How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

[QF_Flyer]

As an altern

As an alternate try the Hilton DoubleTree Sonaisali Island. Much more friendly, a little cheaper and whilst they don't get everything right they work hard at doing so. Another advantage is that it's away from Denarau. We gave up on the Hilton Denarau quite a few years ago.
Airport to Hilton Denarau is 14km and airport to the Hilton DoubleTree is 21km.

I really wouldn't bother. DT Sonaisali, in my opinion, is terrible - the staff are indeed friendly, but the hotel is tired, the food is bad. We stayed in July on a ridiculoudly cheap Agoda rate I booked on a whim last year (something like $600 FJD/A$400 for four nights, when the rack rate was around A$500 per night) - if it wasn't for the price, I wouldn't go back.

Hilton isn't much better I agree though, and the prices are absurd for what you get (although I have had some half decent upgrades there, and as it's a resort property I usually return to trigger the Amex Hilton Resort credit).

Aware I'm going massively OT here, but I'll drone on about Fiji a bit (TL;DR - ignore Hilton in Fiji), I personally prefer Intercontinental Fiji Golf Resort (Coral Coast, almost an hour drive from the airport) and Sofitel (although again, prices are stupid for both at the moment). If I had to pick one of those, it would be the IC, their Club IC lounge is great, food is good whether restaurant or lounge and almost always get a suite there.

Heading further, I stayed at the Grand Pacific (IHG hotel but not aligned with any brand it seems) in Suva, that was really nice and very well priced. I rented a car, drove around the bottom of Viti Levu and it was a stunningly scenic drive. Even got a FJ$25 speeding ticket for my troubles (A$18 or so, around 10km/h over the limit or something - they don't mess around, must take lessons from Victoria Police) - just for info, they have very modern digital speed cameras that they move around on poles across the island, mostly on Queens Road, and also have cops setup randomly too - no need to speed with the scenery, but it's easy to drift up given some of the terrain and quiet roads.

 

[QF_Flyer]

There are no 2 BR penthouses however there are adjoining Bure’s and Bure’s with 2 X King beds. We will be back there for 2 nights on 16th & 17th and I can get pics if that is of any use.

View attachment 356615

Hold on, is this the Doubletree? This looks worlds apart from what I was given if so. Goes to show how much a hotel's first impression on a guest can taint their opinion.

That said, I still think the food sucks

 

[Princess Fiona]

A couple of stays recently at Hilton SYD.
Both one night.
First one booked Deluxe Corner and upgraded to City Suite.
Second booked City Suite, did NOR1 upgrade to Ambassador which was successful. Tried to charge me rack rate for Ambassador at check-out.
Charges reversed and paid the rate as booked.
FWIW I think the Ambassador suites and the Master Suite are worthwhile if you can leverage an upgrade to them.

Went to the Exec Lounge on both visits, didn’t eat any food. Usual queues for bar.
Breakfast in Glass but I had other plans on both mornings.

 

[justinbrett]

A couple of stays recently at Hilton SYD.
Both one night.
First one booked Deluxe Corner and upgraded to City Suite.
Second booked City Suite, did NOR1 upgrade to Ambassador which was successful. Tried to charge me rack rate for Ambassador at check-out.
Charges reversed and paid the rate as booked.
FWIW I think the Ambassador suites and the Master Suite are worthwhile if you can leverage an upgrade to them.

Went to the Exec Lounge on both visits, didn’t eat any food. Usual queues for bar.
Breakfast in Glass but I had other plans on both mornings.

Yep, I was upgraded to an Ambassador Suite in Sep - it was amazing. Post with photos here: How do Hilton treat you as an Elite?

It has changed my opinion on the hotel.

 

[liamsal]

All stays as Diamond

Hilton Surfers Paradise
1 night
Booked Guest Room
Received Ocean Panorama Room (originally received a suite but swapped to this as I prefer these rooms over the suits)
Bottle of wine delivered to the room shortly after check in. Didn’t use the lounge, breakfast was great as always. Nil coffee tax either.

DoubleTree Flinders St Melbourne
2 nights
Booked King Skyline River View
Received King Skyline River View
Upgrades showing as available on the app but when asked at check in was told nothing available. Breakfast was good, coffee tax only charged on one of two mornings.

Hilton Surfers Paradise
1 night
Booked 2 bedroom apartment
Received 3 bedroom 3 bath apartment (paid $80 to upgrade)
Needed to change to a bigger room and staff said due to being privately owned they can’t offer complimentary upgrades. Was happy to pay $80 for an additional room and bathroom on floor 51. Didn’t use lounge, 4 x breakfast all comp’ed too. Late check out of 1pm received. And a bottle of wine!

 

[kyle]

All stays as Diamond

Hilton Surfers Paradise
1 night
Booked Guest Room
Received Ocean Panorama Room (originally received a suite but swapped to this as I prefer these rooms over the suits)
Bottle of wine delivered to the room shortly after check in. Didn’t use the lounge, breakfast was great as always. Nil coffee tax either.

DoubleTree Flinders St Melbourne
2 nights
Booked King Skyline River View
Received King Skyline River View
Upgrades showing as available on the app but when asked at check in was told nothing available. Breakfast was good, coffee tax only charged on one of two mornings.

Hilton Surfers Paradise
1 night
Booked 2 bedroom apartment
Received 3 bedroom 3 bath apartment (paid $80 to upgrade)
Needed to change to a bigger room and staff said due to being privately owned they can’t offer complimentary upgrades. Was happy to pay $80 for an additional room and bathroom on floor 51. Didn’t use lounge, 4 x breakfast all comp’ed too. Late check out of 1pm received. And a bottle of wine!

Sounds like HSP has improved

 

[justinbrett]

Needed to change to a bigger room and staff said due to being privately owned they can’t offer complimentary upgrades. Was happy to pay $80 for an additional room and bathroom on floor 51. Didn’t use lounge, 4 x breakfast all comp’ed too. Late check out of 1pm received. And a bottle of wine!

The HHonors program isn't supposed to give you upgrades beyond a one bedroom suite. They're perfectly in their rights not to upgrade you.

That said, I've had the reverse, booked a three bedroom and they offered 2x 2 bedrooms on the same floor. That was actually preferable to us as we planned to have kids sleeping on the floor and gave us an extra kitchen to cook Christmas lunch.

I live here now so haven't been back since early 2022. By the way - you're game coming here during schoolies! (unless that was a delayed post)

 

[Happy Dude]

The HHonors program isn't supposed to give you upgrades beyond a one bedroom suite. They're perfectly in their rights not to upgrade you.

That said, I've had the reverse, booked a three bedroom and they offered 2x 2 bedrooms on the same floor. That was actually preferable to us as we planned to have kids sleeping on the floor and gave us an extra kitchen to cook Christmas lunch.

I live here now so haven't been back since early 2022. By the way - you're game coming here during schoolies! (unless that was a delayed post)

Do you mean in excess of the stated room capacity? I have two kids so it usually means paying for two rooms or a large suite. Both options obviously jack the price. I do wonder if having 4 in a room for 3 is easy to get away with, especially if utilising the lounge or brekky.

 

[justinbrett]

Do you mean in excess of the stated room capacity? I have two kids so it usually means paying for two rooms or a large suite. Both options obviously jack the price. I do wonder if having 4 in a room for 3 is easy to get away with, especially if utilising the lounge or brekky.

No, some adults needed their own beds. We had 4 adults + 2 kids

 

[Daver6]

I agree this is annoying, I got no advance warning of it at all earlier this year and it wasn't mentioned anywhere. Not to mention that Diamonds were always able to get breakfast in the restaurant anyway (was the Grand Orbit before, amazing food, Londoner now which is ok, but not nearly as good).

I definitely don't think a G&T is a fair exchange, but I was given nothing. To be fair I didn't ask, but it was still a bit annoying, given the high cost of that hotel (although still relatively reasonable rewards prices, which is mainly why I stayed, although I must admit that, compared to pre-COVID, reward nights there seem to be a lot more restricted).

Agree that breakfast wasn't amazing. I mean it was still damn good as Asian breakfasts always are. What annoys me though is how busy it can get. Again, wasn't an issue as I was up early for work.

 

[turtlemichael]

Status: Hilton Diamond

Property: Next Hotel, Curio by Hilton, Melbourne 2 nights.
Room booked: Standard Queen
Rate: Honors Discount
Room received: 1 bedroom King Suite, 21st floor.
Received: Huge pack of star shaped chocolates, bottle of Louis Perdrier Brut (Dan Murphy has it at around $15.00), two small waters, and 3 x 20gm tins of excellent Tea Drop tea. The room had a well stocked mini bar and a small Nespresso machine.

Location is in Little Collins Street between Exhibition and Russell. There are loads of restaurants and bars around.

Thought I'd give the place a try for a brief staycation. Check in was friendly but laboured as they are still learning the Hilton systems. No mention of the upgrade at check-in but was told where the various facilities were. No one had name badges and as they are casually dressed it was hard to know who was and who wasn't staff on occasions. Don't know how big the booked room would have been, but the suite was adequate - certainly not large. The style is austere modern. The bed was very comfortable and the separate lounge was utilitarian. Bathroom had shower and no bath. Shower was superb. Toiletries were Hunter Lab. They were not wall mounted but just large dispensers on the various shelves. There was a price list on the bathroom bench just in case I was tempted.

I had drinks in the lounge 5.00 to 7.00 (smallish seating about 30). The basic spirts and wines there were all served by a host. She and I were the only one there in my 30 minutes of imbibing the first night. Snacks were limited but excellent quality. Many meats, limited cheeses, dips and a couple of hot items. Also some oysters. On the second night there were maybe 5 people there and the variety of food was a bit larger. You'd have to be devoted to regard it as an alternative to a meal.

There was no offer of a restaurant breakfast and I didn't inquire. The lounge breakfast was a limited buffet with a number of hot items, fruit, yoghurts etc. All high quality and met my needs. The pastries were the best I've had in a hotel in Australia. Excellent selection and very fresh. There is a Nespresso machine but the host asked if me if I wanted coffee. It came from the restaurant upstairs and there was no coffee tax. (tick, tick, tick) I can't see this coffee option lasting as it was very labour intensive and a little slow. Breakfast in the lounge was 7.00 to 9.30 and 7.00 to 11.00 on weekends.

I tried to use the restaurant for dinner but it was booked out the night I asked. It is not huge. The one bar on one of the nights was heaving so I imagine it is popular with local office workers.

Hilton points hit my account the day after check-out.

All up, a very good experience. I'd certainly come back for a staycation as I live in Melbourne. For my needs I'd rank it better than most, if not all, other Australian Hilton family properties. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

 

[Daver6]

Status: Hilton Diamond

Property: Next Hotel, Curio by Hilton, Melbourne 2 nights.
Room booked: Standard Queen
Rate: Honors Discount
Room received: 1 bedroom King Suite, 21st floor.
Received: Huge pack of star shaped chocolates, bottle of Louis Perdrier Brut (Dan Murphy has it at around $15.00), two small waters, and 3 x 20gm tins of excellent Tea Drop tea. The room had a well stocked mini bar and a small Nespresso machine.

Location is in Little Collins Street between Exhibition and Russell. There are loads of restaurants and bars around.

Thought I'd give the place a try for a brief staycation. Check in was friendly but laboured as they are still learning the Hilton systems. No mention of the upgrade at check-in but was told where the various facilities were. No one had name badges and as they are casually dressed it was hard to know who was and who wasn't staff on occasions. Don't know how big the booked room would have been, but the suite was adequate - certainly not large. The style is austere modern. The bed was very comfortable and the separate lounge was utilitarian. Bathroom had shower and no bath. Shower was superb. Toiletries were Hunter Lab. They were not wall mounted but just large dispensers on the various shelves. There was a price list on the bathroom bench just in case I was tempted.

I had drinks in the lounge 5.00 to 7.00 (smallish seating about 30). The basic spirts and wines there were all served by a host. She and I were the only one there in my 30 minutes of imbibing the first night. Snacks were limited but excellent quality. Many meats, limited cheeses, dips and a couple of hot items. Also some oysters. On the second night there were maybe 5 people there and the variety of food was a bit larger. You'd have to be devoted to regard it as an alternative to a meal.

There was no offer of a restaurant breakfast and I didn't inquire. The lounge breakfast was a limited buffet with a number of hot items, fruit, yoghurts etc. All high quality and met my needs. The pastries were the best I've had in a hotel in Australia. Excellent selection and very fresh. There is a Nespresso machine but the host asked if me if I wanted coffee. It came from the restaurant upstairs and there was no coffee tax. (tick, tick, tick) I can't see this coffee option lasting as it was very labour intensive and a little slow. Breakfast in the lounge was 7.00 to 9.30 and 7.00 to 11.00 on weekends.

I tried to use the restaurant for dinner but it was booked out the night I asked. It is not huge. The one bar on one of the nights was heaving so I imagine it is popular with local office workers.

Hilton points hit my account the day after check-out.

All up, a very good experience. I'd certainly come back for a staycation as I live in Melbourne. For my needs I'd rank it better than most, if not all, other Australian Hilton family properties. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

I didn't even know this existed! Might need to give it a whirl next time I'm in Melbourne.

If you've stayed at the Hilton LQS, I assume you rate this as better?

 

[QF_Flyer]

Status: Hilton Diamond

Property: Next Hotel, Curio by Hilton, Melbourne 2 nights.
Room booked: Standard Queen
Rate: Honors Discount
Room received: 1 bedroom King Suite, 21st floor.
Received: Huge pack of star shaped chocolates, bottle of Louis Perdrier Brut (Dan Murphy has it at around $15.00), two small waters, and 3 x 20gm tins of excellent Tea Drop tea. The room had a well stocked mini bar and a small Nespresso machine.

Location is in Little Collins Street between Exhibition and Russell. There are loads of restaurants and bars around.

Thought I'd give the place a try for a brief staycation. Check in was friendly but laboured as they are still learning the Hilton systems. No mention of the upgrade at check-in but was told where the various facilities were. No one had name badges and as they are casually dressed it was hard to know who was and who wasn't staff on occasions. Don't know how big the booked room would have been, but the suite was adequate - certainly not large. The style is austere modern. The bed was very comfortable and the separate lounge was utilitarian. Bathroom had shower and no bath. Shower was superb. Toiletries were Hunter Lab. They were not wall mounted but just large dispensers on the various shelves. There was a price list on the bathroom bench just in case I was tempted.

I had drinks in the lounge 5.00 to 7.00 (smallish seating about 30). The basic spirts and wines there were all served by a host. She and I were the only one there in my 30 minutes of imbibing the first night. Snacks were limited but excellent quality. Many meats, limited cheeses, dips and a couple of hot items. Also some oysters. On the second night there were maybe 5 people there and the variety of food was a bit larger. You'd have to be devoted to regard it as an alternative to a meal.

There was no offer of a restaurant breakfast and I didn't inquire. The lounge breakfast was a limited buffet with a number of hot items, fruit, yoghurts etc. All high quality and met my needs. The pastries were the best I've had in a hotel in Australia. Excellent selection and very fresh. There is a Nespresso machine but the host asked if me if I wanted coffee. It came from the restaurant upstairs and there was no coffee tax. (tick, tick, tick) I can't see this coffee option lasting as it was very labour intensive and a little slow. Breakfast in the lounge was 7.00 to 9.30 and 7.00 to 11.00 on weekends.

I tried to use the restaurant for dinner but it was booked out the night I asked. It is not huge. The one bar on one of the nights was heaving so I imagine it is popular with local office workers.

Hilton points hit my account the day after check-out.

All up, a very good experience. I'd certainly come back for a staycation as I live in Melbourne. For my needs I'd rank it better than most, if not all, other Australian Hilton family properties. Happy to answer any questions if I can.

This is great, I new the Next was coming, but didn't realise it was open now. Sounds like a decent property, I'll be sure to give it a go, thanks for the review.

 

[kyle]

Tonight's amenity at LQS. Not sure if all rooms got it.

 

[JessicaTam]

Tonight's amenity at LQS. Not sure if all rooms got it. View attachment 360875View attachment 360876

Oh, Oh Oh.

 

[kyle]

I'm really warming to Hilton LQS.

It's the final night of my mattress run in 2023 to retain diamond and it turns out to be my 25th stay at the hotel and scored a master king suite complimentary upgrade! In the room was a card mentioning the 25th stay, bottle of mineral water, dessert and a retail size skin care kit. I'm willing to compromise on the tram noise for this suite hehe. Thanks LQS.

 

[Captain Halliday]

Status: Gold
Property: Hilton Zurich Airport
Room booked: Standard Queen
Rate: Honors Discount Semi-flex
Room received: Queen Executive
Received: 2x bottles of water, Executive Lounge access which also triggered breakfast for all three guests rather than the usual two.




Executive lounge:



Full review and pictures in my trip report here.

 

[gapmatt]

Status: Diamond
Property: Conrad Tokyo
Room booked: King room City
Rate: redeemed using points transferred from Amex
Room received: twin suite deluxe but then upgraded for $100AUD per night to King exec suite bay view
Received: 2x bottles of water, Executive Lounge.

Have to say an excellent deal given rack rate for tonight is well over $1,000 a night.

 

[Disco]

Property: Parmelia Hilton Perth
Booked. Standard Queen
Received. Queen Delux semi suite, 10 floor
Status. Gold
Executive lounge access which was closed for breakfast but we were offered the full buffet breakfast in the restaurant at no extra cost. Excellent rate and stay. Warm welcome from familiar faces including Phillip, Alex, Scott and Paola.

 

[Ausbt]

https://www.news.com.au/travel/travel-advice/airports/american-man-given-waiver-while-eating-medium-done-burger/news-story/a2697b7c0b242b8299a664544abd6f69

Surely this wouldn't happen to a Gold Elite though...?