travelexpert

That would mean Hilton needs to give you something you really value.

In which case Hilton would need to forego a few dollars in giving you that something you really value.

Not happening any time soon...

pinniped

I know it isn't happening, but while we're dreaming...

...I wish Diamonds received free parking at hotels where car travel is the primary way of accessing the hotel. I don't expect free parking in Manhattan where the hotel doesn't even own the parking garage (it's often outsourced to a valet company who parks the cars in a different garage). Giving away free parking at a hard out-of-pocket cost to the hotel might be seen as public transport users unfairly subsidizing a smallish number of car users. But I've stayed at Hiltons on sprawling properties where (a) they own large surface lots with plenty of room for cars, (b) there is no highly-developed public transit system that most guests are using, and (c) the vast majority of guests are there in cars because there's really no other practical way to get there.

There, the parking fee smacks of another "resort fee" type of charge. Waive that for Diamonds.

And yeah, I know it ain't happening...

Chicago Wine Geek

When I travel on business my company pays for hotel parking so that wouldn't be a benefit for me. I'd just like a real room upgrade program for diamonds.

jamesteroh

I would love to see that as a benefit and iut would make for a unique benefit that would truly make diamond a lot more valueable than gold.

jsmith50

I'm making a huge assumption that most diamonds are business travelers whose employers likely also pay for car service to and from the airport or who pay for their airport parking as well. To me, this wouldn't be a huge benefit because my company covers airport parking allowing me to park as close as possible and often not requiring a shuttle to and from the airport.

I too would like to see something that differentiates diamond benefits from gold benefits that my employer doesn't already cover: more consistent upgrade policy, mini-bar items, better breakfast, perhaps better evening snacks in the executive lounge, complimentary drinks in the executive lounge (I know some provide drink vouchers or have free beer in the lounge but doesn't seem to be consistent), etc. Or, how about priority airport pickup? Hilton sends a car to pick up a diamond that doesn't stop at 16 terminal stops before heading back to the hotel.

InkUnderNails

My Hampton at BNA has this and not just for Diamonds. I have parked for up to 5 days on a one night stay. I live 100 miles from the airport and it is really handy for very early flights or late arrivals.

However, the Nashville airport authority had upped fees for hotel shuttle drop off. They were $1.25 every time they came on site. That amounts to a $2.50 charge for each stay, so some hotels started charging a small fee for Park and Ride but I was never charged at the Hampton. All manner of complaining ensued so they dropped the charge and raised the fee on valet parking shuttles. It is now $6.50 for every time they drive onto the airport property. All of them have raised their rates and the airport lowered their parking fees. The council has also recently included them in Taxi regulations.

It has been an ugly battle. The Airport Authority is clearly trying to put the valet services out of business and have the power of government at their behest.

jamesteroh

There are times I travel personally and do a park and ride and would love to get the AAA or MVP rate for less and park for free. There are also a lot of self employed people who have to eat the cost of parking or pass it on to their clients. It would result in lower costs to their clients.

Even if Hampton offered this benefit, flying out DTW, it is my understanding they aren't allowed to have airport parking. I have done park and fly's at a couple DTW hotels and have been told I can't leave my car at the airport if I am not staying there due to Romulus city laws regarding parking (they may be able to allow it though if they aren't charging). I would like to see ALL hilton properties have better parking.

I would love to see Diamonds being allowed to board the hotel shuttles first like on Harrah's shuttles. If there is an IRROP situation at the airport I have seen over hour waits on the shuttles with the lines. It would be nice if the driver would allow diamonds to "preboard"

troyintn

lol

cblaisd

Not this Diamond.

saltytheseagull

I hadn't looked in the HHonors section for a couple of weeks. This was the first thread I saw. I thought maybe they were trying to make things somewhat right after the massive devaluation.

Good to see it's still business as usual.

exerda

I've actually stayed at several Hilton properties (Hamptons and DoubleTrees, mostly) where I had to circle the lot several times to find a space. DoubleTrees in Denver and near SFO come to mind from my past few months' travel.

For those situations, assuming the spots are actually enforced, I'd find it quite a nice benefit. Nothing to get excited about, but at least something given rather than taken away for a change.

Jwebber57

You forgot the bottom of the barrel blues

kawoh

Was given free parking at Hampton Inn Seattle Downtown whereas it's normally around $10 or so/day. Also, would be a clincher for Hampton Inn Times Square North in NYC....

babe11

Front desk said the signs (about 8 of them) were installed 2 days ago. This pic was taken at a Hampton Inn. Parking was actually available around 6pm last evening. Spaces directly in front of the entrance. Nice touch.


Travel safe!

jerry a. laska

See this thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilto...-diamonds.html