DoubleJ

Weatherboy,
I did get the invitation to the GM's reception the last time I was here (in March), but didn't get the invite this time around. Never got those drink vouchers you mentioned, but did get a plate of fruit, small bag of cookies, and two daily bottles of Evian on this trip.

46long

Same as DoubleJ, cookies,fruit, evian along with some odd stuffed animal. My girlfriend didn't take to it as she did to the Conrad bears and the poor thing was left behind. No invites or drink chits either. We stayed at the Cairns Shangri La last night. Seemed nice but we didn't get in until 1 am and the bed was amazing so we didn't do much else but sleep. We got a great rate of 139 AUS all in on Wotif.com while the Shangri la site was showing 320! On the way back we have 3 nights in the Cairns HIlton. The flight from Guam on Continental was pretty good, but no upgrade as it was a reward ticket. However we got 3 seats in Row 14 which is an exit row with full recline and just as much leg room as First on the 738s. Finally got a chance to use my drink chits in economy, we left with 14 and arrived with 4...not bad. Also when I tipped the Flight attendant a buck with the chit he looked at me and asked" You sure?" I smiled and replied "Absolutely." He smiled and continued on with his work. Towards the end of the flight he approached Ms 46 and I and handed us 4 free drinks and said it was much appreciated and to let him know if we wanted any more because they were on him! Obviously 1 dollar didn't elicit such an act but the gesture did. So all you naysayers who think tipping isn't appreciated,give it another shot. I usually don't do this in first but always do in Economy class. Right now we are in Cairns Airport awaiting our flight to Brisbane. Will update from the Hilton Brisbane.
Cheers,
46

46long

Just spent 5 nights at the Brisbane Hilton. Had a great rate of 130.00 Australian all in, from 12/28-1/2. Upgraded to Exec Floor as a Gold, lounge was a bit small but staff were great. Great location if you want to shop, very central. We lucked into great weather , around 29 C with low humidity. The locals said that was not the norm. Pool was a bit small but never busy so no big deal. My only complaint was the lack of internet access. Just 2 terminals at lobby level where u pay 5 bucks for 23 minutes. Hotel is currently being retro-fitted for broadband access. Scheduled to be finished in March. Overall would recommend this hotel, especially for the rate I had.

Right now I am at the Conrad Jupiters on the Gold Coast, again was upgraded to the Exec floor. Pretty good record for a riff-raff Gold, 3 for 3 this trip!Sitting in the lounge right now with free wireless access on my laptop. Evening snacks and drinks starting now 5-7 pm so I'll finish this in a couple of hours. Wow, great Hors d'oeuvres! This lounge is all self service which I prefer to the Brisbane lounge where they like to serve the drinks. Also the views are fantastic from the lounge and our room here on the 18th floor.
Haven't hit the casino downstairs yet but will report back. Happy new Year, Hyatt Sanctuary Cove, Conrad Treasury Brisbane, and Hilton Cairns still to come.

Cheers,
46

JDiver

The Hilton Guam still hasn't entirely recovered from the typhoon damage (supertyphoon Pongsonga) - and the lounge is quite inadequate for the crowds.

Nonetheless, our economically priced stay we were upgraded to the Paradise Suite - great views, incredibly spacious, marble bath I could have rented out to skateboarders / skaters, courtesy fruits, chockies, wine, taken care of absolutely royally.

My comments on some of the good and the bad (e.g. the closed restaurants, the lounge, but a gripe will get you free brekkies coupons for the restaurant usually, and we were given drink coupons for the beach area bar,) were replied to by G. M. Manfred Pieper - I personally think $$$ are lacking for all the improvements.

Summing it up: for the price, I'd go back again. Good R&R, easy travel elsewhere, great views and service.

KezzaKawasaki

Thanks for the great report - very useful, as I will be staying at a couple of these properties in the next few months!

46long

Can anybody shed some light on this new category of room offered at this property? It prices out higher than Executive rooms but seems to have same perks. It would appear as though there are two lounges at this property now, Exec and Tasiclub. Any info appreciated. Thanks.
46

DoubleJ

Early this year, when the Tasi Club was being highly promoted on the Hilton Guam website, I thought I mentioned that it had it's own lounge. Most of that (including most of the pictures) are now gone, and all I can find on the Hilton Guam website is that breakfast and cocktails for Tasi Club guests are served in the Atrium. Whether this doubles as a lounge is unknown.

The Tasi Club rooms are located in the wing at the far end of the complex. I was at the Guam Hilton in March, and meant to drop by this "Tasi Wing" to check it out, but just never got around to it. I will say that from the outside, the rooms don't look like anything special, though the room pictures on the Hilton Guam website do look appealing.

While I probably won't be staying in a Tasi Club room on my next trip to Guam, as my HH Gold already gets me an upgrade to the "old" Executive floors and lounge, I will be sure to check it out.

rtarbuck

Just had the great experience of a stay at this property. I stayed in the "old tower" on the 13th floor. That was a Diamond upgrade to the executive floor. They included a cocktail party at the lounge with appetizers and a great selection of drinks available. Concierge was extremely helpful. They also put breakfact in the lounge from like 6 to 10AM. Great quality and another great concierge.

I was most impressed with the serivce at this hotel.

Did not check the other new wing; but can't imagine it to a lot letter than the standard Diamond upgrade.

badger2

Was there in March, too. I poked around in the new area and didn't see it to be any better than the old Exec area. The staff of the Exec lounge are wonderful. The free b'fast items are creative if you like Spam, but it is clean, cheerful and bright. The free drinks in the afternoon are nice, but get there early so your favorite is still avalable.

I thought the whole property was delightful. Staff exceedingly nice. Much better than the Marriott. I'd love to go back. Guam is quite a place for those who have not been there. Go to Saipan as well if you have the time and see the Japanese war memorials

Colombo

I need few days to relax and was thinking of going to Guam
anyone stayed at the Hilton Guam?? nice? good location? any inside appreciated thanks

DoubleJ

The hotel property itself is getting a bit worn (Tasi Wing notwithstanding), and the rooms are really nothing to write home about. That being said, it is a nice getaway and one I often use. (It's a relatively short and a direct flight from Japan). And as one might expect, most of the visitors here are from Japan and several other countries in Asia. HHonors Gold Elite or above status will usually get you an upgrade (or at least access) to the Executive Floor/lounge.

Locationwise, the Hilton Guam is at the quiet end of Tumon Bay, away from all the "action." If you're renting a car, you'll be OK (parking is free), and there are several kinds of buses (shopping, tourist) that can transport you to other areas around Tumon.

SPN Lifer

Two nice things about its location at the south end of Tumon Bay are how close it is to the airport, and its proximity to Tamuning.

From the airport, just drive south and then west, as the road curves, downhill to the "T" intersection with Marine Corps Drive. Turn left (south) at that traffic light, and then take a right (west) at the next traffic light. It will take you down the hill right to the Hilton, driving straight through the traffic light at the intersection of San Vitores Road -- the main hotel row street.

To visit Tamuning from the Hilton, simply turn right (south) at the San Vitores Road intersection as one exits the Hilton (eastbound) and drive up the hill to the traffic circle. There aren't many of those in the U.S.; it reminds me of Annapolis, Maryland. Travelling 270 degrees, one can end up eastbound on Chalan San Antonio -- the thoroughfare on which is found St. Anthony's Church (on the right), Cost-U-Less (a non-membership big-box outlet) and the Guam Premium outlet mall almost at the Marine Corps Drive intersection, with its movie complex and Ross discount clothing store.

I always enjoy visiting "the big city."

Weatherboy

I returned from a brief visit to the Hilton here. (No worries SPN Lifer... I plan to return to SPN later on this year )

As a Diamond on a revenue stay, I could not be upgraded to the Executive Floor. But I didn't mind: they gave me a great room with a great ocean view and full breakfast certificates. (They normally charge $23 for the full hot breakfast.) I tried to stay loyal to east coast time and spent most afternoons drunk/asleep on poolside mai-tais, so I wouldn't have induldged much in PM snacks/drinks in the lounge anyway

The property has made many cosmetic and landscaping upgrades since my last visit, including new/updated furniture in the guestrooms. to the rock-hard beds, then again, in Japan, I'm used to rock-hard beds so I guess they're there to appeal to the Japanese clientele --which by my guestimate, amounts to 90% of their guest traffic.

The hotel staff was all friendly ...ranging from front desk staff to pool/towel guy... to bartenders.

The pools were all great ...as was the beach. The Bay was sparkling blue --absolutely beautiful!

I had emailed them ahead of time with my flight information and they were waiting for me in the airport when I arrived. They charge $5 each way for the shuttle (compared to $15 + $1/bag + tip for taxis.) The ride to/from the airport was very friendly ...and quick.

I guess I'll have to go back to the Hyatt in a future stay to compare the two again. In the meantime, the Hilton is a great place for a great value --my rate, under $120/night, was worth it.

DoubleJ

I'm surprised you weren't upgraded, especially as I wouldn't expect this property to be that busy in the off season. So far I'm 4 for 4 on upgrades to the Exec floor with lounge access as a Gold, and these during the Xmas and Spring break "holidays." That being said, you really didn't miss much (rooms on the Exec floor appear to be pretty much the same on other floors, just higher up), and having those coupons for breakfast downstairs was a definite plus!

BTW, I've never had to pay the $5 for the shuttle. I've seen the sign posted in the shuttle, but have never been asked by the driver to pay nor have I ever been charged by the hotel. I had kind of come to assume that maybe this charge was for the benefit of the Japanese package tours. (Service charge instituted to make up for a lack of tips.)

FlyerTalker671

i will be going there is july and will be over in the hilton for 3 nights. right now im going to be in a standard room facing the hill. if i ask politely when i arrive to be upgraded for free is there any chance? i have no status at all with HH