Each hotel loyalty program has its pros and cons, and that includes differences in elite upgrade policies. While I think Hilton Honors has one of the all-around weaker upgrade policies, the program is unique in offering space available upgrades in advance… in theory. This feature was first introduced in 2021, and in this post I wanted to take a look at how exactly this policy works.
In this post:
Hilton Honors upgrades 72 hours in advance
Officially, Hilton Honors Diamond and Hilton Honors Gold members receive complimentary upgrades subject to availability at check-in. However, when possible, Hilton will notify elite members of their complimentary upgrades 72 hours prior to check-in.
If these upgrades are confirmed, eligible members will receive an email and/or Hilton Honors app push notification alerting them of the upgrade, and showing both the original room type booked plus the upgraded room type. If the hotel offers digital check-in, members can then choose their specific room within that category when the time comes.
Here are a few more details of how this works:
- Upgrades are prioritized first for lifetime Hilton Honors Diamond members, then for Hilton Honors Diamond members, and then for Hilton Honors Gold members
- This upgrade process is automated, so required no intervention by the property; it’s based on some algorithm that takes into account availability, among other factors
- The upgrades issued 72 hours out aren’t binding; it’s possible you’ll still be downgraded, and similarly, it’s possible that you’ll be upgraded further by the property
- These automated upgrades in advance don’t have last room availability, so don’t count on getting an upgrade in advance every time, and also don’t be surprised if you don’t get an upgrade in advance, but do get one on the day of arrival
- This feature is available at Hilton Honors brands where upgrades are a published benefit, including Waldorf Astoria, LXR, Conrad, Canopy by Hilton, Hilton, Curio Collection by Hilton, DoubleTree by Hilton, Signia by Hilton, and Tapestry Collection by Hilton
Hilton Honors is the only hotel loyalty program to formalize something like this, though it’s worth keeping in mind that both the Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt app will sometimes show room upgrades in the days prior to checking in, without officially having a program like this. Just like at Hiltons, those room assignments are subject to change, though.
Hilton Honors’ elite upgrade policy is plain confusing
While I love the idea of how Hilton Honors offers upgrades in advance, it’s important to manage your expectations.
Hilton Honors’ upgrade policy is intentionally vague, and just states that you’ll receive a room upgrade subject to availability, and that may include a suite. However, suite upgrades are at the discretion of individual hotels, meaning that hotels don’t have to upgrade top tier elite members to a suite, even if one is available.
This is in contrast to the policies that Marriott Bonvoy Platinum and World of Hyatt Globalist members have, where they do receive suite upgrades subject to availability. That’s not to say hotels always follow those policies, but those are the rules.
While some people report getting automated upgrades to suites, in my experience it’s almost always a very minor upgrade, typically to a slightly better room (like a better view room, a room with a sofa, etc.).
What’s so puzzling, really is that Hilton Honors will pre-upgrade you, but will then still try to sell you an upgrade to a premium room. For example, for an upcoming stay I’ve been upgraded from a queen room to a queen room with a sofa as a Diamond member, and I’m being given the option of upgrading to a room on a high floor for $20, or a junior suite for $100.
It’s one thing if the hotel tried to sell those upgrades up until the day of check-in and then upgraded guests to junior suites, but that’s not something I’d expect from Hilton with any regularity.
Bottom line
Hilton Honors is unique in officially offering automated upgrades in advance to elite members. 72 hours before check-in, Hilton Honors Diamond and Gold members may be proactively upgraded to a premium room, which is a nice feature.
The catch is that like all things related to Hilton’s upgrade policy, there’s not much consistency. Hilton just promises that Diamond and Gold members will receive some upgrade subject to availability, with no promise as to what exactly that upgrade will entail.
In my experience, the upgrades in advance tend to be modest, and then rarely do I get some exciting upgrade on the day of arrival.
What do you make of Hilton Honors’ automated elite upgrades in advance? What kind of upgrades have you received?
This probably happens 10% of the time for me, maybe less. Some of them being super awesome hotels.
I have been Diamond for 2 years, but will Gold in April. I have at one hotel 5-6 times a year and usually get upgraded. However, on a recent vacation we stayed at a Hilton Hotel on points and asked about an upgrade at check-in, and was told I had already been upgraded. I checked the room compared to others, and indeed it was an upgrade. They also gave us a $50 credit in the dining room which was a nice gesture.
I'm a lifetime Diamond but never stay at Hilton anymore. I got tired of fighting for upgrades in half empty hotels.
I get better treatment in competitors' hotels with no status.
Lifetime diamond, used to get upgrades when i first joined the program but now they are almost non existent. The new automated system picks a room for you and not usually an upgraded one. You can choose your room too but they are comparable. I booked an all inclusive which i should get lifetime benefits but received “ you can upgrade to premium room for $$$”. The benefits on that room should already be complimentary...
Lifetime diamond, used to get upgrades when i first joined the program but now they are almost non existent. The new automated system picks a room for you and not usually an upgraded one. You can choose your room too but they are comparable. I booked an all inclusive which i should get lifetime benefits but received “ you can upgrade to premium room for $$$”. The benefits on that room should already be complimentary so I’m definitely passing on the paid upgrade. I will see what happens closer to the 72hrs and then on the resort. Only thing i value on the program is the extra points that give you faster free nights and the guaranteed hotel room that i have been able to use once or twice during unforeseen travel issues.
It's honestly quite easy to get an upgrade, atleast if you have Diamond Status. I don't know how my strategy works if you are only Gold. All you have to do is when you wake up the morning you are suppose check in to your hotel, just message the hotel via the app and ask if there are any upgrades are available. If rooms are available (They are majority of the time), I am upgraded...
It's honestly quite easy to get an upgrade, atleast if you have Diamond Status. I don't know how my strategy works if you are only Gold. All you have to do is when you wake up the morning you are suppose check in to your hotel, just message the hotel via the app and ask if there are any upgrades are available. If rooms are available (They are majority of the time), I am upgraded almost everytime. It's 2024, people just don't go out of there way as a measure of good faith to help others out. I would assume Hilton's behind closed door policy is don't upgrade unless they ask, because people are still willing to pay for upgrades.
Never received this upgrade. We have been diamond members for years
I usually get pretty nice upgrades as a Diamond at Hilton properties (Although I mainly stay in Europe, Middle East or Asia). Personally I love the status and get tons of benefits out of it.
As a lifetime Diamond member who routinely has over 70 nights a year, I find it so frustrating that I almost never get an upgrade. I think I might get 2-3 a year and then it's usually a minor upgrade and they are always pushing paid upgrades. It's kind of insulting.
I honestly don’t understand why anyone would stay loyal to Hilton, maybe PTSD?? It’s the worse program out there. No thanks. I have Hilton Diamond (without stays), Marriott Titanium and Hyatt Globalist. I do not stay with Hilton because it’s a slap in the face to be loyal. At least Marriott is decent with upgrades and Hyatt is great.
Earning points and status (essentially free) is ridiculously easy. They also have the strongest CC. Not everyone needs a suite while traveling, and many prefer to visit local cafes over some mediocre free breakfast.
Plus, a smile and a pleasantry or two at the front desk goes a long way.
The forum host's confusion about Hilton's apparent attempts to sell upgrades to elite members can be attributed, generously, to youth and inexperience. Anyone who has been around long enough would be familiar with a company known as Nor1, now owned by Oracle (https://www.oracle.com/hospitality/nor1-hotel-upsell/estandby-upgrade/), which various hotel and airline loyalty programs have used for years to sell upgrades (I got my first Hilton eStandby Upgrade offer from Nor1 in 2009 or 2010!).
In fact, LoyaltyLobby, who is intimately familiar with Nor1 and has written quite a bit about it over the years, documented how even Hyatt use Nor1 back in 2011 to sell room upgrades:
https://loyaltylobby.com/2011/10/09/how-nor1-upgrades-work-at-hyatt-hotels/ :
So, to educate the masses:
Hilton's offers of room upgrades, even to its elites, for a fee are nothing new. The upgrades are offered through a company known as 'Nor1' that has been around, like, forever (somewhat like programs selling points thru 'points.com'). There is even a name for the upgrades: e-standby upgrades. There is a 10-year old thread over at flyertalk about them:
So, no need to be confused or be aggravated about a feature that's been there forever and is inconsequential with respect to how the loyalty program works.
Solution: If you are a HH elite, just.ignore.the.damned.offers and rely on the Global Automated Upgrades!
'Nuff debunking already. I am done here...
We're all still waiting on a holier-than-thou explanation about how you can be simultaneusly boycotting the site and incessantly posting pointless commentary.
In so much as you're still here posting after the better part of a decade, trying to portray Ben as inexperienced in the world of travel is as disingenous as it gets. We know that you know better. Also, a simple search reveals Ben has discussed eStandby's before. No surprise that one of...
We're all still waiting on a holier-than-thou explanation about how you can be simultaneusly boycotting the site and incessantly posting pointless commentary.
In so much as you're still here posting after the better part of a decade, trying to portray Ben as inexperienced in the world of travel is as disingenous as it gets. We know that you know better. Also, a simple search reveals Ben has discussed eStandby's before. No surprise that one of the articles it appears in discusses the absurdity of Hilton's loyalty program vis-a-vis a hotel in Hawaii claiming they don't do upgrades because Hawaii is popular. (and go figure, you were incessantly blabbing on there, too!)
You go DCS!!! And U B U with your ultra long threads explaining why Hilton Honors is the most glorious invention conceived by mankind. I enyoy reading them even if my experiences don't typically align with yours. Yes, I'm Diamond too, but I have no Asia "TM" designated trip, sadly. There is no one in the blogosphere who has done more to champion the merits of HH and rightfully earned their suite upgrades more than you (sorry, Lucky)!
Are you sure you are not confused about who makes such claims? Is it not World of Hyatt that everyone is supposed to be in awe of because it has the best everything, be it suite upgrade policy, elite breakfast, elite status perks, etc, while (quoting from this piece, but I could from any...
Are you sure you are not confused about who makes such claims? Is it not World of Hyatt that everyone is supposed to be in awe of because it has the best everything, be it suite upgrade policy, elite breakfast, elite status perks, etc, while (quoting from this piece, but I could from any other about HH) "Hilton Honors has one of the all-around weaker upgrade policies" (or you name it)...?
FYI: I do not tout anything about Hilton Honors that is not true. What I do is just set the record straight based on my thorough knowledge of the program, as I just did here. The host's purpose for writing this post was purportedly to take a look at how "exactly" the HH Global Automate Upgrades policy works, but what came out is all nonsense because the host is utterly clueless about key aspects of the policy!!! If you would bother reading the comments, who knows? Maybe you might even learn something and be smarter than you sound ;-)
DCS should have their own blog.
They do.
@dcs who are the best writers pumping out dozens of awesome Hilton stays per year in diamond suites who are worth following
@stvr -- One writer: me...for years. Everyone else, including this site, simply inflate how good their preferred program is. REALLY.
G'day.
I have been Diamond for 5 consecutive years and hardly get automated upgrades. I often have to ask at check in and as the articles notes, it is usually the same room type with perhaps a better view or one amenity more like a sofa bed or microwave.
If one gets the credit card each year that gives away this top tier Diamond status for free, and one gets it every year for life - doesn’t that make one Lifetime Diamond?
Hilton gold here. I have never ever been upgraded. The fact that Hilton offers you paid upgrades but then gives you nothing complimentary is a big turn off.
Marriott isn't any better though.
Hyatt is by far the best though they have some bad apples too.
Received 5 category upgrade at DT in Kuala Lumpur Oct 2023 - was notified 2 days prior to check-in. Great stay btw.
If you’re being objective any kind of automated upgrade at a big chain like Hilton is good, especially as it takes away the ability for the hotel to just not upgrade people.
However, it does take away the “surprise and delight” element bexause as Lucky said the upgrades are almost always unexciting. It appears to be just one room category. Which seems fair enough, I think created unnecessary room types with minuscule differences simply to...
If you’re being objective any kind of automated upgrade at a big chain like Hilton is good, especially as it takes away the ability for the hotel to just not upgrade people.
However, it does take away the “surprise and delight” element bexause as Lucky said the upgrades are almost always unexciting. It appears to be just one room category. Which seems fair enough, I think created unnecessary room types with minuscule differences simply to game the system. For example the HGI Mag Mile upgraded me from base room to “partial view” and I really don’t think there was any difference. The room sold for $5 more.
And as others mentioned the eStandby thing is pretty silly. Can’t blame them for trying, though. I’m sure it does generate some income and it implies that you won’t be upgraded without paying.
Happy to say I received an upgrade to a junior suite in Florence (HGI) with advanced notice of several days.
I'll be staying in the Bangkok Conrad for almost a month later this month into Feb and at the Bali Conrad most of February and half of March.
In the past with shorter stays have always been upgraded to a suite. The last trip to Bali required a request at checkin but am hoping that all will be well. The suite wing in Bali Conrad is spectacular.
Regular Diamond for 21 years and should be DFL but for Hilton's incredibly bad room accounting in 2000-2010.
I have diamond status and have no less than 75 stays in the last 2 years and have never gotten an upgrade in advance. The worst part is it’s like pulling teeth to get an upgrade at 99% of Hilton properties. You have to pressure and plead. Now they have devalued their points. I have basically given up on Hilton.
Long time reader, first time poster:
I’m a Diamond Member with Hilton. Recently stayed at the Conrad Bali. Booked lowest available tier room with points and took advantage of the 5th night free on reward stays. First received the email as mentioned to pay for an upgrade. Decided to hold off and took a wait and see approach. A day or two before arriving in Bali, I saw the hotel updated my room type on...
Long time reader, first time poster:
I’m a Diamond Member with Hilton. Recently stayed at the Conrad Bali. Booked lowest available tier room with points and took advantage of the 5th night free on reward stays. First received the email as mentioned to pay for an upgrade. Decided to hold off and took a wait and see approach. A day or two before arriving in Bali, I saw the hotel updated my room type on the app from a regular room to a complimentary upgrade 1 Bedroom Suite. So in my case it worked out for a great vacation. Will see what happens later this year on a stay in Singapore.
Exact thing happened a few weeks ago. Minor upgrade in advance, and when I contacted the property about the chance of a better upgrade, I got an upsell instead. They don’t care that you’re already booked for a $500-$600 room, it’s going to cost you more for a real upgrade.
/un-boycott
/un-boycott
I stopped posting here because of, among other reasons, intellectual dishonesty, as is apparent in the statement I just quoted above.
I tried to find the source for what this site claims is the Marriott suite upgrade policy by clicking on a link provided in the piece, but that link only took me to another post on this site making the same claim, which is itself linked to another post on this site that makes the same claim, which itself links to another post on this site...check it out....
Well, the claim is self-quoting and self-sourcing because it's completely bogus, a fabrication. Here's the actual Marriott T&C on elite room upgrades (for plats and above):
See? Just like the HH policy, (a) there are no suite upgrade "guarantees" because no program does, (b) complimentary upgrade includes suites, rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities or rooms on Executive Floors and (c) Enhanced Room Upgrades are subject to availability and are identified by each Participating Property (i.e., at the discretion of each property, like in every program, without exception).
In fact, the synopses of the room upgrade benefits for the two programs are even more telling:
https://bit.ly/3U88iq8
HILTON HONORS:
Seems pretty clear to me what the policy is...
BONVOY:
An ironclad suite upgrade "guarantee" that is!
Lastly, I am completing my 2023 Annual Year-end Asian Escapade(TM) during I just stayed at 5 Hilton properties and was proactively and automatically upgraded to a suite at 3 properties (including a 2-villa upgrade at Conrad Maldives Rangali), upgraded onsite at one property, and did not get [suite] upgrade at a popular resort property where I was on New Year that was fully booked. I will be happy to post evidence documenting the preceding if anyone cares.
The claim quoted at the top has no basis in reality. It has been recycled for years despite being a total fabrication.
As for intellectual dishonesty, that's Q.E.D.
/re-boycott
DCS, in the good old days, as a matter of practice, tight-fisted property owners outright refused to grant upgrades. And, in the end, the programs sided with the property owners. So, it doesn't matter what the policy says. That's your intellectual honesty.
If you’re the only one who has figured out a way to derive value from the program, why broadcast it so widely?
Someone else accurately pointed out that DCS doesn't understand how boycotts work. It follows that his understanding of hotel loyalty programs isn't any better.
Anyway, getting treated well in the loyalty world in Asia is pretty much the status quo. Nothing to see, there.
Finally: just a personal antecdote... the last time I stayed at a Hyatt where an upgrade was an entitlement and available, and it was not proactively offered... a quick call to...
Someone else accurately pointed out that DCS doesn't understand how boycotts work. It follows that his understanding of hotel loyalty programs isn't any better.
Anyway, getting treated well in the loyalty world in Asia is pretty much the status quo. Nothing to see, there.
Finally: just a personal antecdote... the last time I stayed at a Hyatt where an upgrade was an entitlement and available, and it was not proactively offered... a quick call to WOH care resolved the issue. The last time I stayed at a Hilton (as a CC Diamond)... there were around six room categories between the room I was upgraded to and a standard suite... all were available for sale, but Hilton Honors told me the hotel said none were available, so that was that.
But to be fair, I pretty much always prebook into a suite nowadays, anyway. SUAs and point upgrade options make it too easy.
Even from a quick scroll this has to be one of most maniac posts from DCS.
If you have a point to make, make it in 2-3 sentences without crazy formatting. Honestly.
Hilton gives mediocre upgrades which may or may not include a (“junior”) suite. Better than nothing but as a Diamond it’s thoroughly lacklustre.
People believe a quantity of comments not one crackpot fanboy DCS. Remember that.
DCS' reflexive Hilton boosterism has returned with a vengeance!
I, for one, am so glad to see that he's still here. It's a great time to be alive.
Could your posts be any more difficult to read? Really. Try cutting it down to a couple of paragraphs with less formatting. You clearly have too much time on your hands. Try enjoying your Asian Escapade more and do less formatting…
I traveled a lot during November and December and was upgraded in advance for every stay, including Hampton Inn. One trip I was upgraded twice. I’m a lifetime Diamond
I always get those even in Hampton every time the base room I booked is no longer available for sale. So they are just upgrading you in advance to sell the base room to someone else last minute.
I've also seen discrepancies at EU properties. For instance, on your first visit you may get upgraded to just a higher floor or "preferred" room but not a suite. On return visits though you're more likely to get a suite since you're a repeat visitor. I'll find out tomorrow when I repeat my visit to a Curio property in Portugal.
Whatever happened to DCS?
I miss his reflexive Hilton boosterism.
My experience as a diamond member staying over 30 nights a year on holiday in North American road trips, is that about 1 in 3 times I get an early upgrade.
However, in almost 9 in 10 in total, I get upgraded for the stay, the difference given on arrival.
This means that I have learned only to do pre-check in on any early upgrades, leaving the rest to the desk, so no electronic...
My experience as a diamond member staying over 30 nights a year on holiday in North American road trips, is that about 1 in 3 times I get an early upgrade.
However, in almost 9 in 10 in total, I get upgraded for the stay, the difference given on arrival.
This means that I have learned only to do pre-check in on any early upgrades, leaving the rest to the desk, so no electronic key, but leaving open the high probability of upgrade.
Anyone else found this bizarre effect?
Well... I necessarily get upgraded on arrival (LT Diamond) but I *do* know that if you check in online you've selected a room and there will be on upgrades. I don't ask for upgrades. I just can't be bothered, but I will ask for a different room type -- king instead of queen if I've had to reserve a queen. I learned in this way that one of the excuses for not upgrading you is...
Well... I necessarily get upgraded on arrival (LT Diamond) but I *do* know that if you check in online you've selected a room and there will be on upgrades. I don't ask for upgrades. I just can't be bothered, but I will ask for a different room type -- king instead of queen if I've had to reserve a queen. I learned in this way that one of the excuses for not upgrading you is they're told not to change the room if you've selected the room you want. So, if you want an upgrade, you're correct, don't check in online as that will move your chances to zero.
Who doesn’t like an upgrade ? I’m staying at Hilton Berlin in a couple of weeks. I like to shmooze with the front desk at Checkin and see what can be done as HH Gold. The trick is you can’t outright ask for an upgrade you need to dance around it. “My father snores do you have anything with a couch or separate area ? “ First impression is everything utilize the bellPERSON and throw...
Who doesn’t like an upgrade ? I’m staying at Hilton Berlin in a couple of weeks. I like to shmooze with the front desk at Checkin and see what can be done as HH Gold. The trick is you can’t outright ask for an upgrade you need to dance around it. “My father snores do you have anything with a couch or separate area ? “ First impression is everything utilize the bellPERSON and throw THEM a tip to get things started off. I can say ten things in German if all else fails. Old school room service oh yeah.
I’m in a suite at Hilton Berlin as I type this. Nothing to get excited about. But I do have a great view. Hotel is decent; better than many Hiltons, not as nice as most (all?) Conrads I’ve stayed at. Chose here for location and price. Nearly as cheap as the Hampton Inns in Berlin, but more centrally located (for me, at least). WA was too pricey this time around - both cash and points. Hilton was a steal.
Check this out
https://x.com/mnarmuh/status/1744792653680542087?s=46
Sure ... I'll click on a random link with no explanation of what it is.
Important to note downgrade. At WAPedregal was upgraded to 2,400sqft Resort Casita with two bedrooms so invited a friend. Downgraded night before stay, so he got a little rollaway in a normal size room this past weekend. A little uncomfortable and surprising giving the quality of the property.
First world problems are still problems.