Hilton HHonors - Hilton Sydney Airport

Have anyone been to this hotel?

Any comments?

Yes - just last week.

It's quite nice - but very basic. I got upgraded to an executive suite - for an extremely low rate of A$158. Just for being GOLD.

Aircrew stay at this hotel. But being out of Sydney central, this hotel does not have the dreaded 10% Sydney City Tax attached.

Unless you have either an early connection or have business around the airport, you would be quite isolated from the city if you stay here.

FWIW, this hotel is having a rate of AUD 125/nt + 12 tax currently (code 9U). I presume that they've expanded the Sydney City Tax catchment area since Celestar stayed there.

As you might guess the Grand Hyatt is superior to most all choices in the majors in Sydney. If the airport location is what you seek, then the Hyatt would be a horrible choice as the cab fare is brutal in the preolympic construction traffic and the hotel is down by the bridge.

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[This message has been edited by Rudi (edited 07-05-2000).]

We overnighted there last year in an ordinary room--it was comfortable and quiet. We were off the next morning on another flight, so the pick up and drop off by the hotel was convenient.

There is no Sydney City Tax of 10% as the hotel is outside Sydney City. But now you'll be hit with 10% GST.

Yes, the Hyatt is very nice, but it is also 3 times as expensive as the Airport Hilton!

You'll be arriving just a Australia introduces their version of the GST. I had the same experience in New Zealand on a trip in the 80s when they just introduced it there. The experience came in handy when we had the debate up here in Canada a year later. They did it right, and we did everything they warned us not to do, with expected results. I am led to believe the Australians actually wanted this GST because as in New Zealand, it is supposed to be balanced by lower personal income taxes. It was a campaign issue in the last election and the government won on the basis of their promising to introduce it!

Still think this hotel is a bit out of the way if you really want to explore the city. But as you're using free nights, I guess the price is right!

Originally posted by Shareholder:
Yes, the Hyatt is very nice, but it is also 3 times as expensive as the Airport Hilton!

You'll be arriving just a Australia introduces their version of the GST. I had the same experience in New Zealand on a trip in the 80s when they just introduced it there. The experience came in handy when we had the debate up here in Canada a year later. They did it right, and we did everything they warned us not to do, with expected results. I am led to believe the Australians actually wanted this GST because as in New Zealand, it is supposed to be balanced by lower personal income taxes. It was a campaign issue in the last election and the government won on the basis of their promising to introduce it!

Still think this hotel is a bit out of the way if you really want to explore the city. But as you're using free nights, I guess the price is right!

Just to clarify the Sydney Bed Tax, it ceased to exist at midnight 30 June/1 July - but was instantly replaced with the GST - so in central Sydney you only have to pay the GST (Which has to be included in the advertised price - so you shouldnt be quoted a price of $xxx + Tax).

Purchases that you make in Australia - that you are exporting (ie. if you buy stuff in australia to take back with you) are eligiable for a rebate - keep the reciepts to claim a rebate at the airport (this doesnt apply to accomodation etc - you have to take the stuff you buy home with you!)

Ranles: There is only one Hyatt now in sydney, the Park Hyatt down on the harbour - there used to be another in Kings Cross - the Hyatt Regency Kingsgate - but this is now a Millenium Hotel.

[This message has been edited by AN-Diamond (edited 07-08-2000).]

The Sydney City Bed Tax is seperate from the GST. SO any hotel in the Sydney area (except airport hotels) will be subject to 10% Sydney Bed Tax and 10% GST now.

Originally posted by Guy Betsy:
The Sydney City Bed Tax is seperate from the GST. SO any hotel in the Sydney area (except airport hotels) will be subject to 10% Sydney Bed Tax and 10% GST now.

When the GST came in it replace a number of other taxes - part of the "deal" with the New South Wales State Government (which used to administer to Sydney Bed Tax) was that that tax would be withdrawn at the introduction of the GST. So at the stroke of midnight on 1st July the bed tax became the GST - the only difference to guests - the GST has to be included in the price quoted, whereas the Bed Tax was often an added "surprise" on the bill.

Trust me, i know these things http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I trust you AN-Diamond... I know what your job is http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

AN-Diamond: So is this actually a Singapore-based mini-chain of luxury properties, I assume? By the way, are they actually going to cut personal income taxes in Australia now that you have a GST? How did Labour campaign on this issue? (You can email me directly if you feel this political question will "clutter" the board.)

Originally posted by Shareholder:
[B]AN-Diamond: So is this actually a Singapore-based mini-chain of luxury properties, I assume? By the way, are they actually going to cut personal income taxes in Australia now that you have a GST? How did Labour campaign on this issue?[B]

Re Stamford Hotels (See SYD Airport Sheraton Thread) - It appears that they only have hotels in Australia/New Zealand, however are wholly owned by the Hai Sun Hup Group of Singapore. They seem to be aimed at the luxury boutique end of the market - certainly the Ritz-Carlton and the Brisbane Heritage are both at that end of the market

---WAY POLITICAL STUFF FOLLOWING---

The Australian Labor Party (ALP) opposed the introduction of the GST, and voted agains the Not a New Tax, but A New Tax System Act (1999). However now that it has been introduced, Labor has committed itself to a program of "rollback" - removing the GST from essential goods and services - the Governments deal with the Democrats has already meant that the GST does not apply to a range of products - it is Labors plan to increase the fairnes of the tax by removing further items, such as childrens clothing, healthcare and education.

The introduction of the tax also came with reasonable tax cuts, and the withdrawal of the Wholesale Sales Tax, and a number of other taxes (including the Sydney Bed Tax).

Sounds a like the Canadian experience was studied, and your foes learned something from it. We have exemptions for food, rent and financial/insurance services plus a tax credit/rebate to lower-income taxpayers. But there was no across-the-board income tax cut up here. Our GST also replaced a number of hidden federal taxes on manufactured and imported goods. However, most other federal taxes (like gasoline excise) did not disappear, nor did sales taxes imposed by each province. As I sit here filling out my quarterly GST filing (I'm a small business person so have both personal and two company returns to do by the end of July), I still curse the tax. But I also get much of it back, so I shouldn't complain, and it keeps my books up-to-date for year end. Well, enough politics. Let's hope Empress enjoys his few days in "God's country". [By the way, my client won the leadership race for our new federal party-of-the-right... Empress will know that the fellow he sat next to on a flight to Edmonton a few months ago was his campaign manager! Small world, eh?]

May assist someone on business or holidays passing through? Imagine these count as a legal "Stay"?. $A99 = approx $US50, inc. all taxes, and parking is included there too if that is useful, but they orf course have a shuttle to both terminals. Never seen it that low. Usual is $A345.


http://www.wotif.com/Accommodation/viewdeal.asp?PropID=2512

With all due respect, I wonder who they charge so much for that dump. I've stayed there twice and their treatment of HHonors elite members is terrible.

I did pay AUD 109 inclusive last austral autumn.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Well, it is the ONLY Hilton property in Australasia that has rooms anywhere remotely near that price. And on these 50,000 point, 5 'stay' promos ...... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

And it does also include use of hotel sporting facilities including tennis and squash courts, pool and gymnasium.

I stayed there on Saturday night. I booked directly through the Hilton website for $125.

I was quite impressed with the hotel it was in my opinion very good value for money - especially when you consider the 1000 pt online booking bonus and the double points promo. The staff were friendly and I got my requested room (non smoking with an airport view).

I'll be staying there again next time there is another major weekend spotting event in SYD.

Best Regards

Bradley

Joh
As Hilton Gold, did you get complimentary breakfast

------------------
JBC
If it is to be, it is up to me

I stayed there for a week at Xmas and i am Diamond and -
No I didnt get comp breakfast. I did get a larger room.
I kept extending at the desk and they would say yes ok then the next day i would go out and they would lock me out of the room. there isnt a lot of communication there!
But they were friendly and the restaurant is ok.
Still havent got my points though.

Can't find the email for the Sydney Airport Hilton. Any help appreciated. (need a day room, and Hilton reservations say they don't exist at this property)
Thanks

I would simply call up the property directly...

While I have never had luck obtaining an email for a specific property, some others have by the thread below:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/003314.html

pgmrldy -- Check your e-mail.

Thank You

How's this hotel lately in terms of upgrade and offering breakfast as Gold? It's been a while since I stayed there and might do so next week. (Lowest rate I could find is $145AUD + 1K bonus points).

I was there last month on the A$145 rate. Had a great room with goodies waiting for me (chocolate coated coffee beans and big bowl of candy), and letter from Dir. of Sales. No breakfast was offered, but I wasn't looking for it either. At that time I was ex-Gold HH. For me, it was an excellent stay.

There is a 10 day advance rate of $130.
As a Diamond Club member I also get 20% off hotel room and all things charged to the room.
A great little gem ad a good price.
Free parking too.

Thanks for the info. I will report back if I decide to stay there.

Shuttle from SYD was convenient. Upgraded to room on top floor. Nothing special. Offered but did not need breakfest cert.. I would do it again.

News released today.
So there is actually NO Hilton in Sydney now.
So much for just rejoining Hilton Diamond Club!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

tinkybelle is correct.

The changeover begins 9 November 2003 (http://www.travelbiz.com.au/articles/06/0c01ad06.asp).

Only stayed there once. Wasn't that great, so I won't miss it. Can't wait for the new Sydney Hilton to reopen, assuming it stays a Hilton. The Melbourne airport Hilton was way better than Sydney. One of the best airport hotels I've ever been in.

I stayed there once also.

While the hotel was certainly not outstanding when I was there several years ago, I was able to use a Point Stretcher award there, whereas I was unable to use one at the Hilton Sydney.

I would have preferred to have stayed at the Hilton Sydney, but overall I was satisfied with my stay at the Sydney Airport Hilton. Like I said, there was nothing special about it.

The only way I will miss the Sydney Airport Hilton is if I needed to use a Point Stretcher award if I am back in the Sydney area in the future and no other Hilton property is participating.

Seen in the newspaper today that the Sydney Airport Hilton will become an Accor (Mercure)property as of Nov 1st, 2003. This will leave Sydney with NO hilton until the downtown one is finished mid 2004.

Good riddance, some (myself included) would say. The Grace has been standing in for the Sydney Hilton. Stays, nights, points & miles awarded. Even some elite benefits (room upgrades for Gold).

Same topic discussed here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/008934.html) already...

Not sure if this has been posted already but have just heard that the Hilton Sydney Airport ceases to exist this Saturday and becomes an Accor property! This leave the following hotels in Sydney that 'honor' HHonors points:

Grace Hotel, City
Rushcutters Harbourside
Grace Rushcutters

Just had a look for the hotels I was told when I originally contacted Airport Hilton and it looks like they are Federation Hotels International. I can't see anything about this group on FT http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Also, it seems that there are only 2 hotels - the Grace at Rushcutters Bay appears spurious

will they honor it on any rate you book on their site/direct with the hotel? or are there special rates for HH members?

Yikes. I had a small MR planned to pick up some bonus points. Need to change my plans http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Well, I will miss this property a little bit. But taxis are quite reasonable, and in the early morning a cab from a city centre hotel is almost as fast as waiting for the shuttle. I think I'll survive this loss, though I have stayed there many times over the years.

I stayed at the Hilton SYD airport a couple years ago. When did it leave Hilton? I could not find it to make a reservation. Any options? Please advise. Thanks

The following threads should give you the answers for which you are seeking, RTWSTARALLIANCE:
Sydney Airport Hilton to become Mercure (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/008934.html)
Sydney Airport Hilton to become Accor (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/008952.html)
Airport Hilton SYD is no more! (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/009114.html)

As for what other options are available, I will defer that to a FlyerTalk member that has more knowledge about this specific query than I do, since I have stayed at that property when I was last in Sydney but I have not stayed at any other property near the airport.

Thank you.

Unfortunately if you want a HHonors stay you need to hit the city to the Grace hotel.
I can help u out with a great rate.
otherwise at 4 pts you should get a lovely suite as PLAT.
Let me know when u hit town!

Thank you. I was intending to. Regards