I am very concerned by the recent threads concerning the failure of the London Hilton on Park Lane to grant HHonors Gold and Diamond benefits to Gold/Diamond members. Specifically, the lack of upgrades, lounge access, etc. So, in order to "warn" each other and make Hilton aware of "troublesome" hotels (in terms of providing Gold/Diamond benefitd), I invite comment regarding these service failures. Hotel names, type of failure/treatment, any attempted resolution, etc. would be helpful. - kazman
DOC 2 BE
Dec 18, 00, 4:40 pm
This is an Excellent idea!!
Adam should monitor this posting and advise us if he was able to ensure that those hotels so identified will honor their commitments in the future!!
Moose
Dec 19, 00, 6:09 pm
There certainly does seem to be a wide variance in the properties that Hilton is willing to allow to carry its brand. To call some "substandard" would actually be letting them get off easy.
An example: The Hilton Embassy Row in Washington, DC. This is a property that took the Hilton name not more than a year or two ago, but quite obviously did not undergo a refurbishment in the process. On a recent stay I found the rooms speck-sized, the curtains soiled and torn, and the carpet worn thread bare. And that's only what was apparent in the first five seconds in the room. The worst part was the leak that developed from an antique heating system in the ceiling, sending a gush of water down at about 1:15am and continuing to drip until I finally requested to be moved in the middle of the night so I could sleep. The property markets its charming Colonial style - what they don't tell you is that it truly is some sort of Colonial relic! The service is decent, but doesn't have much to work with.
Being a lowly holder of a purple card, I can't really speak well to its adherence to the elite levels of the HHonors program, but I can say that a Diamond-level colleague travelling with me did not have a much better experience than I did. To get a room larger than the standard speck-size (something approaching shoebox), he had to move down from the premium floor. Not that he was missing all that much - the selections in its lounge were meager, and the business services nearly non-existent.
All in all, not one for ol' Conrad to be very proud of, in the Moose's opinion.
kokonutz
Dec 20, 00, 9:06 am
About 3 weeks ago I booked a room under my name at the Embassy Row for a friend and he (I) was upgraded to a beautiful two room corner suite. I am Gold. The hotel "gym" on the other hand, left a LOT to be desired...
Moose
Dec 20, 00, 11:10 am
Did you actually see this suite with your own eyes, kokonutz? I'm just wondering whether in this case, beauty was in the eye of a beholder who didn't have much to compare it with.
Your friend was right about the gym, though. If memory serves the Moose, it wasn't too far from the ratty restrooms off the lobby. In fact, water spots from an overflown toilet had created a pathway between the two (no joke).
jetsetter
Dec 20, 00, 1:44 pm
Boston Hilton Back Bay: Would not provide breakfast coupons, and did not have a lounge. Asked me to fax them a copy of HH terms saying I was authorized breakfast. Creditted 100 points. They may have improved since then per other trip reports.
Hilton Old Town Alexandria: Often does not provide upgrades to its club level, but instead to a suite. Argued with them for over an hour, got upgraded, and got entire bill for stay creditted back to credit card.
I second the idea for Adam Burke to use this thread to let us know when offending hotels have cleaned up their act.
kokonutz
Dec 20, 00, 3:28 pm
Moose: Yes, I saw the suite. It was beautiful.
The "gym" is on the lower level, across from the restaurant. None of the equipment worked.
There are no restrooms on the lobby level. Are you sure you were at this hotel?
Moose
Dec 20, 00, 6:06 pm
The restrooms on lobby level are past the elevator bank, through the hallway to the back, near the stairs going to the lower level where the restaurant (didn't try it) and the antique-fitness-equipment storage room are located. It's easy to miss them, though. Like most every other room I saw in the place, they were tiny.
Glad to hear, though, that there IS a decent room hidden there in a corner, somewhere.
The point of the post was that one would have expected more of a Hilton property that, from its name, aims to cater to foreign dignitaries and the like. Maybe they, rather than most HHonors elites, get the beautiful suites (are you a diplomat, kokonutz?). Or maybe my colleague and I hit it during a bleak week.
Yes, the Moose was definitely at this hotel - but won't be there again!
macbravery
Dec 20, 00, 6:12 pm
DoubleTree Hotel Denver (Quebec Street):
I am a gold member. They provided an "upgraded" room. We'll they don't have a club floor for they gave me a corner room on an upper floor that was bigger than a regular room (had a small foyer). The room had a sofa and a coffee table and was slightly larger than average, but overall it was nothing special.
They gave an amenity of nuts, chocolates, and bottled water...after I inquired about the free breakfast. No free breakfast, even though they had both a restaurant and a cafe. Manager would not budge even though I showed him the copy of the website terms and conditions.
No way I was going to BUY breakfast there, hence the "Speeding Breakfast Debacle."
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/000695.html
Adam from Hilton was nice enough to contact the hotel on my behalf, but their response left a lot to be desired. They sent a letter to me saying basically: "Sorry about the ticket, but we gave you an amenity so be happy because we don't give breakfasts here even though it's in the terms and conditions. Here, have a coupon for a free night the next time you're in Denver, but you can only use this coupon at this hotel (where we still won't give you breakfast)."
Pretty poor, I'd say. I'll post the exact text of the letter later if anybody is interested.
Mac
------------------
Via con Dios!
[This message has been edited by macbravery (edited 12-20-2000).]
DOC 2 BE
Dec 20, 00, 7:56 pm
They sent a letter to me saying basically: "Sorry about the ticket, but we gave you an amenity so be happy because we don't give breakfasts here even though it's in the terms and conditions. Here, have a coupon for a free night the next time you're in Denver, but you can only use this coupon at this hotel (where we still won't give you breakfast)."
To be honest, I'd rather have a coupon for a free night's stay than a breakfast or 2. Do you still have that coupon??? Just kidding! However, I certainly understand your frustration. As a newly minted Gold who has yet to stay as a Gold HHonors, I will definitely bring the HHonors terms and conditions with me in case I have to show them that I am entitled to these amenities.
kazman
Dec 20, 00, 9:51 pm
This brings up a good question - Can an HHonors participating hotel decide to not honor the Hilton terms and conditions ? -kazman
MisterNice
Dec 21, 00, 1:12 pm
Here is the original finalized press release (7 Mar 2000) of the HHonors Program from Hilton. It loudly touts the benefits and proudly states 2000+ hotels are included. It goes on and on re the benefits etc.
And quoting Hilton's Mr Jeffery Diskin, Pres and CEO, Hilton HHoners Worldwide.......
"A hotel guest reward program requires three elements to achieve the greatest possible success: a sizeable, loyal membership base; a unique, stand-out customer benefit; and a large distribution of appealing hotels where members can glean the benefits of the program," said Jeffrey Diskin, president and chief operating officer of Hilton HHonors Worldwide. "While HHonors already had one of the leading guest reward programs in the industry largely due to its unique Double Dipping® benefit and large membership, it now has the added benefit of hotels and resorts located virtually everywhere our HHonors members travel, making our program the unparalleled industry leader."
With the expansion, Hilton HHonors dramatically increases reward earnings options for its members, presenting them with more than 2,000 participating hotels and resorts for earnings and redemption worldwide - a fourfold increase in the number of participating properties...."
* please note it does not exclude any HH hotels such as the Waldorf Astoria, etc
jetsetter
Dec 21, 00, 1:36 pm
I would welcome a comment from Hilton regarding non compliant hotels in general. E.g. does Hilton require its hotels to offer the HH benefits, and what do they do if a hotel does not offer the benefits?
Kermy FF
Dec 21, 00, 5:19 pm
I am a GOLD and was denied the free breakfast in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Only after I showed a printout of the rules was I reluctantly given the coupons for breakfast. I wrote a letter to the hotel and got a weak apology saying that the clerk "should have known the rules." I was not impressed.
Sylvest941
Dec 23, 00, 9:10 am
I am DIAMOND and experienced the same at the Cherry Hill Hilton, NJ.
But no coupons, no nothing! And poor service at the front desk & "restaurant".
An "opportunity" level HHonors reward hotel!
My advice: please miss this opportunity!
gwendolynaoife
Dec 23, 00, 5:37 pm
I've been in that suite at the Embassy Row.
I really wondered what i'd done right that they stuck a kid my age in there, but i decided to shut up and just accept it.
I wish HHonors (of which i'm gold again next year) would clean up its act and get things straight across the hotel network. I actually got a cheaper room at the Four Seasons in Seattle not all that long ago, and I actively started thinking "I could get used to this."
J0HN
Dec 25, 00, 8:14 pm
With gold VIP the Las Vegas Hilton gave me an upgraded room (recently renovated, with strip view)and complimentary spa access, but no breakfast.
macbravery
Jan 2, 01, 5:46 pm
DoubleTree Club Hotel in Dallas, 8012 LBJ Freeway.
As a Gold, got a "suite" (actually a large room), but no breakfast.
I wonder if it makes a difference if it's a regular DoubleTree or a DoubleTree Club (I think they're usually somewhat smaller).
Mac
------------------
Via con Dios!
[This message has been edited by macbravery (edited 01-03-2001).]
DH
Oct 1, 01, 12:53 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Kermy FF:
I am a GOLD and was denied the free breakfast in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ. Only after I showed a printout of the rules was I reluctantly given the coupons for breakfast. I wrote a letter to the hotel and got a weak apology saying that the clerk "should have known the rules." I was not impressed.
</font>
FYI, my experience was a little bit better. I wasn't given the coupons automatically but received them AFTER I asked. I was little annoyed by the fact that I was ask again for the second coupon. I guess I did little bit better since I didn't have to haggle...
------------------
ValueConsumer.com (http://www.valueconsumer.com) Home of Tripple Dipping Online Shopping
thezipper
Oct 1, 01, 3:33 pm
Am a Gold, stayed at the Hilton Osaka Japan 3 weeks ago. I paid for one night and was using points for 2 award nights. The HHonors manager told me no upgrade was available for the award night stays and I'd have to move. So I took a cheaper room, but he denied lounge access, said they were too full, just got the breakfast coupons. Being skeptical as to the "full" comment, I checked the Hilton web site, and guess what, they had rooms available on the executive floor. I wasn’t about to make a big stink until I got more info from HHonors on this subject.
My question to Flyertalk@Hilton.com, which has been unanswered for over a month, and to the rest of my Flyertalk comrades, have you run into this problem before, and have you found the Hilton web site linked to the hotels reservation system in real time? I recently had a nice talk with the GM at a Westin in South Korea and he said that their system is directly linked. If it shows on Westin.com or Expedia.com, it's available at that moment in their hotel as well. I'm just trying to find a simple check for us to follow in regards to the availability of upgrades. If the hotel is full, fine…. End of story. But if not, I'm gonna be really mad that they are trying to hold rooms for sale vs. upgrading me.
<<<< REPLY FROM HILTON - As Received >>>>
Thank you for the questions about the internet and sorry the response was so slow.
1. the internet is supose to be updated everday by the hotel.
2. the hotel upgrades are based on available and the hotel has makes the desision on the upgrades, we can only request upgrades at time of reservations.
I hope this answers yours questions and if you have any others please feel free to contact me again.
------ My Understanding of the Hilton Reservation System and Upgrades -----
From this, and speaking with the Diamond rep, I gleaned that the reservation system and hotel inventory is suppose to be synched in the mornings, but that is the responsibility of the property. The flip side is that if you arent upgraded and the reservation system says executive rooms are available, you do have a legitimate right to call Guest Assistance and enquire. Either the hotel didnt load the correct room inventory and all the executive rooms are truely sold, or someone isnt telling you the truth. Also, the last part of #2 sort of implies that the hotel has the final "desision on the upgrades".... so I'm not sure what to make out of that either. Hope this helps in the quest for the upgrade.
PS Thank You Adam for your help again....
[This message has been edited by thezipper (edited 10-01-2001).]
windmill
Oct 1, 01, 3:35 pm
Denver Airport Hilton Garden Inn (last May). As a GOLD, was provided a nice room upgrade, but when I inquired about free breakfast (to the on-duty manager), I was told "we don't do that here".
YVR Cockroach
Oct 1, 01, 4:09 pm
Sydney Airport Hilton is in the must-avoid category.
egarrett
Oct 1, 01, 6:16 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by thezipper:
Am a Gold, stayed at the Hilton Osaka Japan 3 weeks ago. I paid for one night and was using points for 2 award nights. The HHonors manager told me no upgrade was available for the award night stays and I'd have to move. So I took a cheaper room, but he denied lounge access, said they were too full, just got the breakfast coupons. </font>
I stayed 6 free nights last Nov and got upgraded and had lounge access. They were great.
ShouldaBeenABlonde
Oct 2, 01, 9:21 am
Hilton St. Louis Frontenac. I had an absolutely miserable experience there. Rude people, no upgrade, no breakfast, no amenity. NADA.
ziptravel
Oct 2, 01, 10:44 am
I am gold in HHonors, about to be Diamond (by stays). I have not been offered an upgrade or a breakfast coupon at any Hilton property I've stayed in. I am not very aggressive and really have not even asked, especially after reading all the different threads on this site about all the bad service, all the attempts to get the breakfast coupons after asking, etc.
My question is: Considering all the posts I've seen on Flyertalk on just this subject (there are many different threads if you look for them), has there ever been a response from Adam or any other Hilton representative about this? I haven't seen one, but it is possible that I have overlooked it.
If there has been no response - does that mean they just don't care or that they are not going to make any hotel in their chain follow the guidelines?
My personal opinion is that if you are upper level, you should not have to ask for any of the perks. They should be offered to you upon checking in. If the hotel is full, they should tell you upon check in - "I see that you are Gold/Diamond. I'm sorry, but we are full tonight, but we can offer you access to the lounge." Or "We are full tonight, but since you are staying 5 days, we can upgrade you starting tomorrow night".
My question remains - has there ever been a reponse in any of these threads from anyone at Hilton?
andersja
Oct 2, 01, 1:37 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ziptravel:
If there has been no response - does that mean they just don't care or that they are not going to make any hotel in their chain follow the guidelines?</font>
I would be willing to bet my HHonors balance that Adam Burke & Co are reading those threads - however I guess it wouldn't make too much sense for them to engage in a public debate regarding failing benefits availabilities et cetera, and I believe their strategy is to pick up the leads we (the FTers) provide and raise the issues with the hotels in question.
By providing a dedicated email address, HHonors customer service has already taken a step in the same direction as Starwood (who has their dedicated Starwood Lurker on the board) and I'm quite sure they'll respond if you notify them directly about issues you've had at any given Hilton property...
ziptravel
Oct 2, 01, 2:24 pm
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by andersja:
I would be willing to bet my HHonors balance that Adam Burke & Co are reading those threads - however I guess it wouldn't make too much sense for them to engage in a public debate regarding failing benefits availabilities et cetera, and I believe their strategy is to pick up the leads we (the FTers) provide and raise the issues with the hotels in question.
By providing a dedicated email address, HHonors customer service has already taken a step in the same direction as Starwood (who has their dedicated Starwood Lurker on the board) and I'm quite sure they'll respond if you notify them directly about issues you've had at any given Hilton property...</font>
I would prefer that Hilton does something about it rather than relying on us to write them everytime it happens. In my case, I would be writing a note to them after each Hilton/Hilton Garden and Doubletree stay. Honestly - I'm not arguing with your message, as I think you are right to a certain degree. I still think that will all the different postings on this subject that members should not have to write in about each hotel. I think (for what it is worth) that upper management should send out some communication to all the member hotels - THEN let HHonor members know that they have done this. Only after they have addressed the issue at large should they ask us to send in non-compliant hotels.
AA SLF
Oct 2, 01, 4:57 pm
ziptravel -
I totally agree with your feelings on this subject. As I write this I am sitting in my regular room on a regularfloor at the Doubletree - Downtown Boston and I am a Diamond.
Upon checkin at this hotel last Sunday afternoon, I confirmed with the Reception Agent that my HHonors number was - repeat - was on the reservation; that it showed I am a Diamond level member and that it had my AAdvantage number in the record. I booked this reservation thru the HHonors Diamond desk last week.
I was given my key and told how to get to the elevators. That's all the VOLUNTARY communication the Agent wanted to have with me! I asked about Diamond "Welcome" amenity. The Agent said this hotel does NOT - repeat - NOT offer HHonors members ANYTHING. I asked about an "Executive" floor and was told Sunday afternoon that this hotel didNOT have such a floor. Just fifteen minutes ago, as I walked into the hotel I asked again about an Executive floor and was told YES, it is on the sixth (6th.) floor. I am on floor-3.
So - we see that the Agents are lieing to us at this hotel about HHonors to some degree. I also asked about any other "help" for HHonors members and the Agent today said just the "Executive" floor, but did volunteer that they (the hotel) ALWAYS put HHonors members on that floor. Again - I am on the 3rd. floor, regular room. I guess the sixth floor was alrady full of Diamond level members when I chekced in at 3:PM Sunday last - NOT in my humble opinion!!!
So, I am going to post a new "subject" about this hotel warning HHonors members, of any level, about the kind of treatment they can expect here. The address for those reading this is 821 Washington Street - Boston.
I am angry!!!
dAAvid -
[This message has been edited by AA SLF (edited 10-02-2001).]
[This message has been edited by AA SLF (edited 10-02-2001).]
thezipper
Oct 2, 01, 5:18 pm
Andersja, I will say this... Adam is a great customer service representative for the Hilton Corporation. He has helped me immensely and returned every e-mail I've sent him. I can't say that about the new Flyertalk@Hilton e-mail address. Myself and others have had poor luck with them responding. I see the Starwood Lurker responding to posts everyday in the Starwood forum. Could that kind of attention be warranted in the Hilton forum as well??? Something for HHonors to think about.
honu
Oct 2, 01, 7:44 pm
Terenz,
I was at the Hilton Sydney airport four nights ago, and we found a very nice Gold amenity in our upgraded room (some coffee liqueur, a bottle of sparkling wine, and some munchies), and the next morning we didn't have to fight for a comp. full BF buffet. Perhaps they've changed their policies... We had a rock-bottom rate (AUD 107) too, and I was quite impressed with the service, as well as with the dinner buffet. The dessert table was one of the best I've seen in any restaurant...
Tomphot
Oct 2, 01, 8:42 pm
I am a 5 year Diamond
I have 2 that come to mind that do not honor the rules.
Clearwater, FL area - North Redington Beach
Tampa, FL - Ybor City Garden Inn
I don't care about upgrades, but I do want my breakfast.
andersja
Oct 3, 01, 5:51 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by thezipper:
I can't say that about the new Flyertalk@Hilton e-mail address. Myself and others have had poor luck with them responding. </font>
thezipper - I'm not at all defending HHonors Customer Service - I just wanted to give a probable justification for why no Hilton people ever intervene in the discussions about non-compliant hotels - even the Lurker keeps his hands off some threads in the Starwood board (and that's probably wise, commercially).
If anyone ever was in doubt I still believe Starwood's customer service -- overall and especially through the Platinum Concierges and the Lurker on the board -- is way superior to anything I've ever seen from Hilton... Of course, I'd love to see Hilton catch up and try to provide competition in the field, but first, obviously, they need to make their most frequent customers feel valued when we stay at their hotels...
jabez
Oct 3, 01, 6:51 am
This issue/problem is ongoig and comes as no suprise to Randy and Hilton. IMHO, if the hotel has no "penalties" for noncompliance,we will never see the HH program work as promised. To read that a Diamond level traveller never gets their due benefits because they don't complain,is an embarrassment to the HH program.I believe that HH should take a proactive approach re. these problems,but frankly do not expect it. I am thankful that we have Randy to help us at times-usually for non-posted points-but,I have found that the only way to "stay happy" as an HH elite is to lower my expectations.
andersja
Oct 3, 01, 9:04 am
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by jabez:
I am thankful that we have Randy to help us at times-usually for non-posted points</font>
You probably mean Adam Burke?
nw_with_attitude
Oct 3, 01, 10:43 am
Non-compliant Hotels:
Hilton Beijing
Hilton Reno - they have their own points program for gamblers.
Many hilton properties have a no breakfast on weekends policy, including
Hilton Sacramento Arden West
Hilton Towers Arlington
Rich Fronheiser
Oct 3, 01, 12:48 pm
Reno Hilton gave me point/mile credit last month.
Upgraded to a mini-suite, but forget about free breakfast.
Rich
kevino
Oct 3, 01, 3:28 pm
Dear Ziptravel,
I agree we shouldn't have to ask.
However, I have two suggestions that may help you since you say you're not comfortable asking for upgrades/amenities. The first is to ask in the comments section when you book a room on the internet, or ask the reservations agent to include a comment if you book over the phone. The second suggestion is to call the hotel beforehand and ask the front desk what amenities a HH Gold gets. If they tell you you're supposed to get something, then it makes it easier to request it when you check in. Some hotels give you a choice of an upgrade (if available) or a free breakfast. Knowing this ahead of time will allow you to think about and decide what you want, rather than making a spur of the moment decision. I hope this helps. Good luck.
mileageslave
Oct 3, 01, 3:33 pm
The two Hiltons I have had the most trouble with in the last year are the London Park Lane and the Paris Hilton. Both of these have consistently refused access to the clubroom for HHonors Gold card holders.
The best one has been the Berlin Hilton, which has always honored the program and is very kind to HHonors people.
3430
Oct 3, 01, 4:24 pm
Two for the list, one old and one new.
1. NOVI Hilton (north of DTW)
2. The good ole non-compliant Reno Hilton
MileKing
Oct 3, 01, 4:36 pm
Richmond Airport (RIC) Hilton.
nwelite
Oct 4, 01, 3:57 pm
Everything was perfect at Hilton Boston Logan Airport. I got the upgrade and the breakfast.
essxjay
Oct 12, 01, 12:51 am
Hilton Atlanta Airport: tried to tell me that they don't actually guaratee you a King room even if it's confirmed on your reservation but gave me access to the Executive Lounge. Of course, the lounge isn't open on weekends (when I was there)
ziptravel
Oct 13, 01, 11:53 am
Tulsa Southern Hills.
No upgrade, no breakfast coupon. Nothing. When I reported that my wakeup call didn't come through and I was running one hour late, the morning clerk said he was sorry and asked me when I requested the call. I told him 11 PM and he just shook his head.
He did let me borrow an umbrella to retrieve my car in the rain.
Fly Boy
Oct 13, 01, 4:40 pm
This discussion has reminded me of my experiences at the Hilton London-Heathrow (T4). They usually upgrade me either not at all or to a "Business Room". Last time I stayed there I too pointed out the conditions to them, and they insisted Executive Floor was sold out. After having to ask, they programmed my key with access to the Exec Lounge, and they gave me a coupon for continental breakfast.
My mother, however, has had mostly good experiences with Hilton in the UK, South Africa and the United States. She seems to have been getting the appropriate benefits, but the main thing I see as a consistant problem is that people holding HHonors VIP tiers should not have to ask/beg/insist for their respective benefits. I for one don't enjoy having to point it out at check-in, but I know that if I didn't I'd end up with nothing.
I am considering staying at the Hilton Tokyo on a trip next year, and the reports I have managed to find seem inconsistant vis-a-vis upgrades etc...
[This message has been edited by Fly Boy (edited 10-13-2001).]
Karen2
Oct 27, 01, 12:29 pm
Doubletree Nashville - no breakfast coupons at check-in (next day, got mgr and coupons), no lounge, huge argument at check out over rates. We booked Entertainment rates at half off regular rate of $95. Check-out woman tried to get us to pay $95 as half of $179 (new math). Had to get 800 reservations on phone to back me up. No apology, really rude woman.
Hilton Bucharest - got the upgrade to lounge but rate problems when we arrived at midnight. I had to use computer in lounge to pull up "standard rates" to prove that the reservation of half off "standard" was appropriate. Their local standard was $340 but the computer standard was $275 and I was using half off that with UA certs. They actually had half off $275 = $170. Huh?
CozumelJen
Nov 5, 01, 12:34 pm
I am HHonors Gold, three experiences this weekend in Seattle:
Hilton Bellevue - somehow, did not have my HHonors number in res. At check-in, I handed the desk clerk my gold card "just want to make sure you have my number on my reservation" as a subtle hint for breakfast coupons/any other. She did not offer any upgrade or coupons. I had to ask for the coupons, she had to check with someone in the back before she would give them to me, and only after I had to say that "usually, I AT LEAST get the coupons from Hilton ..." This is getting to be the norm for me.
Next night tried to stay at the Doubletree SouthCenter, first time at a Doubletree and looking forward to the experience. There was a convention going on that had completely booked the pool and gym for all available hours even 5:30 - 8:30 am the next Sunday! As I had just finished a day long hike up Mt Shriner (near Mt Rainier) and really wanted to soak in a jacuzzi, was not happy with this and could not understand how they expect customers to accept this, after all the advertised exercise facilities were part of the reason I chose the hotel? Did not offer me anything in exchange (a free comp to a local Bally's came to mind, as the Hilton Bellevue gives) though he did hand across the breakfast coupons no problem. I asked about upgrades and was told that they had none. Ended up moving to the nearby Embassy Suites, where:
was also told NO UPGRADES! Well - this is not totally true ... I COULD HAVE had an upgrade had I been willing to pay the price. I said that I was not accustomed to having to pay for an upgrade and was not willing to do this. The breakfast was OK, but they give coupons to everyone HHonors or not, so in the end, this hotel offered nothing at all for being HHonors Gold, not even a bottle of water. Come to think of it, Hilton Bellevue gave no water or cookies either (spoiled by Hampton Inn?) though the Doubletree did hand me two bags of warm chocolate chip cookies as I arrived, which I took with me to the Embassy Suites. ARGHH
afang
Dec 9, 01, 1:13 pm
Bring this thread up to date.
The Doubletree Suites at Tucson offered Breakfast coupons.
Hilton Garden Inn at Round Rock did not upgrade me nor gave breakfast coupons
lofly
Dec 9, 01, 2:34 pm
Sandestin Hilton, Sandestin, FL to be added to the list of NO upgrade or NO breakfast coupons. When asked, the desk clerk stated "we don't do that here."
Patrick
Dec 11, 01, 7:57 am
No upgrade or breakfast coupons at the Doubletree Paradise Valley Resort in Scottsdale. In fact, got probably the worst location of a room possible (Overlooking the front parking lot and road). I am a gold (with 20+ stays this year and last) and checked in at the same time as some friends. They got a nice garden room near the pool!
the_hef
Dec 11, 01, 4:20 pm
Hilton Novi, Michigan
Wouldn't ptovide breakfast coupon for Diamond member (or anyone for that matter). I called the HHonors desk and got it straightened out, but the front desk was rude about it. Stay at the Embassy Suites in Livonia which is 1 mile away instead. I won't go back to this sub-par hotel.
abdawson1
Dec 12, 01, 1:50 pm
I hate to criticize them, because everything else there there is so friendly, but
MANCHESTER (UK) AIRPORT
They claimed that it's a perk only at US hotels and they try to provide a better room. My rate happened to include breakfast and it turned out no voucher was needed as there was a list, but my name would not have been there based on my status.
craz
Dec 12, 01, 2:07 pm
In the past month stayed at a few Garden Inns(some using a room saver coupon)ALWAYS was treated with care and each time was given a cont. bkfst coupon w/o having to ask for it.
Since I checked in late twice at 2 different locations and the hot tub had less than 1/2 hr till closing was told if I got there B4 they locked the door I could remain inside since the door was self-locking.
Now Im still waiting to find a Hilton other than HGI that'll treat me the way those HGIs did.Ive been to a number and they make out as if they are doing me a favor and letting me stay there.