Hilton London Gatwick Airport {GBR}
#331
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,514
The policy is not a space-available upgrade to an exec room, though. It is a space-available upgrade to a superior room, which usually means one category up (but explicitly says it can include higher floors, better locations, views, etc.) In practice, most hotels will honour a one-category upgrade.
Even when the hotel is empty, Hilton LGW chooses not to allow Golds this upgrade.
Whether or not we agree with it, that's their policy, and just glancing at the reviews of this hotel online, many many Golds are unhappy/surprised about that policy.
So it's good for Golds to know not to book this hotel based on prior treatment at other Hiltons.... or based on hopes/expectations of upgrade to Exec Lounge (meaning, they should grab the Hampton or another cheaper hotel around LGW).
For myself, it was worth the extra price for the location -- a short walk into the terminals.
YMMV.
#332
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,514
Ironically enough, my post was the last one here (5 months ago!) when I was Gold. Now a Diamond, we will see if things get any better.
Again, ended up here because of a great rate AND the fact that I love the idea of leaving the hotel at 6:15am, and walking into the terminal for my 08:25 departure to ALG instead of leaving a city hotel at 5am and taking the train at 530am.
That said, it'd be nice if it was a bit better. I will update.
Oh and BTW another enticing factor was the "Sale Rate" of GBP68! :P
Again, ended up here because of a great rate AND the fact that I love the idea of leaving the hotel at 6:15am, and walking into the terminal for my 08:25 departure to ALG instead of leaving a city hotel at 5am and taking the train at 530am.
That said, it'd be nice if it was a bit better. I will update.
Oh and BTW another enticing factor was the "Sale Rate" of GBP68! :P
#333
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 216
We are looking to book a day rate---arriving at 8:00 am, departing 1:00 pm---for a nap and a shower. I'm a Diamond, will we have lounge/breakfast benefits with a day rate? The cost is the same as if we were staying overnight, just the hours are different.
Also, how long should we allow to get from this Hilton to check in at the north terminal? The Hampton is sold out for that day, and the rates they had available for overnight were 50% more.
Also, how long should we allow to get from this Hilton to check in at the north terminal? The Hampton is sold out for that day, and the rates they had available for overnight were 50% more.
#334
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,791
We are looking to book a day rate---arriving at 8:00 am, departing 1:00 pm---for a nap and a shower. I'm a Diamond, will we have lounge/breakfast benefits with a day rate? The cost is the same as if we were staying overnight, just the hours are different.
Also, how long should we allow to get from this Hilton to check in at the north terminal? The Hampton is sold out for that day, and the rates they had available for overnight were 50% more.
Also, how long should we allow to get from this Hilton to check in at the north terminal? The Hampton is sold out for that day, and the rates they had available for overnight were 50% more.
For the North Terminal, it's a 5-10 minute walk to the transit, and under 5 minute transit ride. Plus waiting time for a shuttle. If you allow 15 minutes you may get there slightly sooner.
#335
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
We are looking to book a day rate---arriving at 8:00 am, departing 1:00 pm---for a nap and a shower. I'm a Diamond, will we have lounge/breakfast benefits with a day rate? The cost is the same as if we were staying overnight, just the hours are different.
Also, how long should we allow to get from this Hilton to check in at the north terminal? The Hampton is sold out for that day, and the rates they had available for overnight were 50% more.
Also, how long should we allow to get from this Hilton to check in at the north terminal? The Hampton is sold out for that day, and the rates they had available for overnight were 50% more.
Hamptons never appear available on day rates , at leat in the UK.
#336
Moderator, Iberia Airlines, Airport Lounges, and Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: BA Lifetime Gold; Flying Blue Life Platinum; LH Sen.; Hilton Diamond; Kemal Kebabs Prized Customer
Posts: 63,791
Hampton Gatwick does offer day rates, as do other airport Hamptons in the UK, e.g. Bristol.
#337
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,578
But it's rare. Hamptons don't have 24h housekeeping, they finish early compared to the full-service brands, 4PM is not unheard of. Often when those hotels offer day-rates, occupancy is low and the rooms won't be cleaned until the next day or the hotels are prepared to extend housekeeping hours to cover it.
#338
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PlatMM, BA and Alaska Emerald, HHonors DIA, Accor, Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat Amb, UA Silver, AA
Posts: 4,514
My stay last week Sunday as a Diamond was better than expected:
1) Check in at 1pm was smooth, staff were very nice-- and was assigned a room in the new(ish) wing that is super far from the front desk.
2) Swung by the lounge for a coffee. Staff was friendly.
3) Left and went into London. Bought a GBP17 (I think) day ticket that allowed a train ride into the city and also included tube travel within London. Went to Piccadilly Circus, did some great shopping (some great sales!) and then had a wonderful Japanese meal at Yamagoya, a very authentic ramen place (I lived in Japan 7 years so I'm picky!)
4) arrived back at the Hilton, tried to hurry to the lounge but arrived at 8:33pm. When I walked in, they were just beginning to clean up at the end of the Happy Hour. One of the lounge attendants came over and made sure I got a nice drink (a healthy pour of white wine!) before they closed up the alcohol, and also tried hard to get me some snacks. I told them I'd just eaten so didn't need much of anything, they still made up a plate for me of dried fruits and nuts to go with my white wine. I will say this-- while I understand the temptation to stay in the Hilton Lounge, there is such good food available if you've got the time and energy to leave the hotel. That said, I do just wanna stay in sometimes!
5) Check out consisted of the front desk agent telling me to leave the keys, "that's all." -- and the receipt was emailed to me.
For GBP69, this was a great stay.
1) Check in at 1pm was smooth, staff were very nice-- and was assigned a room in the new(ish) wing that is super far from the front desk.
2) Swung by the lounge for a coffee. Staff was friendly.
3) Left and went into London. Bought a GBP17 (I think) day ticket that allowed a train ride into the city and also included tube travel within London. Went to Piccadilly Circus, did some great shopping (some great sales!) and then had a wonderful Japanese meal at Yamagoya, a very authentic ramen place (I lived in Japan 7 years so I'm picky!)
4) arrived back at the Hilton, tried to hurry to the lounge but arrived at 8:33pm. When I walked in, they were just beginning to clean up at the end of the Happy Hour. One of the lounge attendants came over and made sure I got a nice drink (a healthy pour of white wine!) before they closed up the alcohol, and also tried hard to get me some snacks. I told them I'd just eaten so didn't need much of anything, they still made up a plate for me of dried fruits and nuts to go with my white wine. I will say this-- while I understand the temptation to stay in the Hilton Lounge, there is such good food available if you've got the time and energy to leave the hotel. That said, I do just wanna stay in sometimes!
5) Check out consisted of the front desk agent telling me to leave the keys, "that's all." -- and the receipt was emailed to me.
For GBP69, this was a great stay.
#339
Join Date: Sep 2015
Posts: 216
Checking back in, our stay was great. The hotel is walkable through the parking lot from the South terminal. We arrived in a jet lag fog, a bit too early for check in but right in time for a great breakfast in the lounge. Staff was very helpful and friendly. We got in to our room at 8 am (usual time is 9 am), slept for a while, and including walking and waiting it was about 10-15 minutes from hotel door to North terminal.
#340
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: Newcastle, UK
Posts: 2,379
Had another 2 recent stays at the Gatwick Airport Hilton, prior to flight and also on our return. First stay included 9 days parking in the adjacent Euro car park, which is very convenient and is manned 24 hour parking. On arrival at 3pm, upgraded to a very nice king suite in the new wing. Bed was comfortable and had separate sitting room. with second washroom. Main bathroom had a large walk in shower with additional jets. Lounge was open for happy hour from 6pm to 8.30pm and got very busy soon after 6pm.
On our very late return at 1.30am in the morning, we were given a junior suite in the old wing. Same junior suite as in our last visit in September last year. Good size suite with large bathroom, but very small corner shower. Again, the king bed was comfortable . Took the complimentary breakfast in the restaurant,
Two good stays again.
On our very late return at 1.30am in the morning, we were given a junior suite in the old wing. Same junior suite as in our last visit in September last year. Good size suite with large bathroom, but very small corner shower. Again, the king bed was comfortable . Took the complimentary breakfast in the restaurant,
Two good stays again.
#342
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 5,269
Dated, tired & in dire need of a refurbishment. Even the newer wing looks like something from the 90's & my Executive room had stained carpets & looked knackered, along with a fairly ancient TV. Not good.
Evening drinks/canapés an absolute zoo, with lines 8 deep for the hot dishes (which were poor) & (literally) standing room only.
Had occasion to interact with a manager over service issues & he was truly awful; rude & dismissive & would not accept my "Make It Right" claim either. Cr** management for sure. Will not return.
Evening drinks/canapés an absolute zoo, with lines 8 deep for the hot dishes (which were poor) & (literally) standing room only.
Had occasion to interact with a manager over service issues & he was truly awful; rude & dismissive & would not accept my "Make It Right" claim either. Cr** management for sure. Will not return.
#343
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Dante's 6th Circle
Programs: British Airways, Hilton Hhonors, Avis, Hertz
Posts: 80
Dated, tired & in dire need of a refurbishment. Even the newer wing looks like something from the 90's & my Executive room had stained carpets & looked knackered, along with a fairly ancient TV. Not good.
Evening drinks/canapés an absolute zoo, with lines 8 deep for the hot dishes (which were poor) & (literally) standing room only.
Had occasion to interact with a manager over service issues & he was truly awful; rude & dismissive & would not accept my "Make It Right" claim either. Cr** management for sure. Will not return.
Evening drinks/canapés an absolute zoo, with lines 8 deep for the hot dishes (which were poor) & (literally) standing room only.
Had occasion to interact with a manager over service issues & he was truly awful; rude & dismissive & would not accept my "Make It Right" claim either. Cr** management for sure. Will not return.
and consuming as they stood there.
I really only stay for the location... :-/
Shocking to hear of that management response, I hope you take that complaint further.
#344
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 5,269
Hard to disagree with that...The rooms are in dire need of some TLC (esp the creaky beds) and you always have to get in the lounge early before the hoards arrive. Last time I was there, people were just standing at the food offerings
and consuming as they stood there.
I really only stay for the location... :-/
Shocking to hear of that management response, I hope you take that complaint further.
and consuming as they stood there.
I really only stay for the location... :-/
Shocking to hear of that management response, I hope you take that complaint further.
#345
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Phuket
Programs: SQ *Gold, BA, QR, EY, Hilton Diamond, IHG Platinum, Marriott Gold, Amex Platinum
Posts: 5,269
Thank you. I did escalate to the Honors Diamond Desk in the U.S. & lodged a claim against the "Make It Right" promise. Never heard back after the initial call/e-mail etc. Followed up again & received 5,000 points but still no conclusion. "Make It Right"? Ha! Total BS, for sure!!