Hilton HHonors - Q: Leadtime for HHonors Hawaii VIP Award

How early can I and should I request a VIP Award for one of the Hawaii hotels? I'm talking 6 night / 7 day ALON awards.

I'm talking nights.
???
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=124052&highlight=advance+hawaii

How early can I and should I request a VIP Award for one of the Hawaii hotels? I'm talking nights.
I'm not sure what you mean by saying "I'm talking nights" - do you mean the 7 night VIP arard? While there is an old thread on the topic, the basic answer is as soon as possible - posters report 7-8-9 months in advance, especially for peak times/

I would also reccomend asap. I did mine 9 months in advance, I added non award nights and as I saw promotions change that bettered those extra paid nights, I would simply call and switch to that promotion, which recently bagged us 10k Mahalo Miles Promotion. Incredible hotel, The nicest Hilton I have ever stayed at in my life. I want to go back tomorrow. Martin

Are you referring to "making" the VIP reservation vs. "requesting" the VIP award? We made our VIP reservation 8 months in advance, but won't request the official award certificate until 1-2 months before. Hope that helps.

I booked an HWV ALON in February for an August stay.
I booked an HHV ALON in April for a May stay.
I got my dates - no problems. Even got nice upgrades in both hotels (as a Gold).

If you want to book a winter stay, then it's probably a different ballgame. Since you'll be booking that winter trip to Hawaii 11 months out if you are using air miles, might as well do the same for your hotel award. :)

I just booked a free night last week for a stay next week.

Despite my wording my question like a newbie, y'all answered it. I edited the question for clarity. Thanks!

I just booked a 6-night award today at the HWV for a trip in mid-May. I got my first-choice arrival date and the rep was kind enough to request an upgrade in my reservation...he offered, without any prompting.

Very pleased. :)

-Sabrina

I would also reccomend asap. I did mine 9 months in advance, I added non award nights and as I saw promotions change that bettered those extra paid nights, I would simply call and switch to that promotion, which recently bagged us 10k Mahalo Miles Promotion. Incredible hotel, The nicest Hilton I have ever stayed at in my life. I want to go back tomorrow. Martin

Martin,

Which Hilton was "the nicest Hilton I have ever stayed at in my life?" I'd like to try it. Thanks.