Hilton HHonors - Any quick way to get Gold?

Just wondering whether any credit card or airline programs like AMEX Platinum or UA programs give automatic Hilton Gold?

I belive that the AMEX Hilton gives you silver level (no fee). You can also sign up for the EWRDC program (See Cheap stay for 4th EWRDC? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/003000.html)), I think it is still on. You will get Gold level and if you stay 4 times in 90 days the gold level will be extended for another year.

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Sagy

[This message has been edited by Sagy (edited 11-29-2001).]

If you are Aeroplan Elite(AirCanada) you will became Silver right away and fast track to Gold which means gold after 4 stays within 90 days. I believe Aeroplan SuperElite will became Hilton Gold directly.

Hi,

The UK Amex Platinum card gives you free Hilton HHonors gold for the first year.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bagold:
Just wondering whether any credit card or airline programs like AMEX Platinum or UA programs give automatic Hilton Gold?</font>

Gold is so devalued...the only way to get good benefits these days is to become Diamond.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by afang:
Gold is so devalued...the only way to get good benefits these days is to become Diamond.</font>

I still find being gold valuable, the point bonuses, VIP awards, and room upgrades.

and room upgrades

I'm sorry but everytime when I pulled out my Gold card and request an upgrade, they looked at me and say there are no more rooms for me...

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by afang:
and room upgrades

I'm sorry but everytime when I pulled out my Gold card and request an upgrade, they looked at me and say there are no more rooms for me...</font>

I have actually had very good luck, usually if I make sure my reservation has my hh number they have happened automaticly.

Of course I am pretty easy going, and figure whatever I get for free is good. So I try not expect upgrade for flights or rooms and figure if I get it great, if not maybe next time.

I too had probs getting ups,till I started asking when I got to the check-in and B4 I told them I had a res, what type of rooms are aviable or by calling the res 800#.
This way I knew what the exact inventory was and when I showed the Gold soon to be Diamond,they had no where to hide.
wasnt able to check-in for Balls Vegas last week at the airport started to get the run around DIDNT raise my voice but since I knew what they had I ended up on the 27th floor NICE room and view in the North Tower. Yeh it should have been automatic but I learned that we too have to play by their rules and just use your head and we can get thru them.

I too am Gold, soon to be Diamond (this month) and find that 75% of the time I get upgraded. However, half of the time I need to ask for it. It's best to smooze your way into the upgrade, not demanding. I will say, varying from property to property, the upgraded rooms are not that much different. Access to the "lounge" is more important. Have never been upgraded to a suite in the 25 stays this year.

As a Diamond (36 stays and 131 nights this year) I called the Diamond desk this past week to inquire whether a co-worker I was traveling with could still grab the EWRDC promo. He said that the EWRDC promo was over but asked what was I specifically interested in. I mentioned the automatic Gold for her since the 50k was out, he asked what her HHonors # was and then in less than 30 seconds, said wish granted. Not sure if it was my stays and intervention that got it for her or what.

ontherun (MD but only on weekends :-)

Recently got upgraded without asking at Zurich Airport and Munich City Hiltons. No problems.

Also, in Munich got a very tasty box of chocolates in the room. In Zurich a nice half bottle of wine.

HHonors and VISA in Japan have a tie-up card. Gold VISA gets one HHonors Gold VIP status. This card also generates 2,000 points for each stay if used to pay for stays at Hiltons in Japan, Hawaii, Guam and Asia.

Plain, Classic Card gives you Silver VIP and 1,000 points for each stay at above hotels.

American Airlines Executive Platinum are entitled to HHonors Gold -see page 24 of the EP membership guide

I got my Gold thru Amex Plat - and - it is the little things in life that make me smile - I got upgraded last night at a Hampton Inn - to a fireplace suite!!!! It was actually a nice room - so - don't turn up your nose at either the Gold card or a Hampton Inn!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif)

that up was pure LUCK, Hamptons by and large DONT upgrade,nor are they obligated to do so as Hiltons,DT are. Even the Hampton I&Ss dont have to up.


[This message has been edited by craz (edited 12-04-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by craz:
that up was pure LUCK, Hamptons by and large DONT upgrade,nor are they obligated to do so as Hiltons,DT are. Even the Hampton I&Ss dont have to up.


</font>

That's correct. I stayed at Tulsa South Hampton Inn and Suites, and I asked if one of their suites are avaliable for upgrade, they said sure but they will need to charge me $30/night more.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by EMD:
I got my Gold thru Amex Plat - and - it is the little things in life that make me smile - I got upgraded last night at a Hampton Inn - to a fireplace suite!!!! It was actually a nice room - so - don't turn up your nose at either the Gold card or a Hampton Inn!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif)</font>

Ahhh... now that is one card I have. Do you remember which number you called and whether there is a code associated with it?

I was a silver, and simply called them and said I was going to be staying at their property for a long period of time. They made me gold. They made all my coworkers gold too. Seems likes that's the quickest way. I had about 2 stays of 4 nights at that point. Now I've earned diamond.