Hilton HHonors - Nor1 Upgrades now at Hilton New York

I was checking a reservation for February at the Hilton New York, and it now has an option to select a Nor1 upgrade. I thought these were only at the Hilton San Francisco, but I guess they're expanding.

Such crap. Why does anyone even consider staying at the NY Hilton. I have had such bad experiences. I stay at the Millenium. I love the location and is more inspiring! Upgrades all the time to the large suites at the end of the hall with the large living room, dining table, separate KING room, 2 Baths, 180 degree views (although a new skyscraper just north blocks most of the view of mid-town now.....and even a connecting room if desired to make it a 2 bedroom suite.....of couse, since I am a LEO based traveller, I have a good relationship with the GM. Sorry, but I think they are sympathetic to any PD or FD DIA's....always treated with excellence here.....LOVE IT!

@#$%@%!!!

What does this mean long term for Gold/Diamond upgrades? Are they weakening the HHonors Program with out saying so one hotel at a time???

What does this mean long term for Gold/Diamond upgrades? Are they weakening the HHonors Program with out saying so one hotel at a time???

looks like it. Unless they realize that people choose other properties they will continue with this :td:

are the San Francisco and NewYork Flagship properties Hilton owned? If not are they owned by the same person/group?

I'm thinking if both properties have the same ownership, then there is the reason for Nor 1, rear its ugly head in NYC.

They're also at the Doubletree Metropolitan on the East Side.

What does this mean long term for Gold/Diamond upgrades? Are they weakening the HHonors Program with out saying so one hotel at a time???

It seems to mean bad things for Gold and Diamond upgrades. Someone willing to pay $10-$50 for one 1-night or 2-night stay who doesn't spend a single other night in a Hilton hotel in the course of the year may well get a better room than someone paying for dozens of Hilton nights if not more.

I was checking a reservation for February at the Hilton New York, and it now has an option to select a Nor1 upgrade. I thought these were only at the Hilton San Francisco, but I guess they're expanding.

Last August at the Hilton NY I was not upgraded, and the lady at reception told me that now you only get onto the executive floor it you pay the specific rate. :rolleyes: , nevertheless we got free vouchers for breakfast.

Since then I have been a few times at the Hilton Prague or Hilton Westend Budapest and always I have been upgraded or allowed to use the executive lounge.

I guess at the Hilton NY(and SFO) they get many Diamond and Gold guests, and cannot upgrade everybody.
In USA it might be easy to get a Diamond or Gold level because you have Hilton Hotels/Hilton family hotels all over the place. In Europe it is not yet the case.

It seems to mean bad things for Gold and Diamond upgrades. Someone willing to pay $10-$50 for one 1-night or 2-night stay who doesn't spend a single other night in a Hilton hotel in the course of the year may well get a better room than someone paying for dozens of Hilton nights if not more.:confused: Someone paying $50 more for a room should get a better room. If other rooms are available for upgrades they then should go to the elite members. That is exactly what is stated in the T&Cs. First and foremost, you should get what you pay for, even if not an elite.

As an elite, I would hope that for the same rate I would be getting something better than a non-elite.

are the San Francisco and NewYork Flagship properties Hilton owned? If not are they owned by the same person/group?

I'm thinking if both properties have the same ownership, then there is the reason for Nor 1, rear its ugly head in NYC.

Both properties are corporately managed and owned by Hilton.

What's a Nor1 upgrade? Never heard of it until this thread. Haven't stayed at SF Hilton in a couple of years.

Cheers.

PS - When I was at the NY Hilton (convenient for where I was doing bizness) last Oct I was told that only access to exec lounge was to have booked exec level. Even if you're in a suite on non-exec level (presumably suites cost more?), it wouldn't get you access. I booked the exec level (client's rate was the same for exec & non-exec level) to ensure access to the exec lounge, figuring I'd save the client bkfst costs by eating in the lounge. BTW - the exec lounge was a madhouse in the morning!

HH: death by enhancements...

What's a Nor1 upgrade? Never heard of it until this thread. Haven't stayed at SF Hilton in a couple of years.

Cheers.

PS - When I was at the NY Hilton (convenient for where I was doing bizness) last Oct I was told that only access to exec lounge was to have booked exec level. Even if you're in a suite on non-exec level (presumably suites cost more?), it wouldn't get you access. I booked the exec level (client's rate was the same for exec & non-exec level) to ensure access to the exec lounge, figuring I'd save the client bkfst costs by eating in the lounge. BTW - the exec lounge was a madhouse in the morning!See the POLL thread and vote

:confused: Someone paying $50 more for a room should get a better room. If other rooms are available for upgrades they then should go to the elite members. That is exactly what is stated in the T&Cs. First and foremost, you should get what you pay for, even if not an elite.

As an elite, I would hope that for the same rate I would be getting something better than a non-elite.

Under this program, there are situations where an elite paying more for a room than a non-elite is paying (i.e., room cost + Nor1 upgrade cost) would get an inferior room to the non-elite, even when checking in on the same day, even when paying more in total for that night.

What's a Nor1 upgrade? Never heard of it until this thread. Haven't stayed at SF Hilton in a couple of years.

Cheers.

PS - When I was at the NY Hilton (convenient for where I was doing bizness) last Oct I was told that only access to exec lounge was to have booked exec level. Even if you're in a suite on non-exec level (presumably suites cost more?), it wouldn't get you access. I booked the exec level (client's rate was the same for exec & non-exec level) to ensure access to the exec lounge, figuring I'd save the client bkfst costs by eating in the lounge. BTW - the exec lounge was a madhouse in the morning!

Yes, it is a madhouse. (I don't know if it's still the case, but previously it was possible to go in there and eat for free even if not a guest and not a Gold or Diamond; of course, that wasn't supposed to be the case.)

Last August at the Hilton NY I was not upgraded, and the lady at reception told me that now you only get onto the executive floor it you pay the specific rate.

That is completely incorrect. You were lied to by reception. I also stayed there at the end of August and insisted on getting an Executive Room upgrade per the Hilton Gold VIP T&Cs. I got the upgrade after proving to them that they were selling rooms on the Executive Floor in smoking on their website. The non-smoking rooms were sold out on the Executive Floor, so I had to settle for a smoking room. They will upgrade you if there are rooms available if you are firm and insist on it. If no Executive Floor rooms are available you will NOT get lounge access, but you are entitled to breakfast.

Interestingly enough the following appeared in my Hilton reservation for next week:

UPGRADE OPPORTUNITY:

Premium rooms may go unsold and can be offered at check-in for as little as $15 extra per night. Learn more.

There are also these FAQs posted:


1 Who can I contact if I have any other questions regarding my reservation and the Upgrade opportunity?

For questions about your reservation and this upgrade opportunity, please call the hotel directly: Hilton New York at +1 212 586 7000. If you have questions about Nor1 Upgrades in general, please refer to www.nor1.com.


2 What is "Nor1"?

"Nor1" is the brand name associated with the unique process of offering a guest the "opportunity to upgrade" to a premium room at a substantially reduced price, in return for the guest's flexibility of not knowing if he will get the upgrade until check-in. "Nor1" is also the name of the company that developed and supports the software that manages this innovative process.


3 What is an "Upgrade"?

An "Upgrade" is the term used for getting a better room at check-in, than the originally booked room. For example: A guest initially books a standard room, however at check-in he is informed that he has been "Upgraded" to a better ("premium") room.


4 Why does your hotel use the Nor1 Upgrade Solution?

We offer the Nor1 Upgrade Solution because we often have premium rooms available that would otherwise go empty. We would rather provide our guests a better experience during their stay at our hotel, and gain some additional revenue, than leave the suite empty. The Nor1 Upgrade Solution accomplishes this goal through a "Win/Win" proposition where our guests receive a discounted room upgrade if available.

5 What happens if I do NOT get my Nor1 Upgrade at check-in?

You will remain in your originally booked room and will pay nothing extra for trying the Nor1 Upgrade Solution.


6 If I do NOT get my Nor1 Upgrade at check-in, will I be charged anything for using the Nor1 Upgrade Solution?

No. You only pay extra if you get a Nor1 Upgrade.


7 Can I add to, modify, or cancel my Nor1 Upgrade request before I check in?

Yes, but due to high demand for these upgrades, any changes must be made at least 24 hours prior to arrival. Changes can be made in the following manner: 1. Return to the Nor1 Upgrade request screen web page via your confirmation email. (This will show your current requests) 2. Make any necessary modifications to your request. 3. Click on the "Submit Upgrade Request(s)" button to confirm the changes


8 Can I request more than one room type for potential premium room upgrade?

Yes. Request as many room types as you wish for upgrade. In fact, the more room types you select, the better the odds one of them will be available and you will receive a premium room upgrade at check-in.


9 Is it possible to find my position in the queue/waiting list for the Nor1 Upgrade?

No. This information is not public. We kindly ask guests not to call the hotel property requesting this information.


10 Is there anything I can do to increase my chances of getting a premium room upgrade at check-in?

Yes, there are two primary ways to increase your odds: 1. Enter your upgrade request as early as possible (submitting immediately after booking your room is suggested). 2. Request more than one premium room type. This will increase the odds one of them will be available


11 Is it possible to ask a question that is not listed here?

Yes, and it is quite simple, Write an email to info@nor1.com and we will be happy to answer all your questions personally.

I know the NY Hilton is corporate owned and managed. Do not know for sure on the SF hotel.

are the San Francisco and NewYork Flagship properties Hilton owned? If not are they owned by the same person/group?

I'm thinking if both properties have the same ownership, then there is the reason for Nor 1, rear its ugly head in NYC.

Last August at the Hilton NY I was not upgraded, and the lady at reception told me that now you only get onto the executive floor it you pay the specific rate. :rolleyes: , nevertheless we got free vouchers for breakfast.

I had the same issue in June '06. Per HHonors this is not correct in the US at all and they are not following the program. In fact they said it was sold out and did not matter anyway. Not true either way.

To add insult to injury, I went online from my rooms ans saw executive level rooms for sale that night and through my stay for $ 80.00 less and got BS and moved when I told the manager.

Since then I have been a few times at the Hilton Prague or Hilton Westend Budapest and always I have been upgraded or allowed to use the executive lounge.

I guess at the Hilton NY(and SFO) they get many Diamond and Gold guests, and cannot upgrade everybody.
In USA it might be easy to get a Diamond or Gold level because you have Hilton Hotels/Hilton family hotels all over the place. In Europe it is not yet the case.

This is not the police per Hilton web site.

Hilton® Hotels in North America 1,000 Points or Upgrade to Executive Floor (if available), OR Executive Floor Lounge access (if the hotel has a Lounge), OR complimentary continental breakfast for the member and one guest each day of the stay. If the rate already includes breakfast, a special food and beverage amenity will be presented.

DCBob, thank you so much for posting details of nor1. Helps me & I'm sure others.

#3 is totally bogus by Hilton in that it doesn't 'define' what an upgraded room is. Upper floor, more than a closet (given it's the NY Hilton closet size rooms are the norm), view, etc?

Anyway, if this means offering the nor1 takes away from G/D chances of upgrades then obviously it sucks. Please let same client bring me into town (that has e.l. access). Otherwise, all things being equal, being Lifetime Plat on Marriott they'll probably get my NYC stays in future.

Cheers.

Such crap. Why does anyone even consider staying at the NY Hilton. I have had such bad experiences. I stay at the Millenium. I love the location and is more inspiring! Upgrades all the time to the large suites at the end of the hall with the large living room, dining table, separate KING room, 2 Baths, 180 degree views (although a new skyscraper just north blocks most of the view of mid-town now.....and even a connecting room if desired to make it a 2 bedroom suite.....of couse, since I am a LEO based traveller, I have a good relationship with the GM. Sorry, but I think they are sympathetic to any PD or FD DIA's....always treated with excellence here.....LOVE IT!

Heh! Please can I call in some favours for the response I have given on the London Hiltons in the past, despite loads of threads on them.
I am planning to visit NY with my family. I have never visited NY and the gang have never visited the USA at all and are really really excited about the trip. I was planning to stay at the Hilton NY, about to book today actually, but am having second thoughts reading this. I was going to book a quad deluxe (£1,000 for four nights - room only), and as a diamond was hoping to get an upgrade or access to the lounge, but on reading these posts am thinking again. Kids are 15 and 12, should I maybe be looking at the Millenium@:-) I have "travelled," the hundreds of threads on NY and there are so many that it leaves you confused, so any concise advise would be really appreciated:D

Heh! Please can I call in some favours for the response I have given on the London Hiltons in the past, despite loads of threads on them. I am planning to visit NY with my family. I have never visited NY and the gang have never visited the USA at all and are really really excited about the trip. I was planning to stay at the Hilton NY, about to book today actually, but am having second thoughts reading this. I was going to book a quad deluxe (£1,000 for four nights - room only), and as a diamond was hoping to get an upgrade or access to the lounge, but on reading these posts am thinking again. Kids are 15 and 12, should I maybe be looking at the Millenium@:-) I have "travelled," the hundreds of threads on NY and there are so many that it leaves you confused, so any concise advise would be really appreciated:D

Well, the Hilton is in an excellent physical location in midtown, just a block or two from Rockefeller Center and Central Park. Paying the cited ransom would seem to justify a free upgrade if you contact the Rooms Manager directly. That's what we did for our reward stay. For reward stays and standard rooms, Executive Lounge access is normally by special arrangement only, even for Diamonds; my wife needed to work all morning in the hotel room.

The Executive Lounge is on the top - 44th - floor, and is huge, with a high ceiling. Almost like a ballroom. Despite this, it is overrun with people, especially in the morning. ID checks are cursory, especially in the afternoon/evening. Frankly, as of last October anyone could walk in off the street, take the elevator to the 44th floor, and stop by for free hors d'oeuvres (happy hour around 5 to 7) or cookies. Booze will cost you, but there is a bartendress who will mix a decent martini for around $10.

Diamonds are offered breakfast at the ground floor Etrusca restaurant, whether or not they are on executive level floors. It's preferable to the zoo upstairs, though the cold buffet isn't that special. They have cheese, cold meats, maybe salmon, etc.

You *really* do not want a room on the Executive (44th) Floor. Foot traffic to the lounge is massive. In the other direction is foot traffic to the Hilton Club sales office (residential units at this property and elsewhere). Plus, this is a smoking floor.

Getting to the Executive Lounge from other high floors can be a lengthy process due to elevator inadequacy. You can try using the stairs.

Few rooms have good views, even on the high floors, due to nearby buildings including an ugly black building to the north. Rooms in the western third of the hotel clear this building, and do have Park views to varying degrees.

Many people prefer the other Hiltons in town. However, the Times Square H may not be so family-friendly. The Millennium Hilton is nice for everyone (has indoor pool, marvelous restaurant), but is downtown across from Ground Zero. Still, it's close to Statue of Liberty ferries, South Street Seaport etc.

Have 4 bookings here during 07.Two are for conferences at NY hilton and have run out of points on my hilton club account.Hoping to be able to purchase hilton club rooms 14 days out but if cant dont really want to change location.
All these bookings now have message about upgrades but all when accessed have message -no upgrades available at this time.It seems like a plan that is guaranteed to displease.

Heh! Please can I call in some favours for the response I have given on the London Hiltons in the past, despite loads of threads on them.
I am planning to visit NY with my family. I have never visited NY and the gang have never visited the USA at all and are really really excited about the trip. I was planning to stay at the Hilton NY, about to book today actually, but am having second thoughts reading this. I was going to book a quad deluxe (£1,000 for four nights - room only), and as a diamond was hoping to get an upgrade or access to the lounge, but on reading these posts am thinking again. Kids are 15 and 12, should I maybe be looking at the Millenium@:-) I have "travelled," the hundreds of threads on NY and there are so many that it leaves you confused, so any concise advise would be really appreciated:D

The Priceline route to bid for two rooms for each night is likely to be cheaper. But that only works if you think your children are mature enough to be in a room of their own or if the adults plan to split up nightly. £800 is probably sufficient -- or more than sufficient for that. So it comes down to what you value the lounge food at.

Not to sidetrack from the original thread which is nor1, but sidetracking for a moment...

NY Hilton is closer to where you want to be as a tourist. From what's been posted unless you get exec level you're toast - ie, they don't do squat for G/Ds.

Millenium is known for treating G/Ds well, but it's at the 'bottom' (locationwise if you look at a map; nothing deragatory) of Manhattan. Having said that, if you're willing to take public transit then getting back/forth (assuming not late at night) you'd be fine & not being in mid-town not an issue. If you're used to UK transit you'd be ok.

BTW - whether NY Hilton or Millenium, you can do public transit from JFK pretty cheaply.

I didn't see anywhere in the visitor's post saying he was doing priceline. W/ priceline you don't know what you'd get & you certainly wouldn't get any bennies, so consider that.

Have a great time visiting NYC!

Cheers.

Have 4 bookings here during 07.Two are for conferences at NY hilton and have run out of points on my hilton club account.Hoping to be able to purchase hilton club rooms 14 days out but if cant dont really want to change location.
All these bookings now have message about upgrades but all when accessed have message -no upgrades available at this time.It seems like a plan that is guaranteed to displease.

As you are well aware, every Hilton Club room is a timeshare and every studio is identical to every other studio, and every 1 bedroom is identical to every other 1 bedroom, etc. The upgrade message is apparently programmed to appear on every NY Hilton booking -- even when it clearly does not apply. If you want a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom instead of a studio, you simply pay the higher price stated in your contract (assuming one is available 14 days out). It's not possible to get an "upgrade" any other way. In January the Hilton Club is wide open. Next fall, that is unlikely, especially on weekends.

NY Hilton is closer to where you want to be as a tourist. From what's been posted unless you get exec level you're toast - ie, they don't do squat for G/Ds.


The Executive Level rooms at the NY Hilton are absolute crap. The top floor is smoking and the rooms are tiny. I have seen some of the non-executive level rooms and some of them are quite large and many are newly renovated. As for the Executive Lounge, liqour is very expensive and the food selection is abysmal. No hot food for breakfast -- just cold cereal, fruit, juices, and a few cold cuts. The evening hors d'oevres aren't great either. WAY OVERRATED!! So please don't sweat it if you just get the breakfast coupons and no lounge access. It's simply not worth it. On the other hand, the Hilton Club on the 37th floor (if you own a timeshare or rent a Hilton Club room) offers a FREE happy hour (premium liquor, wine, and bottled beers) with hors d'oevres and continental breakfast and the surroundings are much more intimate and less crowded.

As you are well aware, every Hilton Club room is a timeshare and every studio is identical to every other studio, and every 1 bedroom is identical to every other 1 bedroom, etc. The upgrade message is apparently programmed to appear on every NY Hilton booking -- even when it clearly does not apply. If you want a 1 bedroom or 2 bedroom instead of a studio, you simply pay the higher price stated in your contract (assuming one is available 14 days out). It's not possible to get an "upgrade" any other way. In January the Hilton Club is wide open. Next fall, that is unlikely, especially on weekends.
I am booked into the Hilton club for the maximum number of days my points allow.The extra days are in the hotel,not the Hilton club.

Having said that, if you're willing to take public transit then getting back/forth (assuming not late at night) you'd be fine & not being in mid-town not an issue.The NY subway is quite safe and, unlike the systems in many other cities, runs 24 hours a day. The terminus of the E train is across the street from the Millenium. The 2&3 are a block away.

The Priceline route to bid for two rooms for each night is likely to be cheaper. But that only works if you think your children are mature enough to be in a room of their own or if the adults plan to split up nightly. £800 is probably sufficient -- or more than sufficient for that. So it comes down to what you value the lounge food at.

Ladies and Gentlemen thanks ernestly for your comments and advice - you're all diamonds:D

I am booked into the Hilton club for the maximum number of days my points allow.The extra days are in the hotel,not the Hilton club.

Well, then, I hope you can use the cash option within 14 days as I am sure it's cheaper than the regular room rate for an ordinary NY Hilton room!

I see that they are selling Hilton Club rooms on hilton.com in August 2007 to general public-- more than 6 months out. That violates the terms of the Hilton Club contract!! They can only sell those rooms 6 months or less out.

Well, then, I hope you can use the cash option within 14 days as I am sure it's cheaper than the regular room rate for an ordinary NY Hilton room!

I see that they are selling Hilton Club rooms on hilton.com in August 2007 to general public-- more than 6 months out. That violates the terms of the Hilton Club contract!! They can only sell those rooms 6 months or less out. REO maybe they are just renting the foreclosure units.

Heh! Please can I call in some favours for the response I have given on the London Hiltons in the past, despite loads of threads on them.
I am planning to visit NY with my family. I have never visited NY and the gang have never visited the USA at all and are really really excited about the trip. I was planning to stay at the Hilton NY, about to book today actually, but am having second thoughts reading this. I was going to book a quad deluxe (£1,000 for four nights - room only), and as a diamond was hoping to get an upgrade or access to the lounge, but on reading these posts am thinking again. Kids are 15 and 12, should I maybe be looking at the Millenium@:-) I have "travelled," the hundreds of threads on NY and there are so many that it leaves you confused, so any concise advise would be really appreciated:D

Stay at the Doubletree Guest Suites in Times Square. Not only does it have a great location but its a great hotel. While they dont have an executive level, they do upgrade gold/diamond members to suites with outstanding views on the highest floors, plus you get a full breakfast buffet in the morning, plus free internet access. The chocolate chip cookies at check in are also nice. Plus all the rooms are one bedroom suites which I am sure youre family would be more comfortable in.

Well, then, I hope you can use the cash option within 14 days as I am sure it's cheaper than the regular room rate for an ordinary NY Hilton room!

I see that they are selling Hilton Club rooms on hilton.com in August 2007 to general public-- more than 6 months out. That violates the terms of the Hilton Club contract!! They can only sell those rooms 6 months or less out.
Yes one of my bookings last month was for October 07 and the Hilton Club rooms were available online then.
I would agree though if you have a choice the Doubletree suites on Times Square is a better option than Hilton NY.However it does all come down to price.When I was looking Hilton NY was $350 a night and the DT $550 a night.The rates keep changing though and you do need to check frequently.

Yes one of my bookings last month was for October 07 and the Hilton Club rooms were available online then.
I would agree though if you have a choice the Doubletree suites on Times Square is a better option than Hilton NY.However it does all come down to price.When I was looking Hilton NY was $350 a night and the DT $550 a night.The rates keep changing though and you do need to check frequently.

Agree. October is definitely high season in NYC and a tough time to get a room at a reasonable rate. But the Hilton Club rooms are a whole lot nicer than the other Hilton standard rooms. Hilton must be selling rooms based on points it holds in its own inventory.

Such crap. Why does anyone even consider staying at the NY Hilton. I have had such bad experiences.

I would echo this sentiment. I hd my third and final stay there last night. Moved to the Intercontinental Barclay tonight, where I am treated much better. I'll try the Millenium Hilton in the future if the price is right, though I prefer a midtown or uptown location.

Such crap. Why does anyone even consider staying at the NY Hilton. I have had such bad experiences.


Boy do I second that! We're almost at the end of our week long stay at the NY Hilton - it's our first and our last. I will say first that the best part of it all have been the bellmen. They have been super! The rest of it though has been a bad experience. We were gold when we got here (now finally diamond) and of course no upgrade but we were reluctantly given the free breakfast coupons for the continental breakfast when my husband requested them. But boy you get what you pay for! The service in the restaurant is terrible! When they see your breakfast coupons there is a noticable sneer. There are no clear boundries between continental and full buffet... and believe me they watch you like a hawk to make sure you don't get the wrong items. I erred one day and had a nice $11.95 upcharge on my ticket. Today was the worst... had to ask repeatedly for coffee initially, then beg for refills... never did get a juice refill, didn't bus the table... lots of waiters just kind of wandering around.

The room itself is acceptable though we have some kind of utility closet in front so it's a weird shape. I'd think that even gold status would garner a better room but it seems not. The decor is nice, good Hilton bedding, nice artwork are the big pluses... but don't outweigh the minuses... closets that are too narrow to close with a suit hanging straight inside, paper thin interior walls, room service trays with funky food sitting in the hallways for 18 + hours....

The business center is more like a NON business center. Nothing is self serve so you wait in line, then find out you can have copies made or send a fax but don't even think about asking to scan a document! (this has been our experience at other Hiltons as well but just not delivered with quite as much attitude as at this one).

I was also badgered by the slick little sales weasel trying to push the Hilton Club crap... I try to be polite but finally just turned and walked away because he kept giving me the hard sell under the guise of a free gift card. If I wanted the timeshare pitch I'd go to a free resort... not a $299/night hotel.