Hilton HHonors - Force-less Diamond?

I tried to reserve in downtown Memphis: Hampton or Doubletree for next NOVEMBER and could not, because of a convention.

Is this normal?

It is normal in periods of "extraordinary demand" for even Diamonds to be told the hotel is all sold out. Since the hotel stay is so far out, I highly doubt the hotel is actually sold out. You may want to call the hotel directly. If you're attending the convention, they probably have rooms set aside for you.

Other than that, call the Diamond desk and ask them to request availability from the hotel.

Are they even taking reservations now for next November?

I tried to reserve in downtown Memphis: Hampton or Doubletree for next NOVEMBER and could not, because of a convention.

Is this normal?
Yes, but I would continually check as the convention most like has a contract that specifies that they must meet a certain amount of rooms by certain dates(s). At this early date, I wouldn't worry. Make a backup reservation and continue to check back at your preferred property.

It is normal in periods of "extraordinary demand" for even Diamonds to be told the hotel is all sold out. Since the hotel stay is so far out, I highly doubt the hotel is actually sold out. You may want to call the hotel directly. If you're attending the convention, they probably have rooms set aside for you.

Other than that, call the Diamond desk and ask them to request availability from the hotel.

I had already emailed Diamond Desk and they phoned both hotels.

A year out, this doesn't sound right?

Normally a convention is not an extraordinary demand. Is it the end of Nov? Normally the MEM marthon is then and they do not have enough downton hotels for it. They should be able to force you in though.

Normally a convention is not an extraordinary demand. Is it the end of Nov? Normally the MEM marthon is then and they do not have enough downton hotels for it. They should be able to force you in though.

It's a church convention and I am told there are no rooms.

How about this: I got an email from HH Saturday morning saying that they found a room for me, just email or phone to confirm that I wanted it, and I didn't (traveling) reach them until Saturday night and they told me it was no longer available.

If it is the Church of God in Christ annual convention, it is big and takes up virtually every hotel room in downtown Memphis and then some.

If it is the Church of God in Christ annual convention, it is big and takes up virtually every hotel room in downtown Memphis and then some.

But shouldn't Diamond force still work?

But shouldn't Diamond force still work?

Clearly there are greater 'forces' at work. ;)

Not really - at periods of extraordinary demand they can deny.

But shouldn't Diamond force still work?

I have never had a hotel not give me a room. Sometime they charge a arm and leg. Sounds like you need to call the hotel directly.

A person at the DD told me that the guarantee has been getting harder and harder to get. They said that Hilton purposely rigs it so you it is IMPOSSIBLE for a force at many properties. I now call it the "Diamond Un-Guarantee" because the last 15 times (I have been counting) EVERY hotel says it is an "extraordinary demand date." I am convinced they say everyday in the year is a high demand. Does this guarantee even really exist?

I am a General Manager of a Hampton Inn & Suites in VA. your ability to get a room depends on the hotel brand some have stricter policies than other. and yes if we set extrodinary demand dates for conventions your ability to get rooms can be blocked out. i suggest you make a friend in a mangaer at a hotel you stay at all the time and see what they can do for you. we have Hilton contacts we can call if we like you.

What I've been told several times by the Diamond desk is that the property simply declares "extraordinary demand," and that's the end of it. No forces, no appeals, no questions. The hotel simply declares it, and there is nothing Hilton Honors is going to do.

This is a huge loophole in the program, and one that is not reviewed. I have been shut out several times, and yes, a year in advance. I have been shut own even when revenue rooms at the same property are still available, and thereby giving a lie to the claim of 'extraordinary demand.' Yet I'm out of luck.

Since this arbitrary claim seems be becoming more prevalent, the so-called Diamond benefit is not really worth much.

What I've been told several times by the Diamond desk is that the property simply declares "extraordinary demand," and that's the end of it. No forces, no appeals, no questions. The hotel simply declares it, and there is nothing Hilton Honors is going to do.

This is a huge loophole in the program, and one that is not reviewed. I have been shut out several times, and yes, a year in advance. I have been shut own even when revenue rooms at the same property are still available, and thereby giving a lie to the claim of 'extraordinary demand.' Yet I'm out of luck.

Since this arbitrary claim seems be becoming more prevalent, the so-called Diamond benefit is not really worth much. I do not think it is prevalent, but it has become more common wiht Hilton. I also think their needs to be some criteria. With SPG it isnormal for any convention. They just call it sold out. Altanta Peachtree Westin that is every other week.