That sounds super. If you could elaborate on your stay that would be helpful - how was the lounge? Were you upgraded as a Diamond? Did you eat at the hotel? That would certainly help.

An exec lounge with an honor bar in the Carribean. Oh, the horror.

I also just returned from this property. It was a 7 night award stay, 2 rooms. The property is very nice and I agree with Phil The Flyer that the staff was very good.

As a Diamond, we were given lounge access. The lounge has not changed since the descriptions earlier in this thread -- no reason to repeat what's been written here. Given that it was July, the lounge was never too crowded. I can see that being different if you are there during the high season.

We ate a few meals at the hotel, mostly from the pool bar, which was fine but pricey. Someone above mentioned the fish shack down the road from the hotel. I second that recommendation -- a very good fish sandwich for the unbelieveable price of $3 US (compared to $16 US for a burger at the hotel).

Basically, this is a nice Hilton. If you go, set your expectations at that level. It's not a Ritz or a Four Seasons, and it lacks the "wow factor" that my kids have with the HWV. But it's a good hotel.

If maximum alcohol consumption at minimum cost is a priority console yourself with two daily Barbados Hilton happy hours:

5:00PM - 6:00PM: Water's Edge Bar

8:00PM - 9:00PM: Careenage Bar

Both have a much better 'atmosphere' than the Executive Lounge anyway, if you're looking to have a few drinks with family or friends.

Alternatively TGIFriday's (just up the road) has a happy hour from 3:00PM - 7:00PM - not that we tried it!

Popester - mostly we dined outside the property (we had a rental car for seven days). Both my wife and I being Diamond did help - as a family of four we were allocated three interconnecting rooms (575/577/579 - the last of which was at the end of the property with great 180 degree views from the balcony).

What really did help - and the reason I took the liberty of listing business e-mails for the senior management team for the possible benefit of others - was establishing an excellent rapport before arrival. This way I was able to discuss options/requirements beforehand; therefore there was no scope for disappointment upon arrival. I defy anyone not to be charmed by Leroy and Shawn.

I don't often drink, but I'd say that many adults would. Especially in such a destination. I can't recall being charged for liquor in an Exec lounge in the area, except for the sucky Hilton Caribe.

To add, I would highly recommend renting a car although it is relatively expensive. We paid ~125 or so for a day. Gas is included, you dont have to fill it up (unless, of course ). We drove through the island and scenary is quite amazing towards the north. No need to worry about parking. Right hand side driving was weird, but you get used to it. Locals are very aware of you as all rental cars start with "H" (or something) which designates tourists and they will yield for you and not get impatient if you make a mistake or something.

Brown Sugar was just ok, food was not that great. Actually, we didnt find a lot of great food on the island, but we were there for only 2 days.

Hilton is pretty much as described above. Staff is nice, and the beach was good. I was upgraded to the top floor beach view, probably the best room and view of the hotel.

That's funny. Our cab driver was cursing out the poor American driving in front of us, muttering "If you can't drive on this side of the road, don't rent a car!"

I currently have a 6 night reward stay for the Hilton Barbados in a few weeks that I booked last year right before the point devaluation. Since then I have lost my Diamond VIP status as I have shifted the majority of my stays to Starwoods. Since I now only have silver status, I won't be eligible for free access to the executive lounge. Given that I am there for 7 days, I am paying for the first night. My question is - if I book the first night in an executive floor room, do you think they will make me change rooms for the remaining 6 nights or will they just combine the reservation and thus, I would have access to the lounge the entire trip. The price differential for the one night is $50 which clearly wouldn't be worth it in my opinion for the one night given the shoddy service and lack of free beverages that I have read about, however, $50 for the entire week would be a steal!

If anyone has any insights on this, it would be much appreciated.

Not sure if anybody can give you a definite answer to that question, but they would certainly have every right to move you from an Exec room to a standard room after the first night as you're not entitled to the upgrade for the remaining 6 award nights. I might be wrong, but I think they would move you.

You could always call up and see if they'll give you a comp or challenge to get Gold back.

Not basing this on any data, but for $50, I think it is worth the gamble

The rooms are the same, so unless you particularly want the lounge then I wouldn't worry. If internet is an issue then note that there is free wireless internet in the lobby - at least there was last time I was there.

I guess it will all depend on room availability.

I am thinking about visiting Hilton Barbados next year. At present I am HHonors Diamond but by the time I get out there I will probably be HHonors Gold. I know normally that Gold members do gain access to the Exec Lounges but I'm also aware that in some parts of the world the lounges are only open to those staying in the suites and executive rooms.

Any takers?

Thanks

You seem to lack confidence you will be provided standard HHonors benefits. Why is that?

That lounge is very nice, nice view on the beach and one of these rare lounges where everything is free including alcohol.
If you are in high season (oct-Mar) it might be challenging but if they do not put in an executive level, during the checkin ask what level the lounge is and they will most likely give you access.
I have been there both as a Diamond and Gold and I have always gotten access to the lounge.
Good luck!