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
Jun 21, 2021, 12:18 am
#316
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2008
Location: IAH
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Ist-iest, Stariott Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 12,790
Jun 21, 2021, 12:30 am
#317
Join Date: Oct 2013
Location: SFO
Programs: UA 1K, AA EXP, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, Total Wine & More Reserve
Posts: 4,502
Jun 21, 2021, 12:34 am
#318
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: YVR, HNL
Programs: AS 75k, UA peon, BA Bronze, AC E50k, Marriott Plat, HH Diamond, Fairmont Plat (RIP)
Posts: 7,832
Jun 22, 2021, 5:31 am
#319
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Philadelphia
Programs: Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,787
I was more in favor of this until last weekend. I was staying at the Doubletree Durango and the daily credit was for $8. After the first day of having to pay on top of the credit for mediocre food I went to McDonalds for breakfast. It's a good idea in theory but the number has to be high enough that it feels like a Diamond benefit.
The breakfast benefit for Gold used to be the best perk of Hilton and what sets it apart from all the other chains. While it's true you can always venture outside for a local breakfast, it takes time and sometimes it's nice to be able to get a quick bite before I shower or get ready to start my day, esp on vacations. As someone who loves food, I would usually seek out a good place for meals, but I find that the quality difference between a hotel restaurant and a very good local eatery to be much less for breakfast, than it is for other meals.
Jun 22, 2021, 8:12 am
#320
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,252
That's so predictable though. The whole idea behind offering a daily credit is so that you'll actually be spending more money at the hotel restaurants, and perhaps make people feel more compelled to tip more and therefore further cutting the employee expenses. I don't understand why anyone believes Hilton is doing this to make it a more valuable benefit. Even if you don't eat breakfast, the credit is usually insufficient for any meals during lunch or dinner and you'll be spending money at a hotel restaurant instead of somewhere better or with more local charm. You may be able to get a drink or two, but that cost is minimal and many hotels used to offer a welcome drink as an amenity.
The breakfast benefit for Gold used to be the best perk of Hilton and what sets it apart from all the other chains. While it's true you can always venture outside for a local breakfast, it takes time and sometimes it's nice to be able to get a quick bite before I shower or get ready to start my day, esp on vacations. As someone who loves food, I would usually seek out a good place for meals, but I find that the quality difference between a hotel restaurant and a very good local eatery to be much less for breakfast, than it is for other meals.
The breakfast benefit for Gold used to be the best perk of Hilton and what sets it apart from all the other chains. While it's true you can always venture outside for a local breakfast, it takes time and sometimes it's nice to be able to get a quick bite before I shower or get ready to start my day, esp on vacations. As someone who loves food, I would usually seek out a good place for meals, but I find that the quality difference between a hotel restaurant and a very good local eatery to be much less for breakfast, than it is for other meals.
Jun 22, 2021, 8:33 am
#321
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,162
Even if you don't eat breakfast, the credit is usually insufficient for any meals during lunch or dinner and you'll be spending money at a hotel restaurant instead of somewhere better or with more local charm. You may be able to get a drink or two, but that cost is minimal and many hotels used to offer a welcome drink as an amenity.
If I'm going to eat at the hotel (most typically room service dinner...at least in the before times), I'm going to be eating at the hotel anyway. Or I'm going to grab some sodas from the front desk. That's money I know I'm spending [at inflated "Yes, I'm definitely paying for the convenience" prices -- let there be no doubt about that]
Even if the credit doesn't cover a full meal -- and hopefully is something better than the paltry $8 mentioned upthread [though that's probably close to representative of a hotel's actual product/labor/overhead costs for a comp breakfast] -- it's still something that reduces a cost that I'd otherwise be spending, so I find it far more valuable -- even if it only winds up covering a couple sodas, that's still $8 less than I'd actually be spending.
To put it another way, you have the choice between a free T-shirt in a size/style you'd never actually wear but sells for $12 or I can get $10 off a more expensive shirt, say $50 I'd actually wear and planned on buying anyway. On pure numbers the "$12 shirt for free" is more valuable but if you aren't actually going to take the shirt that $12=$0, while $50-$10=$10... and unlike a shirt, it's not like you're likely to have much success trying to flip/resell breakfast. (I'm cheap but even I'm not that cheap
)Perhaps as we start to return to more normal activities Hilton may offer it as a choice item (like HGI does with the "breakfast or 750 bonus points") so those who enjoy a free breakfast could continue to enjoy that while those who prefer a bit more sleep get some value.
Jun 22, 2021, 8:52 am
#322
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Jun 22, 2021, 9:21 am
#323
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: UA 1K MM, HHonors Diamond,PC, Marriott Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,117
It matters even at Hampton Inns
I expect this applies to locations that have actual restaurants or room service (DT and up)? Hampton Inn and ES don't have restaurants (no idea about ES room service or HGI), so wouldn't work there, unless they count the snack counter.
Since more details are forthcoming, I'd like to see if they consider an overnight stay to get one credit and when could you use it. Previously, you'd get breakfast on day of departure. With this system, could you get a daily credit on both day of check in and day of check out?
Since more details are forthcoming, I'd like to see if they consider an overnight stay to get one credit and when could you use it. Previously, you'd get breakfast on day of departure. With this system, could you get a daily credit on both day of check in and day of check out?
Jun 22, 2021, 9:57 am
#324
Join Date: Jun 2015
Location: DAY
Programs: Rapid Rewards, Skymiles, Hilton HHonors, SPG/Marriott Rewards
Posts: 4,944
This has nothing to do with this new credit. If you are spending $15 each for breakfast, you are getting something waaaaaay better in quality than a typical Hampton Breakfast.
Jun 22, 2021, 10:19 am
#325
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,855
We still made it work for a low out of pocket amount in a very nice setting. Per person would have been amazing in that scenario.
Jun 23, 2021, 2:49 am
#326
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Makati City, Philippines
Programs: Delta Skymiles DM, CX GO, Hilton Honors Diamond
Posts: 1,361
https://loyaltylobby.com/2021/06/21/...ember-31-2021/
Pessimist in me says one can expect room rates to increase accordingly to cover the cost of these credits, essentially passing it on to the consumer. In my travels I do not think I have come across a breakfast at an HGI for $10/per person, it ranges usually $14-$25 depending on location. I would always pick an HGI over say a Hampton for the hot breakfast. Now, as inconvenient as it may be, I will be seeking out local restaurants to spend my money on for breakfast. This will in turn affect the cooks and waitresses at the hotel more than anyone else as they will most likely lose out on tips and hours.
Pessimist in me says one can expect room rates to increase accordingly to cover the cost of these credits, essentially passing it on to the consumer. In my travels I do not think I have come across a breakfast at an HGI for $10/per person, it ranges usually $14-$25 depending on location. I would always pick an HGI over say a Hampton for the hot breakfast. Now, as inconvenient as it may be, I will be seeking out local restaurants to spend my money on for breakfast. This will in turn affect the cooks and waitresses at the hotel more than anyone else as they will most likely lose out on tips and hours.
Jun 23, 2021, 3:36 am
#327
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2019
Posts: 569
I thought DT was a full-service property. As such it should receive $12 (most markets) or $15 (high-cost markets = NY, LA county, SF, CHI, BOS, DC, and Hawaii).
Jun 23, 2021, 4:43 am
#328
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,320
Jun 23, 2021, 7:31 am
#329
Join Date: Aug 2017
Programs: Hilton Diamond, IHG Spire Ambassador, Global Entry
Posts: 2,855
https://loyaltylobby.com/2021/06/21/...ember-31-2021/
Pessimist in me says one can expect room rates to increase accordingly to cover the cost of these credits, essentially passing it on to the consumer. In my travels I do not think I have come across a breakfast at an HGI for $10/per person, it ranges usually $14-$25 depending on location. I would always pick an HGI over say a Hampton for the hot breakfast. Now, as inconvenient as it may be, I will be seeking out local restaurants to spend my money on for breakfast. This will in turn affect the cooks and waitresses at the hotel more than anyone else as they will most likely lose out on tips and hours.
Pessimist in me says one can expect room rates to increase accordingly to cover the cost of these credits, essentially passing it on to the consumer. In my travels I do not think I have come across a breakfast at an HGI for $10/per person, it ranges usually $14-$25 depending on location. I would always pick an HGI over say a Hampton for the hot breakfast. Now, as inconvenient as it may be, I will be seeking out local restaurants to spend my money on for breakfast. This will in turn affect the cooks and waitresses at the hotel more than anyone else as they will most likely lose out on tips and hours.
Jun 23, 2021, 9:10 am
#330
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: CLE, DCA, and 30k feet
Programs: Honors LT Diamond; United 1K; Hertz PC
Posts: 4,162
I'd be curious to see if any of your claims turn out the way you theorize. I don't believe this is some turning point for room rates. Let's be real, these new credits aren't a complete night and day from what many properties have been doing already. I am also curious to see the true impact to the staff. Where in many restaurants, they are already understaffed as it is. How many will really stop going? How many don't even use it today? Also, how good of a tip were the "free breakfast" people generally leaving?