Hilton HHonors - Gold Upgrade Questions (versus HHonors points ...)

If you "pre-select" the HHonors points on the website (as your selected benefit at a particular type property), does that preclude an upgrade as Gold?

Or do most properties upgrade you anyways so you are in effect double dipping, points and upgrade?

There is a thread (not so long ago) that addresses your question. From memory it seems that initally there was a lot of double dipping, but gradually (as reported by a number of posters) hotels have started to enforce the "My Way" choices and double dipping has lessened, if not vanished.

I've searched but not found the thread - anyone know which one?


Also, I'm really hoping for an upgrade on an upcoming stay at the Niagara ES. Unfortunately, "upgrade" at ES isn't an option at My Way (I presume since most ES' dont' have the type of upgrades that the Niagara property does).

Advice to snag an upgrade there? I did request it in the box for comments when booking - that is probably the best I can do ...

I've searched but not found the thread - anyone know which one?


Also, I'm really hoping for an upgrade on an upcoming stay at the Niagara ES. Unfortunately, "upgrade" at ES isn't an option at My Way (I presume since most ES' dont' have the type of upgrades that the Niagara property does).

Advice to snag an upgrade there? I did request it in the box for comments when booking - that is probably the best I can do ...
Call the hotel a day or two before check-in to request a fallsview, or whatever you'd like. There's more info about the hotel here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=313520).

What I do when I book online is put ut in the comments box, "upgrade if available", then call as suggested in advance. It has worked for me. Some ES, the Niagra in particular (from what I've read) do have "upgraded rooms" that may be what you want. A phone call is cheap, make it....

I agree that calling a day or two before you arrive helps in your quest for an upgrade. Ask to speak with the reservations manager, or an assistant manager if available, to have them make a note in your folio before you arrive. The ES-NF has an "800" number that isn't on their website (try "800" information) or I'll see if I have it and PM you with the number if I can find it. When calling, be sure they have your HHonors number in their records and that it shows your gold status.

I was told that room assignments aren't allocated until a day or two before the guest arrives, so be sure to call within two days of your arrival.

No guarantees of an upgrade of course, but if available, you should be able to snag it.

Good luck. Let us know how the trip went.

bj-21,

If you "pre-select" the HHonors points on the website (as your selected benefit at a particular type property), does that preclude an upgrade as Gold?

Or do most properties upgrade you anyways so you are in effect double dipping, points and upgrade?

Two trips to Toronto downtown Hilton this week.As a Gold(2 stays from Diamond) booked on website with HHonors points as my pre-select and received upgrades to corner room for each stay. ^ :)

What I do when I book online is put ut in the comments box, "upgrade if available", then call as suggested in advance. It has worked for me. Some ES, the Niagra in particular (from what I've read) do have "upgraded rooms" that may be what you want. A phone call is cheap, make it....

Other than "bigger", what constitutes an UG at an ES since they are all suites?

Upgraded suites at some ES properties have an inroom jacuzzi, and at the ES-NF the upgrade may include a fallsview suite directly overlooking the Horseshoe Falls, or possibly the American Falls or both, depending on room location. Some suites on the highest floors include both a fireplace and a jacuzzi. Worth the upgrade if you can get it. Cityview rooms at this property are okay, but no view of the falls or Niagara River.

bj-21.

We ended up with a nice upgrade. We booked a lower story falls view room (both US and Canadian).

Called the day before, and asked to speak to the front desk. Asked about the potential of a Gold upgrade, and at first found the response to be "frosty" - upgrades not guaranteed, etc.

When I made it clear this was just a "hopeful" inquiry, etc., the desk manager kindly gave us a specific reservation on a high story falls view room (which is one upgrade), plus the whirlpool, so I view as a 2 upgrade. (Also, since we were getting a specific room, less pressure on checking in early.

We checked in around 1:00. The fellow who checked us in was willing to upsell us to a much more dramatic room, but for several hundred dollars more. It was a very busy Saturday night, I think on another weekday night this might have been something they would have placed us on (or upsold for less).

Overall, very pleased with how this was handled, especially on a busy Sat. night ... and thanks for everyone's help and advice!