Hilton now selling upgrades to Gold/Diamond. End of complimentary upgrades imminent?
Oct 19, 2022, 3:17 pm
#31
Join Date: May 2022
Posts: 2,374
I've been seeing in-app upgrade offers the entire year, so I'm not sure why it's mentioned that this is new? I've seen in-app offers and gotten upgraded for free upon check in anyway, as well as in-app in spite of Hilton selling room upgrades. I doubt many customers are biting because they're expensive for little value. I don't go to hotels to stare out the window at a beautiful view.
I am a strong believer in book a room you are happy with. Book a 1 bedroom and hope for a 2 bedroom, sure. But I'd never book a single room for a family of 6
Oct 19, 2022, 7:59 pm
#32
Join Date: Jan 2021
Posts: 541
I don't have kids but as you said, I wouldn't rely on the upgrade mechanism to get a bigger room if I did. I also think Hilton does have a guest limit on 1 bedroom rooms (I think it's four but maybe five for certain properties).
Oct 19, 2022, 11:45 pm
#33
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: new york, ny
Posts: 1,373
Not always. I just checked. London Hilton Bankside Penthouse Suite sleeps 2
Oct 20, 2022, 12:34 am
#34
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Silicon Valley
Programs: Marriott Ambassador
Posts: 1,243
Of course, each person has their own needs and desires. When I travel for business I enjoy the separation between my bed and my work area, particularly if I am in a trial and have tons of files to manager. In fact, depending on the suite, it may even be appropriate for meeting clients.
Oct 20, 2022, 8:57 am
#35
Original Poster
Join Date: Jun 2022
Programs: Hilton Honors Diamond, United MileagePlus Platinum
Posts: 26
I always book/pay for suites when it's higher priority. But it's still a bit dismaying that it looks like they're encouraging franchisees to monetize upgrades. It's not even about the room itself - it's about being appreciated for spending 60+ nights/year with the brand. I always felt like the upgrades were the biggest sign of recognition we got as elites (even if it's just a view of the ocean as opposed to the parking lot).
Oct 20, 2022, 9:41 am
#36
Join Date: May 2010
Programs: Delta Silver, HH Gold, Accor Gold, IHG Platinum
Posts: 5,343
If Hilton expects a conversion rate for Gold/Diamond members, who are accustomed to complimentary upgrades, anywhere near that of the base/Silver members in their past trial, well lets prove them wrong.
Oct 20, 2022, 11:22 pm
#37
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Window Seat
Programs: National Executive, HHonors Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Visitor
Posts: 2,504
You have 10 upgrades available. Before they'd just allocate them all as comp upgrades to Gold/Diamond. Now, 5 go out as comp upgrades via the system 3 days before stays. 5 more upgrades go in the system as "pay for upgrade" to base/Silver/Gold/Diamond.
If even one Gold/Diamond pays for the upgrade, Hilton wins.
If even one base/Silver pays for the upgrade, Hilton wins.
So what if the other 40 Gold/Diamond on property a given night don't pay for the upgrade, and just get whatever room the book. Hilton wins.
Bottom line, as other here have said, book the room you want.
I still expect some properties to give upgrades though... similar to the really bad execution on the food credit for gold/diamond, it is difficult to get all of these properties on the same page.
If even one Gold/Diamond pays for the upgrade, Hilton wins.
If even one base/Silver pays for the upgrade, Hilton wins.
So what if the other 40 Gold/Diamond on property a given night don't pay for the upgrade, and just get whatever room the book. Hilton wins.
Bottom line, as other here have said, book the room you want.
I still expect some properties to give upgrades though... similar to the really bad execution on the food credit for gold/diamond, it is difficult to get all of these properties on the same page.
Oct 20, 2022, 11:23 pm
#38
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Window Seat
Programs: National Executive, HHonors Gold, IHG Platinum, Hyatt Visitor
Posts: 2,504
You figure they've already annoyed/run off how many Gold/Diamond with the awful execution of the food credit in the US. This is just another little thing. Almost as if they are trying to get rid of Gold/Diamond guests.
Oct 21, 2022, 7:53 am
#39
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: DEN
Programs: AA EXP, AA Million Miles, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 2,603
I despise that food credit, but I'm sitting here typing this from a Hilton. I've stopped spending money on on-site dining because of that stupid credit, but it doesn't stop me from booking Hilton portfolio hotels when they make sense for the trip.
Last edited by bse118; Oct 21, 2022 at 7:59 am
Oct 23, 2022, 12:42 pm
#40
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Gulf Coast
Programs: Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond; National Car Rental Executive Elite
Posts: 2,337
Looking at online check-in for a stay starting tomorrow. This is an HGI where upgrades are not a Diamond benefit, but I have received complementary upgrades before.
Counting the total rooms available, there are 70+ unoccupied rooms. Rather than upgrade a repeat customer, the only options are to buy up.
Counting the total rooms available, there are 70+ unoccupied rooms. Rather than upgrade a repeat customer, the only options are to buy up.
Oct 23, 2022, 5:12 pm
#42
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,618
Looking at online check-in for a stay starting tomorrow. This is an HGI where upgrades are not a Diamond benefit, but I have received complementary upgrades before.
Counting the total rooms available, there are 70+ unoccupied rooms. Rather than upgrade a repeat customer, the only options are to buy up.
Counting the total rooms available, there are 70+ unoccupied rooms. Rather than upgrade a repeat customer, the only options are to buy up.
Oct 23, 2022, 5:59 pm
#43
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Gulf Coast
Programs: Hilton Honors Lifetime Diamond; National Car Rental Executive Elite
Posts: 2,337
I have a 7-day stay at a large resort coming up. Did a dummy booking last night and plenty of suites are available. Im interested to see what offers, if any, will be made.
Oct 23, 2022, 7:11 pm
#44
Join Date: Sep 2022
Posts: 109
For what its worth -
stayed at the Rockwall Hilton last night. Booked a normal king room, no early indication of an upgrade etc. I didnt care. However upon check in, we were upgraded to the King Suite with Balcony. I saw they were available on the site for around $400 more than I paid. So it seems like its not effecting upgrades when available for diamonds. and there was a MASSIVE event at the resort that night.
stayed at the Rockwall Hilton last night. Booked a normal king room, no early indication of an upgrade etc. I didnt care. However upon check in, we were upgraded to the King Suite with Balcony. I saw they were available on the site for around $400 more than I paid. So it seems like its not effecting upgrades when available for diamonds. and there was a MASSIVE event at the resort that night.