Hilton Is Testing Out Pre-Arrival Upgrades at Some Properties
Hilton Honors Diamond members get several benefits such as Executive lounge access when available, breakfast or hotel credit, and room upgrades.
Each individual hotel has a lot of leeway on how this is implemented. But the terms of the program say that Hilton Honors Diamond members may receive upgrades to preferred rooms, and possibly to junior, standard, or one-bedroom suites. However, you normally find out whether you have been upgraded once you get to the hotel.
But now Hilton seems to be testing pre-arrival upgrades at some properties in Europe at least. LoyaltyLobby reports that he received pre-arrival emails from Hilton saying that the reservations have been upgraded. The two properties in question are both in the Netherlands, DoubleTree Amsterdam Centraal Station and Hilton Rotterdam. These are upgrades to junior suites.
Hilton has also confirmed that they recently began testing this option. “As an enhancement to Hilton Honors’ complimentary, space-available upgrade benefit, we recently began testing a new member experience across a small number of hotels globally, which will secure and notify the member of a complimentary room upgrade 72-hours prior to arrival,” they told LoyaltyLobby in an email.
One obvious benefit of pre-arrival upgrades is that you know you will have nicer accommodations. But it also provides a contactless arrival experience.
Conclusion
Hilton says that this new feature is being tested globally. I didn’t receive any pre-arrival upgrade emails for my stay last week in the U.S. and I haven’t seen of any other reports for different properties.
Let us know in the comments if you have received similar upgrades at Hilton properties prior to arrival.
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In current times, I prefer the upgrade to the housekeeping, if I need something I asked instead of a random stranger, who may or may not be vaccinated in my room replenishing stuff. I’ve gotten emails to pay for upgrades but none free at this time.
This costs Hilton nothing. This is simply the latest attempt by Hilton to try and offset the new no-housekeeping policy. Sorry, Charlie, as a Diamond member I expect housekeeping. An upgrade isn’t gonna buy me off.