Just when I had almost gotten over no longer holding Starwood Platinum status, I got another kick in the gut. You see, most program elite years end on the last day of February, but Hilton’s runs through March. So I logged into my Hilton HHonors account the other day to check on an upcoming reservation, and there it was: SILVER. It’s not that it wasn’t expected, or that I didn’t deserve it…..but still. 🙁 Dropping from Diamond all the way down to Silver status hurts. Another side effect of my life off the road for now.
Let’s take a look at what Hilton HHonors Silver status will get you.
- 15 percent bonus on HHonors base points
- Complimentary fitness center access at hotel owned facilities
- Elite only rewards
- And a couple of other little nits and noids you can read about here.
I guess the Diamond benefit I will miss most is complimentary internet, though that’s much less of an issue for me now that I carry a Mi-Fi device. And I really miss executive lounge access for some reason. I guess I liked having a place to sit, relax, and wind down away from the lobby. Yes, I know, if this were the biggest deal in the world, I would have noticed before this week. Just another reminder of life off the road. A phase which I have reason to hope will end sooner rather than later.
@Commander
Check out https://www.hhonors.com/landingpages/mvp.aspx
Pardon my silliness but what’s MVP?
Poor fellow! I hope that you get Personal Validation for a few sources other than hotel/airline status. Travel as a ‘normie’ must be absolute hell. Are the desk clerks and bellmen duly impressed when you tell them that you “Used to be a Diamond?” I sure hope that you re-earn your statuses this year. Have you considered consulting a grief counselor?
@cedarglen, counseling not necessary. At least not for this. Was meant to be mildly humorous.
Gary, it still works! I followed your recommendations last week. Thanks! Free gold is always nice.
MVP rates can also beat AAA rates sometime when booking with Hilton-worth checking
And if that ever dies, the MVP program gives a fast track to gold too. With how easy it is to get to Gold, it’s surprising that the benefits aren’t watered down more and there isn’t a bigger difference vs. Diamond.
@Phil, see this:
http://boardingarea.com/viewfromthewing/2012/03/28/free-hilton-gold-status-the-gift-that-just-keeps-giving/
Gary,
What Hilton Gold offer are you talking about? I’m Hilton Silver and would love a way to move up to Gold before I earn it.
Thanks,
Phil
See if you can still get the Hilton Gold offer I’ve been blogging so much about, haven’t checked in a week whether it’s still working but it last ~ 4 months..!
You should call Starwood, they seem to be generous with matches right now.