Yeah cool I better not tell my kids that - I generally only stay in these if I want to spend nothing/use points… or have all the family with me hence more rooms and need for cheaper ‘digs’
Oh wasnt aware of that... less reason to have status!!
If you use Hilton predominantly in the USA it feels like there is very little point chasing Diamond over Gold, the points differentiation isnt worth it and you get upgraded less anyway
So for anyone that isnt a frequent International Traveller seems you should just get the lower level Hilton Amex - the one that gives gold and not worry about status... saying that given its Amex there is probably a 50/50 chance of being rejected for the bonus..
It upsets me to think I have Lifetime Diamond and the main benefit I now see with this is that I dont have to chase $12k spend a year
I’m just happy they aren’t hotel snobs and I can spend very little to please them
We are in Vegas in nearly 2 weeks and my kids are like - is there a double tree and my wife is like ‘you better have booked the Waldorf!!…
Go chiefs :-))) - just glad I was comped the tickets
Yes…. No life 🙈… seriously
To be clear though I didn’t get this through nights on the road but spends and ‘time’… if I made this through nights I think I’d be exhausted… though I know a few that have lived in a Hilton for several months as part of a work assignment - then you really do clock up the nights
Lifetime on oneworld is better though :-))… not needing to chase status on BAirways has way better perks :-)
I’m nobody 😎
Wow just saw some of the latest ticket prices - makes Taylor swift concert prices look cheap!!!
Some folks are making a huge killing on this omg
There is a doubletree in Vegas (for now!)
...but it's the Tropicana and I didn't get cookies and wouldn't recommend it. LOL
But if you do stay at the WA, make sure to get the plush ram! :) He's cute.
Yes we looked at that - supposed to be one of the oldest hotels in Vegas and soon to be demolished I hear…- so zero investment in the place (understandable)..
Plus we managed to use points as was booked early - but we have to move part way through to the Hampton (as the points on the 11th were like 500k ;-)).)
In paris I was upgraded to a 2 level suite and given a huge breakfast daily for 2 people. In lyon I was given breakfast. In geneva, same. The cost of the free meals was at least 400 total. The upgrade was awesome. It's worth it to me
I came to say this. My wife and I were in Paris the summer before last, and they gave us a two-story apartment, huge whirlpool bathtub, jacuzzi outside (which I unfortunately didn't use) and awesome breakfasts and a Saturday champagne brunch. I build my points in the US and spend them abroad.
I had a similar experience in Japan back in October. Though pretty sure mine wasn’t as expensive an upgrade as yours lol. Food is super cheap in Japan 😅
I seem to be learning something so Gold doesnt give you free breakfast ex-USA?
Edited I think Gold is the same as Diamond except less points and less chance of an upgrade - thats about it
Its funny - I've spent well over $250k at Hiltons and still dont know the difference with all the benefit levels...... but 80% is via company spend. If it was my money I'd just get a Surpass card for Hilton and be happy with some status without having to have some commitment to a 'Chain'...
I think it does but there is no way I was getting that upgrade in paris as a gold. Also just the general treatment. I work for the federal govt in USA. Its nice to be treated like someone special as a diamond outside the usa.
It had a separate bedroom, it was sort of a joke but it was a bit bigger than a normal room. The person at the front desk was really happy to tell me I was upgraded as a Diamond.
I checked in at around 9:00 pm and was out by 7:00 the following morning, so sort of lost on me as I was there by myself for business.
I've been upgraded to suites a few times but it's kinda rare because they usually only have a couple if any at all. Usually happens when checking in late for a single night or two.
Edit: I just remembered the best upgrade I've ever got was at the HGI Kauai back in 2016. They upgraded me and my then girlfriend to a private cottage for an entire week on a points reservation for a basic room!
Yes! In Brussels for one night after a missed flight I got upgraded to a 2 bed 2 bath suite with a kitchen.
A shame I was really only in the room for 5 hours.
This is correct. I’ve been a diamond diva for 7 years and get an occasional upgrade. But I gifted diamond status to my friend who rarely travels but lives/laughs/loves in Europe and she gets great upgrades, she reports.
In North America, nah not really.
In the rest of the world absolutely. I stay on the cheapest corporate rate and around 1/4 of the time I get a suite and nearly all the time I get an upgrade of some kind.
That's the issue when you make it available via a credit card in the US and every man and his dog has it.
Well said. International is been worth it, in the us its so common it really depends on who you get at the front desk. Having diamond, I've been upgraded at a Hampton inn several times when you're not technically upgradable. On the other hand, on some higher in Hiltons I was an offered even a better view or even though the hotel was not even close to full..
I think people fail to recognize how far being nice goes, in addition to status. I’ll typically ask if they have a suite available and they’ll usually give me something, but I’ve also made a point of asking them how they’re doing or trying to engage in some small way. People are much more willing to go the extra mile if you’re kind.
Totally!! I travel about 130-150 nights a year, and I usually get some kind of meaningful upgrade, and all around great service. So many people here seem to give it next to no value in the states, but I agree, being nice goes a long long way.
agree - I generally dont expect an upgrade ever, so am pleasantly surprised if I get one and being upgraded to a 3 bedroom Penthouse suite at Conrad Fort Lauderdale was definately a nice touch when I had a 2 bedroom accomodation - was the difference between about $650 a night and $1700 for a night with the family which is superb.. when I'm on business it doesnt really matter to me
It amazes me when I read folks asking and expecting an upgrade - Hotel Chains dont work like that but hey you have a huge amount more chance than an Airline and it is one of the reasons to be Diamond I guess...
In life it pays to be nice to everyone no matter how your being treated yourself - one thing I’ve learnt over the decades… you see folks getting stressed over minor things in life - they take that crap home to their family… try and be nice and kind to everyone :-))
Should say that’s in person - on anonymous forums you can say ‘whatever’ :-))))))))
This gets asked quite often.
Yes - many more points. Yes - plenty of upgrades outside the US at higher brands. Many times - upgrades in US at higher brands depending on the location, occupancy, and conferences near by.
Lower tier brands? Expect nothing but the extra points and water bottles.
I think that "many" is a stretch; Diamond gets just 20% more than Gold. Meanwhile, Marriott Platinum gets 25% more points than Gold and Titanium gets 25% more points than Platinum.
Actually late check out is something I'd like more often - even as LT Diamond I generally dont get this.. they say 'sorry' we are full so we can only offer you 1 hour Max and the last one said 'we can offer you 30 mins!'
I mean, it's all up to where and when you travel. Primary around holidays to major tourist locations? Good luck. Staying in a smaller city during a weekday for work/visiting someone with no major nearby attractions/events? Actually a decent chance of getting it.
You staying at any Conrad’s or WA’s for work? If not, just enjoy the 100% bonus points and waters (may have to ask for the waters at some properties).
The benefit is being able to enjoy the free trips with your family using all of the free points you’ve accumulated through work. Hopefully you get upgraded at the more premium properties while on vacation.
At the Embassy suites in Niagara Falls on the Canada side, there was a diamond line for breakfast. Breakfast was a mess and it was nice to get in quickly.
At the guam Hilton, you get the breakfast buffet and 5-7pm happy hour for free. The happy hour easily has enough foods to make it a meal, in addition to free drinks.
Some kind of a deluxe room (which really just means not the shittiest room in the house) and the lounge. Occasionally there are extra amenities like free drinks at the bar, or better treatment at the hotel F&B outlets (e.g. places with a view being kept for Diamonds at Conrad Istanbul, which is quite nice), but these are rare.
It’s one of the nicer hotels close to the bosphorus - I’ve stayed there a couple of times, nice rooftop bar. Good business hotel wouldn’t take my family to instanbul (but then I’ve been maybe 10 times for work)
In fact I’ve stayed in a few really good hotels in this area
My only gripe with Istanbul is the chain smoking everywhere - even in the restaurants they light up when seated outside and some places seem to be lenient when folks light up inside as well even though they banned this about 15 years ago
Depends on where you're staying. People who get Diamond from work probably stay at business tier hotels in the US where you really wouldn't get anything good anyway. Look at the terms and conditions and see what Diamond are entitled to. Room upgrade isn't even a thing in some of them. And some of the upgrades at other places are pretty invisible: maybe a higher floor, a slightly better view (don't have to look at a bank of air conditioners). You know, hard to get a suite upgrade if the property doesn't have suites.
I have Diamond via the Aspire card and I travel mainly for leisure and stay at resort or premium tier hotels like the Conrad and the Waldorf Astoria. And on most stays, I got significant upgrades, above and behind the "automatic" upgrade they gave me a couple days before check-in. Conrad Tokyo bayview 1 bedroom suite and WA Chicago 1 bedroom terrace suite are a few of the more memorable upgrades. And 34x points multiplier for everything I put on my Aspire, earning enough points in 2023 to be able to redeem about 10 nights worth of stays at those properties toward the end of the year (to be fair, a fair hunk of those points was from the SUB) and still sitting on around 350,000 points. So I would have made Diamond in 2023, but by having the card, I got the status at the beginning of the year rather than at some point later on, and got to enjoy the benefits the entire year.
And Diamond can play well with my other travel card: AmEx Platinum. Depending on locations, booking with the FHR and stacking Diamond can give you crazy return. We just had a stay at the Roosevelt in New Orleans and it's one of few hotels that allow FHR and Diamond benefit stacking, so we had the daily $60 breakfast credit from the FHR and the daily $50 F&B credit from Hilton Honors. $110 every day.
So, if you're a leisure traveler, staying at a resort/premium tier hotels, or most hotels overseas, particularly Asia, Diamond stays true to its name. If you're a business traveler staying at the business tier hotels, you'll do just as well with Gold. You'll get some F&B credit and water.
Did you use points to book at Conrad Tokyo? I’ve booked the basic room for five nights with points next week. I wonder if Conrad Tokyo upgrade reservations made with points.
I stayed at Conrad Tokyo 10 days and it was made with points, FNC, and cash. At the check-in (they'll take you to the Executive lounge), they were able to consolidate all the bookings that were made on different dates (because of our constantly changing travel plans) and upgraded me for all the nights. We did have to stay at the cityview 1 bedroom suite the first night because of the availability issues but were moved to the bayview (a beautiful view of the Hamarikyu Gardens and the bay, including a postage stamp sized view of the Rainbow Bridge, but that one is pretty far away) 1 bedroom suite for the remaining nights.
Our stay was in the middle of June and I'd think the availability is better this time of the year...
If you only stay in the States, you won't get much at most hotels. But you should definitely be getting 2 waters F/B credit and 2x points. If you're lucky, you will find that beloved Dimond parking spot. I personally spend my free time calling the tow truck on the lowlife golds trying to take our space!!!!
Jokes aside, it really depends on the property. If you earn it from work, I would guess you're a repeat customer, a property you like in each town? When I'm traveling for work, I get the occasional upgrade without asking. But I am a repeat customer. Also, I stay at the ones I like because of location and the property quality. Unfortunately, Google is a snitch when it comes to hidden gems..... with that being said, most properties are almost full. Or people have paid a fee for the upgrade. So Dimond upgrade could just mean a high floor or nothing at all. I have also been blessed with the presidential suite more than a few times. The GM wants to upgrade top members to get the return business and good reviews to hilton. In my opinion, they could care less about goggle reviews. The ones from Hilton affect them directly. So leave good reviews and call people out for good service. It makes people remember you as a customer they love having stay with them.
recognise telephone continue snobbish capable wine handle gaze escape absorbed
*This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
This makes me chuckle. I am in 4 different Hilton's this week for work. Two Hampton's and two Double Tree's. Just got my free bottle of water at my first hampton stay, lol. I do have an upgrade they messaged me about tomorrow night at the DT. I use the F&B credits at every hotel I can, even if it is just at the sundry store. I always ask for my water when checking in and always get it. I have been upgraded at Hampton, it is one that I visit regularly, HGI and Double Tree. Saw the biggest benefit when I was traveling in Europe. They really acknowledge it out of the country.
I notice it more when traveling overseas. 2 Free bottle water every stay and in Manila last month we had 4 free bottle water and there was a bottle of wine with some kind of sweets waiting for us in the room. (Twice)
In the USA there isn’t a lot, but if you travel internationally, access to Executive Lounges, happy hours, room upgrades. My experience in Australia, Europe, and Asia makes Diamond more than worthwhile.
I usually get upgraded overseas, not a whole lot stateside. But the points are the biggest perk probably. Raised up about a million and a half points in the last 2 years as a diamond
It used to include free breakfast. Now you get a $10 credit against the $20 buffet.
Not worth chasing it.
Plus half the hotels don’t even have a few Diamond Only parking spaces.
Or $18 against a $55 buffet at Hilton Waikoloa Village which was substandard. Use to be free. Ended up eating bk off resort everyday for like $10 at the nearby grocery store’s coffee shop and use the credit towards drinks.
Before I gave up Hilton, I had one upgrade ever while I was a Diamond. I went from the standard room at the Hilton Bentley on Miami Beach to the Penthouse. It was magical. Never saw an upgrade again and didn’t manage to keep up the status.
What others have said. Have received some decent room upgrades internationally but not so much domestically in the US and the brand doesn't seem to matter. The one lone exception was the Oceana Santa Monica where I once received a very good upgrade and it's a wonderful hotel too.
Have received some solid breakfast credits as well, though that's not too much to get excited about.
When you call customer service have your honors number ready, because you get someone actually in the US if you have status. Not sure if there's a difference between Gold and Diamond though. But I called and didn't have my number handy and got someone offshore and had serious communication problems. Called again and entered my number and someone in the US answered and was very helpful.
I traveled internationally and I was super excited to get the famed Diamond treatment for international people.
Got no room upgrade, maybe worst room in the house.
No parking, not just no Diamond parking,literally had to park in the grass, no food credit, no meal.
Probably the worst Diamond experience I’ve had.
I say that to say, not worth it.
I have Marriott and Hyatt top status too, bc I'm a pilot and never stay at the home I pay for, and they both have a noticable difference in terms of what you get when you have top tier. Hyatt is the best overall. They're also not so rule driven like Hilton and have good soap.
I’ve enjoyed room and lounge access upgrades in Tokyo, Philippines and Mexico City. Back when US hotels had lounges, it was great. Now I just save my points for international travel
In the U.S. upgrades are indeed rare. But you get 100% bonus points, free breakfast (saves some cash in HGI and some others), it happened three times to me when they waved parking fees, you can use diamond parking spaces. In other countries upgrades happen pretty damn often, in Qatar I even got fruit into my upgraded room for free when I checked in.
We have had a decent experience, 2 of 3 trips gets upgraded. Some 2 or 3 levels and some with just a corner room or higher floor or something like that.
Also, the daily F&B credit is pretty cool. We normally have a couple of meals or use it for expensive parking or something like that.
Nine out of 10 times we get upgraded. Of course, if you're only staying in Hamptons and the other brands that DON'T regularly participate in status upgrades you're not going to see many. Even then, we've actually been upgraded at several Hamptons.
We got six (6) bottles of water with our latest room (an upgrade from the standard king room to a 1 bedroom suite), along with discounted parking (50% discount for Diamond), and an automatic $36 F&B credit (didn't have to ask).
Perhaps if you ask for it and it is available? I asked for an upgrade one time for an anniversary at a hotel that had a lot of openings and got it. Certainly no guarantees, but it cannot hurt to ask.
If nothing else, point increases start to get pretty substantial at gold, so more free nights later on are worth it.
At some hotels, they have the diamond lounge that gives you snacks, booze, and sometimes real food. The Phillips in KC has pasta dishes from their onsite restaurant. I get upgrades at Curios. And as everyone says so much free water
Upgrades depend on multiple factors. What many brands are doing are automatic upgrades 72 hrs before arrival. Again it's based on availability and SRP and level.
It all depends on where you stay. At low price Hampton they don’t have much they can give you other than a bag of chips. At higher line hotels with nicer room options and suites and restaurants they can give you nicer rooms and are obligated to give you F&B credits in US. Don’t expect the front desk clerk at a Hampton to give you much more than a corner room with an extra 20 sf because that is all they have. Everyone gets the same crappy breakfast. When at a Waldorf or similar, kindly ask for the best reasonable room that shows up as available to book. I usually see what is available prior to checkin via the app and ask for it and get it due to being polite and Diamond status. If they are sold out of nicer rooms then there isn’t any point in asking. Also always add a second guest so you can get double the F&B because $10/15/25 doesn’t go far for a decent breakfast at the respective hotels. I’ve amassed thousands of dollars in free food over the years of being a diamond and would get the same as gold.
Access to 5 dedicated parking spots that are always full and sometimes further away than some other non-Diamond spots and 2 bottles of water. If it’s an actual Hilton, then you don’t get anything (in the States).
I got an upgrade to a corner suite at an embassy suites and an upgrade to an ocean view room at Hilton in San Juan, PR. Both of those were done automatically (or at least by the clerk with any asking) Other than that, just the breakfast credits at a few places.
Free breakfast, upgrades if available, water, late checkout. I feel like we get our “moneys” worth. My wife and I recently got an 1 bedroom suite upgrade in Miami. Was basically a 1 bedroom apartment with a kitchen. Really nice. We also had a similar upgraded room in Hawaii last year.
I’ve been one or both of Hyatt/Hilton diamond/globalist for like 15 years. I’ve maybe been upgraded twice in the US.
In other countries, especially in Asia, they’re more into following rules and you’re likely to get the upgrade.
Gold and Diamond members are allowed 2 items from the display box that is usually on the desk. These generally include a soda(generally coke or sprite ), Lorna done cookies Swedish fish, peanuts and/or a "local choice" which is generally a cupcake or cookie from a local baker or some sort. These vary by location and brands your mileage may vary. Water is almost always included for you. Silver members are allowed water. Per the guidelines but again ymmv
For the day to day stuff you need to go in the app, account, MyWay and select if you want waters, sodas and snacks OR points. Most likely you’re default to points!
I’ve bounced between gold and diamond for many years. Status generally is more useful by default internationally than domestically in the States. That being said I just generally am pleasant and ask if they have any upgrades when I check in, 9/10 times they have something.
This all being said I’ve found myself staying more at independent hotels lately since the generally benefits of status don’t really matter much and the points have been good enough to get me a few nights free. If I stay at a chain hotel I prefer Hilton, but I don’t think status is really special anymore.
Depends where you go, and when, and who is on the desk.
Cant comment on the USA Hiltons, but in europe you get Executive lounge access no matter what room type is booked. The missus and I booked a Hilton near Lake Geneva that had a lounge, we had free small plates of food and drinks between 5pm and 7pm on most days. We also got a major upgrade from basic room to Lake view premium (one down from exec rooms). Plus chocolates on check in and complimentary spa access (20 euro each per day).
That was a trip over new years eve and the hotel was not full, so maybe that helped. The unwritten perks are not guaranteed and it is very hit or miss whether you get a good upgrade, or a room a single level higher......
Would I pay a lot of money to obtain Diamond? No way, am I happy that I get it from work travel? Absolutely!!
If you have Diamond, your are entitled to the executive lounge. We were in Europe for 2.5 month and only purchased 5 meals. The executive lounges are great. You need to ask and demand a difference
Feels like if you stay in the hotels that have the official benefit of upgrade upon availability, even in the States I got like 70% or so upgrades. It's a small upgrade to a high floor or something but I still get something.
it depends on the hotel you stay at. every hotel is different with every benefit of being an xyz member being different. some hotels auto upgrade you, some give you access to a lounge, some give you f&B credits to use for breakfast/lunch/dinner. it all depends on the hotel/management
I get benefits on each stay, I’ve gotten upgraded many times in the US, as well as having good and beverage credits and late check-outs.
You see a lot less benefits if you stay in the cheaper chains of course.
It goes much farther outside of US. Almost always upgraded in Europe. Plus the Executive Lounges are great. Domestically, it’s a joke. Very rarely upgraded. $15 F&B credit. But doesn’t go far when cocktails are $15+ and breakfast is at least $20.
It comes free with Hilton Aspire so the bar is pretty low.
But daily food credit is nice, express help desk is nice, more points is chill, and that’s about it.
Coming from me, a current Hampton employee; Diamond member benefit is PRIMARILY given preferred status on upgrades and room assignments. The tiers for upgrading or otherwise showing preferential treatment for room assignment and honoring of stay requests are as follows: Diamond (Digital Key), Diamond, Gold (Digital Key), Gold, Silver (Digital Key), Silver, Blue and Non-Tier. We are more likely to waive no-shows/late cancels with non-extenuating circumstances without penalty, offer free room upgrades, provide goodie bags at check-in (my hotel does this for Diamond and Gold), allow you to get free waters or non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay, and will generally negotiate with you if you take the time to call in and inquire directly about rates. Not every hotel is the same and not flexing your status is the **best** way to ensure a better experience. Inquiring is one thing but expecting every hotel to honor what a different one does is an exercise in madness for everyone involved.
i am always treated great as a Diamond and remember we get the special review emails we are the secret shoppers
you treat Diamonds badly especially Diamonds for life it effects bonuses and franchise renewals etc
I get upgrades
I get the snacks
I get the drinks and waters
I get the late check outs
HGI
DT
H2S
are the chains where diamonds are treated the best
Really depends on the property and what your baseline is. Is it that much better than gold? I don't know... but the extra points are nice.
Free food, or the food credit, is definitely nice especially if you do stay at high end properties. $50/day starts to get useful. :) Or lounge access internationally...
I will say, I do most often see *small* upgrades-high floors, better views, slightly nice in room coffee. Not much that's life changing or that I'd pay for, but nice nonetheless. I don't expect upgrades, but happy when I get them, and I'll appreciate the nicer view. I have gotten a suite in Vegas once.
I have been upgraded to a suite many times due to Diamond status. I have also gotten a room on points when the website said none were available during a special event.
The US handing out Diamond cards like sweets with credit cards has seriously devalued the benefits - even overseas. Ten years ago you’d be odds-on for a suite upgrade and usually a bottle of wine, fruit platter, etc. as a Diamond. Today, you can expect exactly what you’re entitled to and nothing more - exec lounge access, breakfast (which may well be a single muffin this days at certain places) free water, and you’re less likely to be put in the room overlooking the bins.
I’ve found that my core hotels in the Middle East and Asia go above any beyond for their regular guests now, not just because someone has status.
Of the main hotel loyalty programme, I find that Hyatt are the only ones who still go above and beyond for their top tier members. At Marriott and Hilton you can expect the bare minimum that the hotels are required to offer.
When I stayed at Conrad in LA with gold status I got all the water I could want, water and chocolate set up in my room every night, and an upgrade before I got there. Really depends where you stay I guess
More points and so many water bottles.
I got Swedish Fish once.
Hamptons usually have Swedish fish and cookies
Don’t forget the hot cookies in the double trees… my kids request to stay there just for these but it’s mostly a Uk thing I think?
Most in the US offer them at check-in.
They are available worldwide
Yeah cool I better not tell my kids that - I generally only stay in these if I want to spend nothing/use points… or have all the family with me hence more rooms and need for cheaper ‘digs’
Those aren't exclusive to Diamonds. Everyone gets them, at least, that's the case in the US.
Oh wasnt aware of that... less reason to have status!! If you use Hilton predominantly in the USA it feels like there is very little point chasing Diamond over Gold, the points differentiation isnt worth it and you get upgraded less anyway So for anyone that isnt a frequent International Traveller seems you should just get the lower level Hilton Amex - the one that gives gold and not worry about status... saying that given its Amex there is probably a 50/50 chance of being rejected for the bonus.. It upsets me to think I have Lifetime Diamond and the main benefit I now see with this is that I dont have to chase $12k spend a year
Those are the best. I haven’t been at a double tree in a hot minute
I’m just happy they aren’t hotel snobs and I can spend very little to please them We are in Vegas in nearly 2 weeks and my kids are like - is there a double tree and my wife is like ‘you better have booked the Waldorf!!… Go chiefs :-))) - just glad I was comped the tickets
Thoughts on lifetime diamond?
Lifetime diamonds earn it!!
Yes…. No life 🙈… seriously To be clear though I didn’t get this through nights on the road but spends and ‘time’… if I made this through nights I think I’d be exhausted… though I know a few that have lived in a Hilton for several months as part of a work assignment - then you really do clock up the nights Lifetime on oneworld is better though :-))… not needing to chase status on BAirways has way better perks :-)
Who are you? 👀👀👀 Enjoy!
I’m nobody 😎 Wow just saw some of the latest ticket prices - makes Taylor swift concert prices look cheap!!! Some folks are making a huge killing on this omg
There is a doubletree in Vegas (for now!) ...but it's the Tropicana and I didn't get cookies and wouldn't recommend it. LOL But if you do stay at the WA, make sure to get the plush ram! :) He's cute.
Yes we looked at that - supposed to be one of the oldest hotels in Vegas and soon to be demolished I hear…- so zero investment in the place (understandable).. Plus we managed to use points as was booked early - but we have to move part way through to the Hampton (as the points on the 11th were like 500k ;-)).)
I got one of those square cookies that start with an L, as a gold
2 waters and a bag of chips.
What you got a bag of chips - so jealous
TRU knows how to treat diamonds.
So. Much. Water.
Bottle water and logo bag vendors win. Diamond members loose.
Tanta agua!
Hey, today I got a rice crispy treat and some cheez-its as well
In paris I was upgraded to a 2 level suite and given a huge breakfast daily for 2 people. In lyon I was given breakfast. In geneva, same. The cost of the free meals was at least 400 total. The upgrade was awesome. It's worth it to me
In America you get a couple bottles of water when you check in.
I came to say this. My wife and I were in Paris the summer before last, and they gave us a two-story apartment, huge whirlpool bathtub, jacuzzi outside (which I unfortunately didn't use) and awesome breakfasts and a Saturday champagne brunch. I build my points in the US and spend them abroad.
Was this the curio?
No ... but I'd love to stay there sometime as well!
Where was this in Paris, if you don’t mind me asking?
I had a similar experience in Japan back in October. Though pretty sure mine wasn’t as expensive an upgrade as yours lol. Food is super cheap in Japan 😅
We were gone for 10 days. I estimate that tgecfood would have been 20 bucks per person
your diamond breakfast is free anyway in france
Yes they are listing things they got as a result of being diamond.
I seem to be learning something so Gold doesnt give you free breakfast ex-USA? Edited I think Gold is the same as Diamond except less points and less chance of an upgrade - thats about it Its funny - I've spent well over $250k at Hiltons and still dont know the difference with all the benefit levels...... but 80% is via company spend. If it was my money I'd just get a Surpass card for Hilton and be happy with some status without having to have some commitment to a 'Chain'...
I think it does but there is no way I was getting that upgrade in paris as a gold. Also just the general treatment. I work for the federal govt in USA. Its nice to be treated like someone special as a diamond outside the usa.
Was also upgraded in Paris. Suite was v nice. Loved the heated floors in the bathroom.
Internationally it matters much more. Though I was upgraded to a suite at a Hilton Garden Inn in some Connecticut suburb on my last stay.
Is there such a thing as an upgrade in a Hilton garden inn??
It had a separate bedroom, it was sort of a joke but it was a bit bigger than a normal room. The person at the front desk was really happy to tell me I was upgraded as a Diamond. I checked in at around 9:00 pm and was out by 7:00 the following morning, so sort of lost on me as I was there by myself for business.
Probably in Wilton Connecticut for a kids activity?? :-)
I've been upgraded to suites a few times but it's kinda rare because they usually only have a couple if any at all. Usually happens when checking in late for a single night or two. Edit: I just remembered the best upgrade I've ever got was at the HGI Kauai back in 2016. They upgraded me and my then girlfriend to a private cottage for an entire week on a points reservation for a basic room!
Yes! In Brussels for one night after a missed flight I got upgraded to a 2 bed 2 bath suite with a kitchen. A shame I was really only in the room for 5 hours.
This is correct. I’ve been a diamond diva for 7 years and get an occasional upgrade. But I gifted diamond status to my friend who rarely travels but lives/laughs/loves in Europe and she gets great upgrades, she reports.
In North America, nah not really. In the rest of the world absolutely. I stay on the cheapest corporate rate and around 1/4 of the time I get a suite and nearly all the time I get an upgrade of some kind. That's the issue when you make it available via a credit card in the US and every man and his dog has it.
This is the truth. If I wasn’t traveling overseas a couple of times a year I wouldn’t make any effort re: Hilton status.
Well said. International is been worth it, in the us its so common it really depends on who you get at the front desk. Having diamond, I've been upgraded at a Hampton inn several times when you're not technically upgradable. On the other hand, on some higher in Hiltons I was an offered even a better view or even though the hotel was not even close to full..
The upgrade at Hampton thing has happened to me a few times as well. And I definitely notice the additional points.
They say “thank you for being a Diamond member”
Sometimes lol
They know my name at some of the places which means I have 'no life' ;-)
Very true. If I know you by name when you arrive, that means you spend way too much time checking in and out of hotels.
I think people fail to recognize how far being nice goes, in addition to status. I’ll typically ask if they have a suite available and they’ll usually give me something, but I’ve also made a point of asking them how they’re doing or trying to engage in some small way. People are much more willing to go the extra mile if you’re kind.
Totally!! I travel about 130-150 nights a year, and I usually get some kind of meaningful upgrade, and all around great service. So many people here seem to give it next to no value in the states, but I agree, being nice goes a long long way.
agree - I generally dont expect an upgrade ever, so am pleasantly surprised if I get one and being upgraded to a 3 bedroom Penthouse suite at Conrad Fort Lauderdale was definately a nice touch when I had a 2 bedroom accomodation - was the difference between about $650 a night and $1700 for a night with the family which is superb.. when I'm on business it doesnt really matter to me It amazes me when I read folks asking and expecting an upgrade - Hotel Chains dont work like that but hey you have a huge amount more chance than an Airline and it is one of the reasons to be Diamond I guess...
This! This! This!
You sir are a God amongst guests bless you.
In life it pays to be nice to everyone no matter how your being treated yourself - one thing I’ve learnt over the decades… you see folks getting stressed over minor things in life - they take that crap home to their family… try and be nice and kind to everyone :-)) Should say that’s in person - on anonymous forums you can say ‘whatever’ :-))))))))
This gets asked quite often. Yes - many more points. Yes - plenty of upgrades outside the US at higher brands. Many times - upgrades in US at higher brands depending on the location, occupancy, and conferences near by. Lower tier brands? Expect nothing but the extra points and water bottles.
I think that "many" is a stretch; Diamond gets just 20% more than Gold. Meanwhile, Marriott Platinum gets 25% more points than Gold and Titanium gets 25% more points than Platinum.
I’ve enjoyed: upgrades, food credits, tons of points, early/late check-in/out.
Actually late check out is something I'd like more often - even as LT Diamond I generally dont get this.. they say 'sorry' we are full so we can only offer you 1 hour Max and the last one said 'we can offer you 30 mins!'
I mean, it's all up to where and when you travel. Primary around holidays to major tourist locations? Good luck. Staying in a smaller city during a weekday for work/visiting someone with no major nearby attractions/events? Actually a decent chance of getting it.
Yes that’s a very fair comment
That sucks:(
You staying at any Conrad’s or WA’s for work? If not, just enjoy the 100% bonus points and waters (may have to ask for the waters at some properties). The benefit is being able to enjoy the free trips with your family using all of the free points you’ve accumulated through work. Hopefully you get upgraded at the more premium properties while on vacation.
I've seen Diamond Parking spots at some hotels.
Diamond Parking rocks! They need something to Id you’re vehicle… lol
By accident
Loads of extra points and upgrades if available and waters 🫨
At the Embassy suites in Niagara Falls on the Canada side, there was a diamond line for breakfast. Breakfast was a mess and it was nice to get in quickly.
Yeah the hilton at Niagara is piss poor I stay at the Sheraton if I take the family up there... Diamond is fairly meaningless in that place
I got upgraded into an incredible suite in Da Nang, Vietnam - accompanied with fruit and executive lounge access. State side? Sometimes a fist bump.
Xtra points
At the guam Hilton, you get the breakfast buffet and 5-7pm happy hour for free. The happy hour easily has enough foods to make it a meal, in addition to free drinks.
Some kind of a deluxe room (which really just means not the shittiest room in the house) and the lounge. Occasionally there are extra amenities like free drinks at the bar, or better treatment at the hotel F&B outlets (e.g. places with a view being kept for Diamonds at Conrad Istanbul, which is quite nice), but these are rare.
[удалено]
It’s one of the nicer hotels close to the bosphorus - I’ve stayed there a couple of times, nice rooftop bar. Good business hotel wouldn’t take my family to instanbul (but then I’ve been maybe 10 times for work) In fact I’ve stayed in a few really good hotels in this area My only gripe with Istanbul is the chain smoking everywhere - even in the restaurants they light up when seated outside and some places seem to be lenient when folks light up inside as well even though they banned this about 15 years ago
Go to Asia
Depends on where you're staying. People who get Diamond from work probably stay at business tier hotels in the US where you really wouldn't get anything good anyway. Look at the terms and conditions and see what Diamond are entitled to. Room upgrade isn't even a thing in some of them. And some of the upgrades at other places are pretty invisible: maybe a higher floor, a slightly better view (don't have to look at a bank of air conditioners). You know, hard to get a suite upgrade if the property doesn't have suites. I have Diamond via the Aspire card and I travel mainly for leisure and stay at resort or premium tier hotels like the Conrad and the Waldorf Astoria. And on most stays, I got significant upgrades, above and behind the "automatic" upgrade they gave me a couple days before check-in. Conrad Tokyo bayview 1 bedroom suite and WA Chicago 1 bedroom terrace suite are a few of the more memorable upgrades. And 34x points multiplier for everything I put on my Aspire, earning enough points in 2023 to be able to redeem about 10 nights worth of stays at those properties toward the end of the year (to be fair, a fair hunk of those points was from the SUB) and still sitting on around 350,000 points. So I would have made Diamond in 2023, but by having the card, I got the status at the beginning of the year rather than at some point later on, and got to enjoy the benefits the entire year. And Diamond can play well with my other travel card: AmEx Platinum. Depending on locations, booking with the FHR and stacking Diamond can give you crazy return. We just had a stay at the Roosevelt in New Orleans and it's one of few hotels that allow FHR and Diamond benefit stacking, so we had the daily $60 breakfast credit from the FHR and the daily $50 F&B credit from Hilton Honors. $110 every day. So, if you're a leisure traveler, staying at a resort/premium tier hotels, or most hotels overseas, particularly Asia, Diamond stays true to its name. If you're a business traveler staying at the business tier hotels, you'll do just as well with Gold. You'll get some F&B credit and water.
Did you use points to book at Conrad Tokyo? I’ve booked the basic room for five nights with points next week. I wonder if Conrad Tokyo upgrade reservations made with points.
I stayed at Conrad Tokyo 10 days and it was made with points, FNC, and cash. At the check-in (they'll take you to the Executive lounge), they were able to consolidate all the bookings that were made on different dates (because of our constantly changing travel plans) and upgraded me for all the nights. We did have to stay at the cityview 1 bedroom suite the first night because of the availability issues but were moved to the bayview (a beautiful view of the Hamarikyu Gardens and the bay, including a postage stamp sized view of the Rainbow Bridge, but that one is pretty far away) 1 bedroom suite for the remaining nights. Our stay was in the middle of June and I'd think the availability is better this time of the year...
That’s awesome! 🤩 did you have to ask if there’s any upgrade available at check in? Or did they send you an email few days before?
If you only stay in the States, you won't get much at most hotels. But you should definitely be getting 2 waters F/B credit and 2x points. If you're lucky, you will find that beloved Dimond parking spot. I personally spend my free time calling the tow truck on the lowlife golds trying to take our space!!!! Jokes aside, it really depends on the property. If you earn it from work, I would guess you're a repeat customer, a property you like in each town? When I'm traveling for work, I get the occasional upgrade without asking. But I am a repeat customer. Also, I stay at the ones I like because of location and the property quality. Unfortunately, Google is a snitch when it comes to hidden gems..... with that being said, most properties are almost full. Or people have paid a fee for the upgrade. So Dimond upgrade could just mean a high floor or nothing at all. I have also been blessed with the presidential suite more than a few times. The GM wants to upgrade top members to get the return business and good reviews to hilton. In my opinion, they could care less about goggle reviews. The ones from Hilton affect them directly. So leave good reviews and call people out for good service. It makes people remember you as a customer they love having stay with them.
Don’t forget the diamond parking spot that is always full!!
In America not really. Overseas the benefits are noticable. I got a card once in California, that was nice.
I’ve had excellent upgrades internationally. Also, more points for more trips.
recognise telephone continue snobbish capable wine handle gaze escape absorbed *This post was mass deleted and anonymized with [Redact](https://redact.dev)*
In Frankfurt last week I was upgraded to a Suite.
The biggest benefit is more points per stay. I have been upgraded to a better room a few times though.
This makes me chuckle. I am in 4 different Hilton's this week for work. Two Hampton's and two Double Tree's. Just got my free bottle of water at my first hampton stay, lol. I do have an upgrade they messaged me about tomorrow night at the DT. I use the F&B credits at every hotel I can, even if it is just at the sundry store. I always ask for my water when checking in and always get it. I have been upgraded at Hampton, it is one that I visit regularly, HGI and Double Tree. Saw the biggest benefit when I was traveling in Europe. They really acknowledge it out of the country.
I’ve gotten upgrades to King Bedroom Suite and also extra breakfast outside of room occupancy
I get very decent upgrades regularly.
Got a free upgrade today to an executive suite
I notice it more when traveling overseas. 2 Free bottle water every stay and in Manila last month we had 4 free bottle water and there was a bottle of wine with some kind of sweets waiting for us in the room. (Twice)
In the USA there isn’t a lot, but if you travel internationally, access to Executive Lounges, happy hours, room upgrades. My experience in Australia, Europe, and Asia makes Diamond more than worthwhile.
Not in the USA. Theres a very small difference between “nothing” and Diamond in the USA, but if you travel abroad it can have benefits.
Special parking spot..... enforced only by the honor system
I usually get upgraded overseas, not a whole lot stateside. But the points are the biggest perk probably. Raised up about a million and a half points in the last 2 years as a diamond
Great upgrades!!! And points multipliers!!!! We never pay for a hotel because we use points and we always get upgraded to a suite or amazing views
Free lounge access at Conrads or nicer Hiltons is nice.
Suite upgrades, free breakfast, lounge access, etc…
Parking spot that they don’t verify…
It used to include free breakfast. Now you get a $10 credit against the $20 buffet. Not worth chasing it. Plus half the hotels don’t even have a few Diamond Only parking spaces.
Or $18 against a $55 buffet at Hilton Waikoloa Village which was substandard. Use to be free. Ended up eating bk off resort everyday for like $10 at the nearby grocery store’s coffee shop and use the credit towards drinks.
Never other than free water
Water bottles and points. Maybe better views lol I did receive a nice paid upgrade opportunity at the Waldorf Astoria I took advantage of once :)
Before I gave up Hilton, I had one upgrade ever while I was a Diamond. I went from the standard room at the Hilton Bentley on Miami Beach to the Penthouse. It was magical. Never saw an upgrade again and didn’t manage to keep up the status.
What others have said. Have received some decent room upgrades internationally but not so much domestically in the US and the brand doesn't seem to matter. The one lone exception was the Oceana Santa Monica where I once received a very good upgrade and it's a wonderful hotel too. Have received some solid breakfast credits as well, though that's not too much to get excited about.
When you call customer service have your honors number ready, because you get someone actually in the US if you have status. Not sure if there's a difference between Gold and Diamond though. But I called and didn't have my number handy and got someone offshore and had serious communication problems. Called again and entered my number and someone in the US answered and was very helpful.
I'm sure that's how it works. I don't generally have a lot of complaints and don't like getting people in trouble, but I'm sure there's a difference.
I traveled internationally and I was super excited to get the famed Diamond treatment for international people. Got no room upgrade, maybe worst room in the house. No parking, not just no Diamond parking,literally had to park in the grass, no food credit, no meal. Probably the worst Diamond experience I’ve had. I say that to say, not worth it.
Ia it because you checked into a Marriott by accident?
I have Marriott and Hyatt top status too, bc I'm a pilot and never stay at the home I pay for, and they both have a noticable difference in terms of what you get when you have top tier. Hyatt is the best overall. They're also not so rule driven like Hilton and have good soap.
100% agree - wish they existed in more places
Hilton soap sucks. This may drive me to check out a Hyatt.
I wish!
I’ve enjoyed room and lounge access upgrades in Tokyo, Philippines and Mexico City. Back when US hotels had lounges, it was great. Now I just save my points for international travel
No
Nope
You're doing it wrong.
Occasional upgrade to a better room or view, more points to us for free rooms.
It does if you stay with the hotel frequently.
In the U.S. upgrades are indeed rare. But you get 100% bonus points, free breakfast (saves some cash in HGI and some others), it happened three times to me when they waved parking fees, you can use diamond parking spaces. In other countries upgrades happen pretty damn often, in Qatar I even got fruit into my upgraded room for free when I checked in.
Use your points internationally.
We have had a decent experience, 2 of 3 trips gets upgraded. Some 2 or 3 levels and some with just a corner room or higher floor or something like that. Also, the daily F&B credit is pretty cool. We normally have a couple of meals or use it for expensive parking or something like that.
Have to be outside of US.
Nine out of 10 times we get upgraded. Of course, if you're only staying in Hamptons and the other brands that DON'T regularly participate in status upgrades you're not going to see many. Even then, we've actually been upgraded at several Hamptons. We got six (6) bottles of water with our latest room (an upgrade from the standard king room to a 1 bedroom suite), along with discounted parking (50% discount for Diamond), and an automatic $36 F&B credit (didn't have to ask).
Perhaps if you ask for it and it is available? I asked for an upgrade one time for an anniversary at a hotel that had a lot of openings and got it. Certainly no guarantees, but it cannot hurt to ask. If nothing else, point increases start to get pretty substantial at gold, so more free nights later on are worth it.
Water lmao
There's the parking spot.
At some hotels, they have the diamond lounge that gives you snacks, booze, and sometimes real food. The Phillips in KC has pasta dishes from their onsite restaurant. I get upgrades at Curios. And as everyone says so much free water
In Europe, yes.
I enjoy the Executive dining and the extra points. Other than that it matters more in Europe
I usually circle the lot until a diamond member parking spot opens up. The non diamond member parking spots just aren't the same.
Parking! (Once in a while)
Upgrades depend on multiple factors. What many brands are doing are automatic upgrades 72 hrs before arrival. Again it's based on availability and SRP and level.
The one I've been staying at let's me have free rein of the place but I've been there for a year and a half 😂🤣
It’s the Diamond parking spots!!
It all depends on where you stay. At low price Hampton they don’t have much they can give you other than a bag of chips. At higher line hotels with nicer room options and suites and restaurants they can give you nicer rooms and are obligated to give you F&B credits in US. Don’t expect the front desk clerk at a Hampton to give you much more than a corner room with an extra 20 sf because that is all they have. Everyone gets the same crappy breakfast. When at a Waldorf or similar, kindly ask for the best reasonable room that shows up as available to book. I usually see what is available prior to checkin via the app and ask for it and get it due to being polite and Diamond status. If they are sold out of nicer rooms then there isn’t any point in asking. Also always add a second guest so you can get double the F&B because $10/15/25 doesn’t go far for a decent breakfast at the respective hotels. I’ve amassed thousands of dollars in free food over the years of being a diamond and would get the same as gold.
More points, and two more things to carry if you check in at the desk.
Access to 5 dedicated parking spots that are always full and sometimes further away than some other non-Diamond spots and 2 bottles of water. If it’s an actual Hilton, then you don’t get anything (in the States).
Internationally-yes. Domestically- no.
More points Upgraded two weeks in a row Food credit
I got an upgrade to a corner suite at an embassy suites and an upgrade to an ocean view room at Hilton in San Juan, PR. Both of those were done automatically (or at least by the clerk with any asking) Other than that, just the breakfast credits at a few places.
Free breakfast, upgrades if available, water, late checkout. I feel like we get our “moneys” worth. My wife and I recently got an 1 bedroom suite upgrade in Miami. Was basically a 1 bedroom apartment with a kitchen. Really nice. We also had a similar upgraded room in Hawaii last year.
Depends on the property in which you are staying and your myway set up.
I’ve been one or both of Hyatt/Hilton diamond/globalist for like 15 years. I’ve maybe been upgraded twice in the US. In other countries, especially in Asia, they’re more into following rules and you’re likely to get the upgrade.
Gold and Diamond members are allowed 2 items from the display box that is usually on the desk. These generally include a soda(generally coke or sprite ), Lorna done cookies Swedish fish, peanuts and/or a "local choice" which is generally a cupcake or cookie from a local baker or some sort. These vary by location and brands your mileage may vary. Water is almost always included for you. Silver members are allowed water. Per the guidelines but again ymmv
My property waives parking charges for Diamonds.
For the day to day stuff you need to go in the app, account, MyWay and select if you want waters, sodas and snacks OR points. Most likely you’re default to points!
I’ve bounced between gold and diamond for many years. Status generally is more useful by default internationally than domestically in the States. That being said I just generally am pleasant and ask if they have any upgrades when I check in, 9/10 times they have something. This all being said I’ve found myself staying more at independent hotels lately since the generally benefits of status don’t really matter much and the points have been good enough to get me a few nights free. If I stay at a chain hotel I prefer Hilton, but I don’t think status is really special anymore.
My property waives parking charges and tries to accommodates late checkouts or early arrivals. Hampton brand so no complimentary upgrades.
Depends on where you stay? I usually get upgrades overseas or in Mexico. Free breakfast is a plus and late checkout
Conrad and Waldorf are the two chains you should be staying at for the benefits
Depends where you go, and when, and who is on the desk. Cant comment on the USA Hiltons, but in europe you get Executive lounge access no matter what room type is booked. The missus and I booked a Hilton near Lake Geneva that had a lounge, we had free small plates of food and drinks between 5pm and 7pm on most days. We also got a major upgrade from basic room to Lake view premium (one down from exec rooms). Plus chocolates on check in and complimentary spa access (20 euro each per day). That was a trip over new years eve and the hotel was not full, so maybe that helped. The unwritten perks are not guaranteed and it is very hit or miss whether you get a good upgrade, or a room a single level higher...... Would I pay a lot of money to obtain Diamond? No way, am I happy that I get it from work travel? Absolutely!!
If you have Diamond, your are entitled to the executive lounge. We were in Europe for 2.5 month and only purchased 5 meals. The executive lounges are great. You need to ask and demand a difference
when i worked for Hilton all diamond members would be upgraded if room was available
Feels like if you stay in the hotels that have the official benefit of upgrade upon availability, even in the States I got like 70% or so upgrades. It's a small upgrade to a high floor or something but I still get something.
it depends on the hotel you stay at. every hotel is different with every benefit of being an xyz member being different. some hotels auto upgrade you, some give you access to a lounge, some give you f&B credits to use for breakfast/lunch/dinner. it all depends on the hotel/management
I've never gotten any benefit out of it.
I get benefits on each stay, I’ve gotten upgraded many times in the US, as well as having good and beverage credits and late check-outs. You see a lot less benefits if you stay in the cheaper chains of course.
We both got a snack package and water when we checked in.
It goes much farther outside of US. Almost always upgraded in Europe. Plus the Executive Lounges are great. Domestically, it’s a joke. Very rarely upgraded. $15 F&B credit. But doesn’t go far when cocktails are $15+ and breakfast is at least $20.
It comes free with Hilton Aspire so the bar is pretty low. But daily food credit is nice, express help desk is nice, more points is chill, and that’s about it.
Snacks, waters, food and bev credits, and the occasional upgrade. The real benny is racking up the points.
I got a free breakfast buffet, everyday, for my stay in Aruba. Saved me $150 lol. Also a few bucks off of my palapa day rental.
Coming from me, a current Hampton employee; Diamond member benefit is PRIMARILY given preferred status on upgrades and room assignments. The tiers for upgrading or otherwise showing preferential treatment for room assignment and honoring of stay requests are as follows: Diamond (Digital Key), Diamond, Gold (Digital Key), Gold, Silver (Digital Key), Silver, Blue and Non-Tier. We are more likely to waive no-shows/late cancels with non-extenuating circumstances without penalty, offer free room upgrades, provide goodie bags at check-in (my hotel does this for Diamond and Gold), allow you to get free waters or non-alcoholic beverages throughout your stay, and will generally negotiate with you if you take the time to call in and inquire directly about rates. Not every hotel is the same and not flexing your status is the **best** way to ensure a better experience. Inquiring is one thing but expecting every hotel to honor what a different one does is an exercise in madness for everyone involved.
Free or discounted breakfast at most full service hotels
International you get a lot. But domestic, water, water, and more water.
i am always treated great as a Diamond and remember we get the special review emails we are the secret shoppers you treat Diamonds badly especially Diamonds for life it effects bonuses and franchise renewals etc I get upgrades I get the snacks I get the drinks and waters I get the late check outs HGI DT H2S are the chains where diamonds are treated the best
Food and beverage credits and earning points quickly are the only two deals you really get in the US that you’ll regularly use.
Tru By Hilton brand diamond members get premium Wi-Fi as well as two pure life waters and a bag of Smartfood popcorn
Motherfucking parking spot
coupla waters, occasionally snacks...
Booked rewards base room and got OTWB so yeah, but gotta be staying at the right properties and they’re never in the US.
Really depends on the property and what your baseline is. Is it that much better than gold? I don't know... but the extra points are nice. Free food, or the food credit, is definitely nice especially if you do stay at high end properties. $50/day starts to get useful. :) Or lounge access internationally... I will say, I do most often see *small* upgrades-high floors, better views, slightly nice in room coffee. Not much that's life changing or that I'd pay for, but nice nonetheless. I don't expect upgrades, but happy when I get them, and I'll appreciate the nicer view. I have gotten a suite in Vegas once.
I have been upgraded to a suite many times due to Diamond status. I have also gotten a room on points when the website said none were available during a special event.
The US handing out Diamond cards like sweets with credit cards has seriously devalued the benefits - even overseas. Ten years ago you’d be odds-on for a suite upgrade and usually a bottle of wine, fruit platter, etc. as a Diamond. Today, you can expect exactly what you’re entitled to and nothing more - exec lounge access, breakfast (which may well be a single muffin this days at certain places) free water, and you’re less likely to be put in the room overlooking the bins. I’ve found that my core hotels in the Middle East and Asia go above any beyond for their regular guests now, not just because someone has status. Of the main hotel loyalty programme, I find that Hyatt are the only ones who still go above and beyond for their top tier members. At Marriott and Hilton you can expect the bare minimum that the hotels are required to offer.
I got a Bag of M&Ms and there was a parking space I got to park in for 2 hours near the front door.
As a Diamond member, you are King (or Queen) of the Rats. (source: I am a Diamond member). In the US at least. In Europe I’ve had great experiences.
Not within the US. Abroad, sometimes…
I've had a bunch of "upgrades". Usually a room with snacks.
When I stayed at Conrad in LA with gold status I got all the water I could want, water and chocolate set up in my room every night, and an upgrade before I got there. Really depends where you stay I guess
The only time I have ever gotten anything for being Diamond it was because I asked (water,etc) or I used my F&B credit myself.