I'm planning a family trip at this property for this fall. I've read this thread and found these others:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...ceanfront.html

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...oceanside.html

Anyone else have recent comments regarding this property?

I'm also posting to alert you all to something I found very disturbing.

I made an online booking for a 6 night stay using the VIP award (HV706 for 225,000 pts). Before I confirmed the reservation I scanned it for the usual checks: dates, room type, points used.

Upon completion of the reservation I see this under Rules and Restrictions:
I've never seen this before, a cc deposit required for an award booking?! I also was very disturbed that the amount my credit card was charged was NOT disclosed, but merely described as a "confidential rate".

I called HH and was told that the deposit was $34.90 (how they came up with this figure is quite baffling to say the least) and that if I cancel the reservation that this amount will be refunded to my card. I was also told that upon checking into the hotel that this amount is refunded to my card.

Another irritant is that on the email confirmation that I received there is no mention that a deposit was taken. However, viewable now on HH's site I see this on my online reservation:
I then went back and attempted another booking to see if there was in fact warning of this deposit requirement, and it is there. But it's very similar in font and language to the usual "a credit card is needed to guarantee this reservation", and I hadn't noticed at all.

So I bring this to your attention in the hopes that others won't be similarly taken off guard.

I remain upset about this though - because I have nothing in writing what my cc was charged (no receipt) and I have nothing in writing confirming that my cc is to be refunded upon check-in.

Has anyone else ever experienced this at this property - or any other Hilton for that matter?