Originally Posted by
aaupgrade
That assumes you get a room on the CL, correct? I thought it was you that broke the news to us a while back that Hilton restricts CL access to only those elites who are lucky enough to get upgraded to rooms on the CL or pay for CL rooms. I don't speak Hilton, so I only hear what is reported in passing here on the Marriott Rewards forum.
Well, you're missing the bigger point, but that rate does give me access - and unlike Marriott, Hilton's lounge will actually be open & serving food/drink. Those who are paying the 455E exec level rate at Marriott are being charged that, even though the exec lounge will be closed for 2 days. They're not getting a discount for those 2 days. Hence, I think the 2 Marriott properties are going to have some mighty unhappy guests if they keep the lounge closed.
Given the delta in pricing btwn IBC/non-IBC time, the hotel could send up some bkfst & evening offerings & still make a huge profit, and keep customer goodwill at the same time. It's only 1 weekend out of 52 that they do the citywide event (which could also be their rationale to HQ). I'm still hoping that I can get the Marriott at the housing rate, as I've stayed there for 10 years and gotten to know the staff, and I'll certainly be in contact w/ the GM re: the lounge being open if I stay there. If I don't get it, then over to the Hilton I will go.
BTW - the jacked up rate for Hilton not via the convention housing is similar to Marriott's, 'round the 400Euro mark. But unlike Marriott, Hilton only requires a single night deposit, which is refundable up to 28 days in advance. Not a prepaid, nonrefundable for the entire stay the second you book it at 8 months out. However, that's not totally relevant to this thread, which is about food/drink/bkfst certs.
But again, anyone going to Amsterdam avoid Sept 10th-16th!
Cheers.