Hilton HHonors - I'm Hilton Gold and...I wonder what it must be like to be Diamond?

"I'm Hilton Gold and...I wonder what it must be like to be Diamond?"

Though this is a comment made by stimpy in an accompanying thread, I too am HHonors Gold and have wondered about this. As an SPG Platinum, Hyatt Diamond and Marriott Gold, and so forth, I've been inclined to stay elsewhere and I'm particularly curious whether it is substantially worthwhile to attain Hilton Diamond?

What are the facts here, and the experiences of FT'ers? Thanks in advance! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I too have the same question as doc... i don't feel I am treated that good as a Hilton Gold member especially this year.

My experience is:

1) Not as good as it used to be.
2) Like every other program, it very much depends on the property.
3) I have always found the long established Hilton Diamond Desk, much more helpful than the new SPG Platinum Concierge.
4) Much better Service Centre support than Marriott Platinum.

Is it worth it? In my view of the three (Hilton Diamond, Starwood Platinum and Marriott Platinum) Hilton is the one I value the most.

My personal view is that, SPG Platinum is too glitzy and gimmicky (Amenity Packs etc), relatively easy to achieve and when you really need it lacks class and flexibility.

Marriott Platinum, is a little traditional and arrogant, as if they don't really value your business, but you should just be pleased that they have served you over the years.

Hilton Diamond, I think is classy, designed more for a confortable stay and a genuine flexible attept to meet your business needs and make your stay as productive as possible. My only concern is that since Diamond has been opened-up things seem to have deteriorated a little.

Let me give you an example, about a month ago I hosted a meeting in London, about 8 colleagues attended and they all made their own hotel arrangements, they were spread between Hilton, SPG and Marriott properties (I was staying at Le Meridian, Piccadilly). I 'phone the Hilton Diamond Desk, SPG Platinum Concierge and Marriott Servcie Centre and asked each of them if they could arrange on my behalf for my colleagues collection from the airport and a small gift in their rooms. The answers were as follows:

- SPG: if the guests are Platinum they could call us and we would make the arrangements for the transfer, but there would be a charge. You would need to contact the hotel direct about the gift.

- Marriott: Contact the hotel direct.

- Hilton: Called the hotel Manager, called me back and said a hotel car would collect them and the Manager would arrange for House Champage and canapes in each room, and by the way this would be with his compliments.

That is what I mean by Hilton coming through with the goods and the others being inflexible. For me it isn't just about the stay and an upgrade, but the overall service abd the value placed on my business.

As an aside if I am entertaining, my guests always seem to be much more impressed that they are at a Hilton than a Sheraton or Marriot (if only there were more Ritz-Carlton's).


I can't comment on Hyatt by the way.

Nick

I probably have about 10 Hilton stays so far this year and to me they have improved quite a bit.

How many stays are required for Diamond? I'm thinking of going for it.

Now it is 28 qualifying stays or 60 qualifying nights in a calender year - I miss the old days when it was a mystery! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Nick

I don't think being a Diamond is that big a deal. Time after time in the states, I have to ask for an upgrade, and then many times I'm given the "we gave you a very nice KING size bed" line. In San Fran, I had to go down one tower and up the next to get to the lounge.
Being a Diamond in Europe is where it pays off. They treat you very well and you don't have to ask for anything special.

Tomphot-

When staying in the SF Hotel and Towers ALWAYS request tower #2 (rooms 2xxxx). The nightly well-made free-food goodies and affordable booze 5-7 PM is always a very nice reception. The Tower #2 elevators are on the O'Farrell St side.

[This message has been edited by MisterNice (edited 08-01-2000).]

I am not diamond yet but I would think one big thing would be the guaranteed room if you call at least 48 hours ahead. Do they really do this? If true then you should never be denied a reservation.

> I am not diamond yet but I would think
> one big thing would be the guaranteed
> room if you call at least 48 hours ahead.
> Do they really do this?

Yes, but you pay their full rack rate.

Otherwise; Diamond status benefits vary widely by property. The implementation of
the HHonors program is rather uneven in my
experience.

-doug

This has been a great year for me as Gold. Incredable upgrades in HNL and CNS. Very nice upgrades in ATL and SF (I think). Very great treatment at Hamptons. I can't imagine (but would love to fine out) what being Diamond would do for me. I haven't seen the answer to this, yet.

I just checked my schedule for next week, and I should have sufficient stays for Diamond by mid-Aug. So far this year the nice upgrades automatically appeared about 70% of the time and with check-in counter begging I have managed to get lounge access and/or upgraded rooms, where available, for the remaining 30%. The lounges seem better too.

MUCH better than previous years. Even the points, miles and bonuses appear more quickly on the statements.

Thanks everyone for your kind help! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

Can someone give share some experiences of being gold at other Hilton chains such as Hampton Inn's or Embassy Suites? Are you treated better? Upgrades?

Thanks.

I have had excellent luck using Diamond status to get very reasonably priced rooms in totally booked cities at the last minute.

Also got very nice upgrades at a Double Tree in Spokane last week. They had a great food spread for Monday night football and a very pleasant lounge and truly wonderful, helpful staff members. Sadly, they have very, very slow phone lines. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif They say they will be replaced in January.

So, Punki "Diamond" is a womens' best friend then, huh? http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Sorry, but I just couldn't resist the silliness! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

I stayed at an Embassy Suites (BWI airport) for the first time as an HH Gold. Since all the rooms are suites, I'm not sure what I could have been upgraded too. There was a box of snacks on the table (bottled water, candy, cookies, etc.). Also a letter from the person in the property who handles H Hnors related questions/issues.

I've had no difficulty getting upgrades as a Gold, except at the DCA Hilton Alexandria Old Town, and the Hilton BOS down town. I have read, from others, that these two specific properties have in general been problematic in terms of recognizing elite guests overall.

But other than that have always received an upgrade, and have even checked in with no problem at the club lounge desk. I too wonder, given that I'm usually upgraded as Gold, what extra benefits (if any) Diamond brings. In reading the web site, it seems Diamond gets basically the same thing as gold with a few exceptions. The story of the London meeting, the gifts, and the airport transfers is an interesting one....have others who are Diamond gotten service like that?

I just made Diamond. So are there any differences between Diamond and Gold other than the usual extra points and room guarantee?

We have stayed at the Alexandria Hilton property twice.

The first time we were upgraded to a nice room on the Sovereign Level (as was Jetsetter).

The second time they wouldn't put us on the Sovereign Level, but gave us a wonderful suite on the 6th (next to the top) floor. Go figure.

Merry: Were all three phone calls made to the main Platinum/Diamond desks, rather than to some secret VIP line that you, but not a normal Plat/Diamond, would have access to?

From general comments, it seems that Hilton is better overseas than in the US.

I should make Diamond this year, but have had very good luck as a gold. Numerous upgrades and in general, good service. I think Hilton is slowly getting their act together. Then there is always ADAM, who is one of Hilton's greatest assets in my opinion. He has helped me on several occasions, and it is greatly appreciated.

Certainly an upgrade (suites are commonplace), but not necessarily best available (just try that in LAS). Yes, there's usually a letter and some special goodies (chocolates, water, snacks). Unfortunately, it's inconsistent from chain to chain; Hilton knows what Diamond means, but the Promus hotels (DoubleTree, Hamptons, Embassy, etc.) are still trying to figure it out.

Remember there are only a few hotels that are actually owned by Hilton, most are franchises. Always ask for the concierge lounge (usually morning and evening hours for service, but some are open 24 hours with your key card); when concierge service is unavailable, continental breakfast is usually comp.

----

I presume all know about double dipping (hotel and air), but don't forget to triple dip with a car rental partner (e.g., Thrifty) to max out points. If the desk staff aren't familiar with it, then tell them to go to the car rental pull down on the screen and select NA for national, TY for thrifty, etc.

----

Now, how badly do you want Diamond? Live out of a suitcase in a major city and you can make it in a month. Not to mention that the airline and car rental (other than AVIS) double dips are credited per stay not per trip.

----

Also, visit your profile (you can update it if you want) up to twice per quarter and get a 1K pop each. (www.hiltonhonors.com/profile)

Travel wisely....

[QUOTE]Originally posted by doc:
[B]"I'm Hilton Gold and...I wonder what it must be like to be Diamond?"

I have been Diamond HHonors for at least 4 and probably 5 years. I am almost always offerd upgraded rooms. I can't tell you how many nites I have been give suites. Even at the Flamingo in LV.

I was in Laughlin,NV on business. I got a $29.00 room....room hell---a suite!

Last month in Zurich, on a free night stay using points..my wife an I were upgraded to what is prrobably the best Concierge Levels that I have ever stayed at!

Diamond is GOOD http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I made Diamond early this year (I've done 38 stays, 140 nights so far in 2000).

I have found no difference in how I was treated when I was Gold. Same rooms. Same bottle of water. Same continental breakfast. Same service.

I mostly stay at the Philadelphia airport and have NEVER gotten upgraded. They have an HHonors floor (which is the same for any HHonors member - Blue, Gold or Diamond). When I ask for an upgrade I am told that I have already been upgraded - to the HHonors floor.

Is there a secret for a Diamond member to get a suite occasionally?

So far, I see no difference between Blue and Diamond, except for the few bonus points (I haven't had to try the last minute reservations yet).

SteveH

Steve,

Philly Airport does not have a Concierge Level http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

I mostly stay at the Philadelphia airport and have NEVER gotten upgraded. They have an HHonors floor (which is the same for any HHonors member - Blue, Gold or Diamond). When I ask for an upgrade I am told that I have already been upgraded - to the HHonors floor.

Is there a secret for a Diamond member to get a suite occasionally?

So far, I see no difference between Blue and Diamond, except for the few bonus points (I haven't had to try the last minute reservations yet).

SteveH[/B][/QUOTE]

Just did stay number fifty for this year, which is the number I wish they would post to qualify for diamond. Probably fifteen have been at Hamptons, most of which don't care about (or know) the color of your card. And when I'm in a Hampton, that is fine. But I can't help but think there will be a million diamonds out there next year.

Sounds like the golds are doing as well as diamonds for upgrades.

Do you folks know that there is a higher card than diamond? There is, but you cannot earn it.

On another matter..... Standing in line this year at LV Flamingo. The woman behind me in line was so impressed with her diamond card and telling me that there are only 335 diamonds. I didn't say a word. Had the urge to educate her, but passed. Much more fun watching her face as I finished my business with check in.

Other than the bonus mile difference and the 48 hour room guarantee (it has worked for me)
gold sounds good.

Mikey: The Zurich Airport Hilton does not have a Concierge level. Do you mean the Club floor?

Bizjet: Yes all three calls were made to the normal top-elite (non-invitation) level desk, although I do have a 'special' number for Hilton International which I didn't use.

And you are right Hilton International properties are generally far superior to Hilton Corp properties.


I think one of the other things which sets Hilton apart from SPG and Marriott is that Hilton Diamond really is their top elite level, whereas SPG have 'Platinum VIP' and Marriott have 'Platinum Chairman/Owner', which are invitation only levels, which patronage cannot buy.


Nick

Well, I am Diamond after having been Gold for years, and I don't honestly see any difference.

I don't need 48 hrs rack-rate guarantee in Manhattan ($500-600, my company does not buy it).

I have the same chance of being upgraded or granted access to lounges (second option occurs most of the time in the US, did you notice?).

I still have to beg for one hour late-check outs...

The only real benefit seems to be the 50% point bonus instead of 25%... Is it worth the 28 stays, since a lot of "complimentary" Gold cards are given away...

I am considering using all my points and go back to Starwood (where I still have the possibility of "paying" my Gold card with points).

Originally posted by hedoman:
But I can't help but think there will be a million diamonds out there next year.

Sounds like the golds are doing as well as diamonds for upgrades.



With Hampton thrown in the mix, you bet!
Next year, I bet we will see qualifying standards change.

I am not so sure the Diamonds will grow that much with all the Promus hotels.

Whenever I check in to DT's Hampton's, and Homewood, they tend to remark that they don't get very many HHonors members.

Who knows...

In reviewing the Honors web site, and threads on FT, it seems there are very few differences between Gold (which I am) and Diamond:
1. The 48 hour reservation guarantee;
2. The 50% rather than 25% bonus.

The upgrades appear the same, right? I mean as a Diamond do you get a suite, where as Gold you get a standard club level room?

Also Hilton does not seem to have a "Diamond Amenity," in the same was as the Platinum Amenity (SPG) or the Dimaond Amenity (Hyatt). Am I correct that Hilton either officially or in actual operating practices does not have such a benefit for Diamond?

Am I missing anything else? Any unpublished benefit, any secret?

If not, then it seems that Diamond really does not add much if any value to the guest over Gold.

I suppose one benefit may be a situation where you have lots of VIP Honors guests. If the hotel pre-assigns rooms, then in a high sell situation, Diamonds in theory would get upgraded and some Golds would not. Does this happen with any frequency?

In case Hilton's listening, which they often are, here are some suggestions to make Diamond actually worth striving for:
1. Free local phone calls;
2. Waiver of the fee for high speed internet access;
3. A welcome amenity. From the posts on this board, it sounds like Hyatt does this best. They give the guest a card, guest selects the amenity, and the time it will be delivered. They seem to do it consistently, unlike SPG. I just got a comp Diamond from CO, so eagerly wait testing this in real world conditions;

4. Better upgrades: E.g. to best available room. Or upgrade to club level 3 days out before stay. How about a service like 1800checkin? Maybe this could even be done by properties?
5. A $10 food/beverage credit per stay to be used at restaurant/room service, etc.
6. Extra Points That Matter: How about double points and miles, plus any promos being offered. That would really set Diamond apart.

7. Offer reasonable rates for the reservation guarantee. Nobody in their right mind wants to pay "rack rate." Rack rate is really an insult especially to a VIP member.
8. If front desk staff do not provide the guest with applicable entitlements (I know, I know, maybe thats not the best word) give the guest a 5,000 point customer relations bonus;
9. Provide a discount on weekend rates to Diamonds in the same way Marriott does for all its elites.
10. Waive capacity controls, and allow Diamonds to book stays on the same day. Come on, paper certificates are 1980's stuff. Look at SPG, I can call and book an award stay, and arrive at the front desk in five minutes. Plus this would save HH in operating expenses.

If you adopt all these changes, your Diamond level will be the envy of anyone who does not have these benefits.

In the spirit of the holiday season, you may take this well thought out advice from me "on the house."

I have been diamond for three years now. My wife has noticed the difference in treatment and refers to it as my "Diamond Jim" status. Although it doesn't do much for me at most properties I've stayed in, the few instances when it does makes it very worthwhile. On a Thanksgiving vacation special including an unknown hotel, my wife and I walked up at 9am in a long reservation line to the check-in desk at the Hilton Brussels. Every bleary-eyed person in front of us were told that they could leave their luggage, but could not check in until 1pm. I showed my diamond card, and was told my room would be ready in 5 minutes. Concierge floor, free beer, appetizers and godiva chocolates all day long. Two instances in the US where it helped, at the Tapatio resort in Phoenix, I was given a fantastic suite upgrade and in Newark/Fremont, CA I was given the Presidental Suite, even though the complaining business dressed woman in front of me was insisting she had a reservation in the sold out hotel and I was in my scrubby looking jeans. Hilton has raised the ante to be Diamond, from 20 to 25 to currently 28 stays this year. Last month I wrote a letter complaining that opening up the program to all these Hampton Inn http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif people will ruin it for those of us still loyal to Hilton. I feel they will soon follow Marriott and raise the days to 75 for the highest level.

Still just HHonors Gold and thinking about it! Anything new or different a year later year? Thanks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

bump

I am completely unimpressed with the Diamond level. I see absolutely no difference between Gold and Diamond in the way I am treated at most hotels.

At the Parsippany (NJ) Hilton, they noticed when I made the jump from Gold to Diamond. It was mentioned at check-in, but a suite upgrade is nearly impossible here. Oh well.

As I've noted before, being a Diamond has mysteriously opened up the opportunity to "find" award stay availability.

The best things about Diamond:
1-Diamond Desk...since becoming Diamond I only had trouble getting an award stay once, and that was for the Olympics in Salt Lake. I've had award stays in St. Lucia (suite upgrade, made two weeks before), Hawaii (Executive level), Amsterdam (bottle of champagne and killer lounge access), New York City, and Boston (corner jr. suite). They really go to bat for you when you want to take some time off from all your business travel.
2-50% bonus points, how many other programs do you see that at...
3-Treatment - I have to say there what used to be subtle, and now less so, difference in treatment. At flagship properties like the Hilton Waikoloa you get more amenities like upgrade to the oceanfront exec level, and locker use at the spa. While more inconsistent, I find I get more consistent upgrades and breakfast coupons. Lately, I've gotten suite upgrades quite a bit. Also, I've almost never had a problem cancelling a room even after the deadline. This is as true at Hilton, as at the ES, Doubletree and Hampton. Of all, ES seems to be the most consistent, followed by Hilton. Doubletree seems very inconsistent, and I don't stay at Hampton very often.

On top of Diamond, you have the benefits of HHonors, such as double dipping and generous promotions. Also, there always seems to be a Hilton brand hotel around.

All the programs have their good points, but I genuinely feel Hilton takes care of me both with business and (esp) pleasure.

I think the fears of "Hampton Diamonds" are unfounded. Think about it - somebody that travels for work and stays mostly at Hamptons generally won't be competing for the true Diamond perks when they are travelling for business....

I starting using Hilton aggressively this year thanks to the BTY2M promo, and will end up with 20 stays, mostly at Promus, HGI, and small-town Hiltons like Grand Rapids. Next year I'll make Diamond easily.

And I'll get treated exactly the same way (which is usually well) at HGIs, Doubletree Clubs, and Hamptons. The Diamond vs. Gold difference would only come into play for 3-4 stays/year, mostly when I'm on vacation.

Meanwhile, even with the 50% bonus, it'll still take about 70 nights as a Diamond in HGI/DT Club/Hampton properties to get an ALON certificate, compared to about 30 nights as a Gold in Hilton brand properties in the world's 20 biggest cities.

I am stil a lonely Blue - no stays in 2001 - only converting points from MyPoints.com and profile changes. Any ideas how to get upgraded to GOLD - seeing how I don't travel too much.

------------------
Serenity now

Hi doctajay,

The Uk Amex Platinum card gives automatic HHonors Gold for the first year.

There may be a promotion soon on the lines of stay 4 times in 90 days and get gold.

" am stil a lonely Blue - no stays in 2001 - only converting points from MyPoints.com and profile changes. Any ideas how to get upgraded to GOLD - seeing how I don't travel too much."

I don't know if it still applies, but you used to be able to get automatic silver by being a member of the Qantas Frequent flyer program. Its not gold, but it's a step.

Dave

Anyone have a lead on the QA/Hilton silver upgrade. At least for me it would be an upgrade.

My new Diamond status finally posted!

Wooooo-hooooo!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I stayed 60 HHonors nights in 2001, but owing to a frustrating delay in getting one of the stays posted, I didn't get my new status till today.

I know....some of you think Diamond is no big deal. But let me indulge my little delusion of grandeur! (Isn't that what airline/hotel status really is after all?)

Kathy

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

My new Diamond status finally posted!

Wooooo-hooooo!!! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I stayed 60 HHonors nights in 2001, but owing to a frustrating delay in getting one of the stays posted, I didn't get my new status till today.

I know....some of you think Diamond is no big deal. But let me indulge my little delusion of grandeur! (Isn't that what airline/hotel status really is after all?)

Kathy</font>

--

Congrat's, Kathy! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

I actually do think it's a big deal Kathy, having experienced and enjoyed Hyatt Diamond, Starwood & other chains top tiers!

In fact, about six months ago I went out to test the waters, so to speak, but just found it was going to be too potentially aggravating to get there from Gold!

Adam and some other folks at Hilton are absolutely wonderful, yet having to follow up on a failed point posting/stay credit, hearing "We don't UG" (2x), "no breakfast for Golds" (2x), "We're out of the kids backpacks promotion materials", "What is 'Easy Escapes'?", FF mileage bonuses strangely and repeatedly going to the wrong FF accounts, and so on and on.

I actually do like their program and many of their properties and I'd really like to give them more business, but I just do not have the patience and the energy seemingly required to get there (to Diamond) to check it out for myself. I never even got the 50K credit for the EWRDC promo! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif Yet, after writing and calling twice, since it is not a elie "status" issue, I never followed up aggressively enough! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Perhaps when I get frustrated and angry enough elsewhere, I'll give the long trek up to HHonors Diamond another shot! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

-Mark

Thanks, doc Mark.

I will certainly post my HHonors Diamond experiences to FlyerTalk.

Kathy

Mountain flyer hit the nail on the head. The Diamond Desk is especially handy. You will hear that award stays have no blackouts for Diamonds, but it is actually better than that. There are few, if any, CAPACITY restrictions. On 3 separate occasions, there was no award availability due to my last minute trip planning (rooms at $300+ per night). On all 3 occassions, the Diamond Desk was able to have a liaison free up space, which HHonors actually paid a sum to the property so I could stay there.

This has become a significant benefit to me.

So the wonderful Diamond Desk and a lack of capacity controls for HHonors Diamonds are the "biggies" here it seems! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

You can get automatic silver status by getting one of the HH credit cards. There are two available, not sure if both offer this perk.

Got an offer for "Fast track" to HH Gold as a CO Plat (source code COP2). Not sure if you'll be able to use it or not. In sum, stay four times at any Hilton property w/in 90 days of enrolling and you're Gold. Offer supposedly good until 2/28/03.

I would say that being a Diamond is worth it. I stay at only Hilton's if they are in the area. I have done the Marriott stays but I have been upgraded more with Hilton than I ever was with Marriott.

I also used the Diamond desk to get me into the closed, but now open, ES in NYC. I will be there on a award stay this summer for 5 days. No problems with the booking and look forward to going to NYC for the first time.

Diamond is the only way to go.

Doc and others,

I was a dedicated Hilton-er until I was SAVED. I SAW THE LIGHT, and was carried from the darkness into Starwood Platinum and Hyatt Diamond. Here's the difference in my opinion:

1. Upgrades. With Starwood, an upgrade is usually to a NOTICEABLY difference room. With Hilton, my upgrades have been 90% to a room with a better view. I have also had times when I've had to argue for lounge access with desk agents who didn't want to give it. I've had to print their website out for them to show them Diamond benefits. I never count on anything with Hilton anymore.
2. Customer service. If I call Hyatt or Starwood with a point discrep or misposted stay, it's usually posted in minutes. It took nine months once to get several missing stays posted which, at that point, made the difference between my renewing Diamond or staying gold. Even now, I've faxed Diamond customer service 4 times about a bill. The folio balance for which I received credit for a recent stay is 200 ELIGIBLE dollars less than what was posted. No one can tell me why. I fax and fax and fax. They tell me it's being "fixed right now". Well, two months later, it's not fixed.
3. Understanding VIP Status. I have found a 50/50 score of Hiltons who get it. Conversely, as a Hyatt Diamond, and as a Starwood Platinum, it seems hotel personnel have been educated about their most loyal customers. Even if a room upgrade isn't available, Hyatt and Starwood (Starwood Especially) have gone above and beyond to say, "Hey, we really appreciate your business". With Hilton, I have not found that to be the case.

I won't even go in to the "yes you do, no you don't" routine they've given me on the first quarter "double posting of stays" promotion.

My Diamond will expire this year as I don't want to give them that much business any more. I'll drop to Gold and use my VIP Only rewards.

My motto on Hilton is now, "Happy with Hyatt, and Sticking with Starwood".

It was written:

I am not diamond yet but I would think one big thing would be the guaranteed room if you call at least 48 hours ahead. Do they really do this? If true then you should never be denied a reservation

My reply:

Actually several properties refuse to "honor" this feature of the program. The Charolette Hilton Garden springs to mind, as does the NY Hilton.

Both refuse to accomodate me, with one weeks notice.

TFB

Fluffy Bunny--
did the two hotels you mentioned just seem plain ignorant of their obligations or did they claim it was a period of "extraordinary demand"? In other words, did they use the escape clause written into the Hhonors T&C?

If they did claim extraordinary demand, was there really extraordinary demand then -- i.e., some special event happening there?

It was queried:

did the two hotels you mentioned just seem plain ignorant of their obligations or did they claim it was a period of "extraordinary demand"? In other words, did they use the escape clause written into the Hhonors T&C?
If they did claim extraordinary demand, was there really extraordinary demand then -- i.e., some special event happening there?

My reply:

They were not ignorant. I quoted them from the Diamond guide; both properties indicated they simply did not care. I remember this well, they did not cite extraordianry demand, merely that they did not have room. When I balked they said there was nothing they could do.

The Charolette Garden suggested that I stay at the TownePlace Suites down the road. I did. And then spent the next 3 months at the TownePlace and made my Marriott Platinum for the year.

As for the NY Hilton, I ended up at one of Marriott's property's. They honored my Platinum level and promptly booked me.

If I sound like I am down on Hilton, it is because I am. They have done little to show me they value my business. And in my case it is substantial.

Wishing you all the best,

the fluffy bunny

The.fluffy.bunny,

Did you contact the hotel directly or did you call the Diamond Desk? I've not had any problems getting into a hotel if I call the Diamond desk directly.

Remember one thing though. You will pay the going rate which is higher than you would normally.

Case in point, I tried to get into the Hilton in Sacramento the other day. (I thought I had made the reservation but it must have slipped my mind). I looked up the hotel on the web (wanted my 1500 points for making reservations on the web) and they were sold out. I called the Diamond desk and they said yes they could get me a room but it would be at the rate of $205.00 http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif I looked around and found the Doubletree was available for only $152.00 so I stayed there instead.

If you call the hotel, they don't seem to help as well as the Diamond desk does.

I have found the diamond status is helpful in getting an executive level or suite in the Conrad Hong Kong and the Paris Hilton.

Also the upgrades are done early in the day of arrival and Diamond get better upgrades than gold members.

It's status!

Thanks very much shinbal, and all the others! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

With a bit more than three months left now in the qualifying year, it seems that I am likely "doomed" to remain an HHonors Gold elite again, rather than a Diamond.

-Mark

Please also see:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/005541.html

The consensus seems to be that award usage is a very important benefit of being a Diamond.

The consensus seems to be that award usage is a very important benefit of being a Diamond.

---

Thanks! :)

FWIW, I am still now only a lowly HHonors Gold Elite!

And so, seeking to enjoy better benefits elsewhere, I rarely stay at Hilton properies these days. The road to Diamond seems a bit too long and winding! :D

Sad, I know! ;)

Anything else I am possibly missing?

Thanks again,

Mark

---

Thanks! :)

FWIW, I am still now only a lowly HHonors Gold Elite!

And so, seeking to enjoy better benefits elsewhere, I rarely stay at Hilton properies these days. The road to Diamond seems a bit too long and winding! :D

Sad, I know! ;)

Anything else I am possibly missing?

Thanks again,

Mark

Mark, maybe one of these "10 stays in 3 months" fast tracks could be an option for you?

Can someone give share some experiences of being gold at other Hilton chains such as Hampton Inn's or Embassy Suites? Are you treated better? Upgrades?

Thanks.

As a HHGold (I was Diamond for about 9 months in a promo):

Just returned from the Embassy Suites in New Orleans (the one by the convention center).....got put in the Lofts section (sep newly restored/remodeled building and fewer guests/noise/lines at breakfast/evening hospitality)....

At San Diego ES D/T back in June 2004 - got a small balcony with a view of the harbor area and all the ships/restaurants in port.

At Universal Studios Hilton (June 2004) - super view room in a high floor plus exec lounge access

One time I actually got a huge Suite at the Hampton Inn Shreveport, LA but the guy at the front desk kept thinking I was Diamond when I was really only Gold....

Generally - a better room/location/view/access/perks/gifts and sometimes - you really get lucky with an awesome room or hook-ups - mostly by being super nice/pleasant at the front desk upon check-in unless they have pre-reserved your room for you which happens 50/50 to me anyway.

Thanks very much for the kind suggestion, attoney28! :)

-Mark

Many people here have indicated that they were able to secure award reservations via the diamond desk. Is this a guaranteed benefit, or is this more on a case by case basis? Is there a case where they will come back and say no to your award request?

Many people here have indicated that they were able to secure award reservations via the diamond desk. Is this a guaranteed benefit, or is this more on a case by case basis? Is there a case where they will come back and say no to your award request?
According to the HH Benefits (http://hhonors.hilton.com/en/hhonors/benefits/levels.jhtml) page:Enjoy HHonors Hotel Rewards without Blackout Dates: Diamond VIP members may redeem points for HHonors hotel rewards nearly any time, with the only exception being during specified Extraordinary Demand Dates at certain hotels. One of the best Diamond benefit. ^

doc, I've been a Diamond since the end of 2001. I always get upgraded at Hampton Inns --- while not suites, the rooms are very nice and there's always a gift waiting for me, etc.

As others have posted, it's internationally where the Diamond status pays off big time. We did an award stay last year at the Hilton Paris Eiffel, and my Diamond status got us very well taken care of. I snagged an award stay at the Cavaleri in Rome this December --- to make sure we went there as a Diamond, I asked for (and got) a "fast track" promo which required seven stays in 90 days.

It seems that, once you go through the effort of getting to Diamond, they will usually offer you some sort of promo to retain it. If you can do it, it's worth it IHMO, especially if you have any overseas travel in your future.

Thanks again, all! :)

Viewing this current thread, however,

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=353890&page=1&pp=15

one may be tempted to ask, is it really worth it now?

-Mark