I had difficulty gaining access to the executive lounge at Amsterdam (Schipol) airport after I checked out-and only got in again after making a noise at reception.

Similar problems at Gatwick Airport on last stay. I usually stay overnight to catch an early morning flight returning that evening and have gone back to ex club to use the shower before driving home. Last time I went I was told that i could not use the shower as I had checked out of hotel. In the ed they let me use it as a "special favour". After I checked with management and they said that their policy was no use of the lounge after checkout.

All other hotels that I had asked if I could use lounge seem to have policy of "from opening on day of arrival until closing on day of departure", and seemed surprised i should ask such a question.

However it seems that there is no written Hilton policy - so it may just be individual hotel decision. By the way, never had a problem at Waldorf London where i have stayed 4-5 times-all on points. However last stay was 18 months ago.