i agree with the mixed bag concept. i was recently at the Hiltons Adelaide and Cairns (Australia) and they had amazing lounges. The food at Adelaide's was so amazing it was dinner two nights! on the other hand, the Sacramento Hilton's ex lounge is simply a converted room with some snacks and they make you pay for a glass of wine. the well-discussed hilton prague is the best lounge and ex floor-- and well worth it (thankfully i got a free upgrade). from what i can determine, it's worth it overseas but not in the USA. what's with that? why doesn't hilton take better care of their USA VIP guests?