Originally Posted by
flyou10
iii) ask for an upgrade (you won't get one via digital check-in). iv) A normal room key. I wish they'd have at least one in your room waiting. You never know when you still need that bcs your phone died.
I always go the front desk. If you use the digital key and never stop by the front desk you lose a lot of your perks. Hilton isn't proactive enough to offer upgrades on check-in the day beforehand then have everything ready for you specifically in the room. [/soapbox]
I checked in at the Doubletree (North Charleston - Convention Center) last week for a 2 day stay. Did the digital key and skipped the front desk. When I got to my room there was a key pack with two plastic keys, a coupon for breakfast and a coupon for a cookie on the bed along with a note addressed to me thanking me for staying there. Still had to go down to get my cookie but I did enjoy skipping the line when I first got to the hotel.
I still prefer the Marriott app over Hilton as you pick your check in time (even early) and are notified when your room is available plus upgrades are automatic when available. I've seen the Hilton app only mention upgrades twice and only on properties where digital keys were offered. I got one upgrade that way (higher floor). The rest of the time online check-in seems to still require a stop by the front desk when the hotel doesn't offer digital keys so I've stopped doing online check in at those properties.