Hilton Whistler Resort & Spa {CAN}
Dec 4, 2010, 10:49 am
#167
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tacoma, WA, USA
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Dec 6, 2010, 6:30 am
#168
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: BDA - Platinum Medallion
Programs: DL-PLATINUM, HH-DIAMOND
Posts: 114
I just tried the Diamond Desk but they were only offering standard rooms. So, are you saying I would probably not get the standard room? They also said that only a King standard (no kitchen) was available even though doubles are available for a paid stay. I didn't push the Diamond force yet because on top of that, they want a 30 day non refundable deposit. I haven't stayed at a Hilton in a while but what's the deal with a 30 day cancellation policy. That's a total joke.
You're right, you get none of that nonsense at Westin. Hilton needs to take a few lessons.
You're right, you get none of that nonsense at Westin. Hilton needs to take a few lessons.
Dec 6, 2010, 8:53 am
#169
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Dec 6, 2010, 9:03 am
#170
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: BDA - Platinum Medallion
Programs: DL-PLATINUM, HH-DIAMOND
Posts: 114
Dec 6, 2010, 10:43 am
#171
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I can't work out quite what the problem is with standard rooms. When I last booked at the Hilton Whistler the problem I had was that they had no standard rooms left available so I couldn't book. My issue was that since only 8 rooms out of 200+ (or way less than 5% of all rooms) were "standard", the standard room category is just a device to limit redemption awards. Of the standard rooms some are "handicapped accessible" which limits the real number still further IIRC.
After much arguing and escalation I was able to book a Queen with Kitchen. I would hate to actually occupy one of these rooms as it seems to essentially be a standard room with kitchen facilities. HH though will only ever issue a redemption in the standard room category, you then either roll the upgrade dice or agree to extra payment per night (charge only due at the end of your stay like any room charges).
So is the issue that they have no standard rooms available (in which case you need to go down the Diamond Force/escalation route) or is it that they will only issue an award in a "standard" room (which would be standard practice if you pardon the pun)?
Dec 6, 2010, 3:26 pm
#172
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tacoma, WA, USA
Posts: 639
And now the Westin is doing the same thing. First year doing so. I've stayed there half dozen times and this has never been an issue. I don't mind a one night (for points) cancellation policy but I believe the Westin Whistler is 25,000 points for any cancellation less than 30 days out. Nice treat for the most loyal of us, isn't it.
Dec 6, 2010, 3:31 pm
#173
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tacoma, WA, USA
Posts: 639
Yes but they don't actually charge a cancellation deposit up front do they? I wasn't charged up front when I had my stay there but I was aware of the cancellation fee and conditions. I also expected to be charged upfront but it never happened, so I am not sure whether I was just lucky or there is some confusion about the normal practice (i.e. you only get charged if you cancel within the 30 days). I have no real issue with a long cancellation for a resort property with a very limited peak season and where rooms during this time are valuable commodities.
I can't work out quite what the problem is with standard rooms. When I last booked at the Hilton Whistler the problem I had was that they had no standard rooms left available so I couldn't book. My issue was that since only 8 rooms out of 200+ (or way less than 5% of all rooms) were "standard", the standard room category is just a device to limit redemption awards. Of the standard rooms some are "handicapped accessible" which limits the real number still further IIRC.
After much arguing and escalation I was able to book a Queen with Kitchen. I would hate to actually occupy one of these rooms as it seems to essentially be a standard room with kitchen facilities. HH though will only ever issue a redemption in the standard room category, you then either roll the upgrade dice or agree to extra payment per night (charge only due at the end of your stay like any room charges).
So is the issue that they have no standard rooms available (in which case you need to go down the Diamond Force/escalation route) or is it that they will only issue an award in a "standard" room (which would be standard practice if you pardon the pun)?
I can't work out quite what the problem is with standard rooms. When I last booked at the Hilton Whistler the problem I had was that they had no standard rooms left available so I couldn't book. My issue was that since only 8 rooms out of 200+ (or way less than 5% of all rooms) were "standard", the standard room category is just a device to limit redemption awards. Of the standard rooms some are "handicapped accessible" which limits the real number still further IIRC.
After much arguing and escalation I was able to book a Queen with Kitchen. I would hate to actually occupy one of these rooms as it seems to essentially be a standard room with kitchen facilities. HH though will only ever issue a redemption in the standard room category, you then either roll the upgrade dice or agree to extra payment per night (charge only due at the end of your stay like any room charges).
So is the issue that they have no standard rooms available (in which case you need to go down the Diamond Force/escalation route) or is it that they will only issue an award in a "standard" room (which would be standard practice if you pardon the pun)?
I see the problem with the 8 standard rooms. It sure does seem like a way to limit redemption.
Dec 6, 2010, 3:32 pm
#174
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tacoma, WA, USA
Posts: 639
Thanks.
Dec 7, 2010, 5:03 am
#175
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For the time I needed they only had a King standard room available. I asked if they can do a Diamond Force for a double but she wouldn't. I could've pushed but wasn't 100% sure about my plans. I would assume that request is not so outrageous that it couldn't be done.
I see the problem with the 8 standard rooms. It sure does seem like a way to limit redemption.
I see the problem with the 8 standard rooms. It sure does seem like a way to limit redemption.
You cannot Diamond force a room type only availability of a standard room if the property is sold out of standard rooms. So they will commit to giving you a room for 2 (usually) but not specify King, Double or Twin. I really don't see why anyone would want a "Double" over a King, the difference is marginal at best (I could see why someone would want a King over a double though, as I would always go for this). If you want a twin then pay the smallish upgrade cost to move to an Executive room.
Last edited by Land-of-Miles; Dec 7, 2010 at 5:09 am
Dec 7, 2010, 6:37 am
#176
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Seattle, WA, USA
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Dec 7, 2010, 10:07 am
#177
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Dec 7, 2010, 5:59 pm
#178
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tacoma, WA, USA
Posts: 639
I go almost every year during this time or a little earlier in Dec but have always only stayed at the Westin. Never had a problem upgrading. I wondered if it was the same at Hilton.
Dec 7, 2010, 6:04 pm
#179
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: Tacoma, WA, USA
Posts: 639
Am I missing something or isn't a King better than a double? Do you mean a twin? I don't think they have many twin rooms at this property. the Exec Rooms/Junior Suites however have a sofabed which achieves much the same thing. You can upgrade to one of these in advance for a small fee. They would probably accommodate your request for a given bed type but they won't guarantee this in advance for a redemption (especially at a busy period where their system is showing no availability for the given room type).
You cannot Diamond force a room type only availability of a standard room if the property is sold out of standard rooms. So they will commit to giving you a room for 2 (usually) but not specify King, Double or Twin. I really don't see why anyone would want a "Double" over a King, the difference is marginal at best (I could see why someone would want a King over a double though, as I would always go for this). If you want a twin then pay the smallish upgrade cost to move to an Executive room.
You cannot Diamond force a room type only availability of a standard room if the property is sold out of standard rooms. So they will commit to giving you a room for 2 (usually) but not specify King, Double or Twin. I really don't see why anyone would want a "Double" over a King, the difference is marginal at best (I could see why someone would want a King over a double though, as I would always go for this). If you want a twin then pay the smallish upgrade cost to move to an Executive room.
I want a double (two queen beds) because I travel with my sister.
Dec 8, 2010, 2:38 am
#180
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A double means something entirely different here in Europe it generally means one queen type bed for 2 people sharing, hence the confusion.
The Exec Fireplace rooms give you what you are looking for with a sofabed and a King bed, I think they notionally sleep 4. From my rough comparisons they are similar to a standard studio suite at the Westin Whistler except perhaps they are rather bigger.
The Exec Fireplace rooms give you what you are looking for with a sofabed and a King bed, I think they notionally sleep 4. From my rough comparisons they are similar to a standard studio suite at the Westin Whistler except perhaps they are rather bigger.