Ouch!

I assume my username just inspired your comment and was not a personal reference.

Hey, so long as you're here (and I think most of us are glad that you are), you might as well make yourself useful. So--

Care to comment on how your hotel handles the upgrade situation for Golds and Diamonds? Specifically, do you and staff always upgrade these categories when there is availability? (Hilton is evidently changing their promises regarding upgrades; I haven't taken the time to study the changes, so my questions will probably seem dated. Anyhow--.)

It's not that I'm especially interested in upgrades. What Hilton does best, IMO, is breakfasts. But a lot of people are interested in upgrades. And for those of us who aren't, some of us still think that if a program promises them, then they should be given if available. It is IMO a fairness issue. IANAL, so I won't call it a contractual issue.

I note that you didn't comment on the point that I raised that properties sometimes do not upgrade if the clerk is arbitrarily miffed at a customer. I hope it is not a frequent problem. SFAIK, Hilton has never commented on this issue.

Just joshing, as they say. Semi-joshing, to be exact. But anyhow--?

I do want to note that I had the best upgrade ever at a Hilton, specifically the Budapest Castle Hilton, a room which had a large picture window overlooking the Chain Bridge--plus access to an executive lounge that was outstanding. I had never understood why Hilton had kept congratulating us on being Gold--we weren't trying to be Gold, and we didn't realize any benefits were attached to the status for a long time--but after we got back from that trip, I read on FT about Hilton Gold benefits, and from then on, we appreciated it.

ETA: I seem to be taking this thread OT, so let me explain the connection. I appreciate a courteous front desk--though I take it for granted. Most Hiltons get the right balance, not discourteous, not cloyingly friendly, just business-like and pleasant. But if a manager is trying to improve an already courteous demeanor, not everyone would appreciate shmoozing. As I said earlier, some of us just want to get our keys and go to our rooms. But customers might appreciate being upgraded, assuming they are entitled, and assuming upgrades are available--or at least feeling that they were not arbitrarily denied an upgrade.