Did they offer you breakfast certificates? If not, the hotel appears to be misinformed about their responsibilities. Many people on this board travel with a printed copy of the HHonors rules in case disputes like this arise.
From the Hilton Website
http://www.hilton.com/en/hhonors/benefits/levels.jhtml
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Gold VIP Membership....
Upgraded Accommodations/Amenities: HHonors Gold VIP members are offered upgraded accommodations or amenities at HHonors hotels. The type of upgraded accommodation or amenity varies by type of hotel, as follows:
At US Hilton hotels, and at Conrad and Doubletree hotels with Towers or Executive Levels, Gold VIPs will be provided with a guest room on the Towers or Executive Level floor, whenever possible. In cases when Towers or Executive Level accommodations have been fully booked, Gold VIP members will be offered either (1) the use of the Towers or Executive Level lounge, including complimentary continental breakfast each morning or (2) personalized certificates for each day of the stay for all occupants of the members room valid for complimentary continental breakfast in the hotel coffee shop or all-purpose restaurant. At hotels without a Towers or Executive Level, Gold VIPs will receive complimentary continental breakfast each day of the stay. And in hotels at which a complimentary breakfast is a benefit for all guests, Gold VIPs will be offered a special amenity as an expression of our appreciation. </font>
[This message has been edited by edg1 (edited 09-10-2002).]