Hilton HHonors - Chances on Upgrades as Gold

Hello,

I just achieved Gold about a month ago and I was wondering what my chances are for receiving upgrades on my upcoming reservations.

I know it is always up to the specific hotel but I was just wondering in general how often a Gold member is upgraded.

Also, what is the best way of requesting upgrades? One person told me to try e-Checkin, then if you are not upgraded, reverse the e-Checkin. Is this correct? Also, I've never done e-Checkin before so will it just automatically say that I am upgraded?

And what is an acceptable upgrade if I am purchasing the cheapest rates? Is a suite out of the question? Also are pre-paid reservations gold upgradeable?

I would appreciate any input. Thanks again.

I switched from Marriott to Hilton a few years back and travel quite a bit so I jumped from Silver, Gold to Diamond pretty fast but I remember that for the 3 or 4 months I was Gold I would get upgraded about half the time. I think it really has more to do with the local hotel and what capacity they are at then anything. So I'm guessing you have about a 50/50 which is still better than zero at Silver.

The last two years I was Gold and was upgraded on two international trips: Prauge, Rome. These were the only trips I took where I stayed at a Hilton. At home in the US, I was upgraded once in L.A. (Hilton at Disney) but I don't think I was upgraded again on approx 8 other stays in various places. I was treated well, but not upgraded.

I get upgraded fairly often as a gold, but much of it depends on the property and when I'm traveling. Some properties don't have any upgrades to give anyone, so you can't be upgraded there.

However, on my first stay following when I made gold last year, I was upgraded to the exec level at the Hilton Tower Bridge in London, with a larger room and access to the exec lounge.

Since e-check-in has started, I've used it with fairly good success. It will usually give me a few options, and indicate which are upgrades (I don't know why someone would select a non-upgrade). If I've already done the e-check-in, when I check-in, I'll usually say something like, "I hope that's a nice room." At 2 properties, they told me that I had the best room in the hotel. Another said it was a good exec level room.

When I haven't used e-check-in, my experiences have been mixed. Once I didn't mention upgrades at check-in and received a standard room. Another time I asked if upgrades were available, and received a nice suite with gas fireplace.

I'd estimate my upgrades since gold have been around 80%, at properties that had upgrade rooms available.

In the US, I have been upgraded in just once at Hilton and not in any of the other hotels (Hampton, Homewood, etc) as a Gold. But I usually receive an extra amenity when not upgraded.

Internationally (Europe), I had been upgraded almost 100% of time (except some of the London hotels) as Gold. Some of the London hotels (Green Park in particular) are stingy with extra amenities if not upgraded. Of course. I usually travel in the off-season.

I am now traveling as Diamond and have not seen much of a difference internationally between Diamond and Gold except for receiving wine in the room with Diamond.

I remember a pretty good jump in treatment when I turned gold with Hilton and I see golds treated pretty well at most properties domestice and international. I would say you will normally be put in a nicer room of some sort although probably not a suite and get breakfast. Sometimes loung access at some properties outside the US. I dont know Marriott but at SPG I never get anything as a gold so I think Hilton golds do pretty well.

In the US, I have been upgraded in just once at Hilton and not in any of the other hotels (Hampton, Homewood, etc) as a Gold. But I usually receive an extra amenity when not upgraded.

Internationally (Europe), I had been upgraded almost 100% of time (except some of the London hotels) as Gold. Some of the London hotels (Green Park in particular) are stingy with extra amenities if not upgraded. Of course. I usually travel in the off-season.

Thank you. Now do I have a better or worse chance at being upgraded at a higher profile property than a lower? (like NYC vs. Spokane, WA)

I, too, have had pleasant surprises as Gold -- I think that I have been upgraded, or at least given lounge access, five out of five times at full-service Hiltons (both Istanbul properties, Tysons Corner twice, and Crystal City). I can't say what the trick is, if any.

Edited to add: The Hilton Park SA Istanbul, an unremarkable four-star location, told me that I should have been upgraded, but they didn't have anything available (plus no lounge), so gave me free drink coupons instead. I was there for a short time, plus my rate included breakfast (which was quite nice), so I didn't care much.

I've been upgraded about 50% of the time. Once in Wichita (Hilton), Arlington, IL (Doubletree), and Shanghai Hilton. All three were without request.