Atlanta, Buckhead IC

Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Somewhat

Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
2 DBL BEDS DELUXE, received 2 DBL BEDS DELUXE

How are the rooms?
OK, nice bed, room was small, bathroom was very nice however with the deep tubs this hotel is know for.

How is the exec. lounge?
No access

Good:-
-Polite staff, average room, no better than a nice Hilton DoubleTree or normal Hilton room (non executive)


Bad:
-No recognition what so ever. No greeting, no gift, no benefits, no room upgrades, no free ppv movie.


Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
No. Much better accommodations and recognition elsewhere.



The back story. I am a HHonors Diamond and Priority club Plat. I was curious to see if all the hoopla about RA was worth it. I can easily make RA this year as well as maintain my HHonors Diamond, so it seemed the logical choice for my second program (as apposed to Starwood, Hyatt or Even Marriott). I figured I already have a good mid teer with Hilton and can cover luxury and lower teer with one swoop here. I know I'm only an Ambassador at this point, but honestly this was pretty poor. The room was pretty much on par with any Hilton or DoubleTree. The bathtub was the only perk, but honestly I never take a bath in hotels. I didn't get any room upgrade at all and I always do so at Hiltons, even when I was a gold, I would hope that this would improve with RA. In addition I always have lounge access and free breakfast with hhonors. Not that breakfast is a big deal, but the fact that room service prices here were amazingly high and the food was no better than a Hilton or Conrad seems a bit unimpressive as well.

I wanted to watch a movie that night, so I called the front desk and asked if it would indeed be free on my invoice (after reading the troubles here) and they assured me yes. I didn't receive an invoice for check out in the morning under my door (a minor issue, that I understand may be more for Hiltons, Marriots and the like), and when I went down stairs the front desk agent mentioned that the PPV would be added to my invoice. I quickly pointed out that it would be credited back, and he stated, "oh yes, the ppv system has been broken lately..I understand, we apologize for you being unable to view your movie". I didn't want to argue and just took what I go, but this seems ridiculous, it would obvious I was receiving no recognition.

I made sure my status was on the reservation at check in. Still it appears I received not only no recognition, but no benefits. I'm really disappointed. Does this get much better with RA? I've read some posts in the last 24 hours that seem to say not much. I'm really worried now that I wasted $150. Honestly I think I just expected more with all the lofty claims that this was THE premier program. The IC was no better than any high end Hilton I've been in. I thought it would be more in line with Shangri-Lah or other high end five stars, nicer than even the Conrads. Give me an honest eval guys. I know that Hiltons, particularly the DoubleTree line should be dumps by comparison, but I checked out and went to the DoubleTree and now I sit in a Huge suite, with double doors that's so large it has it's own foyer. Now I agree that it may not be as nice as the nicest rooms in the IC, but its miles above what I was staying in at the IC. Unlike what others have reported, I always get the upgrade with Hilton (I'm batting 100% at HHonors hotels), I get free breakfast, free internet, free drinks in the evening. And if I don't get the free food, it's at least reasonably priced. As an RA will I get more satisfaction? Or should I pursue Sheraton or others for my second plan.

I want to stress, I'm not trying to knock IC, I'm simply voicing my experience and asking for advice. It may be that IC isn't for me, but maybe I just had a bad experience and I need to give it a chance.