Originally Posted by
HHonnnorsFan
There was a specific and high-level brand standard for lounges, Hilton decided to reduce to one hot, four spirits, wine and beer, and many hotels don’t even manage that. They get marked down in QA but that’s it. The worst offenders are managed hotels.
So when did it change to one hot item?
People have different tastes, so if you have only one hot item, a percentage of guests will not even like nor eat what is offered. So it's usually a cheap item, and because not everybody is eating it that's an even bigger saving. Managers are not stupid, they obviously know this.
The difference between the lounges in Asia and Europe is striking, but shouldn't there be a consistent offering in every Hilton? (I'm not talking about DoubleTree or Conrad btw) I know costs are generally higher in Europe, but the difference should not be as big as it is within the same brand.
God only knows what the effect of the influx of new Diamonds will be later this year. The experience will undoubtedly get worse...the lounges are already crammed, and if they try and make more savings, then the lure of Hilton status will be less appealing for sure.
I rarely book Hilton at some places in Europe because I'm hardly likely to pay 160 EUR a night for a hotel where the lounge offers the saddest, most insulting selection possible, if I can pay 80 EUR for an Ibis or Mercure and have whatever I want for a good meal at a restaurant in town. Loyalty has its limits!