Diamond Confirmed Upgrade Pilot
Jan 23, 2019, 12:31 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 246
Diamond Confirmed Upgrade Pilot
Have any diamond tier members been invited to join a pilot running from January 21st, which will permit them to choose one reservation made no later than March 31st to receive a complimentary confirmed upgrade to a premium room (up to a one bedroom suite)? The pilot is available by invitation only. And very, very few invitations have gone out.
The reservation needs to be made by 3/31/19, but the stay can be for any time up to 364 days after the reservation date? The process of getting the upgrades during the pilot is cumbersome, and hotels have wide latitude to decide what constitutes an upgrade, and very, very few members are being invited to join the pilot. But, if successful, it could lead to an enhancement members have asked about for a long time.
The reservation needs to be made by 3/31/19, but the stay can be for any time up to 364 days after the reservation date? The process of getting the upgrades during the pilot is cumbersome, and hotels have wide latitude to decide what constitutes an upgrade, and very, very few members are being invited to join the pilot. But, if successful, it could lead to an enhancement members have asked about for a long time.
Jan 24, 2019, 10:46 am
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Barcelona, London, on a plane
Programs: BA Silver, TK E+, AA PP, Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 13,047
I would be very surprised if the invitation didn't mention something about keeping it confidential.
Jan 25, 2019, 8:32 pm
#6
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2016
Posts: 246
Apparent Confirmation
Have any diamond tier members been invited to join a pilot running from January 21st, which will permit them to choose one reservation made no later than March 31st to receive a complimentary confirmed upgrade to a premium room (up to a one bedroom suite)? The pilot is available by invitation only. And very, very few invitations have gone out.
The reservation needs to be made by 3/31/19, but the stay can be for any time up to 364 days after the reservation date? The process of getting the upgrades during the pilot is cumbersome, and hotels have wide latitude to decide what constitutes an upgrade, and very, very few members are being invited to join the pilot. But, if successful, it could lead to an enhancement members have asked about for a long time.
The reservation needs to be made by 3/31/19, but the stay can be for any time up to 364 days after the reservation date? The process of getting the upgrades during the pilot is cumbersome, and hotels have wide latitude to decide what constitutes an upgrade, and very, very few members are being invited to join the pilot. But, if successful, it could lead to an enhancement members have asked about for a long time.
https://thepointsguy.com/news/exclusive-hilton-pilot-confirmed-suite-upgrades/
There seems to be a problem with the link, but the news broke on The Points Guy 1/25/19 around 6 pm Eastern Time
Last edited by retiredfromhilton; Jan 25, 2019 at 8:37 pm Reason: Error in Link
Jan 25, 2019, 11:06 pm
#7
Join Date: Nov 2016
Programs: HH Diamond, VA Platinum
Posts: 259
Jan 26, 2019, 5:42 am
#8
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
I'd see this as net negative, frankly. By implementing this formal mechanism, it gives properties excuses to not upgrade guests who aren't using these instruments. Now, of course, there's a ton of uncertainty, but many properties will upgrade either proactively or when asked. If they go to this system, then the front desk can simply say "Well, you didn't use an upgrade certificate; if you really wanted a suite, you would have".
I'll put it this way - as of now I get more suites than I would likely be issued numbers of these instruments, if that makes sense.
I'll put it this way - as of now I get more suites than I would likely be issued numbers of these instruments, if that makes sense.
Jan 26, 2019, 9:51 am
#9
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Gulf Coast
Programs: Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond; National Car Rental Executive Elite
Posts: 2,322
As a 6-year Diamond who can count on two fingers the number of true complementary suite upgrades I’ve received, this is interesting. But, there is a lot of room for abuse by the properties.
What at is the definition of a “suite”? Will properties be required to upgrade to best available, or will they be able to put fuests in the lowest available suite? What will the opt-out list look like? Will this program be subject to blackout dates?
What at is the definition of a “suite”? Will properties be required to upgrade to best available, or will they be able to put fuests in the lowest available suite? What will the opt-out list look like? Will this program be subject to blackout dates?
Jan 26, 2019, 11:08 am
#10
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,872
As with most things travel-related, YMMV. Room type/size is only one factor. For example, the Beverly Hilton has “junior suites” that are really just slightly larger single rooms, and some of those on the lower floors look out on a large green roof. I’ll take a regular room with a great Westside view over one of those any day.
Jan 26, 2019, 1:11 pm
#11
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Gulf Coast
Programs: Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond; National Car Rental Executive Elite
Posts: 2,322
As with most things travel-related, YMMV. Room type/size is only one factor. For example, the Beverly Hilton has “junior suites” that are really just slightly larger single rooms, and some of those on the lower floors look out on a large green roof. I’ll take a regular room with a great Westside view over one of those any day.
Both were suites, but one is vastly more desirable than the other, depending on the goals/expectations for a visit.
Jan 27, 2019, 10:27 am
#12
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,423
If this is a real suite UG then yay. If it’s to some baloney premium room then it’s a waste.
Jan 27, 2019, 10:34 am
#13
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kirkland, WA
Programs: AS 75K,UA Gold 1.6MM, Hilton Dia, Marriott LT Plat, Hyatt Glb, Natl Exec, Hertz 5*
Posts: 3,657
Nice to hear but I am far more interested in getting Hilton to provide 4pm guaranteed checkout like Hyatt and Marriott. That would be much more useful to me.
There have been times when I know I needed a late checkout that I booked an SPG property instead of Hilton. It matters.
There have been times when I know I needed a late checkout that I booked an SPG property instead of Hilton. It matters.
Jan 30, 2019, 11:37 am
#14
Join Date: Jul 2001
Programs: Hilton Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 1,266
Want a free room upgrade? (targeted email from Hilton)
Got the message below by email this morning. Don't think this a big deal although it can be used with a reward stay.
My question is how "exclusive" can this be if they want me to be a part of it?
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************
Good News! As a loyal Diamond member, you’re invited to join an exclusive pilot focused on improving our room upgrade perks for our most elite travelers.* By participating, you will have a chance to shape the future of Hilton Honors … and you will get a free room upgrade to use on either a new or existing stay.
Simply email [email protected] before March 31st, 2019 with
•The upcoming stay confirmation # you are looking to upgrade
•Desired premium room
•A callback phone number and the best time to discuss.
We will then give you a call within 24 hours to talk you through the upgrade process.
After your upgraded stay, we will be in touch to hear about your experience so we can continue to improve our Hilton Honors upgrade experience.
Happy Travels,
Hilton Honors
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*This pilot is subject to the Hilton Honors Terms and Conditions and may be changed or cancelled at any time in Hilton’s sole discretion. Only Hilton Honors members who received this pilot email are eligible to make use of this one-time upgrade and this offer cannot be transferred. This upgrade can only be used once and cannot be reused if the upgraded reservation is cancelled or adjusted after processing.
The upgrade can only be used on an upcoming, one-room reservation of up to seven consecutive nights and cannot be split across multiple reservations. A member can make a new reservation to upgrade, but the member must have a confirmed reservation before executing the upgrade.
The upgrade can only be used for existing reservations made using the Flexible Rate/Best Available Rate, Hilton Honors Discount Rate or a Reward Redemption (all points or points and money) – all other rates (e.g. corporate rates, semi-flex, advance purchase, etc.) are excluded for the purposes of this pilot. The pilot participant must request the upgrade at least 48 hours in advance of the cancellation policy terms of the existing reservation.
This upgrade is not eligible for use to upgrade to executive suites, presidential suites, villas and specialty accommodations/floors/towers (which may include, but not limited to, "Vista," "Villa," or “Club” accommodation types). Premium room type exclusions for use of this upgrade will vary for each hotel.
The upgrade must be processed via phone by March 31st, 2019 but the upgraded reservation can be made for any date one year from the upgrade processing date (e.g. if the upgrade is processed on March 21st, 2019 the desired upgraded stay date can be for any date from the processing date through March 21st, 2020).
My question is how "exclusive" can this be if they want me to be a part of it?
************************************************** ************************************************** ************************************************** ****************
Good News! As a loyal Diamond member, you’re invited to join an exclusive pilot focused on improving our room upgrade perks for our most elite travelers.* By participating, you will have a chance to shape the future of Hilton Honors … and you will get a free room upgrade to use on either a new or existing stay.
Simply email [email protected] before March 31st, 2019 with
•The upcoming stay confirmation # you are looking to upgrade
•Desired premium room
•A callback phone number and the best time to discuss.
We will then give you a call within 24 hours to talk you through the upgrade process.
After your upgraded stay, we will be in touch to hear about your experience so we can continue to improve our Hilton Honors upgrade experience.
Happy Travels,
Hilton Honors
TERMS AND CONDITIONS
*This pilot is subject to the Hilton Honors Terms and Conditions and may be changed or cancelled at any time in Hilton’s sole discretion. Only Hilton Honors members who received this pilot email are eligible to make use of this one-time upgrade and this offer cannot be transferred. This upgrade can only be used once and cannot be reused if the upgraded reservation is cancelled or adjusted after processing.
The upgrade can only be used on an upcoming, one-room reservation of up to seven consecutive nights and cannot be split across multiple reservations. A member can make a new reservation to upgrade, but the member must have a confirmed reservation before executing the upgrade.
The upgrade can only be used for existing reservations made using the Flexible Rate/Best Available Rate, Hilton Honors Discount Rate or a Reward Redemption (all points or points and money) – all other rates (e.g. corporate rates, semi-flex, advance purchase, etc.) are excluded for the purposes of this pilot. The pilot participant must request the upgrade at least 48 hours in advance of the cancellation policy terms of the existing reservation.
This upgrade is not eligible for use to upgrade to executive suites, presidential suites, villas and specialty accommodations/floors/towers (which may include, but not limited to, "Vista," "Villa," or “Club” accommodation types). Premium room type exclusions for use of this upgrade will vary for each hotel.
The upgrade must be processed via phone by March 31st, 2019 but the upgraded reservation can be made for any date one year from the upgrade processing date (e.g. if the upgrade is processed on March 21st, 2019 the desired upgraded stay date can be for any date from the processing date through March 21st, 2020).
Jan 30, 2019, 12:30 pm
#15
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,872
LD here also, and received same message this morning. Doubt I'll use it, as it excludes several rate categories that I use and suite types that I already frequently receive when available. Appreciate the effort to improve upgrades, but if this resembles the final version it won't do much for me.