JamesW

I Recently returned from a weekend award stay (ps2)at this property and wanted to share my experience. Upon check in, my wife and I (both Hhonors gold) were given 1 drink coupon and standard accomodations. I admit I was a little disappointed given the generous nature of this hotel described in previous threads. I asked about breakfast (note-there is no executive lounge at this property) and was told that this hotel now gives out drink certs in lieu of breakfast. Being a loyal reader of these boards I knew that this information wasn't entirely accurate, but I also knew that the front desk clerk wasn't the person to debate it with. I politely asked her to have the manager call me when he returned. A short while later, a gentleman named Colin called my room and identified himself as the manager. He explained to me that Hilton Corporate has recently introduced "new" guidelines to satisfy perks given to gold members. Basically, he said the individual hotel now has the option of giving the free breakfast or giving out a drink certificate, and that his hotel has decided to go with the drink option. I then gave him a dissertation of my own about what I knew the policy to be...based upon what's written on their website in addition to what I've been told when I called Hilton Honors. I concluded that perhaps Hhonors wasn't clear to the individual properties when they threw that drink option into the mix, and that if there was a choice to be made it should be the guest deciding what they would prefer, not the hotel. He conceded that that was entirely possible and agreed to give me the breakfast certs. Only after verification of her gold status did he give my wife the certs as well. I thought that was rather cheesy. I didn't bother to mention to him that I was not offered upgraded accomodations as I just assumed the hotel was nearly full. It was only later on in my stay that I realized that the place was nearly empty! On a personal note...I don't enjoy having to ask for what I feel should be automatically given. Many times I don't even bother. The problem with asking for my perks is that no matter what they say, I know it's not correct and then must be taken to another level. When I'm on an award stay I'm even more reluctant. This time may have been different because I was truly surprised based on what I had previously heard about this property. Anyway...aside from all that nonsense, we really enjoyed our stay. The hotel is really nice. We liked the restaurant as well as the lounge. The room was just average, but the location was excellent...within walking distance to the aquarium, several outlet stores, and some nice restaurants. Also about a 15 minute drive to Foxwoods casino. All in all we had a great weekend and I would definitely recommend the place. But if you're the type of person that insists on Hhonors compliance...better bring your boxing gloves.