I agree, those questions are horribly annoying. But if you are politely assertive, I think you can cut through the B.S.

Start out with, "I'd like to check award availability at ________ on the following dates." When they start with the list of questions interrupt with, "I'm not sure I even want to make a reservation, I just want to know availability. Can't you just look that up?" (I'm almost positive they can.)

Be insistent. If enough of us get assertive, perhaps HH will modify the script or officially give the reps a little more leeway.

And like the voices on the line at so many toll free numbers, IME service varies widely: from "this must not be a drug free workplace" to "would you send me your resume".

The latter is like hitting the jackpot at Vegas, and thats when I usually ask for a supervisor to pay a compliment, relate my bad experiences with the others, and let the sup. know they should keep so-and-so satisfied.

Now, this all could be solved with online reward booking, couldn't it? Imagine the cost savings, Hilton!

[This message has been edited by Rut Dog (edited 11-19-2002).]