The only thing that keeps me going to the HSyd is the location and the staff....oh, and needing to keep my HH nights incrementing of course 
The rooms are really too tiny when compared to most modern 5* properties and as you state later there are almost always some maintenance issues.
I've been stung with this before at other branded hotels - its just not acceptable. The two singles are either sagging in the middle or too strong in the middle ... either way, it just doesn't work. King sized beds almost always have two separate bases, but they should manhandle a proper king mattress into the room if they are going to sell it as a king bed.
Yep - WOW!
How do you know the guest relations managers when you see one? Do they have a special name tag or something? I should pay more attention as I love to speak with management at properties - I am in front line service provision myself and understand the need for feedback, both good and bad, and always take the opportunity to tell managers when things are going great or when they are not so great - but in Australia I find it difficult to tell who is who.
This was my overriding feeling at my recent stay at HSW as well - I received, in the end, service and amenity that I was happy with, but it didn't come easily. I really rarely pull a DYKWIA, I don't like to do this so its not like I wave my lowly gold card around in peoples faces, but at the same time, most Hilton properties class themselves as 5* and with that comes a certain expectation which I think is reasonable by and large. It should be mandatory for all levels of property management in Australia to spend time in Asian hilton hotels I think ... to get some real insight into how things can be done when they are done well.
There was a time, not that long ago, when I used to just sigh and accept this type of thing. But I've spent too long in Asia now and have received more than one 'wedgy' from Asian friends of mine during SE Asian stays that I'm too laid back in respect to bad service or bad amenity. Nowadays I'm much more likely to present, and present again, at the front desk until a decent, clean, and reasonably maintained room is offered. I notice that from KL or BKK across to HKG and everywhere in between a status guest manager almost always accompanies me to my booked (or upgraded) room to see that I'm happy with it.
