Originally Posted by hugolover

In what I feel will be the start of a trend, a DT with a lounge in Europe replaced the Lounge benefit for eligible Members and those in Exec Rooms and Suites with a voucher for a drink and a snack. They proudly informed that Hilton approve of this and its within the brand standard. I raised this with management at the property but they would not budge on an additional voucher, even for a soft drink or tea/coffee.

The lounge was previously open from 7AM to 11PM every day. The bar and restaurant are fully operational and fully staffed.

Exec Rooms and Suites were still for sale. With a min 50 EUR upsell for Exec rooms. No mention to guests during booking the lounge is closed.

Choose carefully your coffee at 11AM or a Coke at 3PM! Alcohol was limited to basic beer and wine only, despite the lounge previously stocking the usual spirits.

The excuse is of course, Coronavirus. I think we will see a lot of this year. No upgrade=Corona. Reduced housekeeping=Corona. This will be the catch-all for every service cut in 2020 no matter if local law doesn't prohibit a practice.

Closing lounges is nothing new, it's been happening for years on my travels. Refurbishments, low occupancy, renting out for events. But in every case the lounge was moved; it was at the bar at the usual hours and offer. Never has lounge access been replaced with one voucher.

If I were a hotel manager, I would genuflect before every guest and thank them profusely for coming back. They desperately need our business and I get the impression that still, a lot of management just don't get it.

I strongly suggest if you're intending to travel over the next 6 months you reach out to every hotel and ask in detail if/how the service has been reduced.