Do you actively ask for an upgrade at the desk?
Feb 28, 2015, 8:59 am
#46
Join Date: May 2003
Location: surprise, AZ
Posts: 200
We were just in Phoenix and stayed 4 nights at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs. We were on points so our bill was zero. They upgraded us to one of their largest suites (all rooms are suites but there are different levels of suites). They did not charge us the resort fee and gladly gave us the breakfast coupons for which the continental breakfast was quite good and you could get the full breakfast for a $4 upcharge.
Mar 1, 2015, 5:12 pm
#47
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Reading this thread I kind of get the feeling that as a Gold or Diamond, one has to ask for upgrades that a Gold or Diamond is already entitled to. Would it be fair to say that in the US this is how it is but outside of the US Golds & Diamonds will pretty much be upgraded automatically? Or did I get the wrong impression entirely?
Mar 1, 2015, 7:42 pm
#49
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Programs: HHonors Gold
Posts: 6
Here's how I do:
- Prior to checkin, I contact the manager by e-mail (TripAdvisor trick)
- Normally they upgrade you right away in their system
- If not, I see if I'm upgraded at check-in.
- If not, I ask for it. Normally, they upgrade me, or at least give me Executive Lounge access.
HHonors Gold
- Prior to checkin, I contact the manager by e-mail (TripAdvisor trick)
- Normally they upgrade you right away in their system
- If not, I see if I'm upgraded at check-in.
- If not, I ask for it. Normally, they upgrade me, or at least give me Executive Lounge access.
HHonors Gold
Mar 1, 2015, 9:33 pm
#50
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, National Exec
Posts: 1,357
Clearly I'm going about things the wrong way. I had over 70 nights in Hilton properties last year and my "upgrades", if I got anything at all, were "high floor" and/or "HHonors Floor". Which meant... maybe a couple bottles of water and a robe in the closet. None of the properties I generally stay at have lounges.
Mar 2, 2015, 12:08 am
#51
Join Date: Nov 2012
Programs: BA Bronze, United 1K, HH Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum
Posts: 3,477
Here's how I do:
- Prior to checkin, I contact the manager by e-mail (TripAdvisor trick)
- Normally they upgrade you right away in their system
- If not, I see if I'm upgraded at check-in.
- If not, I ask for it. Normally, they upgrade me, or at least give me Executive Lounge access.
HHonors Gold
- Prior to checkin, I contact the manager by e-mail (TripAdvisor trick)
- Normally they upgrade you right away in their system
- If not, I see if I'm upgraded at check-in.
- If not, I ask for it. Normally, they upgrade me, or at least give me Executive Lounge access.
HHonors Gold
Mar 2, 2015, 7:39 am
#52
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
This is the problem!!! We should never have to ask it should be a reward for status if they have a better room you should get it.
I'm convinced that many check in persons don't even understand HHonors and status.
Once I asked for an upgrade and they said of course....and of course they charged me for it.
HHonors needs to re-energize their program. They are going to take a hit by people who have a choice.
I'm convinced that many check in persons don't even understand HHonors and status.
Once I asked for an upgrade and they said of course....and of course they charged me for it.
HHonors needs to re-energize their program. They are going to take a hit by people who have a choice.
Mar 2, 2015, 9:34 am
#54
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Mar 2, 2015, 11:16 am
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: MSP
Programs: DL PM, MM, NR; HH Diamond, Bonvoy LT Gold, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Diamond, others
Posts: 12,159
I ask for a "Diamond upgrade". They don't try to upsell me, and don't charge me for it. (They don't always have it available either, of course.)
Mar 2, 2015, 11:39 am
#56
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: IND
Programs: AAdvantage Executive Platinum, HHonors Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,297
Checked into a Hilton last night... front desk clerk welcomed me as a Diamond and told me I had a King room. I was very friendly and asked if there was any chance for a "Diamond upgrade" to a junior suite. She upgraded me with no issue. I always find I have to ask...
Mar 2, 2015, 11:44 am
#57
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Programs: HHonors Gold
Posts: 6
Sometimes it's the GM, sometimes it's the FDM. It depends on the property. See TripAdvisor for the property, and see who is answering the customers reviews.
Last edited by frederichoule; Mar 2, 2015 at 11:45 am Reason: added the quote
Mar 2, 2015, 11:48 am
#58
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Programs: HHonors Gold
Posts: 6
Example:
Christina P, General Manager at Hotel Bonaventure Montreal, responded to this review, 4 weeks ago.
You take her name, google it with some keywords "linkedin, hilton", and you get her full name (in this case, Christina Poon), and then you e-mail - that's it.
Christina P, General Manager at Hotel Bonaventure Montreal, responded to this review, 4 weeks ago.
You take her name, google it with some keywords "linkedin, hilton", and you get her full name (in this case, Christina Poon), and then you e-mail - that's it.
Last edited by Canarsie; Dec 25, 2015 at 9:07 am Reason: Removed e-mail address.
Mar 2, 2015, 12:21 pm
#59
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Back in Hell
Posts: 4,178
Yes, I'm used to getting info on senior management via LinkedIn, TA, etc. For some properties (such as in the Maldives) it's good to know who you're dealing with as far as F&B, special requests etc, go. Thanks for the info, though. I'm sure it will be useful for a lot of people reading this thread. ^
Last edited by MaldivesFreak; Mar 2, 2015 at 12:33 pm
Mar 4, 2015, 9:01 pm
#60
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Now LAX - U*S*A*
Programs: AA - Gold Hilton - Diamond
Posts: 66
Having been Gold for several years, this past year I made Diamond. I thought I would get an upgrade most of the time as I was 50-50 as a Gold and never asked. I have 8 stays already in 2015 and never have been upgraded. Always greeted as Gold or Diamond, so they know my status. Except for a few extra bonus points, I don't see the value in trying for the extra stays to make Diamond.
I feel as Gold or Diamond, we are Hiltons best customers (brand loyal) and we should not have to ask to get a benefit if they can provide it. It really doesn't cost them anything if the nicer room is available.
Once I hit Gold, I will most likely do the rest of my stays at Starwood just to diversify my opportunities.
I feel as Gold or Diamond, we are Hiltons best customers (brand loyal) and we should not have to ask to get a benefit if they can provide it. It really doesn't cost them anything if the nicer room is available.
Once I hit Gold, I will most likely do the rest of my stays at Starwood just to diversify my opportunities.