Hilton Sandton {ZAF}
Apr 7, 2010, 1:04 am
#62
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,783
I stayed at the Hilton Sandton (Johannesburg) this past week. At check-in I was informed that it was the hotel's policy to only upgrade Diamond members, not Gold. I argued for 20 minutes, produced the printout of the HHonors policy for room upgrades and executive lounge access and got Hilton worldwide reservations on the phone who confirmed king bed availability on the executive floor. Eventually, and very reluctantly, I got my upgrade. The duty manager told me that he has had this issue with other Gold guests but has been instructed by the general manager to only upgrade Diamonds.
The general manager's email address is [email protected]. Some may be interested in emailing the gentleman pointing out their dissatisfaction at this information and/or seeking clarification.
The general manager's email address is [email protected]. Some may be interested in emailing the gentleman pointing out their dissatisfaction at this information and/or seeking clarification.
Last edited by danger; Apr 7, 2010 at 1:51 am
Apr 7, 2010, 6:04 pm
#63
Join Date: Apr 2007
Programs: QF, VA, AC, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 3,783
After emailing Axel I received this response:
Dear Danger
Thank you for your email concerning your recent stay with us.
I would like to extend a sincere apology for the problems encountered upon your check in. Please rest assured that I have addressed this issue with the team members concerned and corrective action has been taken accordingly. We are also scheduling refresher training on Hilton HHonors as a matter of urgency for all team members as we have had a few new starters lately and we need to ensure that all team members are fully and properly versed on the benefits of the program.
Please rest assured that we do in fact upgrade our Gold members as per policy and should you be returning to Hilton Sandton in future, please don't hesitate to make your reservation through my office and I will ensure you receive an upgrade to the Executive Floor should our occupancy level permit. Furthermore, by way of apology, I am arranging for 10.000 points to be credited to your Hilton HHonors account.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to us as it is only through feedback such as yours that we are able to improve our standards and service delivery.
Yours sincerely,
Axel Hauser
General Manager
Hilton Sandton
South Africa
Thank you for your email concerning your recent stay with us.
I would like to extend a sincere apology for the problems encountered upon your check in. Please rest assured that I have addressed this issue with the team members concerned and corrective action has been taken accordingly. We are also scheduling refresher training on Hilton HHonors as a matter of urgency for all team members as we have had a few new starters lately and we need to ensure that all team members are fully and properly versed on the benefits of the program.
Please rest assured that we do in fact upgrade our Gold members as per policy and should you be returning to Hilton Sandton in future, please don't hesitate to make your reservation through my office and I will ensure you receive an upgrade to the Executive Floor should our occupancy level permit. Furthermore, by way of apology, I am arranging for 10.000 points to be credited to your Hilton HHonors account.
Thank you again for taking the time to write to us as it is only through feedback such as yours that we are able to improve our standards and service delivery.
Yours sincerely,
Axel Hauser
General Manager
Hilton Sandton
South Africa
May 1, 2010, 9:45 am
#65
Join Date: Apr 2010
Posts: 309
Keep in mind that the exchange rate of Rand to $ changed dramatically (not quite doubled, but close to that, the lowest I recall being about 12 Rand for 1 $, now about 6.5). Also, depending on the travel dates, I can see rates as low as $134 for June 2004 ("Weekend in Style", including full breakfast and late checkout).
Jul 11, 2011, 7:24 pm
#67
Join Date: Feb 2011
Location: Brooklyn, NY
Programs: Honors Diamond; AA Ex Plat; AS MVP 75K
Posts: 225
Has anyone been to this property recently. I have a trip to SA planned in August which includes a couple of nights in the Johannesburg Hilton. I got an absolute steal (or so I hope) of 18,000 points/night for the Royal suite. Unfortunately I don't know much about the hotel or the suite. Anyone have recent reports?
Jul 23, 2011, 7:44 am
#68
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, HH Diamond, Amex Centurion
Posts: 10
I spent a couple of months at Hilton Sandton in the latter half of last year. It is a good property. Each week I was upgraded to a junior suite, which is nice. It is conveniently located in Sandton and was a short drive to my work each day. The food is not amazing, but there are plenty of good restaurants near the hotel.
Jun 10, 2012, 8:32 pm
#70
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: SFO/STS
Programs: UA Gold-1MM, Hhonors Diamond, Marriott/SPG Gold
Posts: 1,090
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/afric...b-sandton.html
Jul 3, 2012, 2:40 am
#72
Join Date: May 2011
Location: Newbury, UK
Programs: BA Gold, BMI Gold, IC Amb and Plat, HH Diamond
Posts: 43
Oh and love the access system for it - you have to phone the business centre for a password! If anyone tells me "this is Africa" one more time GGRRRRR............
Jul 3, 2012, 9:17 pm
#73
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: ORD
Programs: AA EXP >3 Million miles,HH Lifetime Diamond
Posts: 2,887
Yes it has wireless and free for diamonds, not fantastic speed, but OK. Works in the lounge too when you move about.
Oh and love the access system for it - you have to phone the business centre for a password! If anyone tells me "this is Africa" one more time GGRRRRR............
Oh and love the access system for it - you have to phone the business centre for a password! If anyone tells me "this is Africa" one more time GGRRRRR............
Jul 8, 2012, 1:36 am
#74
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: AA (EP), Hilton (Diamond), Marriott Bonvoy (Titanium)
Posts: 8,937
Yes it has wireless and free for diamonds, not fantastic speed, but OK. Works in the lounge too when you move about.
Oh and love the access system for it - you have to phone the business centre for a password! If anyone tells me "this is Africa" one more time GGRRRRR............
Oh and love the access system for it - you have to phone the business centre for a password! If anyone tells me "this is Africa" one more time GGRRRRR............
[of course it isn't really 'L' for lion, but rather 'L' as in lion, but I'm embarrassed that I notice such arcane things]
Jan 7, 2014, 9:16 am
#75
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: AC SE, AA EXP MM, UA Gold MM, Hyatt Glob, Marriott Titanium, HH Dia, IHG Plat
Posts: 4,777
Any recent experiences with the executive lounge, and the potential for a Diamond upgrade and restaurant breakfast with a points and cash reservation?