Best International Hilton Rec Please!
Dec 8, 2019, 10:22 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 2
Best International Hilton Rec Please!
So my husband and I just hit diamond status. We don’t travel internationally much and have a week to get away in April/May.
I’m looking for your FAVORITE Euro-Hilton, bonus if it’s extra amazing for diamond.
Were completely flexible in location, my preference would be 5 nights in one location without hopping around and close to a city center so we can explore and shop and eat (were big foodies).
ETA: would consider Asia too if you have an amazing rec there, just longer travel
I’m looking for your FAVORITE Euro-Hilton, bonus if it’s extra amazing for diamond.
Were completely flexible in location, my preference would be 5 nights in one location without hopping around and close to a city center so we can explore and shop and eat (were big foodies).
ETA: would consider Asia too if you have an amazing rec there, just longer travel
Dec 8, 2019, 12:12 pm
#3
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 6,224
I am afraid that you might find yourself disappointed with Diamond benefits as a reason to pick a destination. For example, the best treatment I received as a Diamond was in a suburban Hilton outside of Toronto, but I doubt you will want to spend 5 days in April there.
Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Then pick the hotel. If there are upgrades available and you get them, then great. If not, you will be in a fun city anyway so who cares? If its an amazing European or Asian food city, do you really want to pick at executive lounge food?
Where do you want to go? What do you want to do? Then pick the hotel. If there are upgrades available and you get them, then great. If not, you will be in a fun city anyway so who cares? If its an amazing European or Asian food city, do you really want to pick at executive lounge food?
Dec 8, 2019, 12:38 pm
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: Falkirk, Scotland,VS Red, BA Gold, HH Diamond,UK Amex Plat
Programs: Master of the Privy Purse des Muccis
Posts: 17,894
Hi,
I would not choose a destination solely on Diamond benefits ( ie if it is a suite upgrade you are looking for you will be probably be disaponinted).
Howver good hotels with very good lounges ( which you would get access to) and are wonderful cities to explore are
Conrad Tokyo
Conrad Osaka
Conrad Hong Kong
Conrad Singapore
Regards
TBS
I would not choose a destination solely on Diamond benefits ( ie if it is a suite upgrade you are looking for you will be probably be disaponinted).
Howver good hotels with very good lounges ( which you would get access to) and are wonderful cities to explore are
Conrad Tokyo
Conrad Osaka
Conrad Hong Kong
Conrad Singapore
Regards
TBS
Dec 8, 2019, 1:52 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Neither here nor there
Programs: UA Slvr, DL Slvr, AA plt, HH LTD, MR tit/LTP at least two of those buy 10 get 1 free coffee cards
Posts: 3,446
The Hilton Malta is IME the tops in Europe for diamonds. Great upgrades, an amazing executive lounge and stellar staff add to the already stunning environs.
Dec 8, 2019, 1:58 pm
#6
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Europe
Programs: BAEC Silver; AerClub Silver, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 314
It depends, I would choose first which country/city you prefer to visit.
I agree with previous post, never expect a suite upgrade, I have been upgraded occasionally, but it always based on hotel occupancy and usually easier to ger for a shorter stay.
I had some good stay, most notable in Europe:
Hilton Prague
Hilton Budapest
Hilton Istanbul kozyatagi
Hilton London bankside
Hilton Berlin
I agree with previous post, never expect a suite upgrade, I have been upgraded occasionally, but it always based on hotel occupancy and usually easier to ger for a shorter stay.
I had some good stay, most notable in Europe:
Hilton Prague
Hilton Budapest
Hilton Istanbul kozyatagi
Hilton London bankside
Hilton Berlin
Dec 8, 2019, 2:24 pm
#7
Join Date: Jun 2008
Location: CONUS
Programs: HHonors, United, Delta
Posts: 828
Like BlueZebra kicked it off with "you are going to get a million suggestions..." and yes, you should certainly pick the destination FIRST, then factor in hotel choices.
If you haven't been around Europe much, it would be a shame to not check off the majors (London, Paris, Rome) just for the obvious contributions to culture and history in that triumverate, but if you've hit those already, then start branching out.
Personally, I'd toss in the mix: Barcelona. That is a very fun city. A huge go-to for a mix of most everything other Eurocities offer, all in walking distance (or easy mass transit). Architecture is to Spain like painting is to France. Just driving around looking at crazy cool buildings is a blast. Food and wine are top notch. Art everywhere. English is not a problem if you don't sprechen the Espana. It's a walking/eating city. Easy metro (buy a multi-day pass, and use the subways - they take you everywhere you'd want to be). Food markets that are a delight to wander through and grab snacks. Tapas bars. Cafes/coffee is excellent. Walking through Park Guell's statues and art... Mercat de la Boqueria market with the wild colors of saffron vendors and multihued juice cups... Churros y chocolate at midnight after a stroll down las Ramblas? Yes, please.
Hotels: The Diagonal Mar Hilton and the Downtown financial district one (not the other recently rebranded one that's kinda lame) are the two to consider. Diamond upgrades and good service at each.
Between these, for a vacation, I'd stay at the Diagonal Mar -- sea views from the lounge and rooms make it the better property (the downtown financial district one is a nice business Hilton, less pool/fun/views/etc.). Most Euro breakfasts blow away U.S. properties so while it's no Cavaleri level excess buffet, it's still plenty good.
Either are right smack on the hop-on-hop-off bus lines, which are a great way to do an overview of the whole city (it's a huge city) with some explanation: then go forth on your own to discover the nooks and crannies yourself. Diagonal isn't going to floor you like an Asian Conrad might in some areas, but I've always had a solid stay there. I'm tossing my two cents out there on "where's a good Euro vacation where we can stay in one place, make it easy, have excellent weather, food, and culture."
TDM
If you haven't been around Europe much, it would be a shame to not check off the majors (London, Paris, Rome) just for the obvious contributions to culture and history in that triumverate, but if you've hit those already, then start branching out.
Personally, I'd toss in the mix: Barcelona. That is a very fun city. A huge go-to for a mix of most everything other Eurocities offer, all in walking distance (or easy mass transit). Architecture is to Spain like painting is to France. Just driving around looking at crazy cool buildings is a blast. Food and wine are top notch. Art everywhere. English is not a problem if you don't sprechen the Espana. It's a walking/eating city. Easy metro (buy a multi-day pass, and use the subways - they take you everywhere you'd want to be). Food markets that are a delight to wander through and grab snacks. Tapas bars. Cafes/coffee is excellent. Walking through Park Guell's statues and art... Mercat de la Boqueria market with the wild colors of saffron vendors and multihued juice cups... Churros y chocolate at midnight after a stroll down las Ramblas? Yes, please.
Hotels: The Diagonal Mar Hilton and the Downtown financial district one (not the other recently rebranded one that's kinda lame) are the two to consider. Diamond upgrades and good service at each.
Between these, for a vacation, I'd stay at the Diagonal Mar -- sea views from the lounge and rooms make it the better property (the downtown financial district one is a nice business Hilton, less pool/fun/views/etc.). Most Euro breakfasts blow away U.S. properties so while it's no Cavaleri level excess buffet, it's still plenty good.
Either are right smack on the hop-on-hop-off bus lines, which are a great way to do an overview of the whole city (it's a huge city) with some explanation: then go forth on your own to discover the nooks and crannies yourself. Diagonal isn't going to floor you like an Asian Conrad might in some areas, but I've always had a solid stay there. I'm tossing my two cents out there on "where's a good Euro vacation where we can stay in one place, make it easy, have excellent weather, food, and culture."
TDM
Dec 8, 2019, 4:05 pm
#8
Join Date: Nov 2014
Location: CLT
Programs: AA Plat, DL, WN, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Silver, HY, Global Entry
Posts: 49
Our points stay at the Hilton Molino Stucky in Venice was absolutely amazing. It is in a quiet area on Giudecca Island, which is a welcome escape from the congested areas of Venice. With diamond status, they gave us a beautiful and very comfortable large 2 bedroom suite for our family that overlooked the waterway in front of the hotel. The rooms had real windows that opened up completely. We were lucky to be there when the weather was crisp and clear, and the fresh air with sounds of water lapping in the waterway in front of our windows was intoxicating. It was a quick ride to other parts of Venice on either the hotel water shuttle or the vaporetto. There is a also a fantastic rooftop pool and bar with the best views of Venice. I have stayed in hundreds of Hilton properties and this stay was the most memorable. But I am sure you will have plenty of other great choices in Europe. Good luck!
Dec 8, 2019, 5:25 pm
#9
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: It's hot here
Posts: 4,284
I am afraid that you might find yourself disappointed with Diamond benefits as a reason to pick a destination. For example, the best treatment I received as a Diamond was in a suburban Hilton outside of Toronto, but I doubt you will want to spend 5 days in April there.
I'm in Toronto about once a year and where I stay is completely open each time.
Dec 8, 2019, 6:50 pm
#12
Join Date: Apr 2016
Location: BNA (Nashville)
Programs: HH Diamond
Posts: 6,224
Hilton Markham. Huge suite, chocolate covered strawberries. Not sure of a lounge as I was always working late, fancy breakfast. This was a few years ago back when diamonds were not so common. I was clueless that it was my diamond status getting me the perks as I had earned diamond through hundreds of nights at Hampton Inns.
Dec 8, 2019, 6:57 pm
#13
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: YVR
Programs: TK Elite Plus, IC Plat Ambassador, HH Diamond
Posts: 917
Excellent stays as Diamond at these hotels, with breakfast in main restaurant and great rooms.
My best lounge experiences:
Hilton Vienna Plaza - stayed 5 nights on points
Conrad Singapore
Hilton Kuching
other very good experiences
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Hilton Saigon Opera
Hilton Izmir (but you only need a couple of nights here)
Doubletree Kuala Lumpur
Avoid the US - lounges have bad food and you have to pay for overpriced booze
My best lounge experiences:
Hilton Vienna Plaza - stayed 5 nights on points
Conrad Singapore
Hilton Kuching
other very good experiences
Hilton Istanbul Bosphorus
Hilton Saigon Opera
Hilton Izmir (but you only need a couple of nights here)
Doubletree Kuala Lumpur
Avoid the US - lounges have bad food and you have to pay for overpriced booze
Last edited by tobegold; Dec 8, 2019 at 7:16 pm
Dec 9, 2019, 1:15 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2012
Location: Rhineland-Palatinate
Programs: *A Gold (A3), HHonor Gold
Posts: 5,677
I think you are setting up yourself for disappointment and, let's be honest, lost money if you want to go on your first European trip based solely on how an hotel treat people with some status in a reward program. Pick a destination based on your interest, curiosity and envy and then we can help you narrow it down to a few hotels.
