Hilton HHonors - Extend HHonors Gold status?

Hi,
The codes for complementary Gold Status for new members seem to extend thru 2004. Is there any codes that work for extending an existing Gold member whose status expires April 2003?
Thanks

It's called "STAY WITH US". Those who currently hold status are expected to requalify the old fashioned way. In most cases, Golds were comp'd through a similar set of promos last year, or through airline elite status. And anyone holding SILVER, GOLD or DIAMOND last year were extended this year at the same level due to the events around 9.11. So I think Hilton has been quite generous to its current elites, and thus earning renewed status is only fair for those of us who currently hold our elite levels.

I am also interested in this question.

I got my Hilton Gold Card, in spring 2001 - as part of a special Air Canada's Aeroplan benefit (by virtue of my tier status with the FF plan). Aeroplan no longer offers that benefit.

The expiration date is April 2003, of my gold status.

I have stayed 6 stays, for 8 nights, so far -this year - it is unlikely that I will have an opportunity to stay for additional stays this year.

Obviously, I have attained Silver membership for next year. However, the feature of Gold membership - being able to upgrade, and/or have access to the Executive Club lounge and/or free breakfasts, is very advantageous.

Short of staying at Hilton 10 more times this calendar year, I guess there is no other way of extending my Gold membership?

Why would you even think that you are entitled to stay GOLD? You've only had 6 stays and 8 nights....c'mon!!! Earn it like the rest of us!! Some of these comp'd people are just plain G-R-E-E-D-Y.

I believe that a simple "no" would suffice. Berating people who have asked questions such as posed here is somewhat mean spirited as well as targeting the wrong group. If there is a perceived problem with the how Hilton decides to market it's preferred status... you should target Hilton, as I know many have done,

I just recently discovered the Flyer Talk forum and find it to be very informative and I appreciate the knowledgeable people who contribute. I can do without the "point-ier than thou" attitudes as well as the lack of acceptance of contrary opinions that (to me) seems to have gotten worse over the last couple of months. That said, feel free to fire away... just because I don't care for it much doesn't mean that others don't find it stimulating. I can accept the contrary opinions.
Just some thoughts...it is Sunday....

.......well said xooz.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by IM4Travel:
Some of these comp'd people are just plain G-R-E-E-D-Y.</font>

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/eek.gif Oh, yea! Well some of these earned gold people are just plain S-T-O-D-G-Y. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/tongue.gif

How you can tell from the website when your gold status expires? I have never received a gold card, still have only my silver. Should I call Hilton and request they send the gold card?

If you want to maintain status without meeting the minimum number of stays for that level, then apply for one of Hilton's credit cards. The HHonors AMEX or VISA.

"You'll also be automatically upgraded to HHonors Silver VIP status for your first year of Cardmembership. If you're already an HHonors Silver, Gold or Diamond VIP member, you'll continue to receive the privileges you currently enjoy. "

http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/points/creditcard.jhtml (http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/points/credi)


http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/points/visa.jhtml

[This message has been edited by gw14 (edited 09-16-2002).]

Ok, I used to get Silver thru Amex. However, this year they first send a blue card, saying that I didn't have sufficient stays but offered a challenge of some sort. But then a Gold Card arrives in the mail. I stayed at a Hilton but did not meet the challenge before the Gold Card showed up.

What's going on? I suppose I should be happy.

I received a Starwood Gold even though I never stay at those hotels. But that was due to my status on US Air.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by gw14:
[B]"If you're already an HHonors Silver, Gold or Diamond VIP member, you'll continue to receive the privileges you currently enjoy."[B]</font>

Does this mean that you'll continue to enjoy the privileges until your status expires? Or does it mean that you maintain that status for as long as you keep the card?

I still have my Gold card that expires in 2099!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SP03:
Does this mean that you'll continue to enjoy the privileges until your status expires? Or does it mean that you maintain that status for as long as you keep the card?</font>

Neither! It means that there is no additional benefit if you are already Silver or above.

They will probably run another 50K instant gold promotion, they ran two last year and one this year so far, so even if the current promotion doesn't extend your gold, they will probably offer it again.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Eastbay1K:
I still have my Gold card that expires in 2099!</font>


Me too. Any luck getting them to honor it?

Charles

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Shareholder:
It's called "STAY WITH US".</font>

I with you on this one Shareholder. As someone who earned Diamond last year and has already qualified for Diamond next year I feel Hilton are devaluing the status by giving away so many freebies.

(duplicate post deleted)



[This message has been edited by dave99 (edited 09-17-2002).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by SP03:
Does this mean that you'll continue to enjoy the privileges until your status expires? Or does it mean that you maintain that status for as long as you keep the card?</font>

If you already have status, getting the credit card does not extend (or improve) your status.

I got instant gold status with last year's 50,000 point promotion. Expiry date on the card was April 2003. I signed up for the INTU promotion on 8/30 and was specifically told that it would not extend my gold status. To my surprise, I got a new gold package in the mail yesterday (same account number) with a new gold card expiring in April 2004.

Could that be because it's now later in the year? I signed up in May and got a new card also, same number, gold through 4/03.

Where have these promotions (eg INTU, CNTU) been posted - on the Hilton Honors web site? I can only find the special offers for hotel stays, in terms of extra points that can be earned.

flyergodII,

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum57/HTML/004339.html

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rut Dog:
:eek: Oh, yea! Well some of these earned gold people are just plain S-T-O-D-G-Y. :p </font>
Hi. I am brand new to posting on this site but have been lurking for a few weeks since the USAirways FF fiasco. I am HH Gold and USAirways silver (gold next month). I wish I knew about this site before. I think it is a great hobby collecting these "points"... and pointers. Harmless and fun. I have "paid" for my points, if you call it that, but it never hurts to have a few more (now I just need time off to use them!!). If a few people work the system and wish to share their knowledge - I say Thank You!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by steves:
[B]
Hi. I am brand new to posting on this site /B]</font>

Welcome to the web encyclopedia of points and miles!

To clarify somethings. I sent an email last week regarding:

1) Was my Gold status extended to 2004? Yes
2) Changing my PIN where was the 1000 HH points? They will be added when a sweep is done.

doctorphil, when did you register for the CNTU promo ?

Hmmm...I was already gold, finished my CNTU stays in June, got a new card with my same number gold through 4/03. No matter, I will have the 16 stays anyway.

My sister-in-law (no status) finished her CNTU stays in August and her card is gold through 4/04. Maybe this works like the airline challenges - do it after July and it's good a lot longer.

[This message has been edited by littleleaguemom (edited 09-24-2002).]

Was a fully earned Gold in 2000. Only made a couple of stays in 2001. Got a letter in the last quarter of 2001 that stated that if I stayed just 2 times before the end of the year, they would extend me another year.

I did, they did, and I'm still Gold.

But don't worry too much. With only 1 paid Hilton stay so far this year, I'm not depriving many of you of your hard earned benefits. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/wink.gif

Hey!
I was not able to complete the stays to extend my gold (currently set to expire on 4/30/04). I am AA Platinum and I was wondering if any one knows any other ways to get my HHonors Gold extended at least for a few months, since I have several stays in May anyway??

Thanks! Peace!

You're about a week late! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/frown.gif

Hi friends, I am new to FlyerTalk and have read lots of Threads about Hilton Honors. I was made Gold last year buy a guy who sold me an upgrade, I found he used some promotion through air canada. I currently have 9 stays and 12 nights. I have a gift cert for 2 nights at an embassy suites coming up, but will that count as a stay since it was an Embassy issued gift certificate? I also have 3 nights coming up at Hilton Anaheim which is a comp from the GM. I also have a 6 night alo02 6 nts at hilton hawaiian village and a seperate reservation for 3 additional nights. Do honors redemptions count as nights? Do comps or gift certs count as nights? I have till sep 30 to make the 16 stays or 36 nights to remain gold. Problem is I dont have the job that allowed me to travel, thus, im on my own. Can anyone make any suggestions or promotion recommendations to me that would extend my Gold? Credit cards are not an option for I had to file bankruptcy a while back, and I can't get a card. Any ideas or help would be so appreciated. If anyone has any tips for getting upgraded at the HHV, please give me some advice! Yours truly, Martin

Welcome to FT.

Can't address the gift cert or comp questions as I don't know the answer (hopefully someone else will chime in), but award stays do count towards status.

You also may want to see if there are any Hilton brand hotels in your areas that you can book cheap weekend rates. And if there's more than 1, then stay 1 night at one hotel (or just check-in; up to you on whether you actually want to stay) & then switch the next night to another hotel. Gets you 2 nights & 2 stays, as opposed to 1 stay & 2 nights. Something to consider anyway.

Cheers. Sharon

martinclemson, Welcome!

Almost anything counts as a Hilton stay - including award stays, like your HHV stop - a nice gesture on Hilton's behalf, and a recent and welcome change (though "opaque" website booked stays like PriceLine etc. will NOT count.) I supect your GC will count also. A comp from the GM? Well, I'd put a few expenses on my room, and send a folio copy in to HHonors, but it'll be interesting to see what happens - could be iffy (IMO some bucks on your room account may make a difference on any uncertain status stay like GC or comp - a meal or two, etc.)

That'll help. Now for another stay or two to keep Gold, you can do a mattress run, as SkiAdcock advocates - check in your community or nearby for the cheapest H property and do a few nights. Some Hamptons can get pretty low-priced on weekend nights, you may have some good opportunities there, so a couple of Friday nights and a couple of Saturday nights, you're there!

Calling and asking for an extension on a comp Gold may fall on deaf ears, IMO, but it's worth a try if all else fails.

I was faced with a similar dilemma recently and found this option, which I used, and it worked perfectly. I called HH and gave them the NAVG code, they posted it to my account and I just made four stays in a 90 day time frame and instantly my account upgraded to GOLD.

If you're not getting both Points & Miles® for your hotel stays, you're only getting half of what you deserve! Hilton HHonors® is the only hotel guest reward program to let you earn both HHonors points and airline miles for the same stay at more than 2,400 Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Homewood Suites® by Hilton and Scandic hotels. HHonors points can be redeemed for a world of exciting rewards including free hotel stays, airline tickets, merchandise, or even a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
And now, because you are a Navigant client, we'd like to extend a special membership opportunity. Enroll in Hilton HHonors now and get on the Fast Track to HHonors VIP status. Just have two qualifying stays within 90 days of enrollment to earn HHonors Silver VIP status, or stay four times within the same period to earn Gold VIP status. It normally takes four qualifying stays per calendar year to earn Silver VIP status and 16 stays per year to earn Gold VIP status.

As an HHonors VIP, you'll enjoy a host of benefits and privileges including bonuses on all HHonors Base points earned while a VIP, complimentary access to hotel-operated fitness centers during your stay (where available), VIP only rewards, and much more!

To enroll in HHonors and get on the Fast Track to VIP membership, click here or call 1-800-HHONORS and request origin code NAVG. If you are already an HHonors member, simply call the HHonors Customer Service Center at 1-800-548-8690 and request Promotion Code NAVG.


http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=navigant

The problem with one of these 4 stays to Gold is that the OP is already Gold.

Lemmee get this straight. You "bought" your HH Gold upgrade last year, have 9 stays in about 10-11 months, have more comped HH nights in 10-11 months than I have gotten in 10 years as a mostly HH Diamond or Gold butt-in-the-bed traveler. No wonder the HH bennies are vanishing. And you went through bankruptcy and are going to Hawaii for 1 1/2 weeks. Honestly, I should be asking you for advice rather than than the opposite. OK I will. How can I get some free nights or upgrades?

As noted do a couple of cheap weekend HH stays at a minimum cost if you wish to maintain your HH Gold. And I want to buy the first copy of your book when you write it.

Most HH hotels I book require a credit card for a reservation. How do you handle this?

MisterNice

Does anyone know if Hilton comps gold status based on Holiday Inn Ambassador Status?

I have enjoyed my Hilton Gold Status during my 6-8 stays since I received the status via Air Canada - many room upgrades. I was previously gold via the American Airlines offer that some awesome poster informed us about. I never have more than 4-8 Hilton stays in a year, so I come nowhere close to legitimate gold status.

Many of us recently paid the $150 for Ambassador status in order to get the 25,000 Delta miles. If Hilton would comp us that would make the return on the $150 investment even better.

Uh, Andy2, let's see if I have this right: You got short track Gold through the Air Canada offer (do you actually FLY Air Canada, BTW?) and after you got short track Gold via an American Airlines offer. You really enjoy the 6 - 8 stays you have with Hilton because of the perks you get with your HH Gold status, but you can't see yourself staying more than that in a year, and want to know how you can short track yourself to another year's Gold status.

My recommendation: stay 16 times in one year, or 36 nights, and you will be granted Gold status for an entire calendar year. If you don't value the perks and status enough to do that, keep on using your Ambassador status to stay at Holiday Inn properties.

HHonors is about rewarding people who are frequent guests, and they occasionally offer incentives to those likely to become frequent guests, as other hotel chains (and airlines) do. They are called "loyalty programs" for a reason. So, here's a question for you: if you worked at Hilton marketing, would you consider someone with your patterns of stays and your ongoing quest for shortcut status a "loyal and frequent guest?"

I'm not trying to hassle you, but IMO you need to think how much value you assign your HH Gold status, and if it is important enough in your list of priorities, earn it.

Cheers, FT friend :)

No, I've never flown Air Canada.

We all have different purposes for surfing Flyertalk.

Mine is to get free tickets, hotel rooms and status for free or for a greatly reduced cost.

Any opinions if we can convert our $150 Delta free ticket award and Intercontinental Ambassador status into Hilton Gold, or do they simply ignore Intercontinental status.

Hilton marketing should love me by the way. I was the only person on this board expressing my love for Paris Hilton when everyone else seemed to be criticizing her.

Best way to find out is to call Hilton directly and ask them if they will comp you Gold because of your status in another program. My guess is they will probably not, but I have always found that if you call a few times you might get an answer you like.
(Although if after calling a few times, I would drop it).

I recieved Gold through ACAQ. I appreciate the opportunity to try out an elite status for a brand that I like. If I make it again, it will most likely be on my own $ and time. If they happen to give me a short cut I'll take it, but I have decided to not go looking for one.

My wife loves the status and perks so we are doing our best to keep/regain Gold by the end of Sept '04 (so we don't lose status on any future stays). I currently have 5 stays 8 nights, by the end of this month I'll have 10 stays 13 nights (doing a little bit of business travel). :)
I'll definately have 16 stays by the end of the year but will hate to not have status on a few of those stays until I regain it.

thanks!
I was faced with a similar dilemma recently and found this option, which I used, and it worked perfectly. I called HH and gave them the NAVG code, they posted it to my account and I just made four stays in a 90 day time frame and instantly my account upgraded to GOLD.

If you're not getting both Points & Miles® for your hotel stays, you're only getting half of what you deserve! Hilton HHonors® is the only hotel guest reward program to let you earn both HHonors points and airline miles for the same stay at more than 2,400 Hilton®, Conrad®, Doubletree®, Embassy Suites Hotels®, Hampton Inn®, Hampton Inn & Suites®, Hilton Garden Inn®, Homewood Suites® by Hilton and Scandic hotels. HHonors points can be redeemed for a world of exciting rewards including free hotel stays, airline tickets, merchandise, or even a once-in-a-lifetime vacation!
And now, because you are a Navigant client, we'd like to extend a special membership opportunity. Enroll in Hilton HHonors now and get on the Fast Track to HHonors VIP status. Just have two qualifying stays within 90 days of enrollment to earn HHonors Silver VIP status, or stay four times within the same period to earn Gold VIP status. It normally takes four qualifying stays per calendar year to earn Silver VIP status and 16 stays per year to earn Gold VIP status.

As an HHonors VIP, you'll enjoy a host of benefits and privileges including bonuses on all HHonors Base points earned while a VIP, complimentary access to hotel-operated fitness centers during your stay (where available), VIP only rewards, and much more!

To enroll in HHonors and get on the Fast Track to VIP membership, click here or call 1-800-HHONORS and request origin code NAVG. If you are already an HHonors member, simply call the HHonors Customer Service Center at 1-800-548-8690 and request Promotion Code NAVG.


http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=navigant

I am a Gold member, through to April 2005. I will then become a Silver member on May 1.

I wanted to find a way to extend my Gold status through the promo route.

I called the HH agent, and asked about the Navigant promo.

He indicated if I register for the promo today, the promo would be valid for 90 days, but any stays while I am a Gold member through to April 30 can not be counted - as the promotion can not extend a current Gold status (even if it is about to expire). He therefore stated that I should register from May 1 onwards, where I would be eligible for all stays within the 90 days period, from the time of registration (even though I would be a Silver member, then).

What do you think - are the agent's statements about most promo codes not allowing an extension of a preexisting Gold status? I will definitely stay in 4 Hilton family of hotels within a 90 day period from today; right now, I was not planning to stay within a 90 day period from May 1..

I was under the impression that it is as the agent told you.
My Gold expired in May 2004. I waited until the following summer to make 4 qualifying NAVG stays as a Silver (15% vs 25% bonus - big whoop), staying at a Doubletree Club (I didn't need an upgrade and left too early for "breakfast" at their AuBonPain - even as a Silver I was given two bottles of water atop an HHonors recognition welcome letter on the desk) and three Hamptons (I forewent the Hampton Touch, and possible "upgrade"; breakfast is included for all guests), and was Gold again for a year and a half. No complaints at all.

I am in thesame position...losing status 5/1 from diamond....but i have several award stays coming up in may....do they count stays for me to at lest become gold ??? otherwise i drop way down to no status
thanks

I know personally of somebody who has renewed Gold through promos three years running.

Things could be changing with the rolling year, though.

My situation is most similar to teacher 5. My Gold expires in April 2005. I drop to Silver. I have 5-6 stays in May to requalify through either Navigant (if they still accept this) or Northwest Gold VIP offer.

I just spoke to an HHonors CS agent and she told me that I can go ahead and register right now (overlap ok) because the computer would look at the # of stays within the next 90 days from the date of registration, and review my requlify status. This is slightly different from what OP heard from his agent. Note that my stays will occur while I am Silver, so the situation is slightly different from the OP's.

----
btw, I almost expect to get different answers from different CSAs. The first agent I talked to (with a slightly different issue) said he would go ahead and extend my Gold through the month of May because of thove ab situation. It was so easy. Hurray!!! :D Then I called again to verify the fact, only to find out that nothing was done to my record and that they could not accomodate my request -- so back to square one, I guess. :rolleyes:

In view of the discrepancies of responses (from different HHonors customer service agents) about eligiblity for Gold membership (extension) through the Navigant promotion while still a HHonors Gold member, I sent an email to HHonors on this issue.

I was emailed that the promotion is valid, even if one is a Gold member - ie stays count towards gold status (extension), even if one is already a Gold member. I was thus registered for the promotion.

In view of the discrepancies of responses (from different HHonors customer service agents) about eligiblity for Gold membership (extension) through the Navigant promotion while still a HHonors Gold member, I sent an email to HHonors on this issue.

I was emailed that the promotion is valid, even if one is a Gold member - ie stays count towards gold status (extension), even if one is already a Gold member. I was thus registered for the promotion.
Good for you FlyergoldII. I am glad things worked out.

I registered for NAVG promotion today, too. With 6 stays in May, I thought I might as well register with a VIP Fast track that requires only 4 stays. This way, I will drop to Silver in May for the first 4 stays in Japan in May, but at least the last 2 stays I will be getting an upgrade.

This doen't mean I've given up on the first 4 stays in May. Still searching for promos out there that might keep me on Gold continuously....solving a puzzle like this is part of fun that comes with being a Matress runner :-:

My situation is most similar to teacher 5. My Gold expires in April 2005. I drop to Silver. I have 5-6 stays in May to requalify through either Navigant (if they still accept this) or Northwest Gold VIP offer.

I just spoke to an HHonors CS agent and she told me that I can go ahead and register right now (overlap ok) because the computer would look at the # of stays within the next 90 days from the date of registration, and review my requlify status. This is slightly different from what OP heard from his agent. Note that my stays will occur while I am Silver, so the situation is slightly different from the OP's.

----
btw, I almost expect to get different answers from different CSAs. The first agent I talked to (with a slightly different issue) said he would go ahead and extend my Gold through the month of May -- no q's asked -- because of the above situation. It was so easy. Hurray!!! :D Then I called again to verify the fact, only to find out that nothing was done to my record and that they could not accomodate my request -- so back to square one, I guess. :rolleyes:

I was emailed that the promotion is valid, even if one is a Gold member - ie stays count towards gold status (extension), even if one is already a Gold member. I was thus registered for the promotion.

Thanks FlyerGoldII for the confirmation ^ , I called HH to add the NAVG promotion to my VIP Gold Profile as well. Now just have to verify this actually does extend my Gold Status past 04/2005 with my 4 stays this month.

My Gold status is going to end soon and the next month after I have a big trip planned to Germany where I would like to get the ex. level, free breakfast, 25% bonus, etc. Anyone have any experience or idea how I can convince HH to extend me two months as a courtesy? I know I'm not going to renew at Gold by the stay/$ spent requirement :(

The only way you'll find out is to ask. If you expect the answer to be 'no,' then you'll only have upside.

Mine runs out next May; halfway through a retirement trip across the US! I contacted Hilton earlier this month, pointed out my Hilton track record (Diamond HH 2 yrs running and that I was a shareholder) and politely asked if anything could be done re a short extension. I received a promising reply, along the lines of my request was noted and that something could probably be done nearer the time. Fingers crossed! Might be worth getting a few stays under your belt till then, if you can.

My Gold status is going to end soon and the next month after I have a big trip planned to Germany where I would like to get the ex. level, free breakfast, 25% bonus, etc. Anyone have any experience or idea how I can convince HH to extend me two months as a courtesy? I know I'm not going to renew at Gold by the stay/$ spent requirement :(

This makes no sense. Gold status runs through April 30 of the second calendar year following the calendar year in which the 12-month floating period ends that you first attained Gold status. You can check your expiration date online. Mine ends in April 2008.

Hi,

I have gold through March 07. I don't have enough stays this year to qualify, though will have a need for the gold towards the middle of 2007.

Will the below link be successful in extending gold status? Is there any other way to extend gold without qualifying stays?

http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=nbrpa

Welcome to FT!

Well, the way it works is that you get status for actually staying in their hotels!!!

However, look at some credit cards and airlines for gold status without staying. Search this forum for "comp" or "comped" using the link top right of the screen.

Good luck.

Hi,

I have gold through March 07. I don't have enough stays this year to qualify, though will have a need for the gold towards the middle of 2007.

Will the below link be successful in extending gold status? Is there any other way to extend gold without qualifying stays?

http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=nbrpa

If you are a member of NBRPA, then I think you should be able to extend your gold status by completing the gold challenge. However, if you are not a NBRPA member, you might be able to get then gold challenge initially, but a subsequent HH audit might nullify the challenge.

The promotion rules seem pretty specific:

"If you are already a Gold or Diamond VIP member, we will extend your status for one year when you call 1-800-HHONORS and request Promotion Code..."

However, I signed up under a similar promotion earlier this year and received gold status after four stays. A few months later the gold status was taken away because my account was "audited" and since my account failed to reference my membership number, they removed the gold status.

The good news is that I was only one stay away from getting gold status the hard way so I got it back a few days later. Worst case I probably could have given them the info they wanted but if I didn't have the info I would have been SOL.

The moral of the story is--that if you're not truely targeted for this promo, the status will likely not be given to you, and if it is, it probably will be taken away from you. If you are targeted, however, I don't see a flaw in taking advantage of this promo.

Hi,

I have gold through March 07. I don't have enough stays this year to qualify, though will have a need for the gold towards the middle of 2007.

Will the below link be successful in extending gold status? Is there any other way to extend gold without qualifying stays?

http://www.hiltonhhonors.com/processLanding.aspx?lp=nbrpa

Looks like the URL offers fast track for NBRPA members. Fast track requires a number of stays within certain number of days to requalify, you can call and see what's the detail of the fast track offer. No idea about NBRPA membership.

Another way is to have a Hilton Amex card and spend $20000 in a calendar year to automatically become gold member. No stays needed.

Strange thing is, I recieved the Hilton Gold status for three years after only one seven day stay back in 2004. Not sure why I received the upgrade. I did complain once to the manager because of noise from a party function. I guess they comped me with an upgrade. I was polite when I complained. The party was pretty damn loud.

I've stayed at Hilton three times since the upgrade for business, and will stay there many times this summer. I guess it will be worth the 150 USD to by this basketball membership in exchange for another year of gold.

Also, I have read many times about the Citibank Chairman issue, and am familiar.