Hilton HHonors - European Travel & HH Gold worth It?

I have a couple of questions. Mrs. SAnger and I are looking to travel to Europe next year in Business Class. We wanted to go to OZ, but job changes will not permit two weeks which needed to enjoy. I am going to be close to remaining GOLD for next year.
I have enjoyed Gold for this year in ths states. In Europe does Gold v. Silver make a Big Difference in Service, Room quaility, breakfast? The Locations we are looking at are AMS, Paris (Mrs.'s Choice), Barcolana or FRA? Any Ideas of other places? We live in South Florida and like a change of climate. We will not travel in September, which is peak season and that should be better for costs and crowds
I have been to Italy once and traveled in B & B, would like to try Hilton if possible. London on first visit across the pond in Crown Plaza (Nice place). I am sure I get more culture at B & B's. I will do some searches regarding these locations.

Thanks again for any help and suggestions.

SCA

I have enjoyed Gold for this year in ths states. In Europe does Gold v. Silver make a Big Difference in Service, Room quaility, breakfast? The Locations we are looking at are AMS, Paris (Mrs.'s Choice), Barcolana or FRA? Any Ideas of other places? We live in South Florida and like a change of climate. We will not travel in September, which is peak season and that should be better for costs and crowds

In Paris, I was at the new Hilton Arc de Triomphe (beautiful property!!) this weekend with some coworkers, one of which is a Diamond and I'm a Silver (well, technically a Gold if they would post my points...grrr).

He was on the executive floor, the room quality was the same as mine, with the only difference being that he had an LCD TV while mine was a regular tube TV (same size, though). The executive lounge was nice, with a good selection of snacks and drinks, and a decent breakfast (though no eggs) with very nice baked goods.

He also had a bottle of wine and some nice sweets waiting for him in his room upon check-in, while I just had a little box of chocolates (that were very good none the less!).

In London, I've been staying at the Hilton Green Park, and there is no executive floor, so I think the only difference is the free breakfast, and perhaps some kind of gift upon check-in. Hopefully I'll let you know soon ;)

Chris

I would say definately try to remain Gold if you can. Generally speaking, Gold will get you consistently better service/upgrades/amenities in Europe than in the states. I've stayed at many Hilton's across the continent and as a Gold have pretty much always had excellent stays, especially in terms of upgrades. FRA is my favorite Hilton anywhere in the world, BTW.

I can't speak for Paris as I haven't been there as a Hilton guest - although comments on here seem to indicate that only Diamonds get the full works there.

Amsterdam, Frankfurt and Barcelona have all upgraded this Gold on occasions in the past and given Exec Floor access. With Amsterdam and Barcelona, this means roughly the same size of room but with a few nicer trappings.

In Amsterdam, I recommend eating breakfast downstairs rather than in the lounge, a much better spread.

I've had excellent treatment as a Gold, including executive floor rooms in several places (FRA from your list for sure). I've also been given a suite in Brussels that was very nice indeed. I almost always have some sort of gift in the room, wine or fruit or chocolates or some such. In Brussels, it was a corner suite on a high floor with a fruit tray and a chilled bottle of champagne. On Valentine's Day, no less. Very, very nice.

Lounge access in Europe is also a very good perk, which I always get. I don't know if you would get it at less than Gold.

For the most part, Golds are treated VERY well in Europe (the Cavielari in Rome being one exception); there is a substantial difference between a Gold and a Silver in Europe. Room upgrades, welcome gifts, separate check-in and access to the executive lounges are the norm for Golds. The executive lounges are much nicer than in the U.S., in my experience, food choices superior and more plentiful, liquor free. I made special efforts last year to make Gold before setting off to London, and it was well worth it.

I have not stayed in the cities you listed but since you requested other suggestions, here are mine:

Berlin - The Berlin Hilton is excellent, the lounge very good indeed, treatment of Golds very good, location is right in the middle of East Berlin next to the charming Gendarmenmarkt, it is within walking distance to many sights and a subway entrance is right outside the front door for getting around further afield. Berlin itself is a facsinating place to visit.

Brussels - I have not stayed at the Hiltons or the Conrad there, but I thoroughly enjoy visiting the city. Side trips to Antwerp and Bruges are easy via train and are very enjoyable. Reviews of the Hiltons and Conrad have been good.

Budapest and Prague (both the cities and the Hiltons) are also highly recommended in this forum and by many others as well. I will be visiting both in September, and am looking forward to it.

Lounge access in Europe is also a very good perk, which I always get. I don't know if you would get it at less than Gold.

Agreed!! And, no, as far as I know, Silvers do not get lounge access.

From HH Benefits page (http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/benefits/levels.jhtml): Lounge access:At Hilton Family hotels outside the U.S. and Canada that have upgraded accommodation, Gold and Diamond VIPs will be upgraded to Executive Level or to the next best available room type. Upgraded rooms are subject to availability. At hotels that do not have upgraded types of accommodation, Gold and Diamond VIPs will receive additional amenities and/or services, which vary by property.

I'll vouch for the Brussels Conrad. A beautiful property made even nicer by the free elegant breakfast buffet my wife and I got (value 29 Euro each) each morning for being HH Gold for a 6-night award stay in March. Upgraded our room to a large room, but not a suite, but with a huge bathroom. Great concierge. Only complaint was a small TV with very few English language channels, but plenty in Dutch and French.
I've also been to the Paris Hilton (yes, they still call the HOTEL by that name) on an award stay a few years ago, but in pre-Gold days, I only received the standard room with no bennies. A great location, next to the park that includes the Eiffel Tower.