Hilton HHonors - Scandic Hotel Reward Stays: The Definitive Thread

Scandic are new members into the HH program. Does anyone know if an award level of points required fo a free stay has been set yet? Looking for downtown Bergen, Oslo and Copenhagen in early June.

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~ Glen ~

I did not check the properties you mention, but did check one of the Scandic properties in Helsinki and the Scandic Palace in Tallin, Estonia. Both required just 10,000 points/night for a free room.

Thanks! As these places run a few $100 a night, 10,000 is a steal. Can do please direct me to a link as to where you looked up the Tallin property? Can't see where they list this when I looked on HH site just now?

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~ Glen ~

Ozstamps, I just booked the Merski Helsinki Scandic for 10,000 points per night. Excellent deal. I had no problem with availability - June 25th and July 3rd.

My only concern is - have I found the best Scandic in Helsinki for 10,000 points?

Dave - London,UK

10,000 for ANYTHING in Scandinavia sounds a superb deal to me. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif WHERE exactly are you booking these nights on the Hilton site?

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~ Glen ~

Can't book ANY hilton honor stays online. I had to call 1-800-hhonors in the USA to get confirmation.


Dave - London, UK

Another poster said that the Scandic awards are all 10,000 points per night because that is what they were before being acquired by Hilton. It seems like an incredible deal to me, compared to the redemption level required for Hiltons on the same trip (25,000 points/night at the Gatwick Hilton, for example).

Here is the 800 number for award redemption: [1] 800-446-6677

Haven't got a clue as to the best Scandic in Helsinki - although an FTer who has worked there the past two years did recommend the Simonketta (He also said Hotel Kamp is the best in town - I don't believe that is a Scandic property.)

Thanks. I can't access 800 numbers free from here, and our hours are all out of whack anyway. I'll ask Hilton SYD today if they have some data. (Ha!) Yes, this just *may* be one of those silly glitches that takes place for a brief window when a new chain gets absorbed. Scandic do not give away points too readily as my own experience tells me well. Their top level "Privelige" Card takes 100 nights in
12 months to earn it looks like according to their website!

The HH 'way of doing things' like giving folks 8,000 a year for updating a profile for instance will have Scandic brass going white with fear of the potential redemptions. Scandinavian hotels are among THE priciest in the world.

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~ Glen ~

Just a thought - could the wonderful people working for Adam Burke at flyertalk@hilton.com be able to help you with award redemptions since you are international? It's worth an email to see.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SanDiego1K:

Haven't got a clue as to the best Scandic in Helsinki - although an FTer who has worked there the past two years did recommend the Simonketta (He also said Hotel Kamp is the best in town - I don't believe that is a Scandic property.)</font>

Umm the Marski is a pretty ordinary hotel and none of us wanted to stay there.

If you want to be in the very centre then by all means but watch out on the rooms facing front as the trams start early in the morning and are very noisy.

Don't expect HVAC except for an opening window - see above re noise.

Same applies to the Continental at Mannerheimintie 45, except there are some very nice rooms in the newer wing (can be difficult to get if you are not prepared to pay a fee towards upgrade).

The Simonkenttä is a very recently built hotel to very high standards with effective HVAC and sound proofing. The popularity of it rather confirms that in the brand this can be one of the best to stay at in the centre of Helsinki. Only downside is it's very Nordic in it's design and you need to like Ikea designs!

For a quiet stay, on the inland sea, with wonderful views many like the Kalastajatorppa which has had some rooms (the sea facing exec ones I think) refurbished last year. Although some way out of town it does have tennis courts and other leisure facilities plus a bit of a beach.


The 'oddity' on HHonors redemption is one to take advantage of and is due to the Scandic branded hotels all being classified as being the same .. when of course they are not.

Yes, the Hotels in Scandinavia are very expensive. Here are few Helsinki Scandics w/my comments:

Scandic Hotel Grand Marina Helsinki
Tel: +358 9 16 661
About 10 yrs old, about 1 mile from downtown, nice.

Scandic Hotel Simonkenttä Helsinki
Tel: +358 (0) 9-68 380
Quite new, right in the middle of the city, very nice!

Scandic Hotel Kalastajatorppa Helsinki
Tel: +358 9 458 11
About 5 miles from downtown, seclusive upscale area, old & oldfashion, but prestige.

Scandic Hotel Continental Helsinki
Tel: +358 9 405 51
Old Intercontinental, about 1.5 miles from downtown - old, but no knowledge about possible remodel...

Scandic Hotel Marski Helsinki
Tel: +358 9 680 61
Right middle of the downtown. Old but has good reputation, use to have problem w/Russian hookers hanging in the bar...

Hope this helps!

Excellent info fellow flyertalkers. I think I'll change my reservation from the Merski to a nicer one (not that I have anything against Russian hookers at the bar!!).

Thanks again

Well, Glen, you've done it! I hadn't realised that Scandics were valued at 10,000 Honors points a night till you asked. Thanks to you and SanDiego1K, davistev, TonySymons and LA guy for the collective info.

Thanks to you all, I now have stays at the Simonkentta and Gateway Scandics in June and July for only 10,000 points each.

I knew most of the Scandics from before when they were part of other groups or independent.

I guess my favourite was the Kalastajatorppa, but we won't have time to get there. If it's good enough for the US president (Reagan, wasn't it?), it's good enough for me!

I haven't stayed at the Simonkentta before, but will do so on the recommendation of TonySymons and LA guy. The hotel only has a business room, but that's OK, isn't it?

Our room at the Gateway has no window! Apparently, none of the rooms has. But as it's in the international departure hall at HEL, it will help our early departure.

davistev: Have you tried 00 800 444 666 77. This is the free international number for HHonors and ends up in Glasgow.

Glen: According to the website, the free Sydney number is 1800 446667. If that doesn't work, you could always try the UK number in the middle of the night ...?

Ha Ha - I've managed to avoid the drunk Russian hookers at Merski Helsinki Scandic and have changed my reservations to Simonkentta Helsinki Scandic for June 25th and July 3rd. The Hilon lady was very good about it. It seems all their hotels are only 10,000 points per night (ooportunity awards).

Strange detail. My wife and I booked in a twin bedroom that has room for 3 adults??? Unusual but I said okay anyway.

These nights are in conjunction with my el cheapo 65GBP Helsinki-Portland, USA tickets on SAS/UA which will end being used for my *555 promo. I will get to Helsinki on LP miles with KLM. All in all, a very good deal.

Thanks guys for the info and maybe we'll meet up one day. Unfortunately, I'll miss the London and Toronto get together this Summer.

Cheers, Dave - London,UK

Thanks for the quite excellent advice folks. booked both Oslo and Copenhagen downtown Scandics for 10,000 each - mid week too. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

The best bargain in the HH scheme, by several light years, when you consider usual prices in those expensive cities AND that there is no priceline type alternative to use.

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~ Glen ~

"Thanks to you all, I now have stays at the Simonkentta and Gateway Scandics in June and July for only 10,000 points each."

I thought the Gateway was only about 39GBP a night .. it's not really a hotel more some rooms in the basement of the airport terminal with a TV and bar outside in a semi public area.

Taxi transfer only takes 30mins so why not spend two nights downtown?

I booked at the Webers Copenhagen City hotel too for 10,000 points per week night. Hotels in Denmark are quite expensive. For what it is worth, for 10,000 HH points, you not only get a free room, but in fact, I was also confirmed in a "Corner Suite Hollywood" value at 3730 Danish Krone or about $450 US per night! The dates are early July, so prime vacation season in Europe. Last, but not least, breakfasts are included!

Another nice find from FT. Since I already live here in Scandinavia I would prefer to visit someplace else. Lets see, they have a Scandic Hotel in Brussels, anyone ever stayed there?

I'd slow down a bit on hitting the Scandic brand .. as I said they are not all the same and some have less to offer than others.

A suite in Nordic countries might not match what you expect. CPH Webers has a few problems .. like no HVAC, Noise and it's tired.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">For what it is worth, for 10,000 HH points, you not only get a free room, but in fact, I was also confirmed in a "Corner Suite Hollywood" value at 3730 Danish Krone or about $450 US per night! The dates are early July, so prime vacation season in Europe. Last, but not least, breakfasts are included! </font>

Guava. Precisely the room we were given. (They did not mention breakfast to me though - are you certain about that?!) As I opined earlier easily THE best use of HH pints there is, no contest. With USA Hiltons you only get a weekend room at a lowest category flop house on points saver for about that, which do not usually run $US450 a night. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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~ Glen ~

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
Another nice find from FT. Since I already live here in Scandinavia I would prefer to visit someplace else. Lets see, they have a Scandic Hotel in Brussels, anyone ever stayed there?</font>

The Scandic is situated very conveniently just a block from the Grand Place. It´s a nice hotel with quite small rooms. Just your average Scandic hotel. In Brussels I like more the new Hilton Brussels City on Place Rogier. It´s also an opportunity level hotel and its business rooms for HHonors gold members are nicer than the Scandic rooms in my opinion. Both hotels have good breakfast buffets.

TonySymons: Thanks. The answer is that we'll arrive late afternoon jetlagged (10 hours time difference eastbound - that PDX mileage run!) - and will be leaving early next morning, so sleep is all important. Normally, I would stay downtown, but this time we just want to hit the sack. The rate quoted on my confirmation is €177, so maybe things are different now?.

The Simonkentta rate quoted on the confirmation is €298 - not bad for 10,000 points!

hey Roger! We are also doing the HEL-PDX run on SK/UA. Are you combining your trip with the KLM promo with Horizon Air as well as the *555 promo?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ozstamps:
Guava. Precisely the room we were given. (They did not mention breakfast to me though - are you certain about that?!) As I opined earlier easily THE best use of HH pints there is, no contest. With USA Hiltons you only get a weekend room at a lowest category flop house on points saver for about that, which do not usually run $US450 a night. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

</font>

I remember the HH agent told me the breakfasts are included. Also, if you went on checking at Scandic's own website, this hotel has one restaurant open for breakfast only and it's for everyone in the hotel. By that, I guess they imply that breakfast is included for everyone. Even if it isn't for a free room, I say my Gold VIP status will be good enough for a free breakfast.

Hi, Davistev.

I noticed we were both doing the PDX mileage run but on different dates. I qualified for the KL match a while ago (just need KL to agree!), and won't make the UA or SK 55555 promo - other trips already confirmed, and I don't want to undo them.

Just to show why I think FlyerTalk is the tops: not only did I book our flights after learning about the PDX mileage run on FT, I booked all our OR, WA, BC and AB hotels on Priceline, as well as our car. I wouldn't have known about PL without FT.

Good job I didn't (couldn't) book HEL hotels on PL, as I wouldn't have benefited from the 10,000 HH rate with Scandic, also learned from FT.

Without FT, our trip to the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies just wouldn't have happened.

Thanks to all FT-ers!

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 05-23-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Roger:

Without FT, our trip to the Pacific Northwest and the Rockies just wouldn't have happened.

]</font>

here here - I concur!

Hilton faxed confirmation of our Hotels today. Do not know why, but there is a foreign currency 'value' for each property listed on these. The Oslo one 1745 NOK is $US216 and the Copenhagen Suite shows as DKK 3730 or $US462 when converted from Krone.

For 10,000 HH points each, I repeat that is THE best deal out there IMO. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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~ Glen ~

I just got my Swedish Hhonors guide and I can confirm that all Scandic hotels will be counted as opportunity hotels in 2002 and therefore they will only cost 10.000 per night.

I would guess that it will be a change in 2003 so if you would like to stay at hotels such as Scandic Hotel Webers for just 10.000 make your bookings this year.

I believe Mr Ozstamps is one of the first persons who used points on Scandic and he was very satiesfied, right Glen?

Yes Kempis, a quite wonderful use of HH points in THE most expensive area on earth for a tourist to visit. And a region where Priceline etc and routine Hotel discounting is not widespread at all. If you have written confirmation all Scandics are 10,000 points until year end that is a superb find for those travelling there.

I picked up on the Scandic tip due to a few other alert folks here like SanDiego1K spotting it for her visit.

We stayed in June at Copenhagen downtown Scandic. There are 2 Scandic hotels 100 yards apart. We chose the Webers. Right by Train station. Neat. Anyway for 10,000 HH points week night we got a 'Hollywood Corner Suite'. Even the HH fax confirmed this Suite in advance as it showed on the computer as the room type bookable! Which is good as Webers wanted to charge us when we checked out. Huge buffet breakfast was included automatically for both places we stayed, which in Denmark runs high. About $800 or whatever a night was what they started to charge us. All for 10.000 points. Best deal in the Hilton world IMO. Be like the Waldorf Astoria taking confirmed week day booking at will for 10,000.

Also in Oslo Norway last month booked the Sandic Byporten. Right by Station in city centre again. Superb breakfast and the way EVERYTHING costs in Norway, a breakfast probably runs $100 for 2! And then some. A local BEER cost us $20 a glass etc. A 2 star hotel in the boondocks $250 etc.

Until I saw Kempis post had assumed it was a mistake of some TERRIBLE kind this Scandic 10,000 points deal for week nights in super expensive cities. Grab it while it lasts is my advice to one and all visiting Scandinavia. [/b]

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

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~ Glen ~

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 07-17-2002).]

[This message has been edited by ozstamps (edited 07-18-2002).]

That means I can book 1 night in Frankfurt, DE for only 10'000 HH points? SWEET! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

The night is like 275EUR.

I agree with points above.

When I read about the measly points/miles earning at Scandics (1,000 base HH points + status bonus, 200 Virgin miles or 100 other miles), I wasn't impressed. But 10,000 award points, that was really something!

My guess is that the Hilton numbercrunchers didn't really know what they had bought, and it will take some time before they realise that there are different quality levels within Scandic. Until then enjoy the awards!

We had award stays at the Simonkentta (spelling?) and Helsinki airport Scandics either side of our HEL-PDX $92 run and are very happy. No problem with the windowless rooms at HEL - we were jetlagged and just wanted to sleep.

Both rooms gave us breakfast. The only minor complaint was that the HEL airport Scandic has no restaurant, so we had coupons to use in the airport cafeteria. No, only ONE croissant, Mr Roger. If you want TWO, you will have to pay extra! But still OK for 10,000 points.

[edited for typos]

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 07-18-2002).]

Without having stayed at Scandic CPH (since I live in CPH) I would say that for 10.000 points you will get a even better value at Scandic Copenhagen (Former Sheraton Copenhagen)
Here are the rating levels :

SH COPENHAGEN 1200-2695DKK CENTRUM 0 KM
SH WEBERS 866-1495DKK CENTRUM 0 KM

I believe those rates quoated by Mr Longhauler is special deals during the summer so if you would stay later this year your savings would be much higher.

Yes, Winter looks like this :


SH COPENHAGEN 1745-2695DKK CENTRUM 0 KM
SH WEBERS 1095-1495DKK CENTRUM 0 KM

So, very good value at the SH Copenhagen, Webers seems like almost same rates at summer...

[This message has been edited by The-Longhauler (edited 07-18-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:
I just got my Swedish Hhonors guide </font>

Did the guide say anything about the the old deal with eurobonus of earning 300 points per stay (or was it night) Is it still valid and can you not earn HH points if you choose this option ?

The guide didnt say anything about SK EuroBonus. This means that if you choose to earn 300 EuroBonus points per STAY you will not receive any HHonors points.

The guide also mention that Hhonors free nights doesnt earn any points but what if I use my SK EuroBonus points and stay at a Scandic hotel. Will I earn credit for the stay then?

One or two posts have mentioned award stays at Scandic hotels, but the HHonors desk doesn't seem to be much help: they say I should call the hotel directly. Naturally, when I did that, the hotel wasn't able to give me much information. (And I wasn't able to find any US-based phone number.)

So, for those who have booked award stays at Scandic: what's the process/secret?

I would guess you will have to contact Hilton honors to book these nights. Where are you staying? Hilton Hhonors in Sweden can be reached at hhonorsse@hiltonres.com and I am sure they will be able to help you.

Or try to contact Hhonors in Europe at + 800 44 45 86 67 since I believe that Hilton in Europe are more involved with Scandic then Hilton US.

Good luck and have a nice stay in the Scandinavian region or elsewhere.

Where can you find out the points needed for award stays at Scandic hotels?

For the rest of 2002 its 10K per night at ALL Scandic worldwide.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004792.html

This is like Ozstamps has mention before one of the best deals on Hilton Hhonors for the moment, possible the best.

Thanks for the info, Kempis. I did send mail to HHOnors in Sweden, and they gave ma what appears to be a European-based 800 number (similar to what you provided).

Would you know if that number is accessible from outside Europe? Dialing from the US (using the international dial code, then 800+number), the phone number can't be dialed.

I had no trouble booking an award stay at the CPH Scandic Webers Hotel by calling the regular US reservations number.

I booked (suite) at CPH Webers and Scandic Oslo on the normal SYD Hilton rez line. No sweat.

SanDiego1K started a great thread on these places only a few weeks back, just can't locate it now. Worth sourcing. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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~ Glen ~

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kempis:

For the rest of 2002 its 10K per night at ALL Scandic worldwide.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004792.html

This is like Ozstamps has mention before one of the best deals on Hilton Hhonors for the moment, possible the best.</font>

No contest kempis. 10,000 a night for a guaranteed suite in Copenhagen is impossible to beat IMO! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif



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~ Glen ~

I had two award stays at Scandic Ferrum Kiruna last month. I firstly called and made a reservation directly with the hotel. I was told that for the time being the hotel has ony access to HHonors accounts that are converted Scandic Club ones - original HHonors accounts are not reachable in their systems. Thus, in addition to making the reservation with the hotel, I also called HHonors Sweden (+46 (0)8-517517) and had them deduct the points and fax a voucher to the hotel.

The other time I turned up at the reception asking for a room the same night. They just took my name, knowing I had stayed there earlier, and two weeks later the points hade been deducted from my account. Very smooth!

[This message has been edited by Mattis (edited 08-01-2002).]

I have visited Scandinavia theses 25 last days, by car, with my family (France -&gt; NorthCape -&gt; Lofoten Islands -&gt; Fjords in Norway -&gt; France).
I spent 17 free nights in 14 different Scandic Hotels, using HHonors Pts. All the awards were opportunity (10Kpts), and breakfast for 2 was always included !
Taking into account the cost of the hotels in Danemark/Sweeden/Finland/Norway, I consider that is the best possible use of my HHonors points.
But there is an exception : this promotion does not work in the Scandic hotels of Germany.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Roger:
When I read about the measly points/miles earning at Scandics (1,000 base HH points + status bonus, 200 Virgin miles or 100 other miles), I wasn't impressed. But 10,000 award points, that was really something!

My guess is that the Hilton numbercrunchers didn't really know what they had bought, and it will take some time before they realise that there are different quality levels within Scandic. Until then enjoy the awards!
</font>

All I can say is it is no wonder that they are "Opportunity" hotels if the state of the Scandic Ermitege near Copenhagen is anything to go by. On my previous visits to Denamrks Capital I have stayed in the city. On this occasion my colleagues advised that I would be better staying in Lyngby as it was much closer to where my meeting was. As I was flying in late I decided to follow their advice. They said the nearest hotel was the Scandic. It was obvious that they had not stayed there as the place is a dump! The carpets were threadbare and had numerous, indescribable stains, The sofa was exactly the same. Thankfully, the bed linen looked clean. It was very warm last night and without any form of aircon the room was very uncomfortable. I will never stay there again.

I am truely amazed that Hilton would be associated with a hotel like this. It totally devalues the Hilton brand. I bet Conrad Hilton is turning in his grave.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gaza:
All I can say is it is no wonder that they are "Opportunity" hotels if the state of the Scandic Ermitege near Copenhagen .. I am truely amazed that Hilton would be associated with a hotel like this. It totally devalues the Hilton brand. I bet Conrad Hilton is turning in his grave.</font>

The Scandic chain had a rocky past with many hotels suffering from a lack of investment before or after being acquired by the Scandic group. With the transfer to Hilton this should change but I suspect in the current economic climate this will take some time.

Tony

Scandics strategy was very strange. They built a very nice hotel in Edinburgh but after a few years later decided to franchise it out to Holiday Inn. It then became the Crowne Plaza. I understand that HI then bought the property. The same went for the Scandic in Docklands. It became a Holiday Inn. It was a great property, a bit out of the way, but nice rooms and good value. I used to take the river taxi from the hotel jetty to London Bridge to my office. Far more civilised way to go to work than the Tube! I'm not sure why, but HI never bought this property and it is now a Hilton. I find it difficult to believe that the same group could own hotels like those in Edinburgh and London and have dumps like the one I stayed in last night. The Ermitege must have suffered huge under investement. What was even more amazing was that it was overbooked last night!

Don't forget: 3 dime-nights for a quarter! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif
The Weber for 8,333 HHonors points!
Makes me want to go to CPH for my next European vacation! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif
But why is winter high season in CPH??

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Flyertalk.com ...because miles & points don't grow on trees!

How did you manage to confirm a suite at Webers in CPH?

I booked the Scandic Copenhagen (the old Sheraton) for 10k points. My impression of Webers is that it is pretty run down but a confirmed suite would be nice.

I am HH Gold, but shouldn't upgrades be done space available?

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gnaget:

How did you manage to confirm a suite at Webers in CPH?</font>

Exactly like Guava reported - that was written on the confirmation fax from HH. "Hollywood Suite." They told me as much on the phone when I booked via HH - "I am showing a Hollywood Suite for 10,000 points if you'd like it".

They seemed bemused at the desk this was so. But the fax swung them around.

And YES, breakfast for 2 was included (food VERY expensive there) and also drink coupons were given us too .. enough for a couple of beers, which also is expensive there with their 25% tax, and luxury tax on top of that!


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~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com (http://www.1Kflyers.com)

Oh, I know. I was born and grew up there.

Was Webers hotel ok?

In my experience, hotels in CPH are just awful in the mid-range and are still quite pricey. I adore the Hilton and normally stay there but I can't pass up this 10k deal. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I noticed that someone got the Marriott for $80 on Priceline. My colleague told me that it was very nice. IMO, the new Hilton and Marriott are probably by far the best hotels in town (with the exception of the very high end D'Angleterre).

Webers was not gleaming new nor "American", but for 10K we were delighted .. especially when it involves a Corner Suite. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

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~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com (http://www.1Kflyers.com)

Just called.... they offered me a "Hollywood" room. "Is that like...uh... a suite?" The friendly rep answered, "no it's more like an upscale room with separate sitting area. As a Gold it's possible that you will be upgraded to an even better room."

Is that what you got, Ozstamps? (BTW, thank you much for the rapid feedback.)

As a Gold, I am wondering if I will get an UG at the old Sheraton, or I should go for this? Maybe I should do some work instead... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Yep, that indeed is what we got. They did givme an account for about $US500 though when we checked out, as they had not figgered it was an award stay up until that point. That litle piece of confirmation paper from Hilton changed their mind. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Why not phone and ask HH what you will get there? They may have plugged that loophole, but 2 of us here have scorded it on this thread and I have read of others. Some reviews here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004734.html

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~ Glen ~ Calling all United 1K Members - please join .. www.1Kflyers.com (http://www.1Kflyers.com)

I am sorry, I was unclear. I was "transcribing" my conversation with HH where they mentioned this Hollywood room, but it was a bit unclear if it is the same deal you got.

I think I'll test my luck with the "Sheraton" and report back here for future reference. I bloody well hope they have renovated it because it was getting a bit seedy already in the mid 1980s when I went to school across the street.

Are all Scandics going to remain at Opportunity level? What level are they going to be after 6/1 2003?

I asked this question while booking yesterday. They don't know. The woman said probably level 1 or 2.

I have some Scandic hotels booked for post June 2003 as awards and have been assured these bookings will remain Opportunity level. But as mentioned above, the agent did nt know what the new award level would be post June 03.

As long as they stay at the opportunity level for bookings before june 2003, this is great news. I have a bunch of upcoming award stays this summer that I can book in advance...

In late December I booked one of the special $249+tax airfares offered by SAS (ended up $334 round trip from Chicago to Copenhagen). Based on some recommendations from this board I called HHonors to book a room at the Copenhagen Scandic for four nights in late February.

What a deal! This is an Oppportunity award, so four nights costs 35,000 Honors points. The room costs 1745 Danish Krone, or about $250 per night US. In other words I'm getting $1,000 of hotel for 35,000 points.

To put this into perspective, during January and February an "average" $100 Hilton hotel stay nets me 1,000 base points, 500 Diamond bonus, and 1,000 hilton.com online bonus or a total of 2,500 points. It takes 14 stays in January/February to earn 35,000 points. In other words my $1,400 in Hilton Hotel charges will give me $1,000 in free room.

Maybe those Hilton points are worth a bit more than I have been estimating!

Time for another 'Oops, did I forget to mention that ......' from Hilton HHonors:

According to Hilton 'Effective January 1, 2003, your Reward stays will count toward VIP tier qualification.'. However I've just been told by the HHonors Customer Service that this is not the case with Scandic Hotels. The kind (danish speaking !) lady on the phone told me (after checking with her supervisor) that my Scandic award stay 7 weeks ago would not earn points or nights since Scandic was an exception to that rule ....

I found that a bit confusing and asked her if she could please tell me where in the Terms & Conditions that was stated. Again she checked with her supervisor and came back with the following quote:

Hilton HHonors Program Terms and Conditions, Accrual of Points:
'14. (.......) Effective January 1, 2003, reward stays at all HHonors hotels will count toward VIP tier qualification. However, night credits may not be earned. '

This, she told me, means that since all Scandic Stays only earns nights credits (besides the points) and not stay credits, award stays on Scandic are not eligible for points or credits. And she apologised the lack of description and gave me a long explanation of what the Scandic reservation system is capable of keeping for records (and particularly what it isn't) .......

Amazing isn't it ! Another example of the total lack of communication from Hilton when they change the rules. Why not state clearly when they advertise a rule change what the exceptions are ? I checked the original communication on this from Hilton and the Danish version of the terms and conditions, and the exceptions on earning of night credits aren't mentioned anywhere. Let alone the impact this exception has on Scandic stays...

However, based on the Customer Relationship handling we've seen from HHonors over the last half a year I wouldn't say I'm surprised. I'm just wondering what they are trying to achieve ?

My 3-night Scandic reward stay in March shows up on the HHonors web site as 1 stay and 3 nights, and I got 3000 points plus 750 Gold VIP bonus. I also received 500 double-dip miles on my partner airline account, even though the HHonors site says I get only 100 (It showed up as Conrad International Bonus, for some reason).

Whether the stay will actually count towards status qualification is unknown.


[This message has been edited by PaulMSN (edited 05-19-2003).]

Sounds like you needed to politely get off the call and then call back, standard practice when they don't know what they're doing at HH...

I've received stay credit, night credit, 1000 points/night, *and* bonus points on the 1000 points/night. Only one of my four stays had miles credited, though. All of this was on award stays. In fact, I had to fax in a couple of my receipts and have them credited because they didn't credit automatically. At no time did they even *hint* that the stays were ineligible for credit.

Whether the stays/nights count toward program level remains to be seen but I'd guess that if it's listed in your account that it counts at the end of the year. I can't imagine them having two totals for the year and not telling you about the one they're going to use for next year's status...

Paul - the Scandic stay won't register at the end of the year... I stayed at the Scandic St. Barbara in Tallinn, Estonia last year... it looked like it posted as a stay, but when I called about it, they said it didn't count towards VIP status.. if you're close at the end of the year, make sure you stay an extra stay to get to the right VIP level

As far as I know nights at Scandic hotels only counts as nights and not stays. If you stay 10 nights at Scandic CPH you will earn 10 nights but 0 stays to your Hhonors account.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Bluehen1:
Paul - the Scandic stay won't register at the end of the year... I stayed at the Scandic St. Barbara in Tallinn, Estonia last year... it looked like it posted as a stay, but when I called about it, they said it didn't count towards VIP status.. if you're close at the end of the year, make sure you stay an extra stay to get to the right VIP level</font>

But last year award stays didn't count toward status and this year they do. My Scandic award stays all show up as regular stays on my account. Are you saying that at the end of the year these will be subtracted?

[This message has been edited by xyzzy (edited 05-20-2003).]

Bluehen,

A bit Omni, what were your impressions about the St. Barbara? I'm staying there in August (10K award).

There have been posts about how Hilton award stays are charged back. This one is about Scandic.

My award stay at the Scandic Bruges cost 10,000 HHonors points per night. Checking on the TV info system before we left, I saw 'Room charge €40', but we didn't get charged this as the balance was zero on checkout.

Is this the price the hotel charges HHonors?

Lowest available walk-in room rate was €120. The award voucher showed a notional price of €200 - what we would have been charged as a no show?

[edited to add location]

[This message has been edited by Roger (edited 05-25-2003).]

In most US locations the reimbursement by Hhonors to the hotel seems to be about $0.0025/point so a 10,000 point award in USA would be reimbursed as $25. Since the Scandic award is almost certainly a promotional rate it is not surprising that the hotel is getting slightly more than $0.0025/point.

The 10k/night is actually not a promotional rate. It has been 10k/night since you were able to book Scandic awards and has staid that way since then. Don't know what happens 6/1 though...

Anyone knows the answer to which level Scandic will be part of as of tomorrow? 1 or 2 or even higher?

The exact level depends on the hotel. I asked last night and had to give them the hotels I was interested in as there's no public list. A few I checked into remained at level 1. Some were 2 or 3. A few I inquired about were level 4.

Going from Opportunity to a level 4 is *quite* an increase.

[This message has been edited by xyzzy (edited 05-31-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by xyzzy:
The exact level depends on the hotel. I asked last night and had to give them the hotels I was interested in as there's no public list. A few I checked into remained at level 1. Some were 2 or 3. A few I inquired about were level 4.

Going from Opportunity to a level 4 is *quite* an increase.

[This message has been edited by xyzzy (edited 05-31-2003).]</font>

Could you share the ones that you asked about?

Gothenburg Scandic Opalen - 3
Umea - 1
Norskopping city - 1
Norskopping nord - 1

In Stockholm:
Continental - 4
Sergel Park - 4
Anglais 3
Järva Krog 3
Ariadne 2
Kungens Kurva - 2
Sjöfartshotellet - 3
Hasselbacken - 3?
Bromma 3

Wow, it was good while it lasted. Now the levels are relative to the rack rate rather than the quality of the hotel. It's simply not worth staying at these hotels. The reality is that Scandics are crappy, second rate hotels.

Järva Krog is a serious dump, for example. A friend in CPH was telling me how bad the place was recently. It's an ex-Esso Motor Hotel right on the highway in Solna just north of Stockholm.

I ordered a pile of certificates for Scandics for use in the next year. It's a pretty good deal at the old Opportunity level. I can't believe that some of these hotels are category 4, though.

I do have a weekend opportunity certificate and I think I can still use it at Continental, Sergel Park or Anglais even though they have left Opportunity or Level 1?

Don't you have to have a booking based on the old system? Otherwise the old certificates are worthless.

Scandic properties will remain at category 1. That should now show on the web...

------------------
If you fail, at least you
have tried...

First of all I would like to welcome you to Flyertalk!

Are you sure about this Syrene? Just a few days ago someone mention that all Scandic had got new levels. Some was still Level 1 while some other where as high as level 4.

Thank you! I am positive about this. It has been checked and double checked http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif)

Thank you! I am positive about this. It has been checked and double checked http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/redface.gif)

Check the HHonors chart link below (excel spreadsheet). All the Scandics are listed with their new levels:

------------------

BlondeBomber's Star Lounge Guide (http://members.shaw.ca/deercroft/starlounge2003.xls)
BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart 2003 (http://members.shaw.ca/deercroft/starall03.html)
BlondeBomber's Hilton HHonors Rewards Hotel Levels (1 MB!) (http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/hiltonglobal.xls)
BlondeBomber's Starwood Hotel Levels (http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/starwood.xls)

Syrene, HHonors has told me differently. Some have gone up in level, according to them. But as I understand it, a level 1 award cert from before 1 June should still work. It better, since I have a 3-day award stay booked for the Scandic Hasselbacken in July.

I've been hoping to see some point stretchers at the Scandics for July onward, but so far they don't seem to have them. Many of the Hiltons in Europe have a good part of July and August as point stretcher.


[This message has been edited by PaulMSN (edited 06-17-2003).]

[This message has been edited by PaulMSN (edited 06-17-2003).]

Here is a not so elegant listing which has most (but not ll?) Scandics.

Belgium Scandic Hotel Antwerpen 1
Belgium Scandic Hotel Brugge 1
Belgium Scandic Hotel Grand Place Brussels 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Aalborg 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Århus 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Bygholm Park Horsens 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Copenhagen København 3
Denmark Scandic Hotel Eremitage Lyngby København 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Glostrup København 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Hvidovre København 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Kolding 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Kongens Ege Randers 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Odense 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Olympic Esbjerg 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Plaza Århus 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Regina Herning 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Ringsted 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Roskilde 2
Denmark Scandic Hotel Silkeborg 1
Denmark Scandic Hotel Webers København 2
Denmark Scandic Stena Line Hotel Frederikshavn 1
Denmark Scandic Stena Line Hotel Grenaa 1
Estonia Scandic Hotel Karupesa 1
Estonia Scandic Hotel Palace Tallinn 1
Estonia Scandic Hotel Rannahotell 1
Estonia Scandic Hotel St.Barbara Tallinn 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Continental Helsinki 2
Finland Scandic Hotel Espoo 2
Finland Scandic Hotel Gateway Helsinki Airport 3
Finland Scandic Hotel Grand Marina Helsinki 2
Finland Scandic Hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Julia Turku 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Jyväskylä 2
Finland Scandic Hotel Kajanus Kajaani 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Kalastajatorppa Helsinki 2
Finland Scandic Hotel Kiannon Kuohut Suomussalmi 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Kuopio 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Luosto 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Marina Palace Turku 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Marski Helsinki 3
Finland Scandic Hotel Mesikämmen Ähtäri 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Patria Lappeenranta 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Plaza Turku 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Pori 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Rosendahl Tampere 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Rovaniemi 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Savoy Mariehamn 1
Finland Scandic Hotel Simonkenttä Helsinki 3
Finland Scandic Hotel Tampere 2
Germany Scandic Hotel Essen 1
Germany Scandic Hotel Frankfurt Offenbach 1
Germany Scandic Hotel Lübeck 1
Lithuania Scandic Hotel Neringa Vilnius Litauen 1
Netherlands Scandic Hotel Sanadome Nijmegen 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Ålesund 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Arendal 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Asker Oslo 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Bergen Airport 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Bergen City 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Byporten Oslo 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Hamar 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Høvik Oslo 1
Norway Scandic Hotel KNA Oslo 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Kristiansand 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Prinsen, Trondheim 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Residence 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Sjølyst Oslo 2
Norway Scandic Hotel St. Olav 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Stavanger 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Triaden Oslo Nord 2
Norway Scandic Hotel Tromsø 1
Norway Scandic Hotel Trondheim 1
Sweden Scandic Frimurarehotellet, Linköping 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Alvik 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Anglais Stockholm 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Ariadne Stockholm 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Backadal Göteborg 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Billingen Skövde 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Bollnäs 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Borlänge 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Bromma Stockholm 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Continental Stockholm 4
Sweden Scandic Hotel Crown Göteborg 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Elmia Jönköping 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Europa Göteborg 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Ferrum Kiruna 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Gävle Väst 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Grand Central, Gävle 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Grand Örebro 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Hallandia Halmstad 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Hasselbacken Stockholm 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Helsingborg Nord 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Horisont Helsingborg 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Järva Krog Stockholm 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Kalmar Väst 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Karlshamn 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Klarälven Karlstad 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Kramer, Malmö 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Kungens Kurva Stockholm 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Linköping Väst 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Löddeköpinge 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Lugnet Falun 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Luleå 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Malmen Stockholm 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Mölndal Göteborg 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Norrköping City 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Norrköping Nord 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Opalen Göteborg 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Örebro Väst 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Örnsköldsvik 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Östersund 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Park Stockholm 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Plaza Borås 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Plaza Umeå 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Portalen Jönköping 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Rubinen Göteborg 3
Sweden Scandic Hotel Säffle 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Segevång Malmö 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Sergel Plaza, Stockholm 4
Sweden Scandic Hotel Skellefteå 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Söderhamn 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Södertälje 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel St Jörgen Malmö 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Star Lund 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Star Sollentuna 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Sundsvall City 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Sundsvall Nord 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Swania Trollhättan 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Täby Stockholm 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Umeå Syd 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Uplandia Uppsala 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Upplands Väsby Stockholm 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Uppsala Nord 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Västerås 1
Sweden Scandic Hotel Växjö 2
Sweden Scandic Hotel Winn Karlstad 2
Sweden Scandic Stadshotellet Kalmar 1

I wonder how HHonors did choose the new level on the Scandic hotels...I am still trying to understand how Scandic in my hometown(Örnsköldsvik) could be a level 2 while Scandic Frankfurt is level 1.

Thanx for the list BlondeBomber. Great to have for us people in Scandinavia

I am sorry but the information you have is old (and not correct). Scandic hotels was loaded with new categories. That has however changed and they are now back at category 1.

Could you please point out which are incorrect. These categories were faxed to me by Hilton on June 6 (ie the new listing).

ALL Scandics are category 1.
Scandics in Germany
Scandic Hotel Essen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Frankfurt / Offenbach, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Luebeck, Category 1

Scandics in Tallin
Scandic Hotel Karupesa Otepaa, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Palace Tallinn, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Rannahotell Parnu, Category 1
Scandic Hotel St. Barbara Tallinn, Category 1

Scandics in Finland
Scandic Hotel Continental, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Espoo, Category 1,
Hotel closing for renovations - 01/Oct/02 - 1/Oct/03
Scandic Hotel Gateway Helsinki Airport, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Grand Marina, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Imatran Valtionhotelli, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Julia, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Jyvaskyla, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kajanus, Kajaani, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kalastajatorppa, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kiannon Kuohut, Suomussalmi, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kuopio, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Luosto, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Marina Palace Turku, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Marski, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Mesikammen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Patria, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Plaza Turku, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Pori, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Rosendahl, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Rovaniemi, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Salpaus Lahti, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Savoy, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Simonkentta, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Tampere, Category 1

Scandic hotels in Norway
Scandic Hotel Alesund, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Arendal, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Asker, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Bergen Airport, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Bergen City, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Byporten, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Hamar, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Hovik Oslo, Category 1
Scandic Hotel KNA Oslo, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kristiansand, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Prinsen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Residence, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Sjolyst, Category 1
Scandic Hotel St. Olav, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Stavanger, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Triaden,
Scandic Hotel Tromso, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Trondheim, Category 1

Scandic hotels in Sweden
Scandic Hotel Alvik, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Anglais, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Ariadne, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Backadal, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Billingen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Bollnas, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Borlange, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Bromma, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Continental Stockholm, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Elmia, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Europa, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Ferrum, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Frimurarehotellet, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Gavle Vast, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Gothenburg City, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Grand Central, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Grand Orebro, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Hallandia, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Hasselbacken, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Helsingborg Nord, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Horisont, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Jarva Krog, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kalmar Vast, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Karlshamn, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Klaralven, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kramer, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Kungens Kurva Stockholm, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Linkoping Vast, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Loddekopinge, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Lugnet Falun, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Lulea Nord, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Malmen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Molndal, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Norrkoping City, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Norrkoping Nord, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Opalen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Orebro Vast, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Ornskoldsvik, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Ostersund, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Park, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Plaza Boras, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Plaza Umea, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Portalen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Rubinen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Segevang, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Sergel Plaza, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Sjofartshotellet, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Skelleftea, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Soderhamn, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Sodertalje, Category 1
Scandic Hotel St Jorgen, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Stadshotellet Kalmar, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Star Lund, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Star Sollentuna, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Sundsvall City, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Sundsvall Nord, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Swania, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Taby, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Umea Syd, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Uplandia, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Upplands Vasby, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Uppsala Nord, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Vasteras, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Vaxjo, Category 1
Scandic Hotel Winn, Category 1

E-mailed to me today by call center in Glasgow. If you take into account the way that Scandic Club used to work. 1 free night after 10 paid nights and the way points are earned at Scandic properties 1000 base pts per night... This make perfect sense for us Scandinavians. The rest of you... just enjoy and plan a trip to lovely Sweden (or Norway, Denmark, Finland, Estonia)




------------------
If you fail, at least you
have tried...

Thanks for the update.

New Scandic category 1 now reflected for all Scandic listings.

If you see other changes in the listings let me know.

Hampton is the only one I haven't checked.

------------------

BlondeBomber's Star Lounge Guide (http://members.shaw.ca/deercroft/starlounge2003.xls)
BlondeBomber's Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart 2003 (http://members.shaw.ca/deercroft/starall03.html)
BlondeBomber's Hilton HHonors Rewards Hotel Levels (1 MB!) (http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/hiltonglobal.xls)
BlondeBomber's Starwood Hotel Levels (http://members.shaw.ca/twallis/starwood.xls)

No probs... happy to help!

------------------
If you fail, at least you
have tried...

This is really good news that Scandics stay in cat 1. What comes to the quality of them, actually I think the Scandics in Helsinki are pretty good standard hotels. E.g. Scandic Continental used to be an InterContinental, where among others Clinton and U2 stayed during their visits in the late 90s. The building (from outside) is ugly as @#$% though and their restaurant is lousy. The other former InterContinental in Helsinki is now Hilton Strand (category 4 and not that different from Scandic Continental!!)

I could also recommend Scandic Simonkentta, is brand new and with excellent central location, but as a minus side there is construction going on right next to it (the construction of the new bus center will be going on for several years actually). Scandic Kalastajantorppa has been undergoing refurbishment and if the work is finished now (I am not sure), it should be a pretty nice place to stay -- although its location is not very good if you plan mostly to hop around downtown, but you could get a very nice view to the sea from your room.

(P.S. I guess the rock stars and such stay mostly at Hotel Kamp nowadays. It is part of Starwood Luxury Collection and the only five star hotel in Finland.)

Amazing this deal still works. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Thanks Syrene .. and thanks as always to Blondebomber for his largely thankless task of trying to keep websites current and accurate when even official Hilton info supplied to him in recent weeks is completely wrong. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/mad.gif

------------------
~ Glen ~

Come visit HERE (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum13/HTML/000502.html) the most ** FRIENDLY FORUM ** on FlyerTalk. No flame wars, no personal abuse, no substance abuse. Not much of anything really!

I recently had a 3-day and a 1-day award stay at Scandics, and made sure to bill something to my room so I'd get the HHonors points, but the HHonors account web page lists them with $0 folios, and I received 0 points, even though a few kronor (or kroner) are on the receipts from the hotels. Anyone have an idea how I can get this corrected? Previously, I've received 1000 points/night on Scandic award stays. Thanks.

Technically, you were not supposed get stay credit on Scandic award stays. According to the HHonors Terms and Conditions (http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/terms.jhtml), at Scandic hotels, only qualifying nights (not stays) count toward VIP status. And since when staying on an award, only stays are supposed to be counted and not nights, award stays at Scandic properties are not supposed to generate credit. Perhaps HH started to enforce their own rules now?

And I'm not sure about those charges to your folio. Generally speaking, they should've generated some points for you, but there are exceptions (again, according to the published Terms and Conditions): hotel may omit for purposes of point accrual, incidental charges or charges to the Member's room for non-affiliated hotel entities which are not owned and/or operated by the hotel including, but not limited to, food and beverage outlets, gift shop, drugstore, clothes, gallery or specialty stores, recreational or entertainment concessions.

Did you try calling HH customer service? They can usually tell you if you will receive any points for incidentals or not.

I've had all sorts of different things happen w/Scandic award stays. Sometimes I got points for incidentals, sometimes airmiles. After calling HH I always ended up with at least 1000 points/night plus stay credit. Whether these stays count toward status I have no idea.

Main point: call HH and ask for what you think you deserve!

2500 points for an award stay back in March was posted today! The online statement says:

"SCANDIC HOTEL CONTINENTAL - SERVICE CENTER THANK YOU BONUS"

didn't have that much expenses during my stay. Maybe a couple of phone calls.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AndrewM:

"SCANDIC HOTEL CONTINENTAL - SERVICE CENTER THANK YOU BONUS"
</font>

The bonus here was from the promotion you signed up for. 2500 points on your next stay.

I have two award nights at Scandic this weekend and I will report if I get any points.

I did recieve one night and two nights credit to my account for the Scandic stay(I guess only the nights counts as status). No points, will send an mail to Hilton and ask if I am entitle to those points or not.

Has anyone stayed at the Frankfurt Scandic? I just found out they do not have air conditioning! Is this standard for Scandic hotels? Thanks

No unusual given the origins of the Scandic chain came from Scandinavia where heating is of more concern then cooling.

Generally the hotels are *3 (whatever you consider than to represent) so expect the common parts to have HVAC but rooms less likely to. In most cases air conditioning to the room is an opening window!

The same exists in the UK, outside of London, where many of the Hilton hotels either don't have, or have switched off, centralised room cooling. With a mini heat wave hitting the UK this week I'm not looking forward to next week in the Coventry/Northampton hotels neither of which have AC to the rooms. Both of these hotels have the ventilation system in the rooms, central plant etc but I presume given the economic climate they have decommissioned them in favour of electric heaters.

I stayed few days ago at Scandic Continental in Stockholm and received both stay and night credit, but no points.

Last month I had an award stay in Scandic Hotel Palace in Tallinn. I recieved points (including status bonus) as well as night and stay credits, but no miles.

Greetings,
Blueskies

[This message has been edited by Blueskies (edited 08-02-2003).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by adgtravel:
Has anyone stayed at the Frankfurt Scandic? I just found out they do not have air conditioning! Is this standard for Scandic hotels? Thanks</font>

I was there last week, they don't have air conditioning, they dont have any water pressure, and unless you are staying there because you are visting one of the companies with building accross the street the location sucks. You see the Frankfurt Scandic, is actually in Frankfurt-Offenbach (sp?) this is like saying that the New York Hilton is in Queens!!!! It was half the cost of the Hilton Frankfurt but I will definitely give it a pass next time.

Ok, I did a search and would like to confirm the following info (which I can't find on the Scandic web site, unfortunately):

1) all Scandic hotels are still cat. 1

2) the only way to book an award stay there is to call an HHonors reservation center

Correct, until it changes http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Will be in Brussels this weekend and this would be a good deal if still available.

[This message has been edited by johnep1 (edited Jan 20, 2004).]

Yes! Scandic still belongs to category 1.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Gustaf:
Yes! Scandic still belongs to category 1.</font>

YESSSSS!

Excellent news! Unfortunately, I could not get either in Brussels using points for this coming weekend so I used priceline.

For my next trips to Europe I will be sure to take advantage of the Scandics (with a little more advance notice).

[This message has been edited by johnep1 (edited Jan 20, 2004).]

I'm looking for some info on the process for making reservations at Scandic hotels using HHonors points. Is it possible online and how has the availability been in the past?

Call HHonors with dates. They are more than willing to search many many days. You cannot make reservations online yet, probably a database compatability issue. I have had good experience getting the dates I want, even a few days before I make the reservation.

If that doesn't work, you can try calling the hotel directly, which some people have reported magically shows more availability.......enjoy your trip, Scandics are the best value in the Hilton chain!



I'm looking for some info on the process for making reservations at Scandic hotels using HHonors points. Is it possible online and how has the availability been in the past?

Thanks jtduarte. This is great news.

Depends on when you want to go, if it is around holidays ie. Easter, Christmas, New Year, etc. when business travel is down, it might be worthwhile to also check the Scandic website since sometimes they have 50-60 Euro deals...

I've had very good luck with Scandic award bookings - at 10k points, a serious bargain.

But look at www.scandic-hotels.com first, as they do offer some great deals, e.g.:

"Stay with us at Easter from € 25 per person.

Come and celebrate Easter at one of our Scandic hotels. This year, we’re offering a real Easter treat. American Express card holders get to book before everyone else."

-OR-

"Winter Weekend

Winter Weekend in Denmark from €65 per room/night - minimum length of stay is 2 nights."

Scandic always includes full breakfast buffet in stays.

Scandic always includes full breakfast buffet in stays.

Does this also apply for award stays?

=ALL= Scandic stays include the Scandic breakfast. That's certainly been my experience, paid or award. From Scandic FAQs:

"Is breakfast included in the rate at all Scandic hotels? (http://www.scandic-hotels.com/CustomerService/807_FAQAnswerQuestionTitle.jsp?faqid=11077732&faqsid=11202924)
Yes, a large breakfast buffet is always included for everyone staying in the room."


Does this also apply for award stays?

Call Hilton, select reservations, and choose the Hilton option, since there isn't one for Scandic. From what I could tell, there are no restrictions on available -- if the hotel has rooms, you can use an award.

Hmm, I'm trying to book in Copenhagen for mid-May 2006 and am being told there is paid availability but not award availability. It it too early to book a Scandic on award or is it possible they sold out of award rooms already? (I know, should have firm plans more than 7.5 months out ;-) ) Not a <> so availability restrictions apply...

Hmm, I'm trying to book in Copenhagen for mid-May 2006 and am being told there is paid availability but not award availability. It it too early to book a Scandic on award or is it possible they sold out of award rooms already? (I know, should have firm plans more than 7.5 months out ;-) ) Not a <> so availability restrictions apply...

They may not yet have loaded award rooms. Then again, there are times when some Scandinavian capitals' hotels do sell out (at the higher end of the hotel chain).

I've seen more award rooms come available closer to date (without using the Diamond override benefit) even when I expected certain prime places to be sold out due to festivals, conferences, etc. However, your mileage may vary.

An option is to call the hotel directly and ask if you can book a room using your points as you already have a certificate in hand. Sometimes they will say yes ... or you can try to find someone who can.

Diamond desk can be very helpful. They just called the Brussels Scandic and got me a 265euro (330$) award for 10k ^

Thanks... GUWonder, I will try calling/emailing directly and see what happens. Otherwise I'll get a cancellable backup and wait and see. (Must be nice being Diamond and being able to find award availability!)

Thanks... GUWonder, I will try calling/emailing directly and see what happens. Otherwise I'll get a cancellable backup and wait and see. (Must be nice being Diamond and being able to find award availability!)actually its nice to be diamond and (not) find rooms. Its a big plus and makes the hhonors program the best value around

actually its nice to be diamond and (not) find rooms. Its a big plus and makes the hhonors program the best value around

Only true if you have time. From personal experience on many occassions: the problem is if you have only 72 hours to your desired check-in, your points are going to be hard to use often (at many decent properties at decent times of the year with plenty of paid rooms available).

It's very frustrating on occassion .... especially when HHonors says they can do diddly-squat, but the hotel management is more than willing to make/confirm an HHonors award booking if the customer calls directly (for Diamonds or non-Diamonds). HHonors Diamond award booking privileges need to be much more flexible than they currently are .... especially given that it's well within their capability to make a Diamond override in 48-hours very often. But they say they need closer to a week and will generally not even try for the short-term (unless heavily prompted). :(

And when you get incompotent Diamond CSRs who tell you that a hotel is in the city when it's clearly not and is 12-miles outside, you really learn how incompetence has gotten worse over the years.

I just booked the Scandic Byporten in Oslo in March for the Holmenkollen Skifestival for 10.000 Points/Night for three nights! The normal price at that time is around 190,- €/Night! ^ :D

Greetings,

Christian.

It is possible (and easy) to do reservation straight from hotel with email. They can deduct points when you arrive with their realtime reservations system, so no voucher needed.

Tristan

I just booked the Scandic Byporten in Oslo in March for the Holmenkollen Skifestival for 10.000 Points/Night for three nights! The normal price at that time is around 190,- €/Night! ^ :D

Greetings,

Christian.

Glad to see you too share in the HHonors wealth. :D

I am currently saving what would be 2300 SEK (c. 300 US dollars) per room night ... for 10,000 HHonors points. :)

I have found that it is better to reserve directly with the hotel - I was able to stay for 4 nights in Scandic Bergen City in the summer as a mere Gold, even though central reservations told me this was impossible due to blackout periods.

I also got full points for 2 out of 3 award stays, but don't tell Hilton...

I am trying to book an award stay at a Scandic in HEL for Jun 06 - but HHonors search reveals no choices - it only lists two Hiltons.

When I went to the Scandic site I can't find a way to search for award availbility.

Is this only possible by calling HHonors? Do they only load Scandic award availbility x months before date of reservation?

I am trying to book an award stay at a Scandic in HEL for Jun 06 - but HHonors search reveals no choices - it only lists two Hiltons.

When I went to the Scandic site I can't find a way to search for award availbility.

Is this only possible by calling HHonors? Do they only load Scandic award availbility x months before date of reservation?

There is no on-line award reservation with Scandics. Easiest way is to do reservation straight from hotel with e-mail. You find e-mail adresses from Scandic website under "contact us" section in each individual hotel.
Also in nordic Scandics no award voucher needed, they can deduct points straight from your account when you arrive.

I suggest to stick on Scandic Simonkenttä or Scandic Continental, next option for me would be Scandic Marski and then Grand Marina. All are okay, Simonkenttä is in best location and Continental is with nice pool & sauna.

Hilton Helsinki Strand is also great, but takes three times more points.

Regards

TV

IIRC need to book through Scandic website or by phoning/emailing Hhonors.

The lack of system compatability is apparently the reason why scandic awards are so cheap in the first place.

There is no on-line award reservation with Scandics. Easiest way is to do reservation straight from hotel with e-mail. You find e-mail adresses from Scandic website under "contact us" section in each individual hotel.
Also in nordic Scandics no award voucher needed, they can deduct points straight from your account when you arrive.

I suggest to stick on Scandic Simonkenttä or Scandic Continental, next option for me would be Scandic Marski and then Grand Marina. All are okay, Simonkenttä is in best location and Continental is with nice pool & sauna.

Hilton Helsinki Strand is also great, but takes three times more points.

Regards

TV

... yep, they can deduct points straight from the account. And several times they have taken points from the wrong account and essentially ignored the award certificate supplied to them at check-in.

I was trying to get the Scandic in Copenhagen, and was told no availability for the entire spring. I called the hotel, they had availability. I had to call hilton honors customer service and they were able to book it. Some of the hotels in Copenhagen haven't released availability for next year.

Cheers

Timo

Why make this harder than it is?
1. Call the hotel, give your HHonors number and ask for the award reservation.
2. Get a reservation number. Ask for one if they don't give it at once.
3. Call a few days before arriving just to make sure.
4. Bring your HHonors card with you when you arrive.

Don't get a voucher for a normal Scandic in the Nordic countries, they won't know what to do with it. Don't call HHonors, IMO they see worse availability. There used to be Scandic partner hotels as well - they needed a voucher. Don't know if those still exist, however there are none in HEL.

I prefer the Marski before Simonkenttä. Simonkenttä just feels too modern, steril and impersonal to me.

Oops, forgot point 5: Be sure to enjoy the warm Scandic hospitality along with the great breakfast buffet! ^

Don't get a voucher for a normal Scandic in the Nordic countries, they won't know what to do with it.

Great points, but the above one is not wholly correct in my experiences. I've presented vouchers plenty of times this year, and generally local Scandic staff in the Nordic countries had no problem processing it -- even when the points/voucher were not from the first registered guest's account. One exception with one hotel in Sweden comes to mind, but no issues at multiple Scandic hotels in Sweden, Denmark and Finland.

This reminds me, I need to call Hhonors. Booked an award stay at the Scandic Vasteras a while back, via the Diamond desk. As far as I can work out, the desk took 10K points when I booked, then the hotel took another 10K when I checked in - at least I have two 10K withdrawals on my statement and only one award stay!

Still, I'm sure they'll sort it out without too much hassle.

Had the same issue with the Scandic Bergen City in Norway this year - I emailed the hotel and they fixed it all up very quickly.

Great points, but the above one is not wholly correct in my experiences. I've presented vouchers plenty of times this year, and generally local Scandic staff in the Nordic countries had no problem processing it -- even when the points/voucher were not from the first registered guest's account.
Sure, I see you're point and of course you are right. Traditionally in Scandics no vouchers were needed, but through schooling and by more and more people from outside the Nordic countries booking Scandic awards, I'm sure they are getting used to them. And if you happen to have a voucher, I'm sure you'll get it processed eventually. But just pointing out that it is the way the Scandics used to function and it may still be the easiest way. Actually I've been kind of hoping that Hiltons would follow suit...

Thanks all for the info.

So when booking can I specify a deluxe room, or is there only one standard for awards and then I hope for an upgrade to deluxe as a Gold? Is there a price differential (in terms of points) for different room bookings as awards?

Any other opinions as the preferable property in HEL?

From what I understand, it's not possible to spend more points for upgraded rooms at Scandics. In any event, most of the rooms -- save a handful -- are basically the same or one of two molds in most Scandics I've been to.

Any other opinions as the preferable property in HEL?

You can find a previous thread about Scandic Hotel Continental that used to be one of the two InterContinental Hotels in Helsinki.

IMHO is not as dumped down as a regular Scandics and still has the IC feeling including suites and business rooms.

This is the Scandic in Helsinki that I use my HH points.

From what I understand, it's not possible to spend more points for upgraded rooms at Scandics. In any event, most of the rooms -- save a handful -- are basically the same or one of two molds in most Scandics I've been to.
This time may I correct you? The Scandic group grew by acquiring hotels and hotel chains with very different room standards and they have by no means refurbished them all. You will find all kinds of rooms in Scandics, from the very small one person rooms to rooms with own saunas to family rooms to suites.

With Hhonors status you will not be given the small ones, but usually not suites either. You cannot officially get better rooms with more points what I know of, but by asking nicely it may be possible depending on availability. You can usually get the larger rooms if you are a family travelling together.

Thanks all for the info.

So when booking can I specify a deluxe room, or is there only one standard for awards and then I hope for an upgrade to deluxe as a Gold? Is there a price differential (in terms of points) for different room bookings as awards?

Any other opinions as the preferable property in HEL?

Award is 10 000 points, upgrades are based on availability when arriving.
I have got junior suite several times when travelling with family (with points), but basicly all awards are in regular room.

If you contact to Continental at their email addres continentalhelsinki@scandic-hotels.com you can always ask if they are kind and upgrade you beforehand. Not much to loose. ^

Regular rooms are also quite nice, if you get view to Töölö bay. Also should go to sauna in 8th floor and enjoy magnificient view. There is free Hhonors sauna in evenings.

Regards

TV

This time may I correct you? The Scandic group grew by acquiring hotels and hotel chains with very different room standards and they have by no means refurbished them all. You will find all kinds of rooms in Scandics, from the very small one person rooms to rooms with own saunas to family rooms to suites.

With Hhonors status you will not be given the small ones, but usually not suites either. You cannot officially get better rooms with more points what I know of, but by asking nicely it may be possible depending on availability. You can usually get the larger rooms if you are a family travelling together.

That sounds completely correct to me.

HHonors members won't generally be getting either the broom closet rooms or the sauna/family room/suites when using points; just make sure that they know that you are two people in the room since there are some singles, but generally HHonors tries to stay away from giving those as award rooms.

I stayed at the Scandic Grand Marina on points as a Gold and was given an L-shaped corner room which was pretty roomy. On the other hand, I had an award stay the same year at the Scandic Hasselbacken in Stockholm with my mother and son and we could barely fit everyone in.

I stayed at the Scandic Grand Marina on points as a Gold and was given an L-shaped corner room which was pretty roomy. On the other hand, I had an award stay the same year at the Scandic Hasselbacken in Stockholm with my mother and son and we could barely fit everyone in.

The Scandic Anglais -- if it reopens as such after the mega-renovations -- should be quite nice to stay at in Stockholm -- albeit a bit out of the way from T-Centralen.

Don't get a voucher for a normal Scandic in the Nordic countries, they won't know what to do with it. Don't call HHonors, IMO they see worse availability. There used to be Scandic partner hotels as well - they needed a voucher. Don't know if those still exist, however there are none in HEL.



I have always presented a voucher when I have stayed on awards on Scandic hotels all over Sweden and no one has had any problems with that.

I prefer the Marski before Simonkenttä. Simonkenttä just feels too modern, steril and impersonal to me.


I liked the Simonkenttä, then again, I like modern design. I didn't think it was sterile though.

One word of warning, if you haven't visited Scandinavia before, the sauna scene is not a quiet place of mediatation, but rather a meeting place with lively conversation and varingly levels of dress. I opened the door, was confused for a second, all the talking stopped and looked at me, then I closed the door and went back to my room.

I just got back from Brussels and stayed at the Scandic using my points for 3 nights...The hotel didn't have any suites, but we were upgraded to a superior room, free breakfast, fresh fruit plate and mineral water each day.

I have always presented a voucher when I have stayed on awards on Scandic hotels all over Sweden and no one has had any problems with that.
I'd like to know why you prefer to use vouchers? @:-)

I prefer the Marski before Simonkenttä. Simonkenttä just feels too modern, steril and impersonal to me.

I used my HHonors points for a 4-night Scandic award (only 40,000 points!) at the Simonkentta last August. I highly recommend this property! First, if coming from the airport, Simonkentta is only a 3 minute walk from the Finnair bus stop. Second, as a Diamond I was upgraded to one of the suites on the top floor that featured a balcony, large bedroom and bathroom, and my own personal sauna. I was very impressed with the service and the morning breakfast selection was huge. I would certainly visit again.

-FlyerBeek

I'd like to know why you prefer to use vouchers? @:-)

It's not necessarily a preference, but sometimes it is just done.

I have several reasons to often prefer such. Including able to walk in off the street and use them instead of having to even consider making a phone call -- especially when the points are from someone else's account. :)

I have several reasons to often prefer such. Including able to walk in off the street and use them instead of having to even consider making a phone call -- especially when the points are from someone else's account. :)

Do you have multiple HHonors personalities that have done too many walks? ;) I like Walking my imaginary cat and dog too!

Do you have multiple HHonors personalities that have done too many walks? ;) I like Walking my imaginary cat and dog too!

I don't believe imaginary cats and dogs would be my first choice. Some real people along with me. And a few more HHonors accounts for people that have not slept in a hotel. :D

Tried booking the Continental but they were booked for part of our intended stay.

Did have success booking the SIMONKENTTÄ - this is the reply I got:

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your reservation. Scandic Simonkenttä is happy to confirm as follows:

Mr Alect 18-23.06.2006 queen superior room with Hlton points, booking number XXXXXX.

If you wish to book and guarantee to have a king superior room you have to pay 50e/night extra charge. Otherwise you can request king superior when you check in, but then it will not be a guarantee we have them.


Aurinkoisin terveisin | Best Regards,


Isn't 50 Euroes a bit steep for the difference between a queen and a king?

Tried booking the Continental but they were booked for part of our intended stay.

Did have success booking the SIMONKENTTÄ - this is the reply I got:

Dear Sir,

Thank you for your reservation. Scandic Simonkenttä is happy to confirm as follows:

Mr Alect 18-23.06.2006 queen superior room with Hlton points, booking number XXXXXX.

If you wish to book and guarantee to have a king superior room you have to pay 50e/night extra charge. Otherwise you can request king superior when you check in, but then it will not be a guarantee we have them.


Aurinkoisin terveisin | Best Regards,


Isn't 50 Euroes a bit steep for the difference between a queen and a king?

I don't want to give you an advice, but just some info. You'd better check, but I think the King should include a private sauna and a bigger room overall. The Queens are pretty cramped, I think. On the other hand 50 € is steep, you could get some kind of room in Helsinki for slightly more. And 18. is already summer holiday season so there should be plenty of room availability.

Tried booking the Continental but they were booked for part of our intended stay.

You may want to try them again a bit later in the game. I don't know if the Diamond desk is able to "force" you an award reservation.

The dates that you have chosen are just before the beginning of Summer holiday season in Finland (Juhannus). I am almost sure that there will be plenty of availability later.

Simonketta was built as Scandic and thus (at least this is my understanding) has not as many bigger guest rooms as other Hilton chain hotels.

I would NOT pay 50 euros for an upgrade.

Isn't 50 Euroes a bit steep for the difference between a queen and a king?
If you get with 50€ extra room with own sauna & balcony it´s not too bad. These rooms are quite nice, could be called jr. suites in some properties.

Other hand there is so small superior rooms in Simonkenttä that that I wonder what superior comes from...

So it´s what you want to be guranteed.

Anyway hotel is nice, modern scandinavian style, well located. It´s the last week before holidays so hotel might be quite full during weekdays.

regards

TV

Isn't 50 Euroes a bit steep for the difference between a queen and a king?
If you get with 50€ extra room with own sauna & balcony it´s not too bad. These rooms are quite nice, could be called jr. suites in some properties.

Other hand there is so small superior rooms in Simonkenttä that that I wonder what superior comes from...

So it´s what you want to be guranteed.

Anyway hotel is nice, modern scandinavian style, well located. It´s the last week before holidays so hotel might be quite full during weekdays.

regards

TV

50 euros seems a bit much

I need 3 more nights to requal for diamond and am looking at a Scandic stay in Brussels. I think I read that you get points for a paid Scandic stay but not stay credit? Is this right or will an award stay get me my 3 nights?

I need 3 more nights to requal for diamond and am looking at a Scandic stay in Brussels. I think I read that you get points for a paid Scandic stay but not stay credit? Is this right or will an award stay get me my 3 nights?

You dont get stays from Scandics, but it will count nights to reach your status level. Also in reward nights.

TV

Thanks, that's good to know.

Why can you get credit for the nights but not stay credit? It doesn't make much sense.

Thanks, that's good to know.

Why can you get credit for the nights but not stay credit? It doesn't make much sense.

That's the way it works even for paid stays at Scandic hotels.

Scandic hotels give 1,000 HHonors per night for paid stays. But for all my award stays at Scandic properties, I've never had an award stay post as a paid stay with the 1,000 points per night. I wish it were otherwise. :D

Scandic hotels give 1,000 HHonors per night for paid stays. But for all my award stays at Scandic properties, I've never had an award stay post as a paid stay with the 1,000 points per night. I wish it were otherwise. :D

I had once. Won't tell where, because the people at that Scandic clearly had no clue, and I don't want them punished for giving extra to me.

Paid the room with 10000 points, received 1750 points as HH Gold (my profile is HH points + HH points) and even got the food voucher!

That was nice. Also it was part of my HH Diamond run (fasttrack offer 15 nights in 3 months), so the level upgrade was finally quite cheap.

I've got full points on 2 out of 3 reward stays also....

I spent three nights at two Scandics this summer, but the stays never posted to my account. I don't think I'll have any trouble renewing Diamond status on nights, so I haven't pushed it yet.

I was checking with HH desk today to try and book award stay for July 2006, and was informed they have not beeen released yet - nothing beyond Jan 2006 (at least for Belgium & Denmark, that i was looking for).

So if anyone hears af inventory being released, please post here...meanwhile I will keep calling the HH desk every few days.

I was checking with HH desk today to try and book award stay for July 2006, and was informed they have not beeen released yet - nothing beyond Jan 2006 (at least for Belgium & Denmark, that i was looking for).

So if anyone hears af inventory being released, please post here...meanwhile I will keep calling the HH desk every few days.

Easiest way is to call or mail directly to property where you would like to stay. Contact information is in Scandic website http://www.scandic-hotels.com under each hotel site.

Regards

TV

That's odd.. I booked two Scandic stays for May a few months ago... and another Scandic stay for June yesterday.

Does anyone know if Diamond "no-black-out" applies to Scandic as well?

This is a joke. Trying to Book Scandic Brussels on line

For Scandic Hotels- we are currently unable to book your reward reservations online. Please call Copenhagen +45 33 48 04 00, Helsinki +358 800 069 69, Oslo +47 23 15 50 00, or Stockholm +46 8 517 517 00.

Has any one done this via the Diamond desk? I dont feel I should have to call Northern Europe for this when I have twice booked Scandic awards on line before.

When I booked one, they told me to call the regular award reservation line and select "Hilton" when asked to select the brand.

When I booked one, they told me to call the regular award reservation line and select "Hilton" when asked to select the brand.
Thats exactly what I did. The CSR had no problem booking my Scandic Byporten (in Oslo) reward stay :cool: ^

I booked Scandic awards for HEL via email direct to the hotel.

I've not had problems booking Scandic awards online - including the Scandic "Grand Place" in Brussels, which is not near the Grand Place, but is near Centrale / Centraal sation and Rue des Bouchers. But when I was in Brussels last month, the Hilton Brussels and Conrad were going at lower prices than the Scandic :confused:, which tells me it was at high occupancy or having an event.

I've not had problems booking Scandic awards online - including the Scandic "Grand Place" in Brussels, which is not near the Grand Place, but is near Centrale / Centraal sation and Rue des Bouchers. But when I was in Brussels last month, the Hilton Brussels and Conrad were going at lower prices than the Scandic :confused:, which tells me it was at high occupancy or having an event.

The Scandic is surprisingly expensive, mostly because of its location and small size, same is true for the Le Meridien somehow. They simply do not have to discount rooms like the Hiltons or even the Conrad.

Brussels on weekends and non EU parliament time frames is a heaven for the traveler anyway, you basically get all the best hotels for roughly € 100 and change.

Even the Amigo, arguably the best hotel in town goes for € 150 on weekends and this property is really very close to the Grand Place...

I've not had problems booking Scandic awards online - including the Scandic "Grand Place" in Brussels, which is not near the Grand Place, but is near Centrale / Centraal sation and Rue des Bouchers. But when I was in Brussels last month, the Hilton Brussels and Conrad were going at lower prices than the Scandic :confused:, which tells me it was at high occupancy or having an event.

How do you book Scandic awards online? Whenever I search for award in a city (tried Brussels, Oslo and Copenhagen) with a Scandic, those hotels never come up.

Thank you.

Search for the hotel and then there should be a link to their website and email. I emailed helsinki airport and they were very efficient in returning a booking confirmation. ^

Search for the hotel and then there should be a link to their website and email. I emailed helsinki airport and they were very efficient in returning a booking confirmation. ^

Thank you. So Scandic awards can be booked online using email, but not on the HHonors website?

Having to call HHonors to book or email the hotel directly is a small price to pay for having all of these hotels at the 10,000 point level.

I guess some consider it a pain to call the HHonors customer service line, but that's often faster and easier than manipulating the website and finding some properties can be booked and most not. I did both my Oslo award bookings this way, had the certs and res confirmations faxed to me.

I know you can't book award night at scandic through the web-site but is it possible to see availability on-line somehow?

I know you can't book award night at scandic through the web-site but is it possible to see availability on-line somehow?
Given that you're HH Gold (per your facts at left of your posts), and that the "no blackouts" has been made available to HH Gold recently, you should be able to get a good idea based on whether the CHEAP rooms are available for $$. (Remember, awards are only good for A room, not necessarily a FANCY room. So if cheap rooms are sold out and only suites or such remain, that could mean no awards left.)

recently had a stay at the helsinki Scandic Simonketta on points. Had a few hundred dollars worth of incidentals but the activity posted as 0 points. Is this a regular issue? Should I just call HHonors to rectify?

recently had a stay at the helsinki Scandic Simonketta on points. Had a few hundred dollars worth of incidentals but the activity posted as 0 points. Is this a regular issue? Should I just call HHonors to rectify?

If that stay was after March 1 2006, you should.

"Starting March 1 2006 we are making some improvements to the programme at Scandic hotels that let you earn points for almost everything that is on your bill."

More information about it:

http://www.scandic-hotels.com/AboutHHonors/727_LandingPage.jsp

Regards

TV

My several Scandic award stays in the last 6 weeks have had the incidentals post without issue. And unlike with my other HHonors stays -- specifically paid Hilton hotel ones -- that are posting with 0 points/0 miles, the Scandic stays are posting properly for me.

recently had a stay at the helsinki Scandic Simonketta on points. Had a few hundred dollars worth of incidentals but the activity posted as 0 points. Is this a regular issue? Should I just call HHonors to rectify?

Same thing happened to me in a different Scandic in Oslo. I did a claim, they asked me to provide a copy of the bill. Points for incidentals appeared couple of days later.

Same thing happened to me in a different Scandic in Oslo. I did a claim, they asked me to provide a copy of the bill. Points for incidentals appeared couple of days later.

Great - will do that.

Yes the stay was May 31 - June 4.

Is it possible to get Scandic as a reward stay? I've been all over the Scandic website as well as hilton.com of course, and Scandic (Brussels) never comes up for rewards stays even when I plugged in all sorts of dates well into the future...
I couldn't seem to find anywhere on the Scandic site to search for a reward stay directly from them. Any thoughts?

Yes, you can only book these via the HHonors Helpdesk.

Yes, you can only book these via the HHonors Helpdesk.

or via email directly to the scandic property.

Just popping back in with a big "thank you"! I was able to call the HHonors desk and booked a room at the Brussels Scandic for 10,000 points, saved the € 179 that the website was asking.
Down side was only a twin was available at the reward rate versus a queen, but no biggie as it's a solo trip and maybe they'll move me at check-in.
Thanks again!

Glad you got your 10K room! What a deal! We just stayed there last week on an award stay also. Requested a balcony room as advised from recent postings. Though you don't go outside, it's preferable than facing the inner atrium looking within the hotel. There was either a very bored or suspicious guest looking out her window... much nicer to look outside! Great access to restaurants, etc. Enjoyed the 2 for one happy hour before we took off for dinner. The beds are all twins, either pushed together for the queen effect, or separated for those wanting two separate beds. I'm sure you'll be fine.
Very nice breakfast buffet.

I just stayed at the Scandic Byporten in Oslo and the newly renovated Scandic Anglais in Stockholm. I'll write a report this weekend. I thought that the easiest thing to do is to call HH and set it up that way. HH e-mailed me the certificates, which were required at checkin. It's a painless process. Each hotel was 10k a night--a bargain, though they're going up to 30 or 40k this October.

I just stayed at the Scandic Byporten in Oslo and the newly renovated Scandic Anglais in Stockholm. I'll write a report this weekend. I thought that the easiest thing to do is to call HH and set it up that way. HH e-mailed me the certificates, which were required at checkin. It's a painless process. Each hotel was 10k a night--a bargain, though they're going up to 30 or 40k this October.

The normal paid rates on weekends and in the summer are likely to be a pretty good value still, and so I hope that means at least point stretchers become available for such Scandics as you mentioned since they are overpriced in point terms for such kind of off-peak stays.

The Scandic Anglais is -- like in pre-renovation days -- upgrading more than most other Scandic hotels, on paid and award stays. A good number of other Scandics (besides Scandic Anglais and Scandic Byporten) default to giving you exactly what is booked regardless of being an HHonors Diamond, Gold or what not; and the best available room in house is not to be routinely expected, paid stay or not. :o

I could have sworn that Scandic award availability were shown during searches last year. But now they're gone? I remember seeing how many points it would have cost to book the award, but you had to call CS up to do it.

I could have sworn that Scandic award availability were shown during searches last year. But now they're gone? I remember seeing how many points it would have cost to book the award, but you had to call CS up to do it.
For a bit over a month, it is still pretty easy to calculate points for any Scandic award - 10000 points per night :) so maybe they just had an indicator of points cost with notion to call customer service to actually check availability. I don't remember any online check, I just checked that there are rooms available at all before sending the email.

For a bit over a month, it is still pretty easy to calculate points for any Scandic award - 10000 points per night :) so maybe they just had an indicator of points cost with notion to call customer service to actually check availability. I don't remember any online check, I just checked that there are rooms available at all before sending the email.
haha thats right :p I do remember seeing "Available" and the green check not too long ago. But seems that Scandic awards are no longer saying online :confused:

As of a few months ago, Scandic reward stays had to be booked on the phone. I think you can see if they're available online, but just can't book. I stayed at the Scandic in Brussels on a rewards stay and had to call. The weird thing is I didn't receive a "stay" credit on a reward stay, but I did get all my VIP benefits during they stay.

Seems that you always can get a Scandic reward night if they have rooms free. But you have to call them!

The weird thing is I didn't receive a "stay" credit on a reward stay, but I did get all my VIP benefits during they stay.
I did 4 stays / 5 nights this summer and all of those counts as stays/nights. Cool! However, only 1 gave me points/miles.

I did 4 stays / 5 nights this summer and all of those counts as stays/nights. Cool! However, only 1 gave me points/miles.
I think only in case the hotel personnel don't have a clue you get the points. I got them once, as well as a food voucher (!). But stays/nights are counted every time, also for gold/diamond challenge. About 5/10/15 campaigns I am not so sure.

I had booked two SCANDIC Hotel awards prior to Oct 1st for dates in Dec and for next August.

Question - can I change the dates in Dec but keep the current award certs already issued or will I have to redeem new award certs at the higher level now?

I had booked two SCANDIC Hotel awards prior to Oct 1st for dates in Dec and for next August.

Question - can I change the dates in Dec but keep the current award certs already issued or will I have to redeem new award certs at the higher level now?

If you want to book different dates at Scandic hotels, it's likely you'll need to redeposit your award certificate and get a new one issued at a higher level.

The new, higher categories apply if making any changes to existing reservations that were made when those hotels were Category 1.

Some people had success changing dates after the June 1st change for other brands. However, the Hilton website is pretty clear where it says, "The new reward category will apply for all reward reservations made or revised on or after October 1, 2006."

http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=categorychange

Ok. Thanks.

I guess I would just have to go to Denmark first before Germany in Dec...

I have similar question - I have an award reservation but no C101 certificate. Will I have to re-do the reservation and actually pay 20k points instead of 10k?

I was told when I made my reservation that the dates could be changed, but the stay length needed to stay the same - so I guess if there's no change in certificate code (if a 3-night stay remains three nights), we can shift the dates but keep that 3-day chunk. (Hopefully this really is the case since I've no clue if I can really get to Europe this coming February.)

I am looking into booking a Scandic Hotel reward for Sept 2007 (Sergel Plaza Stockholm is the preference). Can I call HHonors in the US to book an award? The HH website just offers the international phone numbers for Scandic. I would really like to avoid the international call, time zone, and language hassle if possible. (Swedish is not one of my languages :)

I am looking into booking a Scandic Hotel reward for Sept 2007 (Sergel Plaza Stockholm is the preference). Can I call HHonors in the US to book an award? The HH website just offers the international phone numbers for Scandic. I would really like to avoid the international call, time zone, and language hassle if possible. (Swedish is not one of my languages :)


Just call Hilton Hhonors domestically and get the hilton option. they will do it for you.

Yes, you can book it through Hilton... The one time I stayed at a Scandic, though, there was no availability showing on the website. A call directly to that Scandic resulted in me being able to book an award with them since they were holding back inventory. I don't know if this is a general Scandic thing, but if you can't find availability for your dates, try calling them directly.

Also, you'll find that Swedes do tend to speak excellent English. :)

Thanks for the information. I give HH a call.

Swedish is not one of my languages :)
Fourtunalty English is one of the languages of 90% of the Europeans.

Fourtunalty English is one of the languages of 90% of the Europeans.

Could you please clarify how far your Europe goes? :p Italy - certainly not a 90%... This year I had to use my poor German even to buy an ice cream for my kid ;)

Germany outside big cities or tourist attractions - bad luck. France..? Maybe.. Although local traditions do not support any other language than French... :confused:

Nordic countries - yes, I would tend to agree. Benelux is also great in that perspective.

(Swedish is not one of my languages :)
Actually you would probably be better off speaking Finnish when contacting the Swedish HHonors callcenter. I suspect they have colocated the Swedish and Finnish callcenter, since the staff there have such a heavy Finnish accent that I have problems understanding them when speaking Swedish. :)

Actually you would probably be better off speaking Finnish when contacting the Swedish HHonors callcenter. I suspect they have colocated the Swedish and Finnish callcenter, since the staff there have such a heavy Finnish accent that I have problems understanding them when speaking Swedish. :)
That's not correct, what they have done is that they have near-shored the call center to Estonia. (Kind of like outsourcing English call centers to India, but even more extreme). For service in Swedish it is better to call the individual hotels directly. They still speak Swedish at the Swedish hotels (mostly :D ).

just call regular HH reservations/customer service. I called the 1-800 # on back of my Gold HH card. The CS booked me at a Scandic reward room no problem

Could you please clarify how far your Europe goes? :p Italy - certainly not a 90%... This year I had to use my poor German even to buy an ice cream for my kid ;)

Germany outside big cities or tourist attractions - bad luck. France..? Maybe.. Although local traditions do not support any other language than French... :confused:

Nordic countries - yes, I would tend to agree. Benelux is also great in that perspective.

Italy? ok, the have a tendency to study French but about 50% study English. Germany? 99% of the post war population in what used be West Germany studied at least five years of English at school. It is different in what used to be East Germany, where Russian was the first foreign language.

Frankly, I do not remember who said it but there is certainly some truth in it: England and the US have very much in common but not the language. For a European it can become very difficult to understand English with a Texas or Kansas accent and some of our US friends have a tendency to use the language the same way and with the same speed they use it over in the colonies. :D

Fourtunalty English is one of the languages of 90% of the Europeans.If you will amend that to "English one of the language of 90% of the Europeans who answer phones at major international chain hotels", then maybe I'll believe you!

But even at the Best Western in Bilboa (the one across from the Guggenheim), often only one person at the front desk spoke English, so you might be handed off to someone else if you called. And at many hours, no one in the hotel restaurant spoke (more than a couple words of) English, but they did have an English menu and understood if you pointed at the items you wanted. :)

And it was even harder finding people who spoke English in the small towns of Northern Spain, even at "touristy" places.

OTOH, yes, it does seem like the vast majority of people (at least that visitors are likely to interact with) in cities in Scandinavia speak English.

So IMHO it varies a lot by where in Europe you are.

But we're talking calling a Scandic hotel here. So 99.9999% of Europe is irrelevant. What matters is who's at the front desk. And there I have a hard time imagining a Scandic (especially in a major city) without most of the people at the front desk speaking enough English to be able to muddle through a reservation question, if you can speak slowly and clearly enough (and you keep in mind that it's British English, not American English, that most Europeans learn).

Of course I knew for a long time about the increase in points for Scandic hotels, but it wasn't until today that the $200 EWR-Cologne fare was available, and until today that I was going around Germany, Denmark and Malmo Sweeden.

I notice a number of hotels still are cat 1. Has anyone found success/difficulty booking some of these hotels lately?
Since you can't do it on line and must call Scandic, is there one number that is better to deal with than another? Since the website offers these choices: Please call Copenhagen +45 33 48 04 00, Helsinki +358 800 069 69, Oslo +47 23 15 50 00, or Stockholm +46 8 517 517 00.

Of course I knew for a long time about the increase in points for Scandic hotels, but it wasn't until today that the $200 EWR-Cologne fare was available, and until today that I was going around Germany, Denmark and Malmo Sweeden.

I notice a number of hotels still are cat 1. Has anyone found success/difficulty booking some of these hotels lately?
Since you can't do it on line and must call Scandic, is there one number that is better to deal with than another? Since the website offers these choices: Please call Copenhagen +45 33 48 04 00, Helsinki +358 800 069 69, Oslo +47 23 15 50 00, or Stockholm +46 8 517 517 00.You don't actually have to call Scandic itself. Calling HHonors should also do the trick (certainly, calling the HHonors Gold or Diamond "Desk" in the US is the only way I've ever booked Scandic awards).

I notice a number of hotels still are cat 1. Has anyone found success/difficulty booking some of these hotels lately?
Since you can't do it on line and must call Scandic, is there one number that is better to deal with than another? Since the website offers these choices: Please call Copenhagen +45 33 48 04 00, Helsinki +358 800 069 69, Oslo +47 23 15 50 00, or Stockholm +46 8 517 517 00.
It doesn't matter which number you call. I usually call the hotel directly, once I even just walked in (but I tend to stay away from the big cities for award nights in Scandinavia). The cat 1 hotels are either hotels out of the big cities and normally not very busy (but they can be quite nice), or then they are 2nd or 3rd choice near a city (e.g. motel type). I would stay away from the latter ones and my guess is also that they will now get a lot more traffic than before because of the point hikes at the other properties.