Ironically the one place I asked and was actually promised an early check-in was the Conrad Tokyo - turned up at 10 am to be told my room had maintenance issues; no alternative of same (or better) type available; please wait in (temporary) exec lounge shouldn't be long -- eventually given access at 14:50 (a whole 10 minutes ahead of regular check-in).For early checkin, I never ask, just show up. It's only ever been an issue once at the Conrad Tokyo, who needed an extra hour to ge tmy room ready (at 8am).
I agree. So far I am 2 for 2 for checking in at 8am at HH CDG - with breakfast offered.... Obviously helps if it's a larger property and in what I'd call a 24 hour location / one likely to have early flight departures.
The tapas was good when we were there and they changed the tapas every night...... I forgot to go down on my night of arrival and get my free tapas and beer....
HSYD
Booked: King Guestroom
Received: Relaxation Room/Suite
Note to self, not all Relaxation rooms are created equal. The one on 35th floor should be avoided. I forgot all about the lounge above when I checked in and boy, can you hear all the guests walking in and out! Anyway, I called front desk and was promptly moved to the suite. Had breakfast at the renovated Glass, to be honest, not much have changed, same layout, furniture, new floor, ceiling and buffet bench, that’s about it really.
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Conrad Pezula, Knysna, Garden Route, South Africa For anyone interested I have put up a brief report with pictures on the Conrad Pezula in the post linked here and the following one. It is imho one of the best Conrads anywhere.
Post 1 South Africa, Mauritius and Italy.
Post 2 South Africa, Mauritius and Italy.
Property: Hilton Surfers Paradise
Date: March 2018
Status: Diamond
Booked: King Guestroom
Rate: 1st night using certificate, 2nd night $228
Received: King Executive
Is this one of those stingy Hiltons? Full breakfast has a $10 extra charge. No other Diamond amenities. Only two bottles of water. I mean, rules are rules, but the other Hiltons I've stayed at, especially in Asia Pacific, go beyond the stated benefits. Even Auckland gave me a bottle of red.
And what's with the windows at this hotel? They look like they've never been cleaned.
Property: Hilton Surfers Paradise
...
Is this one of those stingy Hiltons?
Did you get lounge access?
In a word, yes.
HSP is probably my least liked Hilton. "Out of their depth" is a statement that I think aptly sums up their efforts. "Ordinary" is a word that is possibly a bit generous.
The windows were filthy not long after they opened the place (search back and you'll find one of my posts about them, with photos). For a property where the view is the main attraction of the place, they seem oblivious to the fact that windows on beachside properties need to be regularly cleaned (which means yes, they do have to pay permanent window cleaners).