Originally Posted by
isle-hawg
I recommend you call the hotel direct as others have already stated. When you get the prompts do NOT select the number for reservations since that will kick you back to corporate and they can do nothing for you other than state the rules. Instead select the number for the front desk. Actually speak to a human at the hotel. My advice is to upfront let them know your situation and that you understand the rules but are asking if there is anything they are willing to do to help you. Be nice and be humble, it has always worked for me during IROPS when I was past the cancellation date. I have never "expected" that but figured it did not hurt to ask. Good luck!
Also you will get a no-show and they will cancel your room if you do not make per-arrangements with the hotel direct.
All that assumes you booked through Hilton. If you used a third party site you are out of luck.
Yes to all this. My experience from last year:
I booked a non-refundable rate (which I never do except this one time) because there was 0% chance I would cancel plans and even if my flight was cancelled, there was a later flight. Well my flight diverted due to mechanical and I was stranded in a different city overnight. I called the front desk directly, concisely explained the situation, and politely asked if there was a way to refund the night since I had to book a night at a different hotel instead. They said, because Hilton took the payment that I would have to contact Hilton by phone after the hotel made notes in my reservation that they authorized a refund due to flight diversion. They told me Hilton would not issue a refund without their notes. I then called Hilton, I think they asked for my flight number (but no other documentation) to confirm that everything I said was true and processed the refund without hassle.