If you don’t want a bit of sass, by all means skip this post. To the rest of you, thanks for indulging me, because sometimes it’s fun. I can handle trolls, and constructive criticism, and all of that stuff.
One thing I struggle with is people who are clearly very smart (in some ways), yet have astonishingly bad logic, but still remain convinced that they’re correct. That’s probably something I just have to get over, because it feels like this is becoming a bigger issue in day-to-day life.
So yeah, let me give one of those people a platform for a moment, and I’ll let y’all decide who is being the logical one (and if I’m the one in the wrong, by all means call me out, because I’m not all-knowing, and I’m always happy to learn and evolve!). Am I gaslighting, or am I being gaslit with gaslighting claims?
In this post:
Hilton’s biggest fan takes issue with my elite breakfast claims
Yesterday, I published a post about World of Hyatt’s Globalist breakfast benefit, and how it works. I briefly mentioned how World of Hyatt’s policy compares to that of other programs, and wrote the following about the Hilton Honors breakfast benefit:
Hilton Gold elite and Hilton Diamond members simply receive a food & beverage credit in the United States, which generally won’t cover a proper breakfast; outside the United States, Hilton promises a continental breakfast when there’s not a club lounge, though many hotels go above and beyond and offer a full hot breakfast
That wasn’t intended to be controversial, or anything, and I’m actually a big fan of the Hilton Honors program, in general. However, apparently I wasn’t spinning things enough.
Hilton’s biggest fan, DCS, sent me quite the email. He boycotts OMAAT, or so he claims, but then he also emails me when he takes issue with something I write about Hilton, and I guess he thinks he’s extending me some courtesy by doing this in private, saving me the public humiliation.
But he doesn’t have to be so kind, so let me just give him the “mic,” because he claims I’m gaslighting the OMAAT community. I’m all for giving people with different perspectives a platform, so here we go:
I corrected the claims below, one of which you simply made, and the other is just completely disconnected from reality, but both designed to satisfy a morbid need for World of Hyatt to be a superior loyalty program. As they say in French, “À bon vin point d’enseigne”, which literally meeans “A good bottle of one does need a label”, so if WoH were as good as you claim it to be then, you would not need to make up stuff to support the point. That you continue recycling clearly unsupported claims is largely why I am avoiding sites like yours. Below is the evidence, inncontrovertible and exact, which debunks the following two points privately, so that you would not feel cornered and try to make up more stuff to try to justify the original gaslighting of your readers:
“…outside the United States, Hilton promises a continental breakfast when there’s not a club lounge, though many hotels go above and beyond and offer a full hot breakfast.”
Wrong: outside the US, Hilton hotels invariably offer free and full restaurant breakfast by default — something you know to be true because you have stayed at Hilton hotels overseas as an “Aspire” Diamond.
Nevertheless, supposing you truly believe that claim, then here the way to know that it is bogus. It’s a simple syllogism:
- Hilton Golds have access to the exec lounge only if they upgraded to a room on the exec floor.
- However, we know that Golds get free breakfast even when not staying on the exec floor.
- Therefore, conclusion is logically inescapable: overseas the hotel restaurant is the default venue for HH elite free breakfast because if your claim that “Hilton promises a continental breakfast when there’s not a club lounge…”, then HH Golds’ not upgraded to the exec floor at hotels with an exec lounge would be out of luck. Because we know that HH Golds get free breakfast [in the hotel restaurant!] even when they are not upgraded to the exec floor, the hotel restaurant must be the default venue for HH elite free breakfast, and that claim that you’ve recycled for years is utterly bogus. Simple logic wins.
And here’s the “coup de grâce“: the attached PDF shows a few welcome letters that I have received at hotels overseas (you should have as well if you paid attention). Note the what they all say: breakfast is served in the exec lounge or, optionally, in the hotel restaurant, and it is NOT “continental breakfast”. It is the full buffet.
See? Even at hotels with an exec lounge, HH Diamonds and Golds upgraded to the exec floor get free full restaurant breakfast. The optional exec lounge or restaurant breakfast is automatic for HH Diamonds because they have exec lounge privileges even when not staying on the exec floor, otherwise they too would be entitled to free restaurant-only breakfast by default, like Golds are. The evidence is there, incontrovertible. You have been gaslighting your readers for years and still are, despite, I suspect, knowing that you’re gaslighting them. One possibility is that you’ve been telling the lie for so long that you fell for your own fabrication (“The Josef Goebbels Syndrome”) because, as I have pointed out multiple times, what you claim is a Hilton policy, which is not written anywhere (other than the expectation-lowering “continental breakfast”, a leftover from the days when breakfast was universally served in the US), is actually a writtenWorld of Hyatt policy:
“(d) Club Lounge Access/Breakfast Benefit. When staying at a participating hotel or resort that has a Club lounge, Globalists will receive access to the Club lounge. When staying at a participating hotel or resort that does not have a Club lounge (or if Club lounge is closed), Globalists will receive daily complimentary full breakfast”
See? You as a WoH Globalist get free restaurant breakfast only when there is no club lounge, i.e., precisely what you claim is Hilton’s policy, but it is in the WoH T&C! Up is down, left is right…don’t you get dizzy!
Let’s unpack that logic for a moment, can we?
DCS takes issue with this claim of mine:
“…outside the United States, Hilton promises a continental breakfast when there’s not a club lounge, though many hotels go above and beyond and offer a full hot breakfast”
I think that’s pretty straightforward, but let me just say it again, since seemingly we don’t all read the same way. I claimed that outside the United States:
- Hilton promises a continental breakfast
- Many hotels go above and beyond to offer a full hot breakfast
Is that wrong? Well, let’s consult the Hilton Honors terms & conditions regarding the elite breakfast benefit:
“When selected as a MyWay Benefit by a Gold or Diamond Member, daily complimentary continental breakfast is provided for the Member and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of Member’s stay at hotels located outside of the United States. The complimentary breakfast applies to the one guest room in which the Elite member is staying. Breakfast is only served in the hotel’s designated restaurant or Executive Lounge. At the discretion of the hotel or where breakfast is a brand amenity, the hotel may provide full breakfast or in-room service. Complimentary continental breakfast is not available as a MyWay Benefit at hotels in the U.S.”
How dare I suggest that Hilton only promises continental breakfast for elite members, eh? Where could I have gotten such an outlandish idea? 😉 What’s so bizarre here is that DCS basically is trying to redefine what I said:
- The first thing worth noting is that I said “outside the United States,” and he seems to redefine that as “overseas,” and I’m not sure if that’s deliberate or not
- Second, DCS seems to argue that if restaurant breakfast is being offered, then it must be full breakfast and not continental
And of course all of that is complete hogwash. I completely agree with him that most Hilton properties “overseas” offer a full restaurant breakfast for elite members. I suggested nothing to the contrary. But arguing that all properties (“invariably”) offer “free and full restaurant breakfast by default” is simply false.
To give one example, the Waldorf Astoria Los Cabos (which is a lovely property) offers continental breakfast to elite members, which includes a fruit plate, pastries, and yogurt. If you want to upgrade to the buffet, there’s a fee for that. Are we defining that as a full breakfast?
DCS, how about you instead put your energy toward blasting Hilton Honors for the lack of promotions that we’ve seen, plus the huge devaluation to Hilton Honors points, rather than criticizing me for *checks notes* accurately quoting Hilton Honors’ terms & conditions.
Bottom line
I know it can be inconvenient when loyalty program rules and terms don’t match what we’d like them to say. However, in those situations, maybe it’s best to just keep those thoughts to yourself, rather than gaslighting someone, and claiming they’re gaslighting by telling the truth.
Outside the United States, Hilton Honors promises elite members continental breakfast, though many (most, I’d estimate) properties go above and beyond, and offer full breakfast. However, that’s absolutely not the case 100% of the time, and I’m not going to lie about what a policy is in order to suit my narrative. G’day!
Sound off in the comments, please — if I’m wrong, call me out!
First time staying in Hilton after being gold member and have to say it’s absolutely not worth it - continental breakfast only is a joke + full charge of 45Usd for each person who wants to have an omelette in Moorea. Recommend staying at small boutique hotels instead and eat breakfast at nice little coffee shops;
Hilton Melbourne, Doubletree Melbourne, curio collection Sydney - no hot breakfast for gold/diamond member.
*Gold and Diamond, not silver.
Pre-pandemic the breakfast was complimentary for Gold and Silver--menu or buffet. Simple, easy, complete.
Now Hilton's $10/day per person pays for nothing as you noted. Hilton Honors rewards its elites less and less all the time. Plus in the new austere era, no $10 the day you check out. Previously there a breakfast breakfast each morning.
Hilton provides new reasons each year to be less loyal
Ben -
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who...
Ben -
It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.
Theodore Roosevelt
What is the point to make public the private email he sent you.. ?
You wasted time and your blog space to reply to one person..
You could have used your time for example to write a meaningful comparison of the leading hotel loyalty programs
MOST OF THE HILTONS SERVE FAKE EGGS....THEY MIX EGG POWDER WITH
HOT WATER.....IT IS GARBAGE......
Lol I love petty drama. But would like to flag how ridiculously silly all of this is. People arguing about hotel loyalty perks is about the weirdest thing — but at the same time a welcome break from the doomscrolling of what’s on the internet lately!
If thats the same guy as at loyaltylobby, they seemed to be a bit of a helmet
I have met him. Horrible in person, too.
You say you can handle the trolls and all, in reality your only material like this entire posts come from 5 yr old trolls with nothing better to do than argue and use their finite life already further shortened by eating dairy past puberty and dead bodies that belong in a cemetery , when they could be doing better. When you're wealthy it don't matter. Talking about pointless things like breakfast credits is same as...
You say you can handle the trolls and all, in reality your only material like this entire posts come from 5 yr old trolls with nothing better to do than argue and use their finite life already further shortened by eating dairy past puberty and dead bodies that belong in a cemetery , when they could be doing better. When you're wealthy it don't matter. Talking about pointless things like breakfast credits is same as talking about whoever that Kirk dude is. I don't watch news, he don't pay bills here, so it's a waste of time I could use to become wealthy or enjoy myself in a positive vibration. Sheeple gonna be sheeple like whoever posted this entire waste of an article and brain power . I don't read replies or will ever be back here. Blocking the entire site on all my devices
His website, his choice. Bye Felicia!
PARTING SHOT
Except that you would not know proper...
PARTING SHOT
Except that you would not know proper English language if it hit you in the face, and have pointed at no falsehood or intellectually dishonest drivel, or jumbled logic.
Look at the evidence, if you can even fully grasp it, or simply can it. It is easy to write drivel when you do not have to substantiate it against a mount Himalaya of objective evidence.
As for "jumbled illogical prose seeking attention", again, look at the facts (an impossible and taxing exercise you, I am sure).
That applies to anyone who would write that type of fact-free, well, drivel.
/resume boycott
Bye Felicia!
Oh kid, I'm sorry you were triggered. Your non-responsive 'response' speaks volumes; now do us a favour and try re-reading the initial posting and respond with a sourced fact not feckless drivel, opinions, and falshoods; or just continue your boycott to everyone else's endearment so we adults that actual travel and leave our timezones can discuss actual news, postings, facts, and even future concepts. I'll type slower for you next time. Your place on the...
Oh kid, I'm sorry you were triggered. Your non-responsive 'response' speaks volumes; now do us a favour and try re-reading the initial posting and respond with a sourced fact not feckless drivel, opinions, and falshoods; or just continue your boycott to everyone else's endearment so we adults that actual travel and leave our timezones can discuss actual news, postings, facts, and even future concepts. I'll type slower for you next time. Your place on the spectrum dictates such for easier comprehension kid.
He probably also believes tariffs work too.
You only said facts, unsure why that dude is so upset at the facts.
No one should tell him pineapple belongs on pizza ;)
Why do people on the spectrum, with little grasp of the English language, such as this DCS incompetent, get to post such falsehoods and intellectually dishonest drivel to begin with? Ignore the kid and his jumbled illogical prose seeking attention. You have the facts versus the feckless kid's inane attempt at 'spin' with a dash if off colour buzzwords.
I would guess that 90+ percent of guests in Cabo are from the US, and that the Cabin properties have therefore adapted the US rules. Niagara Falls? That property is less than 1 mile from the US border, so I guess the same. As for Seychelles, been there twice, stayed in 2 HH properties as a lifetime diamond and all breakfast was complimentary. Was in Australia very recently, and while not the Sydney Hilton, experienced...
I would guess that 90+ percent of guests in Cabo are from the US, and that the Cabin properties have therefore adapted the US rules. Niagara Falls? That property is less than 1 mile from the US border, so I guess the same. As for Seychelles, been there twice, stayed in 2 HH properties as a lifetime diamond and all breakfast was complimentary. Was in Australia very recently, and while not the Sydney Hilton, experienced the same. Yes since they have joined there has been some friction with the odd SLH hotel that either does not know the rules or is still integrating. However I have stayed in more than 200 Hilton related properties outside the US, and breakfast is always free. Furthermore when there is a lounge, I would say that 95+ percent will allow lifetime members to eat in either.
At Hilton Port Moresby there is an Executive Lounge, but as a Gold member I've once or twice not gotten upgraded to executive floor and was told only continental breakfast is available in the downstairs restaurant, upcharge for hot breakfast items. Their cold spread in the buffet, included for Gold, is probably decent compared to what others describe (more than pastries and coffee) but unless you like salad for breakfast, it's easy to see why...
At Hilton Port Moresby there is an Executive Lounge, but as a Gold member I've once or twice not gotten upgraded to executive floor and was told only continental breakfast is available in the downstairs restaurant, upcharge for hot breakfast items. Their cold spread in the buffet, included for Gold, is probably decent compared to what others describe (more than pastries and coffee) but unless you like salad for breakfast, it's easy to see why people pay up to the "real food" if they aren't able to have the (much smaller) complete breakfast in the lounge.
The real DCS has been summoned again and again to this "debate", and his name has been used in vain. So, here he is, with another hard-hitting comment (unless they've been censored and the comment won't even post).
Shortly after he put up this piece, @Ben emailed me the link, which arrived just seconds after I began typing the email below (touched up a bit to correct typos or missing words):
The real DCS has been summoned again and again to this "debate", and his name has been used in vain. So, here he is, with another hard-hitting comment (unless they've been censored and the comment won't even post).
Shortly after he put up this piece, @Ben emailed me the link, which arrived just seconds after I began typing the email below (touched up a bit to correct typos or missing words):
Alright, given that a private email was made public without consent, I have decided to un-boycott the site just to to provide the damned facts that would have gotten in the way of more gaslighting. Here it is (if it posts). Check out the facts. There is no need to try to contact me to apologize:
If this posts, you will have the whole truth, and nothing but that...
Over and out.
Bruh
You live in Manhattan
Touch grass / get a life
See some art, eat omakase, take in an amazing opera, enjoy the mild weather before it gets hella cold
Stop with this Hilton stuff
It’s a deep embarrassment to WCM as well
This guy must have absolutely NO life.
I'm not sure its reasonable and it certainly isn't prudent to have an expectation when sending an email that it won't be made public unless that has previously been agreed upon and certainly not when the party to whom you are writing is a journalist or similar.
Lol his thesis is basically "more Hampton inns therefore more free breakfast" in the US. As if anyone is suffering because there is no Hyatt in glamorous towns such as Bakersfield. Totally misses the part no one is saying out loud: obviously these discussions center around luxury properties. Compare an elite members breakfast at a US Waldorf or Conrad with a Park Hyatt or Andaz. No one cares about free powdered eggs in 2000+ American towns
Lol his thesis is basically "more Hampton inns therefore more free breakfast" in the US. As if anyone is suffering because there is no Hyatt in glamorous towns such as Bakersfield. Totally misses the part no one is saying out loud: obviously these discussions center around luxury properties. Compare an elite members breakfast at a US Waldorf or Conrad with a Park Hyatt or Andaz. No one cares about free powdered eggs in 2000+ American towns
Oh this is so cringe
While the post itself, is uninteresting to the extreme ravel-wise (seems like a college nerd fight), I also find reading it fascinating when you look at the psychology here. I am not arguing that I am the most stable person in the world, let alone the smartest, but DCS is exhibiting some very concerning personality disorder traits. From a meaningless obsession to paranoia (suggesting Ben is trying to badmouth the object of his obsession). Definitely...
While the post itself, is uninteresting to the extreme ravel-wise (seems like a college nerd fight), I also find reading it fascinating when you look at the psychology here. I am not arguing that I am the most stable person in the world, let alone the smartest, but DCS is exhibiting some very concerning personality disorder traits. From a meaningless obsession to paranoia (suggesting Ben is trying to badmouth the object of his obsession). Definitely hope that DCS lives in a society that limits access to guns, and that he finds a way to focus on something even marginally meaningful.
I read all of 3 sentences from the DCS letter and I thought wow, I'm glad I don't know this person. We would not be friends. I'm guessing he doesn't gagne many either at least not real ones. Incredibly insufferable. I would game b*tch slapped him already. ANNOYING!
DCS back from the dead! Who's next... Credit?
All Hilton properties in Australia charge a $10.00 upgrade fee for the full buffet breakfast.
Lathe Hilton Parmelia Perthdoes no such thing, ever.
I think DCS and Tim Dunn should be married
It would be the ultimate last word in the world with all things Delta and Hilton and their brand supremacy.
They would be 87% of all internet bandwidth.
I'll never understand how people get so defensive about a hotel chain or an airline as if its a family run business that their grand parents founded and not a corporation.
Paris is a total bitch on VFTW.
Im lifetime diamond i get a full breakfast outside the usa. I think hilton is pathetic not providing the same or similar in the usa. That credit is an insult and pathetic. I gave them my loyalty and they gave me the finger by removing the actual breakfast in the usa. They should provide the benefit to all those with lifetime diamond before they changed the rule.
Unfortunately not the case in some places like Hilton Sydney (Australia). I only got free continental breakfast at the restaurant there, and have to go to the exec lounge for a "fuller" breakfast (which isn't still as fully-featured as the restaurant's full buffet breakfast).
Don’t feed the trolls.
Your life will be better for it.
It would appear that DCS is emotionally engaged on the topic. Judging by his email, perhaps too emotionally engaged.
You know what really grinds my gears, Ben... I've been following your site for probably as long as DCS, yet I've never seen you offer ME a full length post on which to platform on!
I guess I'll just have to stop agreeing with you on most topics ;-)
I got lost with the quibbling over the difference between "overseas" and "outside the United States." In context these days, there is none.
Then there abroad. Which has multiple meanings.
Ok, As a long time HILTON Team Member in the US and a Director of Sales, I can indeed confirm this all to be true. For example, at my current hotel, we do not have a lounge, and our restaurant is Ala Carte, so no we do NOT provide a full breakfast. A meal credit is given, that should cover most of a breakfast.
I am also a Hilton Gold (we get that benefit...
Ok, As a long time HILTON Team Member in the US and a Director of Sales, I can indeed confirm this all to be true. For example, at my current hotel, we do not have a lounge, and our restaurant is Ala Carte, so no we do NOT provide a full breakfast. A meal credit is given, that should cover most of a breakfast.
I am also a Hilton Gold (we get that benefit when we travel for either work or personal) and in the US, I have very rarely been given more than a credit.
I've also travelled extensively with my company and yes, it seems to be quite common "overseas" to get a full breakfast, however that is not guaranteed.
I've received the full breakfast outside of the US in all but one cases. Granted, I don't have a huge sample size, but the only location I didn't receive the full breakfast was at the Hilton Queenstown Resort in NZ. The continental spread is pretty dang good, though. I purchased more for my son only to get the warm stuff.
The Hilton Cairo Zamalek was the only place I've been to that had a separate...
I've received the full breakfast outside of the US in all but one cases. Granted, I don't have a huge sample size, but the only location I didn't receive the full breakfast was at the Hilton Queenstown Resort in NZ. The continental spread is pretty dang good, though. I purchased more for my son only to get the warm stuff.
The Hilton Cairo Zamalek was the only place I've been to that had a separate room attached to the main dining room for exclusive for diamond members. Not an executive lounge, but just a separate dining area with additional juice and coffee stations.
Oops, I meant the Hilton Rome Airport instead of Hilton Cairo Zamalek.
Guys like DCS and an, ahem, certain Delta admirer always remind me of George Clooney's character in Up In The Air. His job as a termination consultant (i.e. he fires people) allows him to see that loyalty to businesses and companies means nothing as people get fired despite many years of hard work. It gives him a smugness, that he's too smart to ever be caught being loyal to something so stupid as a company...
Guys like DCS and an, ahem, certain Delta admirer always remind me of George Clooney's character in Up In The Air. His job as a termination consultant (i.e. he fires people) allows him to see that loyalty to businesses and companies means nothing as people get fired despite many years of hard work. It gives him a smugness, that he's too smart to ever be caught being loyal to something so stupid as a company (or friends, or family, or relationships).
And yet, he's slavishly loyal to American Airlines, collecting 10 million points even though he states he has no actual plan in mind on what to use them for. it's not until the end of the movie that he realizes how stupid he is to be so loyal to an airline, and that the reason he's become so loyal to American is because there's literally nothing else in his life to be loyal to. He either pushed away or never developed anything else to be attached to, so his primal need for attachment has been pathologically directed to a faceless airline.
At the end of the movie, he transfers miles to his sister and her new husband so they can have a honeymoon, and then decides to take a trip for himself instead of for work.
Bottomline is that people like DCS develop an unhealthy attachment to stuff like hotels and airlines because they have nothing else to attach to, and this need for connection drives them to believe that somehow, these corporations love them back for the love and energy they give them.
I've seen the same with consultants who live out of a suitcase for years. Their traveling means they can't sustain much of a relationship with any actual human being (be it family, friends, lovers, etc) and so they develop an unhealthy obsession with status and points from "their" favorite loyalty programs, as if them loving these programs so intensely can somehow substitute for two-way connections with real people.
Spoiler alert, bro!!!!!
Woah buddy - your comment is a spoiler for Up In The Air. I know it's an old movie, but new people come of age every day, and a spoiler alert could be useful, just sayin'
Foolish as he is for bootlicking, DCS is an accomplished medical scientist and on the faculty of a top research university. Let's be clear, he could use a lot more awareness of the world at large, and he has...
Woah buddy - your comment is a spoiler for Up In The Air. I know it's an old movie, but new people come of age every day, and a spoiler alert could be useful, just sayin'
Foolish as he is for bootlicking, DCS is an accomplished medical scientist and on the faculty of a top research university. Let's be clear, he could use a lot more awareness of the world at large, and he has no wife or kids (which we should pity moreso than ridicule). I'm just saying that he does actually have other things to attach to - his work. Professorships at DCS's level, for what they're worth, are incredibly time consuming endeavors (labors of love) and even a professor with no family or hobbies is head and shoulders removed from the layperson's understanding of having nothing to be attached to.
My bad, spoiler alert! Spoiler alert! (Is there a statute of limitations based on the age of a movie? :-)
DCS may be a medical researcher, but my point is about attachments to people. Those are what ultimately matter. Clooney is attached to his work. He loves his job and sees it as important and useful. Similarly, McKinsey management consultants do interesting work and take great pride in it. But ultimately it's relationships to people...
My bad, spoiler alert! Spoiler alert! (Is there a statute of limitations based on the age of a movie? :-)
DCS may be a medical researcher, but my point is about attachments to people. Those are what ultimately matter. Clooney is attached to his work. He loves his job and sees it as important and useful. Similarly, McKinsey management consultants do interesting work and take great pride in it. But ultimately it's relationships to people that matter, partially because, as Clooney already knows, no matter how good you are at your work, no job will ever love you back. You're always only one quarterly dip in profits away from being fired.
Without those attachments to people, you're like a duckling that will imprint on whatever thing it sees first. For some unfortunate people, that ends up being a hotel or airline program.
Wow, I learned something new! I am Hilton Gold (automatic because of Hilton timeshare ownership) and I just found out by reading this post that I get a free breakfast (continental or full) outside the U.S. No sarcasm, really, I did not know that. Thanks for the post!
Wow. Unless you are stuck at some resort somewhere where you can't leave the property, an even better idea is to find a decent coffee shop near the hotel, walk to that decent coffee shop, have a much better cup of coffee than I've ever received in a hotel, and spend $5-10 on that decent cup of coffee and a pastry. A "free breakfast" that wastes an hour of your time on middling food is...
Wow. Unless you are stuck at some resort somewhere where you can't leave the property, an even better idea is to find a decent coffee shop near the hotel, walk to that decent coffee shop, have a much better cup of coffee than I've ever received in a hotel, and spend $5-10 on that decent cup of coffee and a pastry. A "free breakfast" that wastes an hour of your time on middling food is not really "free" whether it's a full english, continental, whatever! Get out there and explore and have some breakfasts that you'll remember!
Hilton los Cabos only does continental and charges you an upgrade fee if you want full. I have 4 aspire cards
Ben, sometimes the best response is no response. First of all, you’re right in this case and DCS is totally wrong. But he’s gaslighting you and frankly you took the bait. And now you gave him the one thing every narcissist so desperately craves: attention. It’s your blog, you can always just block him. Not every crackpot needs or deserves a response. Sometimes proving that somebody is just flat out wrong (or crazy) just isn’t worth the effort.
I swear DCS is Timmy's twin brother...
The difference is quite literally black and white.
Both are dogmatic gasbags, the real difference is one actually has a legit PhD…the other is just a Doctor of Delta Teet Sucking.
When I first moved to the big city many years ago, I quickly learned a key point for urban survival: DO NOT ENGAGE WITH THE CRAZY PERSON ON THE BUS.
DCS is that person. Do not engage.
Clearly DCS is correct because the Waldorf Cabo breakfast also includes GRANOLA!!!
I'm curious if he only went once years ago, because they did used to offer the buffet or an a la carte item.
The remodel pics look decent, but modernizing hotels with rustic charm comes at a cost. Oh and at 250k points (at least) I will not be returning.
Okay, I'll go against the grain here and say whilst DCS is clearly borderline deranged, he is clearly just interpreting the statement you made in a different, valid logical way.
He thinks you mean "Hilton promises a continental breakfast when there’s not a club lounge" means that you are saying IF there IS a club lounge, you don't get breakfast, and so would only get it if you have lounge access. This isn't true and...
Okay, I'll go against the grain here and say whilst DCS is clearly borderline deranged, he is clearly just interpreting the statement you made in a different, valid logical way.
He thinks you mean "Hilton promises a continental breakfast when there’s not a club lounge" means that you are saying IF there IS a club lounge, you don't get breakfast, and so would only get it if you have lounge access. This isn't true and isn't outright suggested logically by your statement, but it could be interpreted as such.
Having said that, I don't know DCS is taking this perceived error so personally.
I was worried about DCS disappearance from the comments section! We should put him in a room with Tim Dunn and see what happens...
I remembered there was a post that DCS was arguing against DT, I forgot the name of the post though, however it must been something for either delta or hilton related post
Stayed at a Hilton resort hotel in Whistler Canada last week & was offered $24 Canadian towards food & beverage credit. Have been Hilton Diamond for years( in the past staying at the same hotel was offered full hot breakfast) they do not have an executive lounge at this hotel
Yep, I stayed there recently, with the same credit. Of note, it is $24 Canadian per person (so $48 CAD for double occupancy). The continental buffet is $24, and full buffet is $46. So the credit covers the continental breakfast, aside from taxes and tip.
Last fall, I stayed at a Curio Collection hotel outside the US (in Canada) and as Diamond was given a F&B credit, not the continental breakfast required by the T&C. I'm not sure if the credit was sufficient to cover continental breakfast as I used it on snacks in the evening, but there was definitely not a full breakfast offered.
"...there was definitely not a full breakfast offered."
Yes there was. It was invariable that there was. Some guy on the internet said so.
I had the same convo with him last year on LL about Cabo's breakfast and he simply dismissed my argument because "it was hearsay". I'm not sure why such a Hilton fanboy is yet to stay at one of their most aspirational properties and see it for himself.
I also pointed out that despite the T&C stating f&b credit is US only, Hilton on the Canadian side of the falls actually does the f&b thing...
I had the same convo with him last year on LL about Cabo's breakfast and he simply dismissed my argument because "it was hearsay". I'm not sure why such a Hilton fanboy is yet to stay at one of their most aspirational properties and see it for himself.
I also pointed out that despite the T&C stating f&b credit is US only, Hilton on the Canadian side of the falls actually does the f&b thing too. He couldn't fathom the thought of a franchised hotel violating Hilton's T&Cs, it's just not possible. He also seems to believe that everyone wears their seatbelt and follows the speed limit because those are the rules. You can't really win against someone like that
He’s a lifelong academic. Textbook ivory tower. All his friends are the same. Single, and no partner or kids to clue him in on the error of his ways.
Apologise my ignorance, but what is the difference between Continental Breakfast and Full Breakfast?
A continental breakfast is a euphemism. It means cheap a la carte ultraprocessed junk, typically also cold, like Frosted Flakes and a packaged muffin. Maybe a banana if you’re lucky.
Full breakfast is cooked, typically hot, and a “set” like omelette with toast and homefries.
Continental means the usual breakfast consumed in continental Europe (Western Europe excluding the UK), heavily influenced by France, consisting usually of a plain croissant, some butter, jam, a fruit and a cup of coffee. Opposed to the full hot English breakfast served in the UK.
DCS is the King and you must bow down to the King you peasants!!
he is the biggest fan of Hilton Loyalty program by far. I would argue IHG is more valuable than Hyatt for me.
I'll never understand how someone so completely loves a brand which does not and cannot love them back. Especially when it's arguing disingenuously about minutiae.
Good question mate. Get a good psychology book or just watch a season or two of You :)
People with big voids in their lives try to fill them, typically with the most mundane things in the most unusual way. The fear of not having their love reciprocated drives them into loving the vulnerable or very young.
Loving a brand is actually healthier in the sense that it doesn't hurt other people (accept...
Good question mate. Get a good psychology book or just watch a season or two of You :)
People with big voids in their lives try to fill them, typically with the most mundane things in the most unusual way. The fear of not having their love reciprocated drives them into loving the vulnerable or very young.
Loving a brand is actually healthier in the sense that it doesn't hurt other people (accept the blog readers ;) )
A good therapist would suggest loving a pet and, at some point, yourserlf.
Is DCS the HH equivalent of Tim Dunn?
DCS is the OG Tim Dunn. He was around long before Tim was. I sometimes wondered what happened to him. I figured he moved on to other things in life but nope, he's just boycotting the site!
I was starting to wonder if he was ok too. Glad he's still alive and even more glad he's set some distance from us.
Yes, he has been on all those travel blogger's comment section for at least 10 years
As someone who is a fair bit older than you and frequently experiences the same frustration with people who don't seem to be very good with logic I commend you on your insight that the answer is to work on just getting over it. It took me a half a lifetime to realize that their failure at logic isn't a bug but a feature which allows them to hold onto beliefs that are clearly wrong.
Smart and psychopath are not mutually exclusive. I couldnt even make it through his email
"Smart and psychopath are not mutually exclusive."
Nor are stupid and psychopath.
I remember writing a comment a few years ago about how I had just come back from WA Los Cabos and as a diamond member, only got continental breakfast and had to pay extra for the full breakfast and DCS chimed in saying that was a lie and that he had been to that property and got free full breakfast as a diamond. lol ok.
We recently stayed at the Conrad Punta Mita (Mexico) as a Diamond. They have no lounge and we only got a continental breakfasts - full breakfast offered for additional fee. Same experience at the Hilton Seychelles. Outside the US, my rate of getting full breakfasts as a Diamond is 50/50.
But but but but that's not INVARIABLY! YOU LIE! IT'S INVARIABLY! WE WERE TOLD SO!
:)
Ben,
How did you even have the energy to read his email, forget about writing a post addressing that email. The email itself was so exausting after first 3 lines that I stopped reading the email and rest of the post beyond that...
Like someone else said in the comments below - I a msure you've got better things to do today. If you haven't, I have got 1000 ideas on what you could write about and "response" to a stupid internet stranger isn't one of those.
Wow! DCS sure went through a lot of trouble to write that.
Sounds like DCS is off his meds again. Somebody get him some Thorazine.
DCS is most famous for his argument that Hilton points and Hyatt points are equally valuable.
Oh god, Hilton Niagara Falls/Fallsview in NF, Ontario, Canada (outside the USA), does not offer free and full restaurant breakfast. It offers a 15CAD voucher that buys you probably a black coffee and a croissant. Source: me, I stayed there as an HH gold.
Niagara Falls is the most overrated destination. I couldn’t wait to take my flixbus out of there and explore the city of Toronto, which was incredible, especially if you enjoy breasts.
The actual falls are nice but, yeah, there are too many overrated places and the Hilton itself is a tourist trap.
@hbilbao How sad and unfortunate. I still remember back in 2016 when they offered you a set meal for breakfast. They offered a plate of French toast, waffles, omelette (egg white), tater tots and fries. But now they are playing games by offering you a 15 CAD credit but isn’t that just suppose to be for U.S. Hilton properties.
Hey DCS, how do you feel about Hilton raising their award point redemptions substantially this year at luxury hotels? I’ll wait.
Are we talking about the same entity that has mentioned in the comments on LoyaltyLobby that the current Hilton Honnors devaluations are also too much for him and has no more patience with the program: https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/09/09/hiltons-third-massive-high-end-points-devaluation-in-10-months-top-hotels-now-up-to-250000-points-per-night/#comments
Where the answer to Sebastian is : " Bottom line: Even as a LT Diamond, I will quit Hilton Honors 'cold turkey' if the cost of patronizing the program similarly becomes a 'bridge too far', which it might become...
Are we talking about the same entity that has mentioned in the comments on LoyaltyLobby that the current Hilton Honnors devaluations are also too much for him and has no more patience with the program: https://loyaltylobby.com/2025/09/09/hiltons-third-massive-high-end-points-devaluation-in-10-months-top-hotels-now-up-to-250000-points-per-night/#comments
Where the answer to Sebastian is : " Bottom line: Even as a LT Diamond, I will quit Hilton Honors 'cold turkey' if the cost of patronizing the program similarly becomes a 'bridge too far', which it might become soon at the rate of their recent devaluations, coupled with the gutting of their promos, which were, until 2025, one of the program's key differentiating features."
Email from DCS clearly written by ChatGpT/AI with all those big words and french quote added in :)
I doubt it with the mistakes strewn into it, ChatGPT would also sound more coherent.
"Two elderly women are at a Catskill mountain resort, and one of 'em says, "Boy, the food at this place is really terrible." The other one says, "Yeah, I know; and such small portions."
I love this joke and I love you as a result
I think you’ve both got better things to do today.
@ UncleRonnie -- I will fully concede that point!
Agreed. This is less cri de coeur and more en plein délire