Personally i've found if i'm outside the US all my benefits are honoured (I'm Diamond).

I have always had every single benefit honoured without question or need to ask/beg in Europe, UK and Asia Pacific. Hilton have been good to me and certainly didn't have to, they chose to be including breakfasts in main dining room as opposed to exec lounge only.

As we know officially Hilton in all their literature do not honour priveleges anymore (since last year) if booked through a 3rd party but I have a feeling they are highly selective as to WHO that 3rd party is and react accordingly.

I overheard a Gold check-in at Hilton Gatwick South last week and was whingey because his Hotels.com booking priveleges weren't being honoured....however my BA holidays booking was without question right after him.

In my view book direct where possible as the stay credit and points are absolutely worth it but if it's not dooable (rate is either too high or you're booking as a holiday package) chose BA.