Originally Posted by
HHonnnorsFan
While many of your points are valid (BECAUSE HILTON CAN'T DO LUXURY LOL) what stands out for me was that the hotel was very generous to give you a courtesy room (and a free breakfast?). At a luxury hotel I used to work at, families with children that arrived early from overnight flights would book a room the night before or pay for a day rate- our reservations department would offer options when they got in touch. As it was a very luxury hotel, those guests had significant financial means.
I feel like what annoyed you the most was their reluctance to give you an upgrade when you rolled up at 8AM, 8 hours before the standard checkin time of 4PM with a toddler in tow expecting to check-in. What was your plan if there was really no chance to check-in early due to occupancy or the hotel didn't relent to your request for a courtesy room?
Hilton can't do luxury for many reasons but it's also because the guests come with expectations that don't wash at luxury brands where guests ask for, and expect nothing for free.
I wasn’t expecting a room at 8am but I expected to get an upgrade later in the day. Based on Amex it should be 12pm checkin subject to availability and upgrade subject to availability.
as it happens I know upgraded rooms were available for cash bookings. What annoyed me was the ‘your room’ (the one I booked) will be ready at 4pm and there is no upgrade. So that’s why I pushed for something else - eg courtesy room. (Where we literally just showered and then spent rest of the day out in the city until quite literally 4pm just by chance

)