smithrh

You actually spurred on the suggestion as you mentioned something along the lines of "experiencing a higher level of service." To me, having a concierge available for queries and help is just that. Like you, in the past I've shied away from asking, but they are truly there to help you with your stay. Yes, dinner and nights out tend to be a lot of what they deal with, but they deal with more mundane things as well. Let them use their local knowledge to help you.

Note, you don't specifically have to use the concierge, even asking the front desk staff will likely wind up with a good result. I found the level of service and effort to be high.

brp

I did have a surprisingly less-than-great interaction with the concierge at the Conrad a few years back. Seems that it had been a few years since we had previously been in the UK and the pound notes had changed. We apparently had "old money" and it was not accepted. I expected that the concierge (or the front desk, at any rate) could help with this beyond telling me that I had to go to Bank of England to handle this (it was weekend at the time).

In the end, one of the desk staff made the exchange out of his own pocket. But this surprised me as to level of service.

Cheers.

serpens

Perhaps you could tell that I would be new to "experiencing a higher level of service." Thanks for helping with the head start.

I have another question that is more general. I was looking at rates for Bankside; the flexible and semi-flex rates say "Room only." (I've seen this at other Hilton properties, although I couldn't name one on demand.) What does that mean? Is it an attempt to avoid providing elite benefits, or any benefits? ("Sorry, sir, you're not entitled to ask the concierge; you're on a Room Only rate.") Usually, unless the rate specifies something extra, I assume it's room only. What does the Senior, AAA, or even rack rate include that the semi-flex does not? Thanks for any education.

corporate-wage-slave

It clarifies that it's not a bed and breakfast rate, which is a more common feature in Europe and Asia than in North America. You may still get breakfast due to status, this is more meaningful in the context of non status, occasional visitors.

serpens

Got it, I think. You're saying that a Diamond member (me, this year) would get breakfast and lounge access, regardless of the rate (if the reservation is made at the Hilton web site). Yes?

And yet another question. I'm planning a six-night stay, with five nights on points. Even though the web site will let me reserve either the first or last five nights on points (with the fifth night free), it will not allow me to reserve either the first or last night night in the base-level room on a cash rate. If I call Hilton, am I likely to get this resolved to my satisfaction? I could just reserve six nights on points, but the redemption rate is such that I would rather pay cash. Thanks.

corporate-wage-slave

Yes.

serpens

Many thanks. I expect I'll be back with more questions, but thank you for the help so far.

anabolism

Just as reference, in Australia I've heard it referred to as "bag wash."

I keep entries in my laptop's address book for wash and fold type places in cities I've stayed at. My preference, for convenience, are places that will pick up from and delivery back to the hotel. I arrange the service, then leave the laundry in a bag at the bell desk. Checking for London, I see entries mostly for places near the Hilton Paddington.

Laundry Heap that offers pick-up and delivery.
Edgware Road Dry Cleaners and Laundry
Central Wash
A web site that has lists.

serpens

Thanks for information on Australia and London. I expect to go both places.

anabolism

In Sydney I've used:

Sydney Laundry: Bag wash. $20 minimum. Free pick-up and delivery. Pick up in morning (e.g., call 9-10, pick up 11), back same day (e.g., by 6).
City Laundry: $12.50/bag. Pick-up/drop-off at hotel; bill through hotel (Hilton in my case). Call before 10.

In Perth I've used: Jack's Wash House: 1/74 Wellington Street, East Perth, WA 6004, 9221 8255, collection and drop off: $10, laundry service: bag wash and fold, same color up to 7 kg $25.

In Adelaide I've used: The Mat on Carrington: $30 AUD for a bag up to 7kg (Patrick said not to worry if it was a bit over). Extra $6 AUD for pick-up and delivery from/to Hilton Adelaide. Nice service, friendly, nicely folded. Patrick even ironed our shirts and left a nice note.

Mister P.

Hi, we have a 5-night points stay booked at the Lost Property St Pauls in early June, which is also supposed to be the hotel's opening date. I have noticed that the hotel has removed all of its inventory (both points and cash rates) on those dates, and now shows as "sold out" (earliest rooms available are in late June).

As this is a new property, I am guessing the hotel opening has been delayed. Even if we have not received any cancellation messages so far, should we contact the hotel to check on the booking? (If there is anyone taking care of reservations). Any chance the hotel would proactively rebook us into another hotel within the same area? Thanks

Winniesbestfriend

I just tried to book for a weekend I was looking for a hotel mid June and I get �Lucky you, as a diamond member you can book a room in this sold out hotel � and I get quoted a rate of �285 which is a bit steep.
so I don�t know whether they pushed back the opening or are really sold out.

Mister P.

Thanks. Yes, that's almost twice the rate they had a couple of days ago. And no points availability.

pauleeepaul

New property sold out as it opens? Expect teething pains.

serpens

Many thanks for these laundry notes. I hope to use them all.