Originally Posted by
nacho
Do you get water as welcome gift? I thought it's Hilton.
The problem is that if you get there late the front desk could be a teen who was just there to watch the hotel for the night. What we have experienced was that they tend to know very little about elite benefits (if they when know the tiers at all). They also have zero authority to do anything so if you want an upgrade, request it in the app prior to your arrival is the best bet.
I concur as well and being a bit proactive goes a long way! I checked into a Marriott last week and was told there's absolutely no elite benefits (restaurant was closed for the weekend so points it was...) during my stay other than a late checkout. I asked about a bottle of water and the FDA laughed at me and said this isn't Hilton but we'll give you one of these tiny 8oz water bottles as a consolation prize.