Hilton HHonors - A few questions about HH Rewards ...

1. I don't understand how "point stretcher" works, and didn't see anything in the FAQ - can someone explain?


2. Also, if you book a reward stay, and then change your plans, is it fully refundable? Or is there a "restocking" fee?



3. If you are on a reward stay and have Gold status, are you more or less likely to get upgraded than a revenue stay?


4. Finally, the choices for Gold rewards for the ES properties do not include "upgrade", presumably since most ES properties do not have suites. However, we are thinking of staying at the ES Niagara, and there are definitely upgrade options (higher floor, falls view, etc). How to make it more likely to get an upgrade when it isn't a choice on the website?


Thanks in advance>

1. I don't understand how "point stretcher" works, and didn't see anything in the FAQ - can someone explain?

2. Also, if you book a reward stay, and then change your plans, is it fully refundable? Or is there a "restocking" fee?

3. If you are on a reward stay and have Gold status, are you more or less likely to get upgraded than a revenue stay?

4. Finally, the choices for Gold rewards for the ES properties do not include "upgrade", presumably since most ES properties do not have suites. However, we are thinking of staying at the ES Niagara, and there are definitely upgrade options (higher floor, falls view, etc). How to make it more likely to get an upgrade when it isn't a choice on the website?

Thanks in advance>
1. Point stretcher is available for certain hotels, and it decreases the amount of points required for a reward stay.
2. It is typically fully refundable up to a certain date prior to your stay (be it 1 day, same day, 1 week, etc.). You would just need to cancel it, and have them credit your account with points.
3. I've not noticed a difference in upgrades based on reward vs. revenue stay.
4. IIRC, Hilton does not offer upgrades as a reward reservation option. You have to book the standard room and take your chance on an upgrade at the hotel. If you book online, you can use the comments box, or you can always call the hotel and inquire nicely about an upgrade.

3. I've not noticed a difference in upgrades based on reward vs. revenue stay.

As I've posted before, and confirmed by other FTers with similar experiences, the only property where I know I was not upgraded because it was an award stay was the Hilton PVG.

Two different beachfront properties in Florida pointedly told me that they do not upgrade reward stays. But that's because the upgrade was to an oceanfront room, not to an HHonors floor. So it was understandable.

4. Finally, the choices for Gold rewards for the ES properties do not include "upgrade", presumably since most ES properties do not have suites. However, we are thinking of staying at the ES Niagara, and there are definitely upgrade options (higher floor, falls view, etc). How to make it more likely to get an upgrade when it isn't a choice on the website?

At ES, all the rooms are suites, hence the name Embassy Suites, and that is the standard response when looking for a room upgrade at ES. That said, many times I have been given a corner executive suite, a suite with more room and a conference table. It is silly really when you are alone.

As for making it more likely to get an upgrade, you cannot reserve an upgrade on the web for award stays, they are available at the hotel at check in, or sometimes on OLCI. You can reserve an upgrade for a paid stay, but then you pay the hgher rate for the better room. Or you can do what so many others do, put in the comments something like " HH Gold, request Fallsview upgrade if available. Thanks" or something similar.

Two different beachfront properties in Florida pointedly told me that they do not upgrade reward stays. But that's because the upgrade was to an oceanfront room, not to an HHonors floor. So it was understandable.



ZeppoX, care to share which FL beachfront properties you refer to? Just curious.... ;)