Hilton HHonors - Driving Road Trip and Status

Question for you all.

I have a driving road trip upcoming. Anyone have experience with Status and Upgrades when you just drive up to someplace like a HGI or Hampton in the evening.

(Because this is a driving trip, I cannot really "lock" in a rate because I am not sure exactly where we will stay each night until we are ready to stop for the evening)

Question for you all.

I have a driving road trip upcoming. Anyone have experience with Status and Upgrades when you just drive up to someplace like a HGI or Hampton in the evening.

(Because this is a driving trip, I cannot really "lock" in a rate because I am not sure exactly where we will stay each night until we are ready to stop for the evening)



The elite benefits for Gold and Diamond levels at HGI and Hampton are as follows:



At Hampton Inn® and Hampton Inn Suites® choose from:

* One bottle of water and one snack item
* 250 HHonors bonus points

At Hilton Garden Inn® choose from:

* Complimentary Full American Breakfast for you and one guest (guest must be registered in the hotel) throughout your stay
* 750 HHonors bonus points




You will note that there is no mention of "upgrades", but YMMV. You should at the very least get breakfast irrespective of your arrival time.

IME you need to ask for the benefits if you arrive without a reservation. I've done it at a HGI, where the free breakfast is worth pushing for. I haven't asked at a Hampton. Seems silly to push for my free package of Oreos or whatever.

Most of my latest trips have been last minute and I am always offered the upgrade. I choose the points over the cookies and water any day. I always seem to get the breakfast. You may want to call in the number on the back of your card even when sitting outside of the hotel - may help to get you what you want exactly. If you have a Hilton Amex it may be more beneficial to book online for extra points. Have fun!

Are you going to have a laptop and/or smart phone with you? You might want to consider making reservations anyway, even if day-of and only a few hours ahead of time. It's better than getting somewhere and them being full.