Originally Posted by
NWplatinum
But speaking in a more general term for everybody since were in a community forum is what I meant by overrated. I think its important to share your experience, but also keep in mind what the public will experience. The bottom line, (and my point) is they don’t offer anything for elite members that’s of substance, they don’t offer upgrades, and they don’t really care if you’re Honors elite or not. For many of us who are road warriors and mostly stay in hotels all over these kinds of things matter.
Originally Posted by
Gomac
I agree, it would be a great improvement to get more on the Diamond benefits side of things, although the $50 credit is nice. To be honest I find the Diamond treatment across the US to be mediocre at best and have come to expect a one category upgrade and flexibility with checkin/checkout times. I even have to pay an up charge at most places for a decent breakfast. It’s obviously a different story in Europe and Asia. I think the problem is there are just to many US credit card Elites.
To me, the elite treatment issue is a Hilton wide issue more than anything else. Though I am a Hilton "Gold," this was my first stay at Hilton all year (I have gold through multiple cards). I've stayed more at Marriotts this year because it actually takes work to get a breakfast benefit from them (25 actual nights) There are many Hilton "Diamonds" that make one stay a year and have Diamond through the Aspire. Hilton is the only travel provider I know that lets anyone buy their top tier status for $450 a year. With that there is a limit to how well a hotel can treat you, especially one like this where there are plenty of customers willing to pay high cash prices without regard for status or points.
I think the great base level service without regard to status is actually a positive - anyone that redeems points or pays cash gets a (usually) great experience.