[quote]<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Empress:
[b]
Originally posted by writetorich:
How does *wood Gold rate with Hilton Honors Gold?
Not even close. Hilton treats their Gold member so much better than Starwood treats their Gold member. (Based on my experience this year)
My last experience as a Starwood Gold at the Sheraton SYD last week was just obscene. After unsuccessfully trying to extort money from me at check-in (by trying to sell me an upgrade for $ after I deny it repeatly and telling me no u/g after I requested one as a Gold), the checkin agent gave me a room facing the back of another building with no lights coming in, so it was like nightime in the room. ...</font>
First off, agree on the fact that Hilton treats their Gold members better than Starwwod does.
Second, I had the sam ething happen to me at the Westin Melbourne. After being told that there were no upgrades available, I was offered upgrades for a price. And I had to wait a few hours for check in (I arrived at about 9am). Upon returning to check in at about 12pm, I asked again about upgrade availability (of a different front desk employee) and was quoted a HIGHER price for an upgrade!
I was unsure of benefits as Gold, so I didn't get the upgrade, and I got put into a back-facing room at the end of the long corridor, on a mid-level floor (room itself was okay). Granted, I combined a paid and award stay, but still...
Is that a standard thing: when you are told no upgrades are available, then you are told you have to pay for an upgrade if you want one? I personally don't like it. I have submitted a comment about this particular situation to Starwood (I guess inquiry is pending).
At Hilton, I usually get upgraded without having to ask, much less pay.
[This message has been edited by ec336 (edited 06-25-2003).]