Hilton HHonors - Lounge access for golds not on exec floors

Mrs. Reds doesn't travel nearly as much as I do. When we travel together, I am a HH-D and the reservation is always under my name on those stays for the perks. When she travels for business, she has one, possibly two, Hilton stays a month. Last year she had 14 stays and missed gold by two stays.

She obtained the Hilton reserve Visa a couple weeks back to receive gold status. Since being gold she has stayed at two properties with executive lounges. Neither property (LAX Hilton and the Palmer House Hilton in Chicago) were able to upgrade her to the executive level but still gave her lounge access!!!!

At the Palmer House she requested the exec level. The FD clerk informed her the room he was able to give her a nicer room on another level than what he had on the executive floor. She told him she would rather be on the exec level because she wanted lounge access and he told her that he could give her access and encoded a card for her to get on the executive floor level to the lounge. Her flight was later the next day and she able to use the lounge for appetizers at 5 p.m. as well after check out before heading to the airport.

She stayed at the Chicago Hilton Tuesday and wasn't upgraded to an exec level but decided to ask if she could have lounge access and he gave her a keycard to show the front desk to get in the lounge. She said the floor didn't require a keycard that the lounge was on and when the front desk was attended they weren't askign for proof of eligibility so anyone could walk off the street and enter. Not only that, but she also received vouchers for breakfast.

As a Hilton diamond, I have requested breakfast voucher in LIEU of lounge access and have been denyed. But they are are allowing gold members to have both breakfast and lounge access?????

Is this standard practice now to give gold members lounge access by simply asking? Or is that only in the Chicago area?

There have been times at both of these properties which I had to take breakfast to my room because no chairs were available in the lounge. And by giving out gold by just having a Hilton Visa or being a member of an airline program, it would be possible 1/4th of a property could have a gold member in the room.

Standard practice is to provide Gold members with Executive Lounge access IF upgraded to the Executive Floor, otherwise not. Some properties or stays may vary, of course, depending on the property's or FD agent's generosity.

Standard practice is to provide Gold members with Executive Lounge access IF upgraded to the Executive Floor, otherwise not. Some properties or stays may vary, of course, depending on the property's or FD agent's generosity.

Someone in my office read this article who is HH gold

http://boardingarea.com/blogs/dealswelike/2012/07/25/new-citi-hilton-hhonors-reserve-credit-card-earn-2-free-nights-and-gold-status/

According to the author, he has always been given lounge access even when not upgraded. She decided to try asking last week and was given lounge access at a Hilton in DC (can't remember now if it was the Capital Hilton or Washington hilton). And on top of that, like the OP's wife she also got breakfast in the restaraunt!!!!

If this is now standard practice, why bother trying for diamond? I find it irritating the OP's wife was given lounge access at the Palmer house when that lounge is always over capacity at breakfast.

What I find VERY iritating is a gold is getting breakfast PLUS lounge access, but as a diamond I have requested breakfast chits instead of lounge access if I wasn't on the exec level and have been told no!!!! Why would a gold get both breakfast in the restaurant AND lounge access (especially since they aren't even suppose to get the access in the first place).

Nothing prevents a property from doing better than required by HH program. The property is free to hand out any perk.

FD clerks routinely UG people, provide lounge access and various other perks, simply because they are polite and ask (or tip well !!).

A favor doesn't create an entitlement.

Nothing prevents a property from doing better than required by HH program. The property is free to hand out any perk.

FD clerks routinely UG people, provide lounge access and various other perks, simply because they are polite and ask (or tip well !!).

A favor doesn't create an entitlement.

+1
Just because sbdy is "entitled" to perks does not mean you can't give them to someone else as well.. and if I spend a couple grand to obtain Gold I do think that there is nothing bad about being treated well :confused: ?

And honestly.. the reason may be that those customers do get a better opinion and come back.. whenever wherever there is a Hilton ?

Hilton Tel Aviv give Golds automatic entrance to ex lounge. It does not matter if they were upgraded, down graded, side graded or have a bed in the parking lot. Gold still get ex lounge access at this hotel.

Nothing prevents a property from doing better than required by HH program. The property is free to hand out any perk.

FD clerks routinely UG people, provide lounge access and various other perks, simply because they are polite and ask (or tip well !!).

A favor doesn't create an entitlement.

I really don't care if they give out lounge access IF the lounge isn't at capacity. If the lounge is so crowded like at the Palmer house, then I do have an issue with it. It is unfair for a person entitled to the access to not even be able to find a seat or use one of the computers because the front desk is giving out access to everyone in the hotel.

My biggest complaint is it sounds liek a lot of properties are giving golds BOTH breakfast coupons and lounge access when there are reports of diamonds not even being allowed breakfast restaraunt in lieu of lounge access.

With the loss of the diamond force they should be giving diamonds breakfast and lounge access to make up for the loss of that benefit.

If Hilton is going to make it a policy to give out lounge access to golds just for asking, with no diamond force award stays, why even try to achieve diamond (especially if you will get breakfast in the restaraunt in addition to it as a gold and not a diamond).

I stayed at the Palmer House not so long ago, for a couple of nights, on both weekday and weekend nights. Never found the lounge to be too crowded - though it could be because I got up pretty early each day. I was under the impression that the lounge is the only place where The Palmer House will serve free continental breakfasts to Golds and Diamonds. So Golds will get lounge access no matter if they are on the Exec floor or not. I have no problem with that.

If you are going to make rules they should be enforced, otherwise why change the rules.

Honestly I don't get bent out of shape anymore. I only care when traveling on my own nickle.

I think that some desk CLERKS get a charge out of irritating diamond members. I don't allow them to upset me anymore.

This game is getting OLD for me:o

I've learned that there is absolutely no consistency across the Hilton brand. I normally get either breakfast or lounge access, but I don't think I've ever gotten both.

Also the floor I'm staying on and the executive floor don't always match. I would much rather have a room on a different floor than the room next to the lounge.

Standard practice is to provide Gold members with Executive Lounge access IF upgraded to the Executive Floor, otherwise not. Some properties or stays may vary, of course, depending on the property's or FD agent's generosity.

Perhaps also a function of the rate that she was paying, as well. If an expensive rate, the management and/or the front desk agent may have given access because of same. Even if the room was a standard room if the hotel was facing a near sell-out situation, or a last minute booking, the rate for such rooms would have been elevated above their norm, perhaps approaching that of an Executive level room under normal conditions.

In any event, as JD advises, it is entirely at the hotel's discretion and being upgradec once -- evan at these hotels -- do not a trend make!

If you are going to make rules they should be enforced, otherwise why change the rules.

Honestly I don't get bent out of shape anymore. I only care when traveling on my own nickle.

I think that some desk CLERKS get a charge out of irritating diamond members. I don't allow them to upset me anymore.

This game is getting OLD for me:o

The very fact that you are posting this and surprise, surprise, you are a Diamond member, indicates quite the opposite.

So Golds will get lounge access no matter if they are on the Exec floor or not. I have no problem with that.

The above is your hypothesis based upon some experience, but if it is not spelled out in black and white, I would hesitate to advise others that it is a fact.

Nothing prevents a property from doing better than required by HH program. The property is free to hand out any perk.

FD clerks routinely UG people, provide lounge access and various other perks, simply because they are polite and ask (or tip well !!).

A favor doesn't create an entitlement.

Excelent observations. ^

The above is your hypothesis based upon some experience, but if it is not spelled out in black and white, I would hesitate to advise others that it is a fact.

I never meant it to be an advise or a fact, I clearly stated that it was my own observation and assumption. We just need some Golds, with their preference set to free continental breakfast, not getting it at the executive lounge, to prove my assumption is wrong. Anyone?

I've learned that there is absolutely no consistency across the Hilton brand.

In your mind is their a hotel/airline brand that does do this well?

Nothing prevents a property from doing better than required by HH program. The property is free to hand out any perk.

FD clerks routinely UG people, provide lounge access and various other perks, simply because they are polite and ask (or tip well !!).

A favor doesn't create an entitlement.

^ yep I have had friendly FD clerks that UG me because I was polite and asked; when I was not even an elite member. Don't remember exactly which property though at this hour...

I stayed at the Palmer House not so long ago, for a couple of nights, on both weekday and weekend nights. Never found the lounge to be too crowded - though it could be because I got up pretty early each day. I was under the impression that the lounge is the only place where The Palmer House will serve free continental breakfasts to Golds and Diamonds. So Golds will get lounge access no matter if they are on the Exec floor or not. I have no problem with that.

I am at the PH right now at the lounge (have a 7 p.m. train and weather is lousy so just killing time here before heading to union station) and it isn't bad right now. I didnt eat breakfast in the lounge this morning but my friend did and said it was crowded but found a seat.

But saturday and sunday were another story. No seats at all yesterday morning and saturday we got up just before 10 and grabbed a table from someone just leaving.

They really need to do something on weekends. Maybe give golds a voucher for starbucks in the lobby?

Or better yet if the lounge has no seats give diamonds a voucher to starbucks instead. I would be fine with that.

I really don't care if they give lounge access to anyone staying here as long as there are tables avialable for the people who should have access. There is someone that I know that is only silver and he gets free internet a lot by just asking and I have no problem with that. My complaint here is not being able to find a seat.

It never occured to me to ask for benefits I am not entitled to and may try asking for lounge access next time I am at a Hyatt (I am platnium there) or marriott (gold there).

^ yep I have had friendly FD clerks that UG me because I was polite and asked; when I was not even an elite member. Don't remember exactly which property though at this hour...

And I dont see anything wrong with that AS LONG AS every gold and diamond has been upgraded staying at the property. If there are diamonds and golds not being upgraded they shouldnt be upgrading others.

The very fact that you are posting this and surprise, surprise, you are a Diamond member, indicates quite the opposite.

As I implied.....the company I work for allows me to have the stays required to be a diamond member. I only do this for the free perks for my 6 or so free stays every year. I would get reimbursed for all expenses anyway.

I stay loyal to get the few perks that are left (till Hilton takes them away) but if they continue to dilute program it really won't matter anymore.

Hilton was really a nice program for Diamond not so long ago....

It never occured to me to ask for benefits I am not entitled to and may try asking for lounge access next time I am at a Hyatt (I am platnium there) or marriott (gold there).

I am a Hyatt Diamond and no offense, but lounge access is not a benefit for Platnium HY members unless you are on an executive floor. This is a request that I hope the front desk at any Hyatt would deny.

It appears that the Hilton downtown Atlanta and the LAX Hilton are not giving gold members access. My wife was upgraded to corner rooms at both these properties but not on the executive level and they would denyed her request for lounge access:( She was very disappointed in Atlanta since they have a terrific lounge.

I am a Hyatt Diamond and no offense, but lounge access is not a benefit for Platnium HY members unless you are on an executive floor. This is a request that I hope the front desk at any Hyatt would deny.

So you feel as a Platnium with Hyatt (equal to gold in Hilton as far as tiers go) I should be denied lounge access since it is a benefit only for diamonds, but golds at Hilton should be given lounge access even though it is also a stated benefit only for diamonds?

Why do you feel HJyatt should be enforcing the rules for lounge access but not Hilton?

So you feel as a Platnium with Hyatt (equal to gold in Hilton as far as tiers go) I should be denied lounge access since it is a benefit only for diamonds, but golds at Hilton should be given lounge access even though it is also a stated benefit only for diamonds?

Why do you feel HJyatt should be enforcing the rules for lounge access but not Hilton?

Actually, Platinum with Hyatt (5 stays or 15 nights) is equal to Silver with Hilton (4 stays or 10 nights) and Silver with Marriott (10 nights), neither of which provide lounge access as a benefit.

Lounge access is SOMETIMES provided to Hilton Golds, a level that requires either 16 stays or 36 nights.

Actually, Platinum with Hyatt (5 stays or 15 nights) is equal to Silver with Hilton (4 stays or 10 nights) and Silver with Marriott (10 nights), neither of which provide lounge access as a benefit.

Lounge access is SOMETIMES provided to Hilton Golds, a level that requires either 16 stays or 36 nights.

Platnium with Hyatt is the second highest level just like gold is second highest level with Hilton. Hilton gives out silver with their free credit card and with their paid credit card you get gold, with Hyatt you get platnium with their paid credit card.

My point was though the poster stated I should not get lounge access as a Hyatt Platnium since it is only a stated benefit for Diamond (not arguing there). But he feels his wife should get Hilton lounge access as a gold. The Hilton T&C clearly state that lounge access for golds is only if they are on an exec level, the same as Hyatt's rules for platniums.

I don't expect American or United to upgrade me to first class if there are seats upfront since I am not entitled to that benefit. This poster expecting his wife to get lounge access is she is a gold not on an exec floor is no different.

...
As a Hilton diamond, I have requested breakfast voucher in LIEU of lounge access and have been denyed. But they are are allowing gold members to have both breakfast and lounge access?????

Is this standard practice now to give gold members lounge access by simply asking? Or is that only in the Chicago area?

There have been times at both of these properties which I had to take breakfast to my room because no chairs were available in the lounge. And by giving out gold by just having a Hilton Visa or being a member of an airline program, it would be possible 1/4th of a property could have a gold member in the room.

I am a Hyatt Diamond and no offense, but lounge access is not a benefit for Platnium HY members unless you are on an executive floor. This is a request that I hope the front desk at any Hyatt would deny.

It appears that the Hilton downtown Atlanta and the LAX Hilton are not giving gold members access. My wife was upgraded to corner rooms at both these properties but not on the executive level and they would denyed her request for lounge access:( She was very disappointed in Atlanta since they have a terrific lounge.
So let me recap and see if I understand, in the opening post of this thread you complain that Hilton is giving lounge access to Golds not on the executive floor and that is making crowded exec lounges even more crowded.

Then you point out that Hyatt is correct in failing to provide lounge access to plats not on the exec floor because that is the policy and lounge access is not a benefit for plats in that circumstance -- Jamesteroh points out that this is also Hiltons policy and lounge access for golds not on the exec floor is not a gold benefit.

Then you point out that your wife, a gold, did not receive lounge access in ATL when she was booked in a room not on the exec floor and how disappointed she was that they "denyed" her request.

I guess I don't understand. Why is it okay for Hyatt to apply or enforce their policy but not for Hilton? Why should you or your wife be disappointed for not receiving lounge access in ATL when you were complaining about golds, llike your wife, receiving lounge access in Chicago when not entitled?

To be fair, throughout my 13 years as an HH Gold, I've always received lounge access if the hotel had a lounge - even when I wasn't on that floor. So I can understand why Golds are asking for it, even at hotels where the front desk denies it and offers some other benefit.

I've always thought of the "lounge statuses" as HH Gold, MR Gold, SPG Plat, and HY Diamond. If HH is trying to move this to up to HH Diamond is some places, then it doesn't surprise me that there's some angst about that...and frankly I don't blame the traveler for it.

To be fair, throughout my 13 years as an HH Gold, I've always received lounge access if the hotel had a lounge - even when I wasn't on that floor. So I can understand why Golds are asking for it, even at hotels where the front desk denies it and offers some other benefit.

I've always thought of the "lounge statuses" as HH Gold, MR Gold, SPG Plat, and HY Diamond. If HH is trying to move this to up to HH Diamond is some places, then it doesn't surprise me that there's some angst about that...and frankly I don't blame the traveler for it.

Why should the traveller be upset? It is clearly stated in the T&C. A couple weeks ago at the Palmer House I couldn't even find a seat at breakfast time. If the lounge is that overcrowded they should be enforcing the rules.

Diamond is top tier with Hilton. Hilton is giving away gold by just having their Visa. SPG doesn't give lounge access to guest with a SPG amex and Hyatt doesn't give lounge access to guests with their annual fee Visa.

You aren't out anything by asking, but I don't think a gold should get upset if they are denied access either. Someone in my office is gold at SPG and she will ask for lounge access. She gets it's half the time and is hpapy when she does. If she doesn't, she doesn't complain since it's not a benefit she is suppose to be receiving to begin with.

It's like a silver asking for Internet access at a Hilton. If they get it great,but they shouldn't be complaining if they are denied either.

I guess I don't understand. Why is it okay for Hyatt to apply or enforce their policy but not for Hilton?

I don't understand that either. If I shouldn't be given access to a Hyatt lounge as a Diamond, then why should a Hilton gold be given access?

Gold with Hilton and Platnium with Hyatt both just require their fee based Visa so we are talking the same requirements. Both programs are the second highest tier. Both programs T&C clearly state that diamonds are the only ones to get access who aren't on an exec floor. At least with Hilton, a gold gets breakfast.

Not sure why he feels I shouldn't be given access to the exec lounge as a Hyatt Platnium (and I am not saying I should) but he feels his wife should be given lounge access at Hiltons as a gold.

Why should the traveller be upset?

Because Golds have been traditionally given access even when they aren't on the exact level as the lounge. I've honestly never read the T's & C's...I just know what the norm has always been when I check in at the front desk. I suspect most travelers are the same.

Of course Hilton is allowed to control their lounge access however they like. I'm just explaining why travelers might be legitimately upset.

Because Golds have been traditionally given access even when they aren't on the exact level as the lounge. I've honestly never read the T's & C's...I just know what the norm has always been when I check in at the front desk. I suspect most travelers are the same.

Of course Hilton is allowed to control their lounge access however they like. I'm just explaining why travelers might be legitimately upset.

I know the Hilton Atlanta and Washington Hilton will not give golds access unless they are on the exec floor. Golds used to have access to the exec lounge if not upgraded until 5 or 10 years ago and the policy changed. I think a lot of it was due to the fact that it is so easy to get gold now.

If a SPG property gives me access to the lounge as a gold this week and then a couple weeks later another property enforces the rules and says no, I am not going to be upset over it. A lot of Hiltons will give silvers internet access by just asking but they shouldn't be upset if a property enforces the rules.

Seeing how crowded the lounges have been at some properties and that Hilton is giving away gold for $95 a year, I wouldn't be surprised if more properties enforce the policy.

I really don't care who a property gives lounge access to AS LONG the lounge isn't too crowded. If a person who is entitled to lounge access can't even find a seat, then Hilton should be denying access to those who aren't suppose to have it.

Hiltons T&C state:

If you are a Gold HHonors guest, you and up to one additional registered guest in the same room will be granted complimentary access to the Executive Floor Lounge only if you receive a room upgrade to the Executive Floor or an upgrade to a room type that confers Executive Floor Lounge access benefits.

If you are a Diamond HHonors guest, you and up to one additional registered guest in the same room will always enjoy complimentary access to the Executive Floor Lounge, even if you do not receive a room upgrade to the Executive Floor.

I think I am going to start asking for lounge access at SPG (I am gold) and Hyatt (Platnium) now though. Hopefully they will be as laid back with enforcing the policy as Hilton is.

So you feel as a Platnium with Hyatt (equal to gold in Hilton as far as tiers go) I should be denied lounge access since it is a benefit only for diamonds, but golds at Hilton should be given lounge access even though it is also a stated benefit only for diamonds?

Why do you feel HJyatt should be enforcing the rules for lounge access but not Hilton?

Hyatt lounges are more peaceful than Hilton lounges. If Hyatt starts allowing Platniums to use the facilities, they will soon turn into overcrowded playgrounds like the Hilton lounges. It isn't diminishing the benefit to anyone at a Hilton lounge to allow golds access like it would be a Hyatt lounge.

I have never been in an SPG lounge seeing I have no status with SPG and my wife is only a gold. It appears from this thread that SPG will allow gold members to access the lounge? How do they compare to Hilton and Hyatt lounges? I will have to check one out the next time I am at a property with my wife.

I have never been in an SPG lounge seeing I have no status with SPG and my wife is only a gold. It appears from this thread that SPG will allow gold members to access the lounge? How do they compare to Hilton and Hyatt lounges? I will have to check one out the next time I am at a property with my wife.

I am gold at SPG but don't stay with them that much. The front desk gave me lounge access one time for some reason at the NOLA sheraton and I didn't think it was much better than a Hilton lounge. I didn't access it in the morning (and not even sure if it was open) and know it wasn't open in the afternoon and just went there for appetizers. They charged for alcohol but softdrinks were free. They did have a better selection of hot items and I liked that we had no problems finding a seat and the staff was attentive about picking up plates and IIRC they would also bring extra soda or water to your table. Someone in my office is gold and stays at SPG more than I do, and isn't afraid to ask and said she gets access about half the time and the other times is declined and said some of their lounges are better than Hilton lounges and not as congested.

It has never occured to me to ask for access at a chain where I wasn't at a level that gave the access but after reading this thread and anoter on the Hilton forum, I am going to start asking at Hyatts and SPG's and hope that their front desk is as a lenient about not enforcing the T&C of the program as Hilton appears to be.

I have never been in an SPG lounge seeing I have no status with SPG and my wife is only a gold. It appears from this thread that SPG will allow gold members to access the lounge? How do they compare to Hilton and Hyatt lounges? I will have to check one out the next time I am at a property with my wife.

No, only Plats at SPG get lounge access per the T&Cs. Lounges at Westins and Sheratons are going to be more like what you would find at Hiltons and Marriotts, as compared to Hyatts.

No, only Plats at SPG get lounge access per the T&Cs. Lounges at Westins and Sheratons are going to be more like what you would find at Hiltons and Marriotts, as compared to Hyatts.

But some SPG properties will give golds lounge access even though it isn't in the T&C just like Hiltons will give golds access and silvers internet access at some properties.

It never occured to me to ask for benefits I am not entitled to and may try asking for lounge access next time I am at a Hyatt (I am platnium there) or marriott (gold there).

If you're Gold w/ Marriott, you automatically get exec lounge access regardless if you're on the exec level or not. That's one advantage Marriott has over Hilton in my mind - ie, you don't have to hope that you're upgraded to exec level in order to access the lounge or hope that the FDC will give you access if you're not on the exec level.

Not all Marriott lounges are open on the weekend however (no idea about Hilton) & technically one is not entitled to breakfast if it's closed. However, more & more Marriotts' lounges are open on the weekend or if they're not, they provide brekkie coupons for the restaurant. I maintain an exec lounge sticky in the Marriott forum which details what the individual properties do.

I used to be Gold w/ Hilton but dropped it when they stopped making lounge access automatic for Golds & went to the only if you're upgraded model.

Cheers.

If you're Gold w/ Marriott, you automatically get exec lounge access regardless if you're on the exec level or not. That's one advantage Marriott has over Hilton in my mind - ie, you don't have to hope that you're upgraded to exec level in order to access the lounge or hope that the FDC will give you access if you're not on the exec level.

Not all Marriott lounges are open on the weekend however (no idea about Hilton) & technically one is not entitled to breakfast if it's closed. However, more & more Marriotts' lounges are open on the weekend or if they're not, they provide brekkie coupons for the restaurant. I maintain an exec lounge sticky in the Marriott forum which details what the individual properties do.

I used to be Gold w/ Hilton but dropped it when they stopped making lounge access automatic for Golds & went to the only if you're upgraded model.

Cheers.

Hilton Gold is also a LOT easier to get than Marriott gold. For only $95 a year you can get gold or for $75 and a $40K spend on their am ex you get diamond. Marriotts credit card that has a fee only gets you silver and you have to charge quite a bit to get gold status. With the exception of HGVC and WA's, all Hiltons also give you breakfast if you are gold.

For someone that stays at full service marriotts enough to earn Gold, guaranteed lounge access is a definite advantage. And don't some marriotts have free alcohol as well?

Here's the key difference: regardless of what the T's & C's say, HH Gold has traditionally been given lounge access. I only made Diamond for the first time two months ago, and I've never stayed in a Hilton that had a lounge where they didn't let me in as a Gold.

I'm not saying that's a good policy or a bad one, given the size of the lounges and the total number of Golds and Diamonds in a hotel at any given time, but that's the way it has been. All I'm saying is that as they now start to enforce a policy that never used to be enforced, some people aren't going to be happy...and I can't blame those people for it.

My experiences re: some of these other topics:
- In my years as SPG Gold, I was rarely given lounge access. It is definitely not a norm or an expectation going into any given stay. SPG Gold is really only a quasi-elite level IMHO, freely given away through many channels beyond just their credit card. It's bonus points and late checkout...
- It seems to me that a greater percentage of Hilton lounges are open weekends than Marriott lounges. Even when I stay at smaller HH's, the lounges seem to be open on the weekend.
- The quality of the average Hilton lounge is a little higher than the average Marriott lounge IMO, but there are a few excellent Marriott lounges out there that are better than most Hilton lounges.
- I like both HH and MR lounges better than Sheraton lounges. I've been in a few downright awful Sheraton lounges in the past year. I love SPG, but I'm not a big fan of the Sheraton brand in general...just feels like it's half a notch below a good Hilton or Marriott. The Westins, LM's, and W's I've stayed in typically don't have lounges, although there are surely some exceptions out there. St. Regis lounges, on the other hand, are damned good. ^
- Booze is free is some non-U.S. Marriott lounges. Not all. My experience has been free in Asia, mixed in Europe, paid in the Middle East.

I know that the Hilton Atlanta and Washington hilton both enforce the policy. Palmer house doesn't seem to. Not sure about other US properties. A lot of international hiltons do enforce the policy (but they are nicer lounges).

If a gold isn't on an exec floor and gets lounge access they shouldn't expect it at every property and shouldn't get upset when a property enforces the T&C. Since Hilton is giving away gold access for just $95 a year, if the properties don't start enforcing the T&C's, the lounges are going to be even more congested since I am sure there are going to be a lot more gold members by the end of the year.

If I fly on Southwest or American, I can usually get in the priority lane by flashing my Delta platnium card. If I happen to have an agent that is enforcing the rules and says I have to be on Delta to use the priority lane, I don't get upset over the rules being enforced. Once in a while I will fly American on their DTW/ORD route and if I get to the airport early sometimes the GA will let me on an earlier flight for free. If I get an agent that enforces the rules and says I have to pay, I don't get upset over it.

I am going to ask for lounge access next time I stay at a SPG property that has a lounge. If I am denied due to being a gold, I am not going to complain because someone in my office was admitted as a gold SPG member.

I don't understand why people are getting bent out of shape over policies being enforced.

As a diamond I wish Hilton would just give lounge access to all golds that have breakfast/upgrade as their my way preference and for diamonds also give out two breakfast vouchers a day along with a couple drink chits and a coupon for an appetizer in the bar. I wouldn't have a problem with the lounges being so overcrowded if I had a free hot breakfast in the restaraunt and it would be nice benefit to diamonds.

HH Gold here. I've stayed at the Palmer House and Hilton Chi on many occasions, a couple of times a year each, anyway. I've always been offered lounge access (no asking) even though I have only sometimes been upgraded to exec.

As long as I get a continental breakfast, I'm really not picky and would understand if I didn't get the lounge. However, I think I always have.

I recently stayed 2 nights at the Quebec City Hilton, which has a wonderful lounge on the top floor of the hotel overlooking Old Town and Parliament. I'm a gold member and used points for this stay, towing 3 kids so was 5 of us on 1 room.

Not only did they spot us 5 free breakfasts each morning, but the wife and I had EL access. Nothing better then sight seeing all day, getting kids settled into a movie in the room, and hitting the EL for all the free booze you want.

Appreciate the thread will see how this works when I'm in DC end of the month.

Thanks Hilton!

I recently stayed 2 nights at the Quebec City Hilton, which has a wonderful lounge on the top floor of the hotel overlooking Old Town and Parliament. I'm a gold member and used points for this stay, towing 3 kids so was 5 of us on 1 room.

Not only did they spot us 5 free breakfasts each morning, but the wife and I had EL access. Nothing better then sight seeing all day, getting kids settled into a movie in the room, and hitting the EL for all the free booze you want.

Appreciate the thread will see how this works when I'm in DC end of the month.

Thanks Hilton!

I don't underestand why so many people on here complain about HH program. I have the equivalent to HH gold with three other chains (Platnium with HY, Gold with MR and SPG) and never get offered lounge access at HY or SPG (but I have nevr asked either) and never get breakfast with Marriott if the lounge is closed.

One thing I wish Hilton would do is offer diamonds a GUARANTEED 4 p.m. checkout and hot breakfast and 2 drink chits at check in.

Seeing how easy gold is to get with Hilton now it will be interesting to see how they change the lounge access in the future or hopefully the other chains will still following Hilton and letting others besides their top tier use the lounge, especially Hyatt.

I have never been in an SPG lounge seeing I have no status with SPG and my wife is only a gold. It appears from this thread that SPG will allow gold members to access the lounge? How do they compare to Hilton and Hyatt lounges? I will have to check one out the next time I am at a property with my wife.

I was at the Chicago Hyatt last weekend and was refused lounge access as a Platnium:( Some friends of mine received lounge access in New Orleans last week as a SPG gold at a property. I am hoping I have the same results this weekend.

I recently stayed 2 nights at the Quebec City Hilton, which has a wonderful lounge on the top floor of the hotel overlooking Old Town and Parliament. I'm a gold member and used points for this stay, towing 3 kids so was 5 of us on 1 room.

Not only did they spot us 5 free breakfasts each morning, but the wife and I had EL access. Nothing better then sight seeing all day, getting kids settled into a movie in the room, and hitting the EL for all the free booze you want.

Appreciate the thread will see how this works when I'm in DC end of the month.

Thanks Hilton!

Depends on the Hilton in DC. If it is the Washingon Hilton, I wouldn't plan on access unless you are upgraded to the top floor. Getting upgraded to the exec level may be pretty easy for a gold seeing that Hilton is very generous with suite upgrades at this property for diamonds. I had received suites at this property before the benefit for diamonds was introduced<G>. If there are plenty of suites available during your stay, it will mean you will not be competing with diamonds for an executive level room. Even if you don't get lounge access, this is a nice property. I have never had problems receiving a 4 p.m. checkout as a diamond, my wife has always received a 2 p.m. checkout as a gold, and they will give silvers free internet access with no problem.

If you are at the Capital Hilton and don't get upgraded, I am not sure how it will be handled. The lounge is closed on weekends, I never received a suite upgrade there (but haven't stayed there since the diamond suite upgrade was introduced), latest checkout I have received was 2 p.m. and I know some silvers that stayed there a couple months ago and were refused free internet access, so this property appears to follow the rules. No harm in asking though.

Seeing how easy gold is to get with Hilton now it will be interesting to see how they change the lounge access in the future or hopefully the other chains will still following Hilton and letting others besides their top tier use the lounge, especially Hyatt.

If the number of gold members does increase sustantially, instead of decreasing gold benefits I would rather see Hilton increase diamond benefits. Bringing back the diamond force for award stays, offering two free hot breakfasts regardless of lounge access, two free drinks at any Hilton or DT similar to the benefit at WA, and two to four quaranteed suite upgrades a year would be a great start.

I used to be a diamond with Hyatt and the difference between Hyatt Diamond and Platnium was substantial. There really isn't a lot of different between gold and diamond with Hilton.

And seeing Hilton gives out internet access to silvers at many properties now, if someone doesn't eat breakfast at Hiltons, there really isn't a lot of difference between gold and silver.

One thing I wish Hilton would do is offer diamonds a GUARANTEED 4 p.m. checkout and hot breakfast and 2 drink chits at check in.


I very much doubt that guaranteed late checkout will be practicable all the time.

I very much doubt that guaranteed late checkout will be practicable all the time.

SPG is able to offer it to their highest tier. I am only a Platnium with Hyatt (the equavalient of gold at Hilton) and always get offered at 2 p.m. check-out when I check in. I would love to see Hilton do the 24 hour checkin benefit that SPG has, that would be great when travelling to Europe but I don't see that ever happening.

I could see it being an issue on New Years at the DT times square though since the majority of the hotel is diamonds on points. I would even be happy if Hilton offered a guaranteed 2 p.m. guaranteed checkout for Diamonds on just paid stays.

If Hilton is really offering lounge access to golds at all their properties except Atlanta and the Washington Hilton, it has me seriously considering just keeping my Hilton reserve card and moving most of my paid stays to SPG, as well as my credit card usage to the SPG Am ex or to marriott and using their credit card. The main reasons I want diamond is for lounge access and it sounds like I can get that as a gold anyway, and the diamond force was great for rewards stays and that has gone away.

For a property like Palmer House on weekends it is obvious there is capacity control issue when you are forced to take breakfast to your room because there are no seats available and they need to start enforcing the T&C there. If they want to grant people access that shouldn't have access, I dont have a p roblem with it if there is the room to accomodate them. In this case, they should give diamonds a voucher for a breakfast in the restaurant or at least a voucher for starbucks downstairs and a couple drink coupons to compensate for it.

I was at the Chicago Hyatt last weekend and was refused lounge access as a Platnium:( Some friends of mine received lounge access in New Orleans last week as a SPG gold at a property. I am hoping I have the same results this weekend.

That is because your analogy is incorrect. You cannot just look at what tier levels a program has, you have to compare the benefits within each tier level. I cannot believe that you simplistically evaluate and expect mid-tier levels among the chains to be the same!

Hyatt Platinum is not equivalent to HHonors Gold; it is equivalent to HH Silver. Hyatt Diamond guarantees lounge aceess and/or breakfast, Platinum does not.

SPG Gold also is equivalent to HHonors Silver, not Gold as you obtain a point multiplier, but that is it. SPG Platinum is above HHonors Gold, but it does qualify you for lounge access and/or a free breakfast.

The only one that is somewhat analagous to HHonors Gold is Marriott Gold, which does provide lounge access and/or a comp breakfast, but only when the lounge is closed M - F; otherwise the policy is not to offer breafkast on weekends, although many properties do this as a courtesy to Gold and Platinum members. In addition, Gold members are guaranteed lounge access, a departure that HHonors has just made effective for its Gold members - see below.

Finally, HHonors Gold is no longer what it once was with respect to lounge access. Notwiethstanding your experience at the Quebec Hilton - a nice property - you are no longer guaranteed lounge access as an HHonor Gold member, if you are not staying on the Executive floor. Nor, are you guaranteed anything more than 2 members to have lounge privileges. That the Quebec Hilton either does not enforce this rule, or made an exception in your case, does not a brand standard policy make.

Again just comparing mid-tier levels to mid-tier levles amongs the chains without also comparing what respective benefits are associated with such tier level respectively, is as ridiculous as carping that one chain, or more accuartely, one hotel in that chain, enforces its rules, while other hotels in that chain do not.

If you had not noticed from reading this board, there is great variability in what benefits a hotel provides its mid tier level guests and that a front desk agent has great discretion to grant privileges over and above what is required by the program. I, myself, a HHonors Gold, was upgraded to a King suite upon my request to a front desk agent. That could be due to the rate I paid or the fact that I engaged the FD agent in colloquy concerning his native Brazil.

That is because your analogy is incorrect.

Hyatt Platinum is not equivalent to HHonors Gold; it is equivalent to HH Silver. Hyatt Diamond guarantees lounge aceess and/or breakfast, Platinum does not.

SPG Gold also is equivalent to HHonors Silver, not Gold as you obtain a point multiplier, but that is it. SPG Platinum is above HHonors Gold, but it does qualify you for lounge access and/or a free breakfast.

The only one that is somewhat analagous in Marriott Gold, which does provide lounge access and/or a comp breakfast, but only when the lounge is closed M - F; otherwise the policy is not to offer breafkast on weekends, although many properties do this as a courtesy to Gold and Platinum members. In addition, Gold members are guaranteed lounge access, a departure that HHonors has just made effective for its Gold members - see below.

Finally, HHonors Gold is no longer what it once was with respect to lounge access. Notwiethstanding your experience at the Quebec Hilton - a nice property - you are no longer guaranteed lounge access as an HHonor Gold member, if you are not staying on the Executive floor. Nor, are you guaranteed anything more than 2 members to have lounge entrance. That the Quebec Hilton either does not enforce this rule, or made an exception in your case, does not a brand standard policy make.


You are quoting the wrong person re: the Quebec Hilton. I am a Hilton diamond. That was another person that got lounge access there.

My point was that Hilton Golds on this board feel they are entitled to lounge access even though the T&C state differently. Hyatt Platniums aren't suppose to get lounge access either.

Hyatt Platnium, SPG Gold, Marriott Silver and IC Platnium are just as easy to get as Hilton Gold. You simply get their paid credit card and you are Hilton Gold, Marriott Silver, or Hyatt Platnium. I don't think any hotel chain should be giving out lounge access for just having a $75 to $90 a year credit credit card.

Up until about 10 years ago, Hilton used to give golds access to the lounge (when I was gold at the time) and the funny thing is the lounges weren't as crowded then as they are now. I am sure a lot of the reason for Hilton making the change is that at the time lounge access was allowed Gold was hard to get and the majority of golds were making HH a lot of money but now you don't even have to stay at Hilton even one night a year to be gold.

What I don't understand are some people on here being upset over the properties that enforce the policy. If someone is lucky enough to get lounge access as a gold on a non-exec floor, be thankful and not expect it every time and get upset when a property enforces the rule. I am Platnium on Delta and have no status on American or Southwest. When I fly WN or AA I am not suppose to have access to the priority security lane but a lot of times I find an agent that will waive me through when I show my Delta card. If I have a line dragon that tells me my delta card is only good on Delta flights and to get in the general line, I sure don't complain about it.

Hyatt Platinum is not equivalent to HHonors Gold; it is equivalent to HH Silver. Hyatt Diamond guarantees lounge aceess and/or breakfast, Platinum does not.



I consider them to be equavilant. Both are very easy to get (just get the paid Visa with either chain and you have the status) Both give free internet. HY platnium is one level below HY Diamond, just like HH gold is one level below HH diamond.

HY diamond and HH Diamond both guarantee lounge access. Both HY PM and HH Gold don't. Yet it seems like the majority of properties of HH properties are giving golds lounge access for just asking. Seeing that HH Golds think it is ok to ask for lounge access (and some expect it), why am I out of line askign for the access at Hyatt when I am paying a similar amount for the status many HH golds are?

HHonors Gold used to have lounge access and those who expect it are mistaken in their belief that this is a current benefit of the program.

They will need to be re-educated if they still persist in holding that belief when they come up against a FD agent who has read the rules and denies them access.

But, more to the point, why are you upset that they are deluded?

They either get access or they don't.

If you are principled, then you should never ask for lounge access at a Hyatt because by the rules you are not entitled to same.

Consequently, your asking for it and sometimes receiving it puts you in no more a superior position than those who you rail against. @:-)

I consider them to be equavilant. Both are very easy to get (just get the paid Visa with either chain and you have the status) Both give free internet. HY platnium is one level below HY Diamond, just like HH gold is one level below HH diamond.

HY diamond and HH Diamond both guarantee lounge access. Both HY PM and HH Gold don't. Yet it seems like the majority of properties of HH properties are giving golds lounge access for just asking. Seeing that HH Golds think it is ok to ask for lounge access (and some expect it), why am I out of line askign for the access at Hyatt when I am paying a similar amount for the status many HH golds are?

That is the problem with most loyalty programs in the US, the affinity credit card holders in many programs are getting the same benefits as their truly loyal passengers/guests who spend tens of thousands with the program.

At Delta Skyclubs and AA Admiral Clubs there have been many times when I have seen more American Express cards being scanned than member cards when entering. Like you mentioned you can be second highest tier with almost every hotel "loyalty" program by having their affinity and not spending one night in their hotel.

My wife is a Delta silver member and a Delta American express cardholder gets almost the same benefits she does. I only fly American a couple times a year and get similar benefits to their lowest tier loyal flyers by having an AA credit card.

As much as I hate flying Southwest, they are the only US travel partner that only rewards their loyal customers. Their most loyal customers are the ones that get rewarded and they don't give their benefits to someone for just having their credit card.

At Delta Skyclubs and AA Admiral Clubs there have been many times when I have seen more American Express cards being scanned than member cards when entering. Like you mentioned you can be second highest tier with almost every hotel "loyalty" program by having their affinity and not spending one night in their hotel.

I am really surprised Am Ex hasn't teamed up with Hotels to offer lounge benefits to their Platnium card holders. If they did, I would get the Am Ex platnium card.

On a very recent Hilton stay I was traveling with 9 other co-workers. All of us were HH Diamond except for 2 who were both Marriott Plats but had NO HH status. The 2 with out HH status asked the FD for lounge access and received it. The lounge was crowded enough that week, now its no wonder since the hotel was giving it to anyone who asked. BTW....neither mentioned they were traveling with us so it's not like it was given to them due to their traveling co-workers having access or via a corporate contract or anything else.

On a very recent Hilton stay I was traveling with 9 other co-workers. All of us were HH Diamond except for 2 who were both Marriott Plats but had NO HH status. The 2 with out HH status asked the FD for lounge access and received it. The lounge was crowded enough that week, now its no wonder since the hotel was giving it to anyone who asked. BTW....neither mentioned they were traveling with us so it's not like it was given to them due to their traveling co-workers having access or via a corporate contract or anything else.

And people wonder why the offerings in lounges is so poor and they are so overcrowded at some properties:rolleyes:

Like I have stated before, the properties that enforce the rules on lounge access seem to be the lounges that are easy to find a seat at during breakfast time and aren't SRO. If a property is going to allow golds and five guests in (or even diamonds and five guests) not staying on the exec floor, what is the difference if they allow blues in? If they break the rules for a couple people by just asking, then they may as well do it for all. In your case I would have definitely complained. If the property is going to allow anyone in for just asking, as a diamond they should have comped you breakfast in the restaraunt.

I know a lot of properties will give out internet access by just asking as well. I really don't have a problem with that since it isn't diluting my benefits in any manner and is a benefit that is free at several hilton brands.

IME, international properties seem to recognize HH Gold better than US properties. I am not sure if this has to do with HH Gold being easier to obtain for Americans. For non-Americans, you just can't get a credit card to get HH Gold or spend $20K a year on your Amex credit card to get Gold or the many other ways. So perhaps there are less number of HH Golds staying at international properties and they are more lenient in giving Gold members EL access even when not staying on the executive floor. On 80-90% of my international stays, I have been given a room on the executive floor, but those times when I wasn't, I was still given EL access. Usually these were times when the hotel was full from a conference or a large tour group, etc. This didn't necessarily mean there were more HH Diamond/Gold members staying at those times, so the EL was not necessarily crowded, but the hotel was full and so didn't have room available on the executive floor when I checked in. On a recent stay in Europe, I checked in at 4pm and the hotel didn't have a room ready, which I was a bit annoyed with. However they directed me to the EL and after waiting for 15 minutes gave me a room on a non-executive floor, but still coded my key with EL access.

IME, international properties seem to recognize HH Gold better than US properties. I am not sure if this has to do with HH Gold being easier to obtain for Americans. For non-Americans, you just can't get a credit card to get HH Gold or spend $20K a year on your Amex credit card to get Gold or the many other ways. So perhaps there are less number of HH Golds staying at international properties and they are more lenient in giving Gold members EL access even when not staying on the executive floor. On 80-90% of my international stays, I have been given a room on the executive floor, but those times when I wasn't, I was still given EL access. Usually these were times when the hotel was full from a conference or a large tour group, etc. This didn't necessarily mean there were more HH Diamond/Gold members staying at those times, so the EL was not necessarily crowded, but the hotel was full and so didn't have room available on the executive floor when I checked in. On a recent stay in Europe, I checked in at 4pm and the hotel didn't have a room ready, which I was a bit annoyed with. However they directed me to the EL and after waiting for 15 minutes gave me a room on a non-executive floor, but still coded my key with EL access.

If Hilton Gold is harder to get in Europe and they don't have many American Hilton Honors members staying there, that could be the reason. My wife and I are both only Silver with Marriott and don't get any special treatment at US properties. My wife was in London earlier this year and stayed at a Marriott the first few days she was there for work and was given lounge access as a Marriott silver, whilst the Marriott rules state lounge access is only for Gold and Platniums. I am sure Marriott status is a lot harder to get in Europe than the US. She was also under the impression that the property only allowed adults in the lounge, so that may have played a part in her getting lounge access as well. It is nice to see a property go out of their way for guests sometimes.

I joined her in London after her work obligations were done for a few days of enjoying the city and we stayed at a Hilton property. This property had no lounge, but as a diamond we were told we could order anything off the menu we wanted and had a nice fruit tray in our room. I have also stayed at international Hiltons and had a free bottle of wine in my room to welcome me. It is very rare to have a welcome gift in your room in the US, but in international properties, I always have some type of welcome gift in my room.

If Hilton Gold is harder to get in Europe and they don't have many American Hilton Honors members staying there, that could be the reason.

I believe HH Gold is harder to get outside the US, not only because they don't offer a credit card that gives out free Gold, but there are less Hilton family properties outside the US. In the US, in a medium to large sized city's metro area, you may easily locate 30-40 Hilton properties within a 50 mile radius, which may include Hilton, HGI, DT, ES, Hampton Inn, etc. In many large European/Asian cities, there may be only one or two Hilton properties in the entire metro area. So by pure number of hotels available, it would be harder for non-Americans to get HH Gold/Diamond, unless they are traveling to US for lengthy periods of time.

I believe HH Gold is harder to get outside the US, not only because they don't offer a credit card that gives out free Gold, but there are less Hilton family properties outside the US. In the US, in a medium to large sized city's metro area, you may easily locate 30-40 Hilton properties within a 50 mile radius, which may include Hilton, HGI, DT, ES, Hampton Inn, etc. In many large European/Asian cities, there may be only one or two Hilton properties in the entire metro area. So by pure number of hotels available, it would be harder for non-Americans to get HH Gold/Diamond, unless they are traveling to US for lengthy periods of time.

IME, in Europe Best Western seems to be a big chain and status with them doesn't mean much (I am BW Diamond through a status match to my HH diamond every year and I think Hilton Silver is worth more than BW diamond).

I think credit cards are the reason there are so many members in various hotel programs in the US more than the number of properties. I have platnium with Hyatt by simply having a credit card, top status with Best Western because they seem to do status matches every year to Hilton Diamond (not that it is worth much to be top tier at BW) and you can be gold with Hilton by just paying $95 a year for a credit card that give you a free night every year which more than pays for the fee or diamond by just charging $40K on a Hilton Am Ex.

I have noticed most Hilton's outside the US treat their members better. When I stay at the Hilton just across the river in Windsor, Ontario I always get 2 buffet breakfasts in the morning, two to four drink chits (depending on who is at at the front desk) and a nice small basket with bottled water and snacks. Only US property I get anything close to that is the free bottle of wine and free beach chair/umbrellas at the Hilton Bentley in Miami.

I have also noticed airline lounges in Europe are a lot nicer. It is a lot harder to get entrance to the skyteam lounge at LHR than a domestic skyclub, but you get a nice hot buffett breakfast with real plates and employees that walk around and assist you as opposed to the bagels and oatmeal you get in a US lounge with paper plates and plastic silverware.

HHonors Gold used to have lounge access and those who expect it are mistaken in their belief that this is a current benefit of the program.
...I have only been a HHonors member since early 2005.

Until August 2008, golds were guaranteed lounge access only when staying at properties in North America:Hilton® Hotels in North America:

1000 points or

Upgrade to Executive Floor (if available), OR

Executive Floor Lounge access (if the hotel has a Lounge), OR

High Speed Internet Access (available in the US and select locations in Mexico and Canada), OR

complimentary continental breakfast for the member and one guest each day of the stay.

If the rate already includes breakfast, a special food and beverage amenity will be presented.

Outside of North America is was up to the property:Hilton® Hotels outside North America:

Upgrade to Executive Level or to the next best available room type (does not include suites). Upgraded rooms are subject to availability at the time of check-in and only guests that receive an upgrade to the Executive Level will be given access to the Executive Lounge.

At hotels that do not have upgraded types of accommodations or an upgrade is not available, Gold VIPs will receive additional amenities and/or services, which vary by property....
In 2008 that changed to be consistent worldwide and for Gold, access to the Executive Floor lounge when a room upgrade to the Executive Floor was received. If an Executive Floor room upgrade was unavailable, daily complimentary Continental breakfast in lieu of lounge access was given. This was predicated on the correct myway option being selected (Others being 1000 points or Internet). (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hhonors/852146-lounge-access-no-longer-guaranteed-hilton-enhances-gold-level-perks.html)

I think credit cards are the reason there are so many members in various hotel programs in the US more than the number of properties. I have platnium with Hyatt by simply having a credit card, top status with Best Western because they seem to do status matches every year to Hilton Diamond (not that it is worth much to be top tier at BW) and you can be gold with Hilton by just paying $95 a year for a credit card that give you a free night every year which more than pays for the fee or diamond by just charging $40K on a Hilton.

I agree that credit cards do increase the hotel elite numbers in the US. I was mentioning for non-Americans, it's harder to get elite status through credit cards and subsequently status match to other programs. So on a given night, I would guess that a large Hilton property in the US can have upto 30% guests who are Diamond/Gold/Silver, but I doubt that number will be even close at an international property. In a sense, we Americans, have it a lot easier than others around the world, where they have to earn hotel elite status the hard way.

but unlike either the Hyatt and/or Marriott Visa cards, ONLY with qualified spending..........

......you can be gold with Hilton by just paying $95 a year for a credit card that give you a free night every year which more than pays for the fee .................

but unlike either the Hyatt and/or Marriott Visa cards, ONLY with qualified spending..........as I recall $10k...........

......you can be gold with Hilton by just paying $95 a year for a credit card that give you a free night every year which more than pays for the fee .................

but unlike either the Hyatt and/or Marriott Visa cards, ONLY with qualified spending..........as I recall $10k...........

IIRC, the new Hilton Reserve card by Citi with a $95 annual fee for US residents that give HH Gold as long as the person has the card.

IIRC, the new Hilton Reserve card by Citi with a $95 annual fee for US residents that give HH Gold as long as the person has the card.

I think that poster was talking about the free night.

You have to spend $10K for a free night on the reserve every anniversary However you get free nights with just a $2,500 spend upon opening the Hilton card. Unless you get a promo with Marriott and Hyatt cards you only get the free night after holding the card for a year.

With Hyatt's credit card I got a great deal Make one purchase and they reversed the fee the first year (they gave me a statement credit that was $75 same as the fee so it was basically fee free this year), two free nights (which I used at the Andaz in West Hollywood when the rate was around $250 a night) and since I was already platnium (which was due to having a signature visa card for a promo and I funny enough used my citi Hilton card for that) two nights I will get a suite upgrade.

But the Hilton visa gives you a LOT better benefit than either the Marriott or Hyatt card. With the other two cards you don't get breakfast or room upgrades with that status, unlike Hilton. Marriott card you only get silver status which at one didnt even give you free wifi (may have changed).

The Hilton card you only need to spend $40K a year to be diamond. With Hyatt you don't have any chance of being diamond with their credit card (Hyatt is pretty strict with giving out top tier status). Marriott for every $3k in spend you get one tier night in MR and you get 15 nights tier nights (silver) every renewal. Gold at Marriot requires 50 qualfying stays That wuld mean to get just gold with no hotel stays at Marriott you would have to spend $105K. or for Platnium $180K. Would have been doable with the mint, but most people don't want to give that type of spend to a loyalty card if they don't stay at the hotel chain much.



You also can't churn the marriott card. I tried it Received a promo in the mail even from chase for 50K bonus points, no fee first year and silver status and one free night. After getting approved I was told the fine print said it was for new card holders and even thought it had been a couple years since I had the card I did'nt get the points or nights. They didn't charge the fee. Not sure about the status if that would have been removed or not, because I was already gold.

this thread is regarding lounge access for golds not on exec floor but in attempting to read thru this post it is so overly convoluted to understand anything attempted to be said here......since this is a Hilton forum guess I expect something to be said about a Hilton prop or HH, but this post seems to be about Hyatts and Marriotts and also something about CCs, then theres something about breakfast and then something about status then something about spending, but I see nothing about lounge access for HH gold members not placed on the executive floor.............

I think that poster was talking about the free night.

You have to spend $10K for a free night on the reserve every anniversary However you get free nights with just a $2,500 spend upon opening the Hilton card. Unless you get a promo with Marriott and Hyatt cards you only get the free night after holding the card for a year.

With Hyatt's credit card I got a great deal Make one purchase and they reversed the fee the first year (they gave me a statement credit that was $75 same as the fee so it was basically fee free this year), two free nights (which I used at the Andaz in West Hollywood when the rate was around $250 a night) and since I was already platnium (which was due to having a signature visa card for a promo and I funny enough used my citi Hilton card for that) two nights I will get a suite upgrade.

But the Hilton visa gives you a LOT better benefit than either the Marriott or Hyatt card. With the other two cards you don't get breakfast or room upgrades with that status, unlike Hilton. Marriott card you only get silver status which at one didnt even give you free wifi (may have changed).

The Hilton card you only need to spend $40K a year to be diamond. With Hyatt you don't have any chance of being diamond with their credit card (Hyatt is pretty strict with giving out top tier status). Marriott for every $3k in spend you get one tier night in MR and you get 15 nights tier nights (silver) every renewal. Gold at Marriot requires 50 qualfying stays That wuld mean to get just gold with no hotel stays at Marriott you would have to spend $105K. or for Platnium $180K. Would have been doable with the mint, but most people don't want to give that type of spend to a loyalty card if they don't stay at the hotel chain much.



You also can't churn the marriott card. I tried it Received a promo in the mail even from chase for 50K bonus points, no fee first year and silver status and one free night. After getting approved I was told the fine print said it was for new card holders and even thought it had been a couple years since I had the card I did'nt get the points or nights. They didn't charge the fee. Not sure about the status if that would have been removed or not, because I was already gold.

this thread is regarding lounge access for golds not on exec floor but in attempting to read thru this post it is so overly convoluted to understand anything attempted to be said here......since this is a Hilton forum guess I expect something to be said about a Hilton prop or HH, but this post seems to be about Hyatts and Marriotts and also something about CCs, then theres something about breakfast and then something about status then something about spending, but I see nothing about lounge access for HH gold members not placed on the executive floor.............

Yes, I guess the point was that person can get lounge access with credit card from hilton but no other chain. Now that Hilton is giving out gold access so easilly by just having a credit card I hope more properties start enforcing the T&C and limit the lounge access only to people staying on the floor and diamonds and not anyone else by just asking,or if they continue the policy then the properties should be giving a diamond member another ammenity during the stay such as free breakfast or drink coupons (if the lounge is at capcity, if it isn't Ireallydon't care who they give access to just like I don't care the most properties give internet access to blue and silvers by just asking)

Re thread title.

I stayed at the Heathrow terminal 5 property last week, I booked a standard guest room, I was not upgraded however I was told I could use the lounge because I was gold and could have breakfast there. I had not booked a breakfast rate and my Hilton preferences were set to bonus points as I knew I'd be having breakfast in the ba lounge due to flight time.

I'll be posting a full trip report when I return this week.

I am really surprised Am Ex hasn't teamed up with Hotels to offer lounge benefits to their Platnium card holders. If they did, I would get the Am Ex platnium card.

You can request SPG gold if you have the Amex Platinum (for some reason you don't get it automatically). As far as I know that's all they offer.

I stayed at the Heathrow terminal 5 property last week, I booked a standard guest room, I was not upgraded however I was told I could use the lounge because I was gold and could have breakfast there. I had not booked a breakfast rate and my Hilton preferences were set to bonus points as I knew I'd be having breakfast in the ba lounge due to flight time.

I stayed there about a week ago as well and same thing. I was not upgraded and my keycard did not give me lounge access. The following morning I asked about breakfast and was given a new key with access.