View Poll Results: Concerning the new Hilton "credit" benefit instead of free breakfast
The new credit system is fine as-is but the implementation bugs need to get worked out
9
5.08%
The new credit system is fine, but the monetary amounts need to be increased
13
7.34%
Go back to the previous free breakfast benefit
45
25.42%
Offer Gold/Diamond members their choice of either the credit or free breakfast
110
62.15%
Voters: 177. You may not vote on this poll
May 20, 2021, 12:49 pm
Last edit by: beltway
The most commonly posed question about the new food/beverage benefit, which is now extended through the end of 2022, is how it works for multi-night stays. Here's what we do & don't know:
Official Hilton benefit statement (updated for 2022) with FAQ at end:
Through 2022, we’ll be offering Gold and Diamond members a Daily Food & Beverage Credit at our luxury, full-service, lifestyle and Hilton Garden Inn hotel brands in the U.S. This credit is offered as part of the Hilton Honors MyWay benefits, in place of the prior complimentary continental breakfast.
Starting February 1, 2022, we are also increasing the credit amounts across our full-service and lifestyle brands from $12 to $15 per night, and $15 to $18 per night in select markets.
Traveling with a friend or loved one? You and up to one additional guest registered to the same room will each receive the daily credit. The credit applies to the one guest room in which the Elite member is staying and will be provided for each night of your stay.
You can use the credit towards eligible food and beverage purchases that are charged to your room—any time of day—at designated outlets throughout the property. Refreshing beverages? Check. Appetizer or desert with dinner? Check, check. Breakfast at the restaurant? Sure. Breakfast to go? No problem.
Gold members can choose to receive the Daily Food & Beverage Credit or Bonus Points as part of their Hilton Honors MyWay benefits. Diamond members will receive both the Daily Food & Beverage Credit and 1,000 Bonus Points at all brands listed above except for Hilton Garden Inn, where Diamond members can choose between the credit or 750 Bonus Points. Visit your MyWay profile through your Hilton Honors account online or through the Hilton Honors app to select your preferences before your next stay.
The credit will be applied automatically to your bill for any eligible purchases charged to your room prior to checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What hotels offer the Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit is available to Gold and Diamond members at all of Hilton’s luxury, full-service and lifestyle properties as well as all Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the United States, replacing the MyWay complimentary continental breakfast benefit.
The brands include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Signia by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Motto by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn.
2. When was the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit launched?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit became available to Gold and Diamond members at all of Hilton’s luxury, full-service and lifestyle properties as well as all Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the United States in July 2021.
3. Which members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit is provided to all Gold and Diamond members that select the F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit. The credit is provided to the Hilton Honors member and one additional guest registered to the same room for each night of their stay. The credit is per person (up to two people) in one guest room per stay.
Members can check their Hilton Honors status and make changes to their MyWay benefits by logging in to their account online at HiltonHonors.com or Hilton Honors mobile app.
4. What are the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit values for each Brand Category?
Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members that select the complimentary Daily F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit will receive a $10 F&B Credit per night when staying at Hilton Garden Inn, a $15 F&B Credit per night at full-service and lifestyle properties, and a $25 F&B Credit per night at luxury properties.
A $18 F&B Credit per night will be provided at full-service and lifestyle properties located in the cities of Boston, Chicago, District of Columbia, Key West, Key Largo, New York City, San Francisco, the County of Los Angeles and the state of Hawaii.
For reference, please find the full list of participating brands below.
Guests staying at Hilton’s brands that offer complimentary breakfast to all guests will continue to receive this offering. The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit does not apply to the following brands: Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton.
6. How does the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit work?
Prior to arrival, members will be notified by email or notification through the Hilton Honors app of the complimentary Daily F&B Credit. Members can then log in to their Hilton Honors account online or through the Hilton Honors app to select their preferred MyWay benefit for their next stay – the Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit or Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
Upon hotel check-in, the member’s status will be confirmed, and they will be informed by the front desk staff and/or the Hilton Honors app about the Daily F&B Credit including which on-property outlets are participating. Each day of their stay, the Hilton Honors member will charge their eligible F&B purchases to their room, and the credit will be automatically applied to their total bill for those F&B purchases charged to their room.
7. Will the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit accrue across days?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit is provided to the member (and up to one additional guest registered to the same room) for each night of their stay and does not accrue or rollover from one day to the next if unused.
The daily credit amount may be used in full on the day of check-in or check-out, or on various eligible items throughout these days until the maximum daily amount is reached.
8. How does the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit work for a 1-night stay? Would a member receive two credits (for check-in and check-out day) or one credit?
Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members receive one complimentary Daily F&B Credit for the member and one for the additional guest registered to the same room each night of their stay, consistent with the previous complimentary Continental Breakfast benefit. For a one-night hotel stay, a Hilton Honors member would receive one complimentary Daily F&B Credit; the member may use the credit on the day of arrival or day of departure. The credit may be used in full/entirety on day of check-in or check-out, or on various eligible items each day until the maximum daily amount or total stay maximum is reached.
9. Which F&B outlets can the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit be utilized?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit can be utilized at all participating F&B outlets on-property, including the market/grab-and-go and in-room dining/room service, where applicable, plus participating third-party outlets. The Daily F&B Credit cannot be utilized for any non-F&B related spend, such as the room rate, spa or gift shops.
10. Can members use the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit on alcoholic beverages?
The Daily F&B Credit may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, subject to state and local laws.
11. Do members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit on day-rate reservations, such as WorkSpaces by Hilton?
Like the previous elite continental breakfast benefit, the Hilton Honors Daily F&B credit will not apply to day-rate reservations.
12. Will members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit on rates/packages that include F&B, such as the Breakfast Included rate?
Yes, Diamond or Gold members that select the complimentary Daily F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit will receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B credit on Points eligible rates including specific food & beverage rates or packages.
13. Do members who book with a group such as a meeting or conference receive the Daily F&B Credit?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit benefit is provided to Diamond and Gold members, based on their MyWay selection, on Points eligible rates and reward nights.
14. Can the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit apply to taxes and gratuity?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit can be applied to taxes and gratuity.
15. How do members add/register a guest to the reservation?
When booking the reservation through preferred Hilton channels, such as online at Hilton.com or the Hilton Honors app, members should ensure they indicate the total number of people staying in the room to receive up to two Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit allowances.
16. Does the Hilton Honors member receive an additional Daily F&B Credit for double occupancy?
The complimentary Daily F&B Credit is intended to cover up to two guests, which includes the Hilton Honors member and one additional guest registered to the same room (on one room per stay), per night.
17. Can the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit be utilized across multiple outlets within a day?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit can be utilized across multiple outlets within one day. It will be automatically applied against all eligible F&B charges made within that timeframe, up to the total daily credit amount.
18. If members do not have F&B charges, can they apply the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit to the total folio?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit was created to provide guests with more dining-related flexibility, so the credit can only be applied to eligible F&B charges billed to the member’s room.
19. Some members may utilize the hotel restaurants or bar areas for meetings, dinners, etc. without staying at the hotel. Does the Hilton Honors member have to be staying at the hotel to receive the F&B credit?
Hilton Honors members, even if utilizing hotel facilities such as a restaurant or bar area, must be a registered guest of the hotel to receive the complimentary Daily F&B Credit.
20. Do members receive the Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit on redemption/reward stays?
Yes, Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members that select the complimentary Daily F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit will receive the Daily F&B Credit on hotel reward stays, both reservations booked with all Points or Points & Money.
21. Do members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit at all-inclusive properties?
Like the previous elite Continental Breakfast benefit, the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit is not offered at all-inclusive properties.
22. If a member selects Points over the Daily F&B Credit on a reservation with a registered guest, do they receive double Points?
The Hilton Honors Bonus Points selection via MyWay Benefits is a one-time bonus per stay, regardless of the number of guests.
23. Can a guest make a change to their MyWay benefit mid-stay to receive the Daily F&B Credit?
No, Hilton Honors members should make their MyWay benefit selections prior to check-in or during arrival in order to receive the complimentary Daily F&B Credit.
24. When does the credit expire each day?
The credit does not “expire” until the member checks out, however, the daily amount re-sets each day to the maximum daily credit value. Members can use up to the total daily maximum and are responsible for anything beyond that amount.
Since the member gets a new credit each day (for the number of nights of their stay), the only day they can use any leftover credit is the morning of check-out.
25. How will the F&B Credit work between January 1-February 1, 2022?
Stays that take place between January 1-February 1, 2022 will receive the complimentary Daily F&B Credit amounts announced in 2021. The increased credit amounts for Hilton’s lifestyle and full-service brands will go into effect on February 1, 2022 and beyond.
26. How will the complimentary Daily F&B Credit appear on my hotel bill/folio?
The total eligible Daily F&B Credit amount used and billed to the room during a member’s stay will be automatically applied and appear as one line item per day on a member’s hotel bill/folio, deducted from the total stay cost at the end of their stay.
27. How will the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit be handled at hotels with Executive Lounges?
At hotels that have an Executive Lounge that offers complimentary breakfast, Diamond members and Gold members upgraded to Executive Lounge access will not receive the Daily F&B Credit. These hotels will provide the Daily F&B Credit to Gold members not upgraded to Executive Lounge access.
28. Is the Daily F&B Credit now a permanent benefit?
In addition to increasing credit amounts across the lifestyle and full-service brands, Hilton Honors is extending the complimentary Daily Food & Beverage Credit into 2022 and will continue to evaluate this benefit to make the best decisions for our members going forward.
- The credit does not accumulate over the duration of your stay. For instance, if you stay for 2 nights at a $15/night property, you cannot use the benefit toward a single $30 purchase at one time.
- Thus, the credit for a given day may only be used on that day. It expires afterward.
- Unfortunately, Hilton has offered no clear explanation of what qualifies as a "day." (FAQ 24 purports to give an answer, but makes no sense.)
- Some properties reportedly apply a "calendar day" rule. For a stay arriving Monday and departing Wednesday (two nights, ergo two credits), this means the credit is available only on Monday (first credit) and Tuesday (second credit), with no option for breakfast use on Wednesday.
- Other properties don't use midnight as the cutoff, but instead allow use of a day's credit until the bar/restaurant closes, even if that occurs early the next calendar day (say, 1am). This interpretation also precludes use for breakfast on the day of departure.
- Neither of these approaches makes logical sense, given that on a one-night stay the credit may be used either on day of arrival or day of departure, per FAQ 8.
- A few properties reportedly use the standard checkin or checkout time as the dividing line: guest arriving Monday has until noon or 3pm Tuesday to use the first day's credit (or whatever the checkin/checkout times for that property are).
Official Hilton benefit statement (updated for 2022) with FAQ at end:
Through 2022, we’ll be offering Gold and Diamond members a Daily Food & Beverage Credit at our luxury, full-service, lifestyle and Hilton Garden Inn hotel brands in the U.S. This credit is offered as part of the Hilton Honors MyWay benefits, in place of the prior complimentary continental breakfast.
Starting February 1, 2022, we are also increasing the credit amounts across our full-service and lifestyle brands from $12 to $15 per night, and $15 to $18 per night in select markets.
Traveling with a friend or loved one? You and up to one additional guest registered to the same room will each receive the daily credit. The credit applies to the one guest room in which the Elite member is staying and will be provided for each night of your stay.
You can use the credit towards eligible food and beverage purchases that are charged to your room—any time of day—at designated outlets throughout the property. Refreshing beverages? Check. Appetizer or desert with dinner? Check, check. Breakfast at the restaurant? Sure. Breakfast to go? No problem.
Gold members can choose to receive the Daily Food & Beverage Credit or Bonus Points as part of their Hilton Honors MyWay benefits. Diamond members will receive both the Daily Food & Beverage Credit and 1,000 Bonus Points at all brands listed above except for Hilton Garden Inn, where Diamond members can choose between the credit or 750 Bonus Points. Visit your MyWay profile through your Hilton Honors account online or through the Hilton Honors app to select your preferences before your next stay.
The credit will be applied automatically to your bill for any eligible purchases charged to your room prior to checkout.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What hotels offer the Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit is available to Gold and Diamond members at all of Hilton’s luxury, full-service and lifestyle properties as well as all Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the United States, replacing the MyWay complimentary continental breakfast benefit.
The brands include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, LXR Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Canopy by Hilton, Signia by Hilton, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, Curio Collection by Hilton, Tapestry Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Motto by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn.
2. When was the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit launched?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit became available to Gold and Diamond members at all of Hilton’s luxury, full-service and lifestyle properties as well as all Hilton Garden Inn hotels in the United States in July 2021.
3. Which members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit is provided to all Gold and Diamond members that select the F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit. The credit is provided to the Hilton Honors member and one additional guest registered to the same room for each night of their stay. The credit is per person (up to two people) in one guest room per stay.
Members can check their Hilton Honors status and make changes to their MyWay benefits by logging in to their account online at HiltonHonors.com or Hilton Honors mobile app.
4. What are the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit values for each Brand Category?
Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members that select the complimentary Daily F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit will receive a $10 F&B Credit per night when staying at Hilton Garden Inn, a $15 F&B Credit per night at full-service and lifestyle properties, and a $25 F&B Credit per night at luxury properties.
A $18 F&B Credit per night will be provided at full-service and lifestyle properties located in the cities of Boston, Chicago, District of Columbia, Key West, Key Largo, New York City, San Francisco, the County of Los Angeles and the state of Hawaii.
For reference, please find the full list of participating brands below.
- Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
- LXR Hotels & Resorts
- Conrad Hotels & Resorts
- Signia by Hilton
- Hilton Hotels & Resorts
- Curio Collection by Hilton
- DoubleTree by Hilton
- Tapestry Collection by Hilton
- Canopy by Hilton
- Motto by Hilton
- Hilton Garden Inn
Guests staying at Hilton’s brands that offer complimentary breakfast to all guests will continue to receive this offering. The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit does not apply to the following brands: Embassy Suites by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton, Tru by Hilton, Homewood Suites by Hilton and Home2 Suites by Hilton.
6. How does the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit work?
Prior to arrival, members will be notified by email or notification through the Hilton Honors app of the complimentary Daily F&B Credit. Members can then log in to their Hilton Honors account online or through the Hilton Honors app to select their preferred MyWay benefit for their next stay – the Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit or Hilton Honors Bonus Points.
Upon hotel check-in, the member’s status will be confirmed, and they will be informed by the front desk staff and/or the Hilton Honors app about the Daily F&B Credit including which on-property outlets are participating. Each day of their stay, the Hilton Honors member will charge their eligible F&B purchases to their room, and the credit will be automatically applied to their total bill for those F&B purchases charged to their room.
7. Will the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit accrue across days?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit is provided to the member (and up to one additional guest registered to the same room) for each night of their stay and does not accrue or rollover from one day to the next if unused.
The daily credit amount may be used in full on the day of check-in or check-out, or on various eligible items throughout these days until the maximum daily amount is reached.
8. How does the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit work for a 1-night stay? Would a member receive two credits (for check-in and check-out day) or one credit?
Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members receive one complimentary Daily F&B Credit for the member and one for the additional guest registered to the same room each night of their stay, consistent with the previous complimentary Continental Breakfast benefit. For a one-night hotel stay, a Hilton Honors member would receive one complimentary Daily F&B Credit; the member may use the credit on the day of arrival or day of departure. The credit may be used in full/entirety on day of check-in or check-out, or on various eligible items each day until the maximum daily amount or total stay maximum is reached.
9. Which F&B outlets can the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit be utilized?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit can be utilized at all participating F&B outlets on-property, including the market/grab-and-go and in-room dining/room service, where applicable, plus participating third-party outlets. The Daily F&B Credit cannot be utilized for any non-F&B related spend, such as the room rate, spa or gift shops.
10. Can members use the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit on alcoholic beverages?
The Daily F&B Credit may be used to purchase alcoholic beverages, subject to state and local laws.
11. Do members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit on day-rate reservations, such as WorkSpaces by Hilton?
Like the previous elite continental breakfast benefit, the Hilton Honors Daily F&B credit will not apply to day-rate reservations.
12. Will members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit on rates/packages that include F&B, such as the Breakfast Included rate?
Yes, Diamond or Gold members that select the complimentary Daily F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit will receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B credit on Points eligible rates including specific food & beverage rates or packages.
13. Do members who book with a group such as a meeting or conference receive the Daily F&B Credit?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit benefit is provided to Diamond and Gold members, based on their MyWay selection, on Points eligible rates and reward nights.
14. Can the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit apply to taxes and gratuity?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit can be applied to taxes and gratuity.
15. How do members add/register a guest to the reservation?
When booking the reservation through preferred Hilton channels, such as online at Hilton.com or the Hilton Honors app, members should ensure they indicate the total number of people staying in the room to receive up to two Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit allowances.
16. Does the Hilton Honors member receive an additional Daily F&B Credit for double occupancy?
The complimentary Daily F&B Credit is intended to cover up to two guests, which includes the Hilton Honors member and one additional guest registered to the same room (on one room per stay), per night.
17. Can the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit be utilized across multiple outlets within a day?
The Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit can be utilized across multiple outlets within one day. It will be automatically applied against all eligible F&B charges made within that timeframe, up to the total daily credit amount.
18. If members do not have F&B charges, can they apply the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit to the total folio?
The Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit was created to provide guests with more dining-related flexibility, so the credit can only be applied to eligible F&B charges billed to the member’s room.
19. Some members may utilize the hotel restaurants or bar areas for meetings, dinners, etc. without staying at the hotel. Does the Hilton Honors member have to be staying at the hotel to receive the F&B credit?
Hilton Honors members, even if utilizing hotel facilities such as a restaurant or bar area, must be a registered guest of the hotel to receive the complimentary Daily F&B Credit.
20. Do members receive the Hilton Honors complimentary Daily F&B Credit on redemption/reward stays?
Yes, Hilton Honors Gold and Diamond members that select the complimentary Daily F&B Credit as their MyWay benefit will receive the Daily F&B Credit on hotel reward stays, both reservations booked with all Points or Points & Money.
21. Do members receive the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit at all-inclusive properties?
Like the previous elite Continental Breakfast benefit, the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit is not offered at all-inclusive properties.
22. If a member selects Points over the Daily F&B Credit on a reservation with a registered guest, do they receive double Points?
The Hilton Honors Bonus Points selection via MyWay Benefits is a one-time bonus per stay, regardless of the number of guests.
23. Can a guest make a change to their MyWay benefit mid-stay to receive the Daily F&B Credit?
No, Hilton Honors members should make their MyWay benefit selections prior to check-in or during arrival in order to receive the complimentary Daily F&B Credit.
24. When does the credit expire each day?
The credit does not “expire” until the member checks out, however, the daily amount re-sets each day to the maximum daily credit value. Members can use up to the total daily maximum and are responsible for anything beyond that amount.
Since the member gets a new credit each day (for the number of nights of their stay), the only day they can use any leftover credit is the morning of check-out.
25. How will the F&B Credit work between January 1-February 1, 2022?
Stays that take place between January 1-February 1, 2022 will receive the complimentary Daily F&B Credit amounts announced in 2021. The increased credit amounts for Hilton’s lifestyle and full-service brands will go into effect on February 1, 2022 and beyond.
26. How will the complimentary Daily F&B Credit appear on my hotel bill/folio?
The total eligible Daily F&B Credit amount used and billed to the room during a member’s stay will be automatically applied and appear as one line item per day on a member’s hotel bill/folio, deducted from the total stay cost at the end of their stay.
27. How will the Hilton Honors Daily F&B Credit be handled at hotels with Executive Lounges?
At hotels that have an Executive Lounge that offers complimentary breakfast, Diamond members and Gold members upgraded to Executive Lounge access will not receive the Daily F&B Credit. These hotels will provide the Daily F&B Credit to Gold members not upgraded to Executive Lounge access.
28. Is the Daily F&B Credit now a permanent benefit?
In addition to increasing credit amounts across the lifestyle and full-service brands, Hilton Honors is extending the complimentary Daily Food & Beverage Credit into 2022 and will continue to evaluate this benefit to make the best decisions for our members going forward.
Hilton's new U.S. Hotels Daily Food & Beverage Credit for Elite members thru 2021
May 26, 2021, 9:21 am
#256
Join Date: Mar 2017
Location: Chicago
Programs: AAdvantage EXP | United Silver | HH Diamond | Bonvoy Platinum | Hyatt Explorist
Posts: 718
All the hotel owners must do is reflag to IHG and those pesky elite benefits are gone... 
Yes there may well be complaints about how much it "costs". But there will surely be recognition somewhere that they also pick up a price and occupancy premium from guests who are choosing Hilton simply because of their status.
Yes there may well be complaints about how much it "costs". But there will surely be recognition somewhere that they also pick up a price and occupancy premium from guests who are choosing Hilton simply because of their status.
2. That's the thing. I get that an owner at (insert beach destination) is like ... OMG 60% of my guests are elites, that is a lot of bacon. This costs a lot because "everyone has status." However, how many of those people chose that Hilton - as opposed to a boutique hotel, airbnb, etc because of said benefits. How many non-elites are trying to stay at a dated Hilton? Be interested to see what happens as benefits are scaled back even more.
May 26, 2021, 9:42 am
#257
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,321
I can't speak for now during COVID, but since opening the H Hotel at LAX has always given elites a credit vs free breakfast and it has never been enough to cover the bill. With that said, their food was always at a higher level than many Hilton properties so I didn't mind paying the difference. I'll back there in two weeks and we'll see if they're even open for breakfast.
Overall this change by Hilton is going to frustrate business travelers who 1) don't follow these developments as closely as the FT community and 2) are just getting back on the road and will be shocked to find one of the best benefits of Gold/Diamond has been altered (even if there's a credit). I keep my staff at Hilton properties because I know we can get breakfast taken care of.
Overall this change by Hilton is going to frustrate business travelers who 1) don't follow these developments as closely as the FT community and 2) are just getting back on the road and will be shocked to find one of the best benefits of Gold/Diamond has been altered (even if there's a credit). I keep my staff at Hilton properties because I know we can get breakfast taken care of.
Under the new policy, I would expect this to go away.
May 26, 2021, 10:14 am
#258
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
With my last honest work being a waiter, albeit almost 50 years ago, I can’t but help wonder what impact this will have on servers. One one hand, the bills will be higher but disgruntled elites may take diminished benefits out on the waitstaff. One the other hand, I suspect some elites under-tipped for comped meals.
May 26, 2021, 11:05 am
#259
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Midwest
Programs: Marriott Titanium, IHG Plat, Hyatt Globalist, HHonors Diamond, AA Plat Pro, UA Silver
Posts: 571
)
May 26, 2021, 11:23 am
#260
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,321
Thats what the pre-July rule was: provide a continental breakfast or a credit that covers it and can be used to upgrade to more expensive items. There's no reason to offer it starting July.
May 26, 2021, 11:28 am
#261
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: Delta PM, Delta Reserve, Amex Plat, Bonvoy Gold, Hilton Diamond, Starbucks Gold ;)
Posts: 1,776
**Just pulled up that menu on their website. That is not their pre-COVID breakfast menu. I’d have to see if I could find their old menu.
May 26, 2021, 12:01 pm
#262
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: PHL
Programs: AA EXP MM, HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Ti, UA Silver
Posts: 5,037
That's the thing. I get that an owner at (insert beach destination) is like ... OMG 60% of my guests are elites, that is a lot of bacon. This costs a lot because "everyone has status." However, how many of those people chose that Hilton - as opposed to a boutique hotel, airbnb, etc because of said benefits. How many non-elites are trying to stay at a dated Hilton? Be interested to see what happens as benefits are scaled back even more.
May 26, 2021, 12:33 pm
#263
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Toledo, OH
Programs: Delta DM & MM, Hilton DM, Marriott gold, Hyatt Globalist, Alaska 75K, Wyndham Diamond,
Posts: 15,399
With my last honest work being a waiter, albeit almost 50 years ago, I can’t but help wonder what impact this will have on servers. One one hand, the bills will be higher but disgruntled elites may take diminished benefits out on the waitstaff. One the other hand, I suspect some elites under-tipped for comped meals.
Housekeepers are the ones I think that are really suffering. Last stay at a DT I didn't tip the housekeeper what I normally would on a four night stay seeing I didn't get any service at all and had to go to the front desk and wait in a line for refills on shampoo and fresh towels and had to leave my used towels outside the door to be picked up.
May 26, 2021, 12:56 pm
#264
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: BCT. Formerly known as attorney28
Programs: LH HON,BA GGL GfL,Hyatt LT Glob,Mrtt LT P,Hilt LT D,IC Amb,Acc P,GHA Tit,LHW Strlg,Sixt/Av/Hz D/Pres
Posts: 6,826
This sucks.
May 26, 2021, 2:05 pm
#265
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,321
Unfortunately my experience on FT over the years does *not* indicate that frequent travelers know better, and many do not tip as a matter of course- insisting the hotel should take care of it.
May 26, 2021, 2:53 pm
#266
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
Just before C-19 hit some of my usual haunts replaced certs with a Diamond list which for some reason I find slightly off-putting, although I never seem to mind at an Embassy Suite or, for that matter, Europe.
I generally ask the server to bring a zeroed out bill so I can add a tip. Not for the few hotel points—really—but for better service in that I tip anyhow.
May 26, 2021, 3:52 pm
#267
Join Date: Aug 2020
Location: Somewhere in the Mid-Atlantic
Programs: Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 619
Housekeepers are indeed suffering now because their boards are going to be comprised daily of all checkouts which are far more time consuming to do, let alone do correctly, and they're under a mountain of pressure to do things ultra fast. But in terms of getting tips, to say it happened infrequently pre-pandemic would still be an exaggeration let alone now. Easier to finds a hen's tooth left in a room then it is for a housekeeper to find a tip.
May 26, 2021, 8:25 pm
#268
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2002
Location: ORD, HKG
Programs: UA*G, AA Emerald, HHonors Diamond, Hyatt globalist
Posts: 10,279
I can't speak for now during COVID, but since opening the H Hotel at LAX has always given elites a credit vs free breakfast and it has never been enough to cover the bill. With that said, their food was always at a higher level than many Hilton properties so I didn't mind paying the difference. I'll back there in two weeks and we'll see if they're even open for breakfast.
**Just pulled up that menu on their website. That is not their pre-COVID breakfast menu. I’d have to see if I could find their old menu.
**Just pulled up that menu on their website. That is not their pre-COVID breakfast menu. I’d have to see if I could find their old menu.
https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/hilton-hilton-honors/1887371-h-hotel-los-angeles-curio-collection-hilton-us-ca.html
FYI, Hilton LAX is currently giving $15 at the bistro that you can use it for whatever breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even cup noodles they are selling
Last edited by ORDnHKG; May 26, 2021 at 10:19 pm
May 27, 2021, 12:26 am
#269
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Usually in SAN or Central Europe.
Programs: AA:EXP/1MM. Accor/Radisson:Silver; HH:Gold; ICH:Plt Amb.
Posts: 22,307
May 27, 2021, 8:42 am
#270
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,862
Sure, some elites would pay for breakfast. However, I doubt that would offset the revenue lost from other elites booking elsewhere in order to get a better breakfast benefit (like me...).
I'll be hitting the bottom line of hotels that don't offer a decent breakfast benefit even harder by moving my entire stay to a different property. Sure, you might have made $7 off of me daily at breakfast, but you just lost $200 to $400 daily from me for room etc.
Exactly. Breakfast is a comparatively inexpensive yet effective enticement. Just read all the complaints in this thread for examples...
I'll be hitting the bottom line of hotels that don't offer a decent breakfast benefit even harder by moving my entire stay to a different property. Sure, you might have made $7 off of me daily at breakfast, but you just lost $200 to $400 daily from me for room etc.
Exactly. Breakfast is a comparatively inexpensive yet effective enticement. Just read all the complaints in this thread for examples...
For some people, believe it or not, this change is better. When I traveled for business, breakfast wasn't out of my pocket anyways. Now I'd have an extra credit for something else, like maybe alcohol that wasn't covered before. For other stays where breakfast was already included, those stays are now elevated. I have an upcoming Embassy stay and now I have an extra credit I didn't have before, while not losing anything else. Some people also don't eat breakfast or don't want to eat at the same place each morning. There are plenty of ways to get breakfast included if it is that important.
Don't get me wrong, there is a breaking point that makes a hotel/chain no longer worth staying at. There are definitely some impacts here that aren't welcome. At the end of the day, I'll continue to decide on the stay as a whole. I recently just did an IHG stay in a suite where Hilton was not the better choice. Instead of worrying about "free breakfast" I saved hundreds on the room rate, had a fantastic stay, and fried up a few eggs from my balcony. There's more to life than "free free free". Especially when you pay more for "free" stuff.