Hilton Glasgow {GBR}
Sep 16, 2018, 10:36 am
#181
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
I'm scheduled to stay in both in about a month. It will be interesting to compare. Last time I was there (about a year ago), they both had their pluses and minuses. The elevators at the DT were broken much of the time I was there. The lounge at the DT looked like it had been attacked by a bunch of football hooligans after it had been open for about an hour. IIRC the lounge at the Hilton was much bigger than the DT. And doesn't the Hilton Lounge do afternoon tea?
Sep 16, 2018, 10:40 am
#182
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
I’d say they are about the same size. I find the DT a more pleasant experience. They have a choice of beer, Estella and Brewdog I think. Perhaps more range of food in the Hilton.
Sep 17, 2018, 4:06 am
#183
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
I think the Hilton lounge is probably 20-25% bigger than the DT. The lack of windows in the Hilton makes it look smaller than it actually is.
The state of the DT lounge surprises me. Every time I’ve been there a member of staff always seems to be lurking like Mr Benn.
Not sure about the afternoon tea, normally don’t check in until around 4/5pm.
The state of the DT lounge surprises me. Every time I’ve been there a member of staff always seems to be lurking like Mr Benn.
Not sure about the afternoon tea, normally don’t check in until around 4/5pm.
Sep 30, 2018, 3:35 am
#184
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
I think the Hilton lounge is probably 20-25% bigger than the DT. The lack of windows in the Hilton makes it look smaller than it actually is.
The state of the DT lounge surprises me. Every time I’ve been there a member of staff always seems to be lurking like Mr Benn.
Not sure about the afternoon tea, normally don’t check in until around 4/5pm.
The state of the DT lounge surprises me. Every time I’ve been there a member of staff always seems to be lurking like Mr Benn.
Not sure about the afternoon tea, normally don’t check in until around 4/5pm.
I checked out of the Hilton Glasgow and into the Doubletree Glasgow yesterday.
Hilton Glasgow has about 52 seats, a bigger food service area, "en-suite" toilets., and a reception desk - even if it is rarely staffed.
Doubletree Glasgow has about 44 seats.
Also, the food in the DT EL last night was pretty inedible. Stri-fry vegs and chicken (with no chicken to be seen) and something like potato knishes.
In addition, while older the Hilton is better construction. The DT is full of cheap veneers. The Hilton also has mini-bars which the DT does not.
Finally the elevators at the DT continue to be a problem, as I type this one of them is stuck (again) on the ground floor with the doors opening and closing.
I would definitely say the Hilton is a 4star property (or tries to be) and DT is a 3star property (or tries to be).
About the only thing the DT has going for it is the location IMNSHO.
Last edited by stc; Sep 30, 2018 at 11:05 am
Oct 6, 2018, 1:49 pm
#185
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
Back at the Hilton again
I'm back at the Hilton again. I have to say the food in the EL at the Hilton this Saturday night is a lot better than the DT last Saturday. It seems to be various Indian dishes (prawns, chicken, veg) in small plates as well as cheese, salads, olives, etc. The staff has been keeping the place spotless, often clearing plates while people are up getting more food. That is quite different than the DT which begins to look a mess. My only complaint is the only beer seems to be Bud Light. The DT last week had Brew Dog as well as something else (Stella?).
Oct 6, 2018, 2:44 pm
#186
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,570
I'm back at the Hilton again. I have to say the food in the EL at the Hilton this Saturday night is a lot better than the DT last Saturday. It seems to be various Indian dishes (prawns, chicken, veg) in small plates as well as cheese, salads, olives, etc. The staff has been keeping the place spotless, often clearing plates while people are up getting more food. That is quite different than the DT which begins to look a mess. My only complaint is the only beer seems to be Bud Light. The DT last week had Brew Dog as well as something else (Stella?).
For example one day this week the DT had gnocchi with chicken & spinach (really good), pork pies with gravy, potato wedges, some kind of Thai Curry, cheese, cold cuts and salad with olives etc. There is always Brew Dog and Estrella Damm, red & white wines as well as Gin, Vodka, JD, Rum and I think some kind of standard Malt. All spirits on request. Plus crisps, alpen bars, wine gums, shortbread & tunnocks wafers and caramel coconuts. A few weeks back there was fillet steak. I've seen salmon brought up for a Hindu family who couldn't eat the meat that was put out.
It really does depend on the chef and the client mix. Regarding cleanliness, only when its been super packed have I seen it like that but there are always two attendants for the evening session.
DT lounge is 24 hours, has windows and a much nicer ambience.
Oct 6, 2018, 4:28 pm
#187
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Newton Centre, MA, USA
Programs: DL 2MM Gold, AA Plat Pro; Hilton Lifetime Diamond, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium (via SPG), IHG Plat
Posts: 2,192
I don't know about the Hilton on the weekends, but I have a clear impression that the DT provides a more substantial offering in the lounge during the week when there are more higher yield customers due to higher rates and key-account Diamonds than the typical weekend crowd in both hotels. I mostly stay during the week and had one Sunday night stay a few weeks back.
For example one day this week the DT had gnocchi with chicken & spinach (really good), pork pies with gravy, potato wedges, some kind of Thai Curry, cheese, cold cuts and salad with olives etc. There is always Brew Dog and Estrella Damm, red & white wines as well as Gin, Vodka, JD, Rum and I think some kind of standard Malt. All spirits on request. Plus crisps, alpen bars, wine gums, shortbread & tunnocks wafers and caramel coconuts. A few weeks back there was fillet steak. I've seen salmon brought up for a Hindu family who couldn't eat the meat that was put out.
It really does depend on the chef and the client mix. Regarding cleanliness, only when its been super packed have I seen it like that but there are always two attendants for the evening session.
DT lounge is 24 hours, has windows and a much nicer ambience.
For example one day this week the DT had gnocchi with chicken & spinach (really good), pork pies with gravy, potato wedges, some kind of Thai Curry, cheese, cold cuts and salad with olives etc. There is always Brew Dog and Estrella Damm, red & white wines as well as Gin, Vodka, JD, Rum and I think some kind of standard Malt. All spirits on request. Plus crisps, alpen bars, wine gums, shortbread & tunnocks wafers and caramel coconuts. A few weeks back there was fillet steak. I've seen salmon brought up for a Hindu family who couldn't eat the meat that was put out.
It really does depend on the chef and the client mix. Regarding cleanliness, only when its been super packed have I seen it like that but there are always two attendants for the evening session.
DT lounge is 24 hours, has windows and a much nicer ambience.
I saw something this evening that leads me to believe that spirits may be on request at the Hilton as well. (Old couple mumbled something to attendant. Glasses appeared from out back with ice and clear liquid in them which they were going to top off with tonic water.)
I will also grant you that being on the guest room floor the DT lounge is move convenient. But I think the ambiance is a matter of opinion. I prefer the ambiance of the Hilton.
Oct 15, 2018, 2:33 am
#188
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Somewhere in Europe
Posts: 3,362
Someone has posted a short review about Hilton Glasgow on the HH gold and diamond Facebook group, doesn’t sound good.
Children asked to leave lounge during alcohol hours
£10 to take breakfast in the restaurant (couple of people have noted that in the comments) with nothing hot available in the lounge at breakfast.
Children asked to leave lounge during alcohol hours
£10 to take breakfast in the restaurant (couple of people have noted that in the comments) with nothing hot available in the lounge at breakfast.
Oct 15, 2018, 2:40 am
#189
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
I’m in there tonight, doesn’t sound good and too late for me to cancel now!
I’ll investigate tonight.
They’ve always been ar5e4oles in there and seem to take pride in denying H Honors benefits, specialising in denying upgrades as there are “no upgrade rooms available”.
I’ve mentioned before up thread about “negotiations” at check in using my mobile phone to show them “available” rooms, which then magically become available.
Ironically I appear to have been upgraded tonight, Will now take a screenshot, in case they apply my complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Downgrade between now and arrival!
I’ll investigate tonight.
They’ve always been ar5e4oles in there and seem to take pride in denying H Honors benefits, specialising in denying upgrades as there are “no upgrade rooms available”.
I’ve mentioned before up thread about “negotiations” at check in using my mobile phone to show them “available” rooms, which then magically become available.
Ironically I appear to have been upgraded tonight, Will now take a screenshot, in case they apply my complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Downgrade between now and arrival!
Last edited by adobbing; Oct 15, 2018 at 2:51 am
Oct 15, 2018, 6:33 am
#190
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 11,570
TripAdvisor has many such reviews complaining about the £10 breakfast up-sell for Diamond so I don't doubt its true. My stay in August was booked on a B&B rate so I didn't have issues to access the staffed toast room breakfast room.
Compare the pathetic upsell with the DoubleTree where speciality coffees and menu items like eggs bennie, royale are free for Diamond.
Upgrades hmm... they are tight on giving the actual suites "Emperor and Presidential" oh...the irony. I don't know if they still have a sauna. I was upgraded a few times before they started the corner exec balcony as "Junior Suite" with that lovely revenue push from corporate to differentiate the rooms to earn more beans.
I think the DT, and the general hotel proposition in Glasgow is hurting the Hilton. Prices are often LOWER than the DT, which is a real surprise. They've poached a lot of corporate accounts. Does the Hilton still get airline crews?
Considering its crap location, many guests would be better off staying at the Hampton and even some status guests like Silver and Gold- as its not clear they get access to the lounge?
Compare the pathetic upsell with the DoubleTree where speciality coffees and menu items like eggs bennie, royale are free for Diamond.
Upgrades hmm... they are tight on giving the actual suites "Emperor and Presidential" oh...the irony. I don't know if they still have a sauna. I was upgraded a few times before they started the corner exec balcony as "Junior Suite" with that lovely revenue push from corporate to differentiate the rooms to earn more beans.
I think the DT, and the general hotel proposition in Glasgow is hurting the Hilton. Prices are often LOWER than the DT, which is a real surprise. They've poached a lot of corporate accounts. Does the Hilton still get airline crews?
Considering its crap location, many guests would be better off staying at the Hampton and even some status guests like Silver and Gold- as its not clear they get access to the lounge?
Oct 15, 2018, 9:31 am
#191
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
I’m in there tonight, doesn’t sound good and too late for me to cancel now!
I’ll investigate tonight.
They’ve always been ar5e4oles in there and seem to take pride in denying H Honors benefits, specialising in denying upgrades as there are “no upgrade rooms available”.
I’ve mentioned before up thread about “negotiations” at check in using my mobile phone to show them “available” rooms, which then magically become available.
Ironically I appear to have been upgraded tonight, Will now take a screenshot, in case they apply my complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Downgrade between now and arrival!
I’ll investigate tonight.
They’ve always been ar5e4oles in there and seem to take pride in denying H Honors benefits, specialising in denying upgrades as there are “no upgrade rooms available”.
I’ve mentioned before up thread about “negotiations” at check in using my mobile phone to show them “available” rooms, which then magically become available.
Ironically I appear to have been upgraded tonight, Will now take a screenshot, in case they apply my complimentary Hilton Honors Diamond Downgrade between now and arrival!
Whilst I didn't complain I did mention it at check in and they looked at me bemused, a couple of days later I mentioned it and sent the screenshot on the online feedback form and received an apology and 10k points.
Oct 15, 2018, 10:37 am
#192
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
Make sure you take a screenshot!.... I got preupgraded to a king suite at Hilton Olympia in July....... the day before stay was downgraded again.
Whilst I didn't complain I did mention it at check in and they looked at me bemused, a couple of days later I mentioned it and sent the screenshot on the online feedback form and received an apology and 10k points.
Whilst I didn't complain I did mention it at check in and they looked at me bemused, a couple of days later I mentioned it and sent the screenshot on the online feedback form and received an apology and 10k points.
I am still showing as being upgraded, but I’m not there yet……
useful tip about the online feedback form, I’d probably prefer 10,000 points to use elsewhere, than a probably negligible upgrade!
Oct 15, 2018, 10:58 am
#193
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
Make sure you take a screenshot!.... I got preupgraded to a king suite at Hilton Olympia in July....... the day before stay was downgraded again.
Whilst I didn't complain I did mention it at check in and they looked at me bemused, a couple of days later I mentioned it and sent the screenshot on the online feedback form and received an apology and 10k points.
Whilst I didn't complain I did mention it at check in and they looked at me bemused, a couple of days later I mentioned it and sent the screenshot on the online feedback form and received an apology and 10k points.
TripAdvisor has many such reviews complaining about the £10 breakfast up-sell for Diamond so I don't doubt its true. My stay in August was booked on a B&B rate so I didn't have issues to access the staffed toast room breakfast room.
Compare the pathetic upsell with the DoubleTree where speciality coffees and menu items like eggs bennie, royale are free for Diamond.
Upgrades hmm... they are tight on giving the actual suites "Emperor and Presidential" oh...the irony. I don't know if they still have a sauna. I was upgraded a few times before they started the corner exec balcony as "Junior Suite" with that lovely revenue push from corporate to differentiate the rooms to earn more beans.
I think the DT, and the general hotel proposition in Glasgow is hurting the Hilton. Prices are often LOWER than the DT, which is a real surprise. They've poached a lot of corporate accounts. Does the Hilton still get airline crews?
Considering its crap location, many guests would be better off staying at the Hampton and even some status guests like Silver and Gold- as its not clear they get access to the lounge?
Compare the pathetic upsell with the DoubleTree where speciality coffees and menu items like eggs bennie, royale are free for Diamond.
Upgrades hmm... they are tight on giving the actual suites "Emperor and Presidential" oh...the irony. I don't know if they still have a sauna. I was upgraded a few times before they started the corner exec balcony as "Junior Suite" with that lovely revenue push from corporate to differentiate the rooms to earn more beans.
I think the DT, and the general hotel proposition in Glasgow is hurting the Hilton. Prices are often LOWER than the DT, which is a real surprise. They've poached a lot of corporate accounts. Does the Hilton still get airline crews?
Considering its crap location, many guests would be better off staying at the Hampton and even some status guests like Silver and Gold- as its not clear they get access to the lounge?
needless to say with the reminders of this property and it’s issues, I’m already regretting it and I’ve not even arrived yet!
I know that when I arrive at the Doubletree I will get;
a decent room.
access to a pleasant lounge and not a dingy windowless store room with lousy beer and awful wine
complimentary parking, not a an extortionate £15
A working bathroom, rather than a dated relic with a crap shower
what was I thinking of!!!
Oct 15, 2018, 12:28 pm
#194
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: norwich, uk
Programs: hhonors diamond
Posts: 5,397
can’t remember what made me book in here, other than not wanting to stay two night‘s in the Doubletree, probably because of a day based promotion.
needless to say with the reminders of this property and it’s issues, I’m already regretting it and I’ve not even arrived yet!
I know that when I arrive at the Doubletree I will get;
a decent room.
access to a pleasant lounge and not a dingy windowless store room with lousy beer and awful wine
complimentary parking, not a an extortionate £15
A working bathroom, rather than a dated relic with a crap shower
what was I thinking of!!!
needless to say with the reminders of this property and it’s issues, I’m already regretting it and I’ve not even arrived yet!
I know that when I arrive at the Doubletree I will get;
a decent room.
access to a pleasant lounge and not a dingy windowless store room with lousy beer and awful wine
complimentary parking, not a an extortionate £15
A working bathroom, rather than a dated relic with a crap shower
what was I thinking of!!!
Oct 15, 2018, 2:38 pm
#195
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Cheshire
Programs: HH Diamond, IHG Diamond Am Elite, Best Western Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold, Radisson Rewards Gold
Posts: 1,712
underground car park about one third full, parking bays near the entrance door marked as “Hilton Honors”, plenty available!
Lift up to reception and into the lobby, lobby area completely empty, one other person checking in.
Easy check in and informed I’d been upgraded to an exec room on the 18th floor.
Room looked in a decent state of repair although I was conscious it seemed smaller than the Doubletree.
Bathroom same as they have been since early 2000’s, same showers with the bizarre combined temperature and volume control. Let’s see how it performs in the morning!
Looks like they may have updated the wardrobes, but it now has two sliding doors, only one of them opens to allow you access to the hanging space which is to the left. If you slide open the left side door it doesn’t open wide enough to access the hanging space. Right hand side space is not usable. Layout doesn’t really work.
Room felt cold, so tried to alter temperature on air con dial, difficult to know whether it actually works and it is surrounded by masking tape holding it together. You start to get an idea now of the work needed to modernise.
Went down to the lounge which at 18:30 had only about 8 people in. Larger selection of hot items than the Doubletree, but mostly Indian type snacks which were all tepid rather than hot in temperature.
Only beer was bud light, so left alone and just had bottle of water. It appeared they had 4 spirits on a rotating optic stand which was self service.
Cheese and biscuits and a couple of cold meats etc.
Overall not very athmospheric and I didn’t hang around.
On my way out passing through the lobby, still very empty and only one person in the seating area.
The bar area that serves food had about 6 people in it.
Overall seemed very empty which may explain why it was the cheapest Hilton option.
Passed Blythswood Square on my walk into town, which I think is about to be IHG’d. I think when that converts the Hilton will really suffer.
Particularly with corporate custom where guests have several loyalty accounts and will be encouraged to chose the most cost effective.
Let’s see what joys breakfast brings!
Last edited by adobbing; Oct 15, 2018 at 3:04 pm