How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[jase05]

A couple of nights at the ADL Hilton again this week. Upgraded from King Deluxe to King Deluxe Plus. Staff good as always, no coffee tax charged.

 

[mel-world]

Thanks twiningb, I have enjoyed my stay at the Conrad Tokyo. Other than Angelo, an Italian Restaurant Manager on the 28th Floor, I have only seen 4 other Europeans (all one family) during the four days I have been here. The Hotel has been full of local families so there must be some really good deals around. In fact, I got an excellent deal for Tokyo via the App, including Executive Floor and full (as against Lounge) breakfast included. A shout out to Angelo and the team in the EL who helped with navigating the very restricted restaurant and lounge hours to ensure there was always something to eat.

The locals were taking full advantage of the Conrad with the queue for breakfast out to reception and the same in the EL for the 90 mins it was open in the evening. Everything edible was piled on plates by both the adults and the kids. The staff could not refresh the buffet quickly enough. I did manage to legally have a beer or two in the room and nothing was said when I replenished the minibar from the 7-Eleven downstairs.

And finally, although they were quite busy during the Olympics with some IOC and/or Federation guests, all the staff cannot wait to welcome regular Aussie back as soon as possible. Tokyo is also in lockdown so they appreciate we cannot come at the moment but a few asked when we would be returning. I said much of Australia is also in lockdown but we would be back as soon we can. An enjoyable mini-break between work assignments. The Hotel was extremely Covid safe with temperature checks on entering the Hotel, masks throughout and gloves needed around the buffet. Most of Tokyo seems Covid aware and obeying the rules.

PS, also took advantage of the 25% Gold member discount on food and (soft) drinks.

 

[WLGFlyer]

Date: September 2021
Hotel: Hilton Darwin
Booked: King Room
Received: King Executive Harbour View Room
Status: Diamond


Solid stay, the Executive Lounge really makes it worthwhile in my opinion.

Upgrade was visible in the App a few days prior to arrival, room was basic Hilton fare but with a great view.

Breakfast was ok, a bit boring after a few days but can't really complain. Coffee tax was hit or miss, got the feeling the more experienced staff "forgot" to charge it for Diamonds.

Executive lounge is excellent, top floor with great views and generous happy hour - the food served during my visits could have easily replaced a full dinner if so inclined. EL staff was fantastic as well.

Ordered room service a few times, good quality and value for money.

I'll be back.

 

[cbourl]

Date Oct 21
Hotel Hilton Parmelia PERTH
Booked King Room Flex without B/F, stacked with Amex Plat Spend >400 Get 80 back
Received Queen Junior Suite
Status Diamond

I was actually upgraded a few days before - I had written an email to GM requesting an UPG
Nice hotel and renovations good
Welcome full size btle wine, fruit and sweeits board
Nice new executive lounge with good Bf - new since my stay 2017 -note here at Hiltpn Perth, Diamonds dont get Bf in Samuels (previous Adelphi) I asked but there is also a small poster near lift bay that states this
Very very good staff, offered 3pm checkout gratis without asking - left at noon becasue had a stay at Ritz Carlton PERTH on Amex FHR rate using Amex Travel Credit and called and they had an early checkin available at noon (part of Amex FHR benefit)

 

[Moopere]

note here at Hiltpn Perth, Diamonds dont get Bf in Samuels (previous Adelphi) I asked but there is also a small poster near lift bay that states this

Yikes! Really? I was there in May and breaky was still in Samuels. They've moved status holders to that horrible little lounge now I'm guessing?

I got some fruit as a diamond, basically nothing else. The renovated HH Parmelia, at least back mid year, left a lot to be desired - if they've also taken a decent breakfast away I can't see myself returning.

The two DT's in PER are also pretty ordinary. Might be time for an allegiance change here. I'd be inclined towards using Bonvoy / Ritz but despite laughable daily rack rates they still haven't opened their EL.

 

[DC3]

Date Oct 21
Hotel Hilton Parmelia PERTH
Booked King Room Flex without B/F, stacked with Amex Plat Spend >400 Get 80 back
Received Queen Junior Suite
Status Diamond

I was actually upgraded a few days before - I had written an email to GM requesting an UPG
Nice hotel and renovations good
Welcome full size btle wine, fruit and sweeits board
Nice new executive lounge with good Bf - new since my stay 2017 -note here at Hiltpn Perth, Diamonds dont get Bf in Samuels (previous Adelphi) I asked but there is also a small poster near lift bay that states this
Very very good staff, offered 3pm checkout gratis without asking - left at noon becasue had a stay at Ritz Carlton PERTH on Amex FHR rate using Amex Travel Credit and called and they had an early checkin available at noon (part of Amex FHR benefit)

Thanks for posting. And a good breakfast as well, in a nice EL. Good to hear.

 

[cbourl]

Yikes! Really? I was there in May and breaky was still in Samuels. They've moved status holders to that horrible little lounge now I'm guessing?

I got some fruit as a diamond, basically nothing else. The renovated HH Parmelia, at least back mid year, left a lot to be desired - if they've also taken a decent breakfast away I can't see myself returning.

The two DT's in PER are also pretty ordinary. Might be time for an allegiance change here. I'd be inclined towards using Bonvoy / Ritz but despite laughable daily rack rates they still haven't opened their EL.

I stayed at Ritz day after on Amex plat travel credit Amex FHR booking and it was a great stay, sadly for just 1 night
I didn't mind the Doubletree Northbridge when I stayed in 2019 as there was an executive Lounge and Diamond bfast in ground floor restaurant - nice upgrade to a panoramic executive room on top floor wit hgreat bathtub, massive shower and fantastic view of the city skyline - only problem was the all night boom boom from some nightclub on friday at saturday eves

 

[Daver6]

Yikes! Really? I was there in May and breaky was still in Samuels. They've moved status holders to that horrible little lounge now I'm guessing?

I got some fruit as a diamond, basically nothing else. The renovated HH Parmelia, at least back mid year, left a lot to be desired - if they've also taken a decent breakfast away I can't see myself returning.

The two DT's in PER are also pretty ordinary. Might be time for an allegiance change here. I'd be inclined towards using Bonvoy / Ritz but despite laughable daily rack rates they still haven't opened their EL.

I was there in August and similar, no breakfast in the EL and provided at Samuels. If the EL lounge breakfast is decent then it's not a bad thing. I've been to some Hiltons where lounge breakfast is great and others where it's really poor. I think when it's a poor option then it's pretty unfair as a diamond that you get lumped with it and a gold gets the better breakfast.

I suspect they might be doing this though to ease capacity issues at Samuels. It's not that big.

 

[cbourl]

I was there in August and similar, no breakfast in the EL and provided at Samuels. If the EL lounge breakfast is decent then it's not a bad thing. I've been to some Hiltons where lounge breakfast is great and others where it's really poor. I think when it's a poor option then it's pretty unfair as a diamond that you get lumped with it and a gold gets the better breakfast.

I suspect they might be doing this though to ease capacity issues at Samuels. It's not that big.

I like Hilton Tel Aviv - breakfast at pool restaurant, no wine breakfast or a great breakfast in lounge with wine available and they tell you you can do both -at least pre COVID since I had to cancel my stay last April
Hilton Berlin bfast in restaurant or lounge, Hilton Sydney breakfast in restaurant or lounge - better in restaurant,WA Berlin breakfast in restuarant WA Jerusalem bfast in restaurant, Hilton FRA Airport bfast in restaurant or lounge Hilton Milan bfast in restaurant or lounge but all pre- covid - it was surprising to see this at Hilton Perth, but as mentioned breakfast was good and led to less overeating since lounge was almost empty and not well stocked in terms of quantity (rather than choices these were good) Best lounge IMHO is at Hilton Tel Aviv - and my upgrades there are usually executive suites or corner studio or occasionally Vista room (not much different unless you get a top floor renovated room, and you dont get Vista lounge access, just executive lounge access

 

[Matt_01]

Not so much as how you treated, has anyone stayed at the Hilton London Paddington and what did you think of it. MrsM & MissM will be flying into LHR on a different flight from mine, MrsM is by her own accounts navigationally challenged. This place seems like a good option for at least the first night as she can catch the Heathrow Express and should not get lost. If it is recommended I my just stay there while in London.

 

[wannabeinvestmentbanker]

Not so much as how you treated, has anyone stayed at the Hilton London Paddington and what did you think of it. MrsM & MissM will be flying into LHR on a different flight from mine, MrsM is by her own accounts navigationally challenged. This place seems like a good option for at least the first night as she can catch the Heathrow Express and should not get lost. If it is recommended I my just stay there while in London.

I've stayed there probably 3 years ago now. Agree, its very convenient from Heathrow Express and very clearly signposted (from memory I think it was just up some stairs and across a walkway.

Two words to sum it up 'typical London'. The property is typical London Hilton in that the rooms are oldish and small and the layout of the hotel generally is all over the place. Lounge was small with adequate offerings. Not a luxurious property but definitely serves a purpose. Would not recommend for a long stay.

 

[Moopere]

I stayed at Ritz day after on Amex plat travel credit Amex FHR booking and it was a great stay, sadly for just 1 night

Any sign of the EL at the Ritz opening any time soon?

I didn't mind the Doubletree Northbridge when I stayed in 2019 as there was an executive Lounge and Diamond bfast in ground floor restaurant - nice upgrade to a panoramic executive room on top floor wit hgreat bathtub, massive shower and fantastic view of the city skyline - only problem was the all night boom boom from some nightclub on friday at saturday eves

I had the same experience and have stayed at the DT Northbridge any number of times. As Diamond they always sent me to the top of the building and (mostly) away from the noise.

Likewise, nice EL though fairly spartan, but it was ok. Breakfast downstairs in the main restaurant was really very good.

However, they never managed to work out how to deal with guests and parking, managing to fumble through some local arrangement with one of the close by high-rise parking lots which _always_ caused me delay and frustration. Now the EL is gone too.

I noticed them get seriously price squeezed once the DT Waterfront opened and the Parmelia reopened, then COVID hit - perhaps they just couldn't justify the expense of running the EL any longer for a relatively few customers (presumably) who care.

 

[Moopere]

I was there in August and similar, no breakfast in the EL and provided at Samuels. If the EL lounge breakfast is decent then it's not a bad thing. I've been to some Hiltons where lounge breakfast is great and others where it's really poor. I think when it's a poor option then it's pretty unfair as a diamond that you get lumped with it and a gold gets the better breakfast.

I suspect they might be doing this though to ease capacity issues at Samuels. It's not that big.

I've been fairly consistently underwhelmed in Australia with EL breakfast offerings. They're generally fine if you just want a quick bite of some toast and then run - but if you actually want a proper breakfast not so much. As opposed to almost anywhere else in the world I've stayed with HH (bar the USA!). Central and SE Asia in particular put on a good show at either their EL's or main's.

As for capacity at Samuels, you're probably right, but its a problem of their own making. They've added tables in the area near the bain marie, which used to be food/wandering/looking space when it was Adelphi. So now everyone is funneled into this tiny corridor directly in front of the bain marie.

 

[JessicaTam]

Not so much as how you treated, has anyone stayed at the Hilton London Paddington and what did you think of it. MrsM & MissM will be flying into LHR on a different flight from mine, MrsM is by her own accounts navigationally challenged. This place seems like a good option for at least the first night as she can catch the Heathrow Express and should not get lost. If it is recommended I my just stay there while in London.

I have stayed there a few times. I.e. I have gone back! Very convenient to the Hex. The EL is good for people watching in the station. From memory the EL is decent, and breakfast was good.

It seems to be a few buildings merged into one. So a bit of upstairs/downstairs to get to a distant room.

I have stayed in various rooms that have had different aspects, but have to confess no views of carparks from any of them. So you had better avoid it.

 

[justinbrett]

Looks like breakfast is on its way out with its removal from the US (replaced by a F&B credit).

Smart option if travelling solo would be to ensure you book a +1 so you get double the credits - making it $22-$30 a day and should pay for breakfast if you still wanted it (I'm probably prefer to just use it at the bar).

Wonder if they'll still do breakfast in the ELs?

At some hotels (looking at you Hawaiian Village) you're better off with the credit.

 

[bullerdude]

Looks like breakfast is on its way out with its removal from the US (replaced by a F&B credit).

Smart option if travelling solo would be to ensure you book a +1 so you get double the credits - making it $22-$30 a day and should pay for breakfast if you still wanted it (I'm probably prefer to just use it at the bar).

Wonder if they'll still do breakfast in the ELs?

At some hotels (looking at you Hawaiian Village) you're better off with the credit.

While it seems to add more flexibility, I see it as a major downgrade given included breakfasts has been one of Hilton's great benefits of status. Most brands are only providing $12 per day (or $24 for two people) which probably won't cover full breakfasts and also means you need to track what you are spending. It also means that gold/diamond members travelling with family can no longer get the included breakfast for the whole family.

 

[jakeseven7]

While it seems to add more flexibility, I see it as a major downgrade given included breakfasts has been one of Hilton's great benefits of status. Most brands are only providing $12 per day (or $24 for two people) which probably won't cover full breakfasts and also means you need to track what you are spending. It also means that gold/diamond members travelling with family can no longer get the included breakfast for the whole family.

I agree with you it’s probably the only perk I really care about - especially for travelling in Europe etc

 

[justinbrett]

Most brands are only providing $12 per day (or $24 for two people) which probably won't cover full breakfasts

It was never supposed to cover full breakfasts - only continental.

A bit of a bonus many properties were giving out free hot breakfasts.

If you're spending more than US$12 on a continental breakfast, you're being ripped off.

On further reading the change is only supposed to last until the end of the year, but seems to be a big change to rollout just to revert it in a few months. We'll see.

 

[Moopere]

Heres the table from the US:


I wouldn't be surprised to see this become widespread if the idea doesn't completely fail in the USA. I'm a bit surprised that such a change has been rolled out first in such an important market (for them). Its the type of thing I'd expect to get road tested here in Aus first

 

[Virgin Bart]

Pardon the vent, but it's a horrible change.