsistent.

I'm a regular at H-BNE. All I got the last few times is 1 side of the bed turned down (2 people registered) 1 small, very small, biscuit placed on the turndown and 1 towel replaced leaving wet bathmat and hand towels still in the bathroom.

 

[boomy]

I'm a regular at H-BNE. All I got the last few times is 1 side of the bed turned down (2 people registered) 1 small, very small, biscuit placed on the turndown and 1 towel replaced leaving wet bathmat and hand towels still in the bathroom.

When I used to be a regular in HBNE (before relocating) the turndown each night included towel and amenities replacement in bathroom, bed turndown, curtains drawn, slippers placed by the bed on white mat, one large bottle of water in mini bar and small chocolates on the pillow.

That was proper turndown. To get something like that these days one needs to stay at Waldorf Astoria.

 

[drross]

When I used to be a regular in HBNE (before relocating) the turndown each night included towel and amenities replacement in bathroom, bed turndown, curtains drawn, slippers placed by the bed on white mat, one large bottle of water in mini bar and small chocolates on the pillow.

That was proper turndown. To get something like that these days one needs to stay at Waldorf Astoria.

last time i stayed HBNE(early last month) still got everything replaced in bathroom, turndown, drawn curtains, slippers on mat, 2 small waters and a small biscuit on the pillow

 

[boomy]

last time i stayed HBNE(early last month) still got everything replaced in bathroom, turndown, drawn curtains, slippers on mat, 2 small waters and a small biscuit on the pillow

Good to hear HBNE still keeping high level of service.
I wish others would do the same, it's been very inconsistent these days, at least in my experience.

 

[drross]

Good to hear HBNE still keeping high level of service.
I wish others would do the same, it's been very inconsistent these days, at least in my experience.

our Hiltons have a lot to live up to after our Asian Hilton experiences

 

[Daver6]

our Hiltons have a lot to live up to after our Asian Hilton experiences

Go to the US. Will make our Hiltons look a lot better.

 

[annielee]

Property: Hilton South Wharf
Status: Diamond
Room booked: Queen Hilton Room
Rate: $140
Received: Queen Hilton Room, asked for suite upgrade during checkin but told no suite available (which is not true, coz i did try to book suite and it's definitely there) But got late checkout and sparkling wine delivered to the room..

 

[turtlemichael]

In Japan some hotels have pyjamas in the rooms and sometimes housekeeping place them on the bed at turndown.

What are these "pyjamas" of which you speak? Oh, I know. The things you have to have in case you need to go to hospital.

 

[kermatu]

Since you've stayed often at Sofitel, comparing your experience there to Hilton is problematic. I rate Sofitel higher as a brand, more similar to Conrad. The biggest asset of HSW is their generosity towards upgrades. Once you've eliminated that by booking a suite you're bound to be disappointed, especially coming from Sofitel MEL, which has one of the most incredible executive lounges I've seen in Australia.
What you said is correct, I was sitting in HSW lounge tonight and couldn't find anything decent to eat or drink. Cheap alcohol, deep fried food... but hey, I've booked standard room and got relaxation suite so I'm not complaining

Was more of a comparison with HSW of the past, not Sofitel. Although until the Sofitel granted access to the EL to all Plats I'd have rated HSW superior to Sofitel (from my viewpoint anyway). And no complaint re lack of upgrade so that didn't feature in my assessment at all. I too have benefited greatly from HSW upgrades and will miss this. Ironically one of the hotels where I think all rooms are actually very good!

Indeed - the Accor brand that most directly matches the Hilton would be the Pullman. The Sofitel and Conrads slot above both of them.

To me brand names are pretty meaningless. I far prefer the Pullman in Auckland to the Sofitel, for example. And it's got (almost) nothing to do with the fact that it is far cheaper - better service, views, an Exec lounge, upgrades etc.

I'd actually rate HSW better than the Brisbane and Sydney Sofitels, although the poor quality wine has always let it down!

All just my opinions of course.

 

[kermatu]

Hotel: Hilton Auckland
Status: Diamond
Date: 1 night, late-May
Booked: King Harbour view
Received: King Harbour View.

Arrived 2:45 pm and room I had checked into online not ready. Only a 10 minute wait. Asked if there were any suites available - told no, the hotel was full. Not true - I could have booked a Bow Suite or Relaxation room. Didn't bother complaining as I was told I had a bottle of wine in my room. A 20 hour stay of which I really only needed a bed so the wine went well with a late room service order.

Hadn't stayed here for over a year and many of the same staff (doormen in particular) were very welcoming and nice to see again. Front desk manned by a familiar face from Cairns and Brisbane Hiltons so that was also nice.

Refurbished rooms are nice - no radical change but worthwhile refresh in my view.

Two drink vouchers (limited selection, unlike previous stays); two waters in room plus an additional water and chocs for turndown. Plus bottle of pinot noir as promised, already in room and the standard.

Full breakfast, though was told coffee had a charge. Fortunately the wonderful Ana-Marie saw me and made a point of telling the other staff I wasn't to be charged and was to be given anything I wanted no questions. I simply had a couple of coffees, but very nice to be welcomed back so warmly.

As a result, I've just split my next 6 stays in Auckland evenly with the Pullman, with the nights I wouldn't be able to take advantage of a lounge directed to Hilton.

 

[drross]

What are these "pyjamas" of which you speak? Oh, I know. The things you have to have in case you need to go to hospital.

or for the fire evacuations

 

[Hvr]

Am currently enjoying the ambience at the Tokyo Conrad lounge and it occurred to me after a minor incident (spillage) how does a Hilton elite treat the lounge?

 

[drross]

Am currently enjoying the ambience at the Tokyo Conrad lounge and it occurred to me after a minor incident (spillage) how does a Hilton elite treat the lounge?

with total respect....i'd hate to be barred from the lounge

 

[Hvr]

with total respect....i'd hate to be barred from the lounge

Pleased to report that of course she did.

 

[oz_mark]

To me brand names are pretty meaningless. I far prefer the Pullman in Auckland to the Sofitel, for example. And it's got (almost) nothing to do with the fact that it is far cheaper - better service, views, an Exec lounge, upgrades etc.

I'd actually rate HSW better than the Brisbane and Sydney Sofitels, although the poor quality wine has always let it down!

All just my opinions of course.

Sure - there is positioning of the brands, and then there is personal taste. I'd take the Brisbane Sofitel over the HSW any day, but that is my personal taste!

 

[Aeolus]

If comparing Accor with Hilton brand, I believe Sofitel is comparable to Conrad, Pullman to Hilton, etc. As for lounge, my fav in Australia is still Sofitel Melbourne but the rates are often more expensive than HSW so rarely do I get to stay there for work.

 

[kermatu]

Sure - there is positioning of the brands, and then there is personal taste. I'd take the Brisbane Sofitel over the HSW any day, but that is my personal taste!

If comparing Accor with Hilton brand, I believe Sofitel is comparable to Conrad, Pullman to Hilton, etc. As for lounge, my fav in Australia is still Sofitel Melbourne but the rates are often more expensive than HSW so rarely do I get to stay there for work.

If you could combine the modern spacious rooms at HSW; with the Exec lounge and views of the MEL Sofitel; and the prices of Brisbane Sofitel -- I'd be very happy!