What to do when you're Diamond
Dec 2, 2001, 12:24 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago, IL - AA PLT
Posts: 973
What to do when you're Diamond
I'm Diamond, yet in my 126 nights in the HHonors program I've never stayed at a Hilton. So now I find myself going to the London Hilton (Park Lane) on an award stay and I'd like to know if people do things differently when they're Diamond, at this particular hotel or just in general. Do you still go up to the regular check-in desk to check-in or is there some place better, especially if I want an upgrade? Do I ask for an upgrade or just give them my Diamond card when I check-in and hope they do it automatically. My reservation is just for a room with 2 twin beds so I'm really hoping for an upgrade, but I still need 2 beds. Also, do I need to ask for access to the lounge? What do they usually have in there? Any other tips? Sorry for all the questions, but TIA!
Dec 2, 2001, 8:55 am
#2
Moderator: CommunityBuzz!, OMNI, OMNI/PR, and OMNI/Games & FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: ORD (MDW stinks)
Programs: UAMM, AAMM & ExPlat, Marriott lifetime Plat, IHG Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 23,507
Do not know about this specific property.
But at some (not all, but most) Hiltons there will be an HHonors line, usually next to or in the proximity of the regular checkin line.
I always present my diamond (gold for a long time) card when checking in. As they are completing the reservation, I always ask if this is an upgraded room just to make sure.
In your case, make sure the upgrade has two beds.
If there is a lounge, your key will grant you access to the exec lounge. Most lounges have a decent breakfast spread (breakfast meat, eggs, pastries, juices, milk/coffee) usually meets my needs in the morning.
If you are in the hotel during the late afternoon/early evening, some exec lounges serve free drinks or snacks. I would ask at the lounge if they offer this perk.
Some exec lounges also have a concierge service and/or check in service. If you are to be upgraded or have exec floor reservation, the front desk will direct you to the exec lounge checkin if offered.
There have been threads regarding best Hiltons, Hiltons that abide by HHonors rules, etc etc. The overwhelming conclusion is that non US Hilton properties treat Gold/Diamonds WAY better than US properties. In my experience this has certainly been the case.
But at some (not all, but most) Hiltons there will be an HHonors line, usually next to or in the proximity of the regular checkin line.
I always present my diamond (gold for a long time) card when checking in. As they are completing the reservation, I always ask if this is an upgraded room just to make sure.
In your case, make sure the upgrade has two beds.
If there is a lounge, your key will grant you access to the exec lounge. Most lounges have a decent breakfast spread (breakfast meat, eggs, pastries, juices, milk/coffee) usually meets my needs in the morning.
If you are in the hotel during the late afternoon/early evening, some exec lounges serve free drinks or snacks. I would ask at the lounge if they offer this perk.
Some exec lounges also have a concierge service and/or check in service. If you are to be upgraded or have exec floor reservation, the front desk will direct you to the exec lounge checkin if offered.
There have been threads regarding best Hiltons, Hiltons that abide by HHonors rules, etc etc. The overwhelming conclusion is that non US Hilton properties treat Gold/Diamonds WAY better than US properties. In my experience this has certainly been the case.
Dec 2, 2001, 9:04 am
#3
Join Date: Sep 2001
Location: La Jolla, CA
Posts: 112
At the London Hilton the check-in desk is on your right as you enter. Walk past it to the Diamond desk. Politeness and non-demanding requests are more effictive in England. They won't do much for a Gold there but are good with Diamonds.
Dec 2, 2001, 2:19 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Coppell, Tx AA EXP, AA Lifetime Plat, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 217
FlyByMike -
You might want to try a "search" in this forum for the Park Lane Hilton to see what others have posted. I do know there has been a ton of postings on the London properties in the past couple of years. Try the words "Park Lane" and then try "London".
Good Luck - this is supposed to be one of the "better" USA style hotels in London. I know I always see Rolls/Mercedes/Bentleys, etc. parked in the very short driveway there as I cab/walk past this property with anguish in my heart that I have to stay at a "cheaper" London property.
dAAvid -
You might want to try a "search" in this forum for the Park Lane Hilton to see what others have posted. I do know there has been a ton of postings on the London properties in the past couple of years. Try the words "Park Lane" and then try "London".
Good Luck - this is supposed to be one of the "better" USA style hotels in London. I know I always see Rolls/Mercedes/Bentleys, etc. parked in the very short driveway there as I cab/walk past this property with anguish in my heart that I have to stay at a "cheaper" London property.
dAAvid -
Dec 2, 2001, 3:51 pm
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.
Posts: 7,664
I beg to differ regarding treatment for Golds
I stayed twice in 2000 on award stays and I was ugraded to a nice suite on Executive floor overlooking I believe Buckingham Palace.
Got access to the lounge and ( one am when the lounge was full breakfast in the restaurant)
I like this property and its location though some might find it too big.
Mike
P.S. I did not specifically ask for any thing they had a folder with a welcoming letter etc ( and gift basket in the room) ready at checkin.
[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 12-02-2001).]
I stayed twice in 2000 on award stays and I was ugraded to a nice suite on Executive floor overlooking I believe Buckingham Palace.
Got access to the lounge and ( one am when the lounge was full breakfast in the restaurant)
I like this property and its location though some might find it too big.
Mike
P.S. I did not specifically ask for any thing they had a folder with a welcoming letter etc ( and gift basket in the room) ready at checkin.
[This message has been edited by MIKESILV (edited 12-02-2001).]
Dec 2, 2001, 10:39 pm
#6
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Coppell, Tx AA EXP, AA Lifetime Plat, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 217
MIKESILV -
Would like to know if the Park Lane has individual room airconditioning? London in the summer can be very humid, as well as hot.
Your "sucess" with un-solicited upgrades there makes me think about a summer-02 ALON with the wife. We both really like London, and the "west counties".
dAAvid -
Would like to know if the Park Lane has individual room airconditioning? London in the summer can be very humid, as well as hot.
Your "sucess" with un-solicited upgrades there makes me think about a summer-02 ALON with the wife. We both really like London, and the "west counties".
dAAvid -
Dec 3, 2001, 7:35 am
#7
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago, IL - AA PLT
Posts: 973
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AA SLF:
MIKESILV -
Your "sucess" with un-solicited upgrades there makes me think about a summer-02 ALON with the wife.</font>
MIKESILV -
Your "sucess" with un-solicited upgrades there makes me think about a summer-02 ALON with the wife.</font>
Thanks for the responses everyone.
Dec 3, 2001, 7:05 pm
#8
Suspended
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: Tampa, Florida, U.S.A.
Posts: 7,664
<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AA SLF:
MIKESILV -
Would like to know if the Park Lane has individual room airconditioning? London in the summer can be very humid, as well as hot.
Your "sucess" with un-solicited upgrades there makes me think about a summer-02 ALON with the wife. We both really like London, and the "west counties".
dAAvid -</font>
MIKESILV -
Would like to know if the Park Lane has individual room airconditioning? London in the summer can be very humid, as well as hot.
Your "sucess" with un-solicited upgrades there makes me think about a summer-02 ALON with the wife. We both really like London, and the "west counties".
dAAvid -</font>
since my stays were both mid/end October.
(no need for a/c then)
But I would be extremely surprised if it did not have central a/c, place was built I believe late 60s/early 70s and must be 30 stories.
Yes London can be surprising hot and muggy, 1998 I went over to see the Epsom Derby and it was in the high 90s for the first week in June imagine how we felt watching a play at the un-airconditioned 17th century His Majesty's theatre, me in a suit no less.
One other word of warning about the London Hilton, the clientale attracts a few con-man types, friend of mine got taken by a well-dressed Italian driving a 5-series Mercedes
claiming to be a seller from Armani selling samples for a fashion show (claimed he lost all his money at the casinos) paid $150.00 for a 'designer leather jacket' turned out it was'nt even leather.
MIke
Dec 3, 2001, 8:17 pm
#9
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Coppell, Tx AA EXP, AA Lifetime Plat, HH Diamond, Hyatt Plat
Posts: 217
FlyByMike -
Thanks, looking forward to your report. Sorry about mis-identifying the "award" level. Have a great visit. If you are there on either a Saturday or a Sunday do stop by "Speakers Corner" up the street by Marble Arch. A few minutes free entertainment.
dAAvid -
Thanks, looking forward to your report. Sorry about mis-identifying the "award" level. Have a great visit. If you are there on either a Saturday or a Sunday do stop by "Speakers Corner" up the street by Marble Arch. A few minutes free entertainment.
dAAvid -
Dec 22, 2001, 4:35 pm
#10
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Encinitas, CA USA
Programs: Ex-Continental Platinum Elite, HHonors Diamond Preferential VIP, Former Continental Platinum Elite
Posts: 391
FWIW - If you have done 126 nights this year and have never stayed in a Hilton property - you are really missing out.
None of the other brands come CLOSE to accomodating HHonors Diamond VIPs the way Conrad Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Hilton Garden Inn properties do - there is NO COMPARISON to your experience staying in one of those properties compared to an Embassy Suites or Doubletree.
I would encourage you to take advantage of it while you can.
In my experience, the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf=Astoria are the finest properties in the brand (also were Conrad Hilton's personal favorites) - staying at either as a Diamond is an unforgettable experience.
------------------
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,and there you will forever long to return." Leonardo da Vinci
None of the other brands come CLOSE to accomodating HHonors Diamond VIPs the way Conrad Hotels, Hilton Hotels & Hilton Garden Inn properties do - there is NO COMPARISON to your experience staying in one of those properties compared to an Embassy Suites or Doubletree.
I would encourage you to take advantage of it while you can.
In my experience, the Beverly Hilton and Waldorf=Astoria are the finest properties in the brand (also were Conrad Hilton's personal favorites) - staying at either as a Diamond is an unforgettable experience.
------------------
"When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been,and there you will forever long to return." Leonardo da Vinci
Dec 23, 2001, 1:58 pm
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 1999
Location: Bryn Mawr PA & Wailea HI
Posts: 15,726
The London Hilton does have central air conditioning and it works very well in the summer.
They have an excellent exec lounge on the 26th floor. Too bad the HH Diamonds are not permitted to use it.
As noted before, few if any HH Diamond, Gold or Silver guests have received any comps for being elite. I know I never have and no one in my company has. This hotel is currently on a "DO NOT USE" basis. Better to do a search than be disappointed. The Hilton Lurker has refused to comment on this policy.
MisterNice
They have an excellent exec lounge on the 26th floor. Too bad the HH Diamonds are not permitted to use it.
As noted before, few if any HH Diamond, Gold or Silver guests have received any comps for being elite. I know I never have and no one in my company has. This hotel is currently on a "DO NOT USE" basis. Better to do a search than be disappointed. The Hilton Lurker has refused to comment on this policy.
MisterNice
Dec 25, 2001, 6:30 am
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Chicago, IL - AA PLT
Posts: 973
Just got back from the London Hilton.
Hotlancer: All my stays have been at a few Hamptons due to a project in the middle of nowhere. I wish there was a "real" Hilton!
As for my 6 night award experience in London, it was excellent. At checkin, I presented my certificate and Diamond card and the woman pulled me over and said "Oh! we have a special checkin area for you." That was just a desk off to the side, but it was a nice touch. She just took my info and explained the hotel. The concierge floors are 22-27 and I was on 24. I don't know what the rooms on the other floors look like but this was probably just the same, but on a higher floor. My brother and I had twin beds and there was also a chair and a desk in the room. The first day they brought up a fruit plate and everyday they came to turndown the bed. My brother wasn't really sure why they do that, and I've wondered what the point is too. But then again, they left chocolates everyday so that's good.
MisterNice: I had complimentary access to the most excellent lounge, and used it everyday at least once. Obviously your experiences have been different. They had a typical continental breakfast with bowls of fruit, cereal, pastries, etc. In the late afternoon until about 5:30 (afternoon tea I think it was) they brought out delicious cakes and had drinks available. Immediatly after clearning those they put out cheese and crackers and other snacks.
All in all I had a very comfortable stay. I will agree though, that had we not had access to the lounge, the hotel stay would have just been a room on a high floor.
Hotlancer: All my stays have been at a few Hamptons due to a project in the middle of nowhere. I wish there was a "real" Hilton!
As for my 6 night award experience in London, it was excellent. At checkin, I presented my certificate and Diamond card and the woman pulled me over and said "Oh! we have a special checkin area for you." That was just a desk off to the side, but it was a nice touch. She just took my info and explained the hotel. The concierge floors are 22-27 and I was on 24. I don't know what the rooms on the other floors look like but this was probably just the same, but on a higher floor. My brother and I had twin beds and there was also a chair and a desk in the room. The first day they brought up a fruit plate and everyday they came to turndown the bed. My brother wasn't really sure why they do that, and I've wondered what the point is too. But then again, they left chocolates everyday so that's good.
MisterNice: I had complimentary access to the most excellent lounge, and used it everyday at least once. Obviously your experiences have been different. They had a typical continental breakfast with bowls of fruit, cereal, pastries, etc. In the late afternoon until about 5:30 (afternoon tea I think it was) they brought out delicious cakes and had drinks available. Immediatly after clearning those they put out cheese and crackers and other snacks.
All in all I had a very comfortable stay. I will agree though, that had we not had access to the lounge, the hotel stay would have just been a room on a high floor.
