Gee, I thought that on this board we all help one another. Your decision not to advise of the hotel nor of your good fortune defeats that purpose. I can only hope that you will reconsider your position, as I would not want to be in your shoes when you ask for help on some matter, and no one comes to your assistance.

On this board, we share and share alike.

[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 06-03-2001).]

Doc2Be, the reason I didn't share was not because I didn't want others staying there, but because I didn't want Hilton corporate lurkers to go back and look at the records of HHonors awards points awarded for low-rate stays at that hotel. This was months ago, and that rate is no longer available. I obtained the rate simply by going to the reservations section of hilton.com, and it was not a $0 type rate -- it was $149 for a hotel that normally goes for about twice that. Nothing secretive about it. I just don't want my points taken away. I hope you understand.

Pynchonesque --

If it was a valid rate, then they cannot take away your points, period. The only limitation that Hilton has on awarding points that I am aware of, is on "contract rates," or airline or the "Entertainment Rate" discount, ot Priceline stays; otherwise you should be entitled to them.

I can apprecitate your concern about loss of points, but I really don't think that you should worry. Nevertheless, I will not ask you to divulge its name. Will you advise whether it was a hotel in the US or was it overseas?

[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 06-03-2001).]

My experience with Priceline reservations is that most, and possibly all hotels will give you points on incidentals, but not on the actual hotel room. Hilton will also give you credit for a stay toward elite status, but Starwood won't. And some hotels will give you an upgrade if you're an elite with their chain, but some won't.

BTW, here's the official Starwood policy, as stated by Starwood Lurker here on the Starwood forum:

As far as Starwood Preferred Guest is concerned, you are entitled to Gold elite benefits such as an upgrade to a Preferred room type based upon availability at check-in and a 4 PM late check-out regardless of where you made your reservation or the rate you pay. It has been discussed that this is an "unwritten" rule that is applied at some hotels, but it is not in compliance with the Terms and Conditions of membership in Starwood Preferred Guest.
Since you made your reservation with Priceline.com, however, you are not eligible for Starpoints (other than those for incidental charges) and they stay will not count toward status re-qualification or the Free Weekends promotion currently running. We suggest if you want Starpoints for your incidentals, present your card at check-in. You will need to do so in order to be considered for an upgrade regardless. The 4 PM late check-out is not optional. It is a guaranteed benefit of the Gold elite level.

Like Sheryl says, be sure to give them your Frequent Guest number when you check in. And there's nothing wrong with asking them if they'll give points and/or an upgrade, but don't press it! If they say no, they probably can't give it to you, so don't embarrass yourself or the clerk! Remember, all you contracted for was a room, and nothing else...no points, no elite credit, no upgrade, no special requests.

If you get any of them, it's gravy. You will invariably read here or on Sheryl's board about folks who have gotten points and miles for the stay, as well as elite credit. As a hotel rep. on Sheryl's board said, if you got them it was because of an error or an exceptionally kind desk clerk. A nice extra, but you're not entitled!

If you wanted the extras that badly, you should have booked directly with the hotel. Me...I'll just settle for getting the room at less than half the lowest advertised price! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

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In Economy...no one can hear you scream!

Doc2Be,

Can't take away points? My impression is they can do anything they want to do.

The hotel is in a large US city.

[This message has been edited by pynchonesque (edited 06-03-2001).]

My experience has been that Hilton is quite decent. In any event, conrats to you, and thanx for the info.

Thanks for all your replies. As one who has benn doing most of my travel thru corporate travel depts , I know I have a lot to learn. I did not post this whine - $4.00 is not worth whining about http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif - but more as a heads up for other maybe newbies out there

Here's a HOTWIRE success story:
Found a 4 Key Times Square hotel for $121/night. Turns out to be the Hilton Times Square. Best rate on Hilton.com during the same dates is $260/night (plus $3.00 Energy Charge-quoted on website!)
Am thrilled with my purchase!

Another Hotwire success story. I found a 4 Key Upscale hotel for $57 per night twice. Both times it turned out to be the Chicago Hilton and Towers. I stayed there, and I received the same good treatment as always, an upgrade to the Towers floor for being gold which includes free breakfast and snacks.

Priceline rate doesn't void your status. I think that all you contracted is not just a room.

You are entitled to elite benefits except those specifically excluded by Priceline's terms.

Viajera,

I'll hate to burst your bubble but, while indeed $57 is a great deal for the Chicago Hilton & Towers, I've seen it go for as low as $35 with priceline. I myself stayed there over Memorial Day weekend, paying only $50/night. And as a Gold VIP, received a very nice and unexpected upgrade to a junior suite.

Arrze:
It was a good deal for me because I tried Priceline first and they didn't accept my first bid so I didn't bother playing games and I accepted the price that was being offered in Hotwire without having to go back and forth.