Q1 2011 - Hilton Honors Promotion
#76
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Melbourne
Programs: ►QFWP/LTG►VA WP►HyattExpl.►HiltonGold►ALL Silver
Posts: 21,995
This is simple. If they insist, I will just cancel the reward stay and go elsewhere, which will force them to check me out on 12/31. However, for the multiple reasons I stated, I do not think that I will have a problem doing it the way I did. It will be clear to them why I would be checking out and checking back in, and I'll make sure that they understand too and do the right thing right then.
Stay tuned!
Stay tuned!
if not then ...
... for it to pan out the way you hope would be contrary to the T&C's of the HHonors program. Sometimes things like this can fall through the cracks to a members benefit, sometimes not.
Personally, I would not risk it. I'd be checking out on Dec 31; stay elsewhere and not check back in until Jan 2 at the earliest!
Last edited by serfty; Nov 26, 2010 at 10:19 pm
#79
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: JFK, LGA, PVG
Programs: UA 1K, ANA GM, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold, UA RCC, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 423
I suspect you will run into problems with what you are doing; when all is said and done, those reward nights are going to mess things up, IMHO. Regardless of your monetary loyalty over the past year, I can easily see Hilton sticking to their guns over the "you checked out on Jan 2, so those are next year's qualifying points." To get that resolved in your favor will likely involve escalation that you could avoid by just either staying elsewhere, or having the hotel check you out on the 31st, and back in again on a separate reservation (I'm sure they'd let you keep the room on the same rate) without your HH# involved; the points for those nights aren't worth the (likely) hassle.
I wish you the best of luck with (b) and (c).
I wish you the best of luck with (b) and (c).
I will bet you anything that I am safe. Been in worse situations before... This one is easy. Since my last posts, I have called different HH CSRs and it was confirmed to me that all I needed to do was to call and make the case that I had reached 100K by 12/31 and all would be fixed. Separating the reservations into 2 as I did, guarantees that I will be checked out on 12/31 and then right back in under a different reservation and in a different room. I have done that before so I am not sure why it is seems difficult to just check out from a paid stay, then check into a reward stay.
Finally, I will be at the hotel when doing this. I know the folks who would be checking me out then in. What else can I tell say. I am not worried. If HH messes this up, there is always SPG to take my business to...
#80
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
The Power of Negative Thinking...
I will bet you anything that I am safe. Been in worse situations before... This one is easy. Since my last posts, I have called different HH CSRs and it was confirmed to me that all I needed to do was to call and make the case that I had reached 100K by 12/31 and all would be fixed. Separating the reservations into 2 as I did, guarantees that I will be checked out on 12/31 and then right back in under a different reservation and in a different room. I have done that before so I am not sure why it is seems difficult to just check out from a paid stay, then check into a reward stay.
Finally, I will be at the hotel when doing this. I know the folks who would be checking me out then in. What else can I tell say. I am not worried. If HH messes this up, there is always SPG to take my business to...
I will bet you anything that I am safe. Been in worse situations before... This one is easy. Since my last posts, I have called different HH CSRs and it was confirmed to me that all I needed to do was to call and make the case that I had reached 100K by 12/31 and all would be fixed. Separating the reservations into 2 as I did, guarantees that I will be checked out on 12/31 and then right back in under a different reservation and in a different room. I have done that before so I am not sure why it is seems difficult to just check out from a paid stay, then check into a reward stay.
Finally, I will be at the hotel when doing this. I know the folks who would be checking me out then in. What else can I tell say. I am not worried. If HH messes this up, there is always SPG to take my business to...
1. It doesn't matter what happens at the hotel. You can stand and make sure they check you out, but the hotel has no control over the computers. IF you have a stay that starts the SAME day you check out, it is going to mess up the Hilton machines. So if you check out of your paid stay on 12/31, but check in for an award stay 12/31 it will extend your overall stay according to the Hilton calendar until your LAST reservation checks out. I'm not saying this to scare you, just telling you from experience in ALL OF MY HILTON STAYS.
2. Despite every Hilton CSR on the phone telling you likewise, I'm just warning you of what could and likely will happen (again from past experience). If this is what happens, I guarantee you that you won't be happy and you'll be posting all over FT about this.
3. In the end will HH give you diamond? Since you've gotten so many folks to say yes via HH CSR, then there is a good chance. I'm just warning you that you might be setting yourself up for a huge hassle. A lot of us have been there, just trying to help you. If what we all predict will happen happens, you'll likely be on the phone many times with HH and it will not be a fun experience.
So know what you're up against. If you're willing to take the risk, then go ahead and please post what happens. To be safe though, check out on the 31st and head to another property or book an award stay not tied to your HH number at all.
Edit: Now that I think about it, tell the hotel to simply remove your HH number from your award stay, that should work.
#81
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: JFK, LGA, PVG
Programs: UA 1K, ANA GM, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold, UA RCC, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 423
Ok, few things to warn you about. And we're all trying to help you here.
1. It doesn't matter what happens at the hotel. You can stand and make sure they check you out, but the hotel has no control over the computers. IF you have a stay that starts the SAME day you check out, it is going to mess up the Hilton machines. So if you check out of your paid stay on 12/31, but check in for an award stay 12/31 it will extend your overall stay according to the Hilton calendar until your LAST reservation checks out. I'm not saying this to scare you, just telling you from experience in ALL OF MY HILTON STAYS.
2. Despite every Hilton CSR on the phone telling you likewise, I'm just warning you of what could and likely will happen (again from past experience). If this is what happens, I guarantee you that you won't be happy and you'll be posting all over FT about this.
3. In the end will HH give you diamond? Since you've gotten so many folks to say yes via HH CSR, then there is a good chance. I'm just warning you that you might be setting yourself up for a huge hassle. A lot of us have been there, just trying to help you. If what we all predict will happen happens, you'll likely be on the phone many times with HH and it will not be a fun experience.
So know what you're up against. If you're willing to take the risk, then go ahead and please post what happens. To be safe though, check out on the 31st and head to another property or book an award stay not tied to your HH number at all.
Edit: Now that I think about it, tell the hotel to simply remove your HH number from your award stay, that should work.
1. It doesn't matter what happens at the hotel. You can stand and make sure they check you out, but the hotel has no control over the computers. IF you have a stay that starts the SAME day you check out, it is going to mess up the Hilton machines. So if you check out of your paid stay on 12/31, but check in for an award stay 12/31 it will extend your overall stay according to the Hilton calendar until your LAST reservation checks out. I'm not saying this to scare you, just telling you from experience in ALL OF MY HILTON STAYS.
2. Despite every Hilton CSR on the phone telling you likewise, I'm just warning you of what could and likely will happen (again from past experience). If this is what happens, I guarantee you that you won't be happy and you'll be posting all over FT about this.
3. In the end will HH give you diamond? Since you've gotten so many folks to say yes via HH CSR, then there is a good chance. I'm just warning you that you might be setting yourself up for a huge hassle. A lot of us have been there, just trying to help you. If what we all predict will happen happens, you'll likely be on the phone many times with HH and it will not be a fun experience.
So know what you're up against. If you're willing to take the risk, then go ahead and please post what happens. To be safe though, check out on the 31st and head to another property or book an award stay not tied to your HH number at all.
Edit: Now that I think about it, tell the hotel to simply remove your HH number from your award stay, that should work.
No sweat.
#82
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
I appreciate the help but I just have a hard time understanding the fear here: HH, like MR or UA or AA, is only too happy to keep its top elites from defecting, especially those who have clearly qualified on their own or are close to (notice UA or other programs offering members who are close various paths to requalify). Why would they then go out of their way to screw someone who has clearly qualified on his own a technicality and lose him to competition?
Last edited by Points Scrounger; Nov 27, 2010 at 10:51 am
#83
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: JFK, LGA, PVG
Programs: UA 1K, ANA GM, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold, UA RCC, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 423
I didn't know that was possible, but it should help in "tricking" the computer into posting the regular 12/31 check-out stay, and ignoring the second one. Well worth forfeiting the 2011 stay credit and points for incidentals.
They would do so because they'd see it as trying to get something you weren't entitled to (as per "the rules") - if the hotel can remove your HH# from the award reservation, and the system goes by posting date anyway, you should be able to resolve that in a single call to the Diamond Desk. What you think should be a fairly obvious matter of "I earned the points by 12/31" is quite logical, but unfortunately, to prevail with a Jan 2nd check-out date (combined stays) I suspect you'd need to spend quite a bit of time escalating the situation instead.
They would do so because they'd see it as trying to get something you weren't entitled to (as per "the rules") - if the hotel can remove your HH# from the award reservation, and the system goes by posting date anyway, you should be able to resolve that in a single call to the Diamond Desk. What you think should be a fairly obvious matter of "I earned the points by 12/31" is quite logical, but unfortunately, to prevail with a Jan 2nd check-out date (combined stays) I suspect you'd need to spend quite a bit of time escalating the situation instead.
I promise to provide full details of how this transpires. Cheers!
#84
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: SLC/DCA
Programs: DL DM (and NRSA), UA NA, HH Dia, National Exec Elite
Posts: 1,764
I've really been looking towards doing that ... Might still pull the trigger on it to make life a little easier
#85
Join Date: Apr 2000
Location: Hudson, OH
Programs: UA-MM; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,350
Promo official?? Start date
Other than the OP, has anyone verified this promotion? I believe I have read the complete thread, and have not received any other indication that this will happen. Also, when would be the start date?
In 2010, the 1Q promo was leaked by hamptoninsider (thanks!) in early Dec 09, and I think the promo started the 1st of Jan.
For Q2, Q3 and Q4, the promos were revealed the first week of that Q (as far as I could tell), with the start date the 2nd week of the Q or later.
Do appreciate the speculation here!
In 2010, the 1Q promo was leaked by hamptoninsider (thanks!) in early Dec 09, and I think the promo started the 1st of Jan.
For Q2, Q3 and Q4, the promos were revealed the first week of that Q (as far as I could tell), with the start date the 2nd week of the Q or later.
Do appreciate the speculation here!
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
I appreciate the help but I just have a hard time understanding the fear here: HH, like MR or UA or AA, is only too happy to keep its top elites from defecting, especially those who have clearly qualified on their own or are close to (notice UA or other programs offering members who are close various paths to requalify). Why would they then go out of their way to screw someone who has clearly qualified on his own a technicality and lose him to competition? I am simply not that paranoid because HH has not given me a reason to be. I specifically booked a Junior Suite at Hilton Shanghai for 6 days because this would give me 13,000 that I need to requalify; I usually stay in regular rooms. I will check out on 12/31 from the suite and then check right back in and stay in a Cat 5 reward room for 2 days, then I will leave the property for Hilton Singapore Jan 2 -6. I will return to Hilton Shanghai for one last time Jan 6-8, at which point I will know if I got screwed and need to fix anything right there before returning to the US...
No sweat.
No sweat.
Like I said, you check out on 12/31 and then check back into another reservation WILL NOT MAKE A DIFFERENCE. If you don't want to trust me and do it yourself that's fine, but I'd hate to read your rant thread in late Jan about how HH made your life not fun. I can only see it now.
I for the most part agree with your statement that Hilton doesn't want to INTENTIONALLY screw it's top elites, but it just does so from time to time due to uninformed agents, and odd situations such as yours. I have no doubt that if you do what you say, the HH computer will show ONE stay checked out the last day you are at that property. I also have no doubt HH will fix it. But I also have no doubt it will be a pain in the rear for you taking time, a few phone calls, and likely some follow up.
You choose, just don't say you weren't warned. If you don't want to believe my experience no problem, just trying to help you.
Ha, I can guarantee it will. Again, it's out of HH Shanghai's control (yes agree, they are fantastic there), it's up to how the HH computers in the US post it! Now, if what you say does happen, that'll be good news to me as it means that I won't have to have the same issues going forward, I just don't trust the HH computers. So please post your experience.
#87
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: JFK, LGA, PVG
Programs: UA 1K, ANA GM, HHonors Diamond, SPG Gold, UA RCC, CBP Global Entry
Posts: 423
Ha, I can guarantee it will. Again, it's out of HH Shanghai's control (yes agree, they are fantastic there), it's up to how the HH computers in the US post it! Now, if what you say does happen, that'll be good news to me as it means that I won't have to have the same issues going forward, I just don't trust the HH computers. So please post your experience.
Bottom line is that the supervisor was clear about this: Call us on or after Jan 3rd to confirm that your HHD status has been extended.
I intend to...
#89
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: MCO
Programs: DL-DM/1MM, HILTON-DIA, .HYATT-DIA/GLOB , IHG-PLT,HERTZ 5*, NATIONAL ES
Posts: 8,691
#90
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: AMS, BRU
Programs: Cathay Marco Polo, AF/KLM, HH Diamond, SPG Gold, others
Posts: 4,481
Hope more details will leak soon. I still have to book quite a few nights for January. Since I will have SPG plat by then, It will depend on Starwood's Q1 promo were I will move my business.