Hilton Auckland

[Geoff1978]

Hi,

Grateful for any thoughts advice. I have recently gained Diamond Status and really wanted to make the most of this with a trip to Auckland coming up from 11 - 16th January. The prices for the Hilton are currently a lot higher than other hotels in the vicinity (noting that they are not waterfront).

For example, Crowne Plaza can be had for $150 a night NZ, where the Hilton is $459 NZ a night. While I would like to try it out and use the perks of Hilton Diamond, I am not convinced that it is worth an additional $1,500NZ for 5 nights.

So now getting to my question, has anyone ever had offers to this Hilton of a lower/discounted price than the rate it is currently?

Regards,

Geoff

 

[moa999]

Auckland Hilton is always expensive...

RACQ card may give discounts.. as does Entertainment books.

Hilton also has an ongoing promotion with the US Olympic teams giving 15% off..
I choose to support USA Rugby
Hilton Worldwide | United States Olympic Committee - Rugby

 

[kermatu]

It's a very good hotel but the diamond benefits here are not as good as other hotels - at least some. Main deficiency is no Exec lounge. You will get some drink vouchers and full breakfast, and a decent shot at an upgrade.

I have never tried to negotiate a better rate, but have had flexibility with getting room service and drinks after normal cut-off or when I had dinner as part of my rate but arrived late etc.

Give it a go. Otherwise, the US or AAA rates would be best.

 

[jackthomas]

As other members have said, Hilton Auckland is always quite pricey, however can get beyond ridiculous depending on when etc..

It's a beautiful hotel with good elite status recognition, no executive lounge but I believe they make up for this with drink vouchers at a real bar etc.
I'd say the price is probably worth it but that is individually decided!

As for the lower rate, I'm sure you could try but my previous attempts with other hotels have been unsuccessful

 

[farstar]

no executive lounge but I believe they make up for this with drink vouchers at a real bar etc.

Frankly 2 drinks never makes up for lack of lounge, most lounges have as good drinks as most bars with addition of hot snacks free. usually have got harbour view except for once. And more than once have had cruise ships blocking my view even with harbour view, though got suit once. It really depends but genarally not too bad.

 

[The Flying Brick]

Also be wary of the room offered at Hilton Auckland, many have beautiful harbour views - until an Ocean Liner berths alongside for a day or two. Cruise ship visits are frequent over the NZ summer and these berths are often occupied.

 

[jackthomas]

Frankly 2 drinks never makes up for lack of lounge, most lounges have as good drinks as most bars with addition of hot snacks free. usually have got harbour view except for once. And more than once have had cruise ships blocking my view even with harbour view, though got suit once. It really depends but genarally not too bad.

I agree that its not ideal and an executive lounge would be fantastic and I use them in every other city, however as far as I'm aware, not that many of the 5* hotels in AKL do have lounges, Langham is the only that I know of.

I've never experienced the hotel with a cruise ship in port due to the port calendar is widely available online. I'd be booking somewhere cheaper if there is a cruise ship in port

Cruise Ship Info: http://www.poal.co.nz/cruise_ships/cruise.asp

 

[kermatu]

Agree - if there's a ship due at the Princes Wharf, best to avoid. But if it's significantly cheaper to stay elsewhere, I'd just do that in any event. No Exec lounge, or spa for that matter, make this a poorer hotel unless price is competitive.

 

[ozcos]

I agree that its not ideal and an executive lounge would be fantastic and I use them in every other city, however as far as I'm aware, not that many of the 5* hotels in AKL do have lounges, Langham is the only that I know of.

I've never experienced the hotel with a cruise ship in port due to the port calendar is widely available online. I'd be booking somewhere cheaper if there is a cruise ship in port

Not really 5 star, but the Crowne Plaza has a small exec lounge. But upgrades for platinum to EL access is very hit and miss, more miss lately.

 

[Ewing]

I'm not a huge fan of the Hilton - if I stay in the Viaduct area I prefer the Sofitel.

I'm trying the Langham in a few weeks. It's $325/night vs $550/night at the Hilton and includes breakfast+wifi.

Hardly any Hilton stays this year as I've been enjoying other hotels instead. I suspect I'll be saying goodbye to Diamond soon

 

[cmon0005]

Not really 5 star, but the Crowne Plaza has a small exec lounge. But upgrades for platinum to EL access is very hit and miss, more miss lately.

I normally stay at Crowne plaza when in AKL, it's not the best place you have seen(dated) but certainly clean, friendly staff, great central location and very good buffet breakfast spread.

 

[Deleted member 29185]

I'm not a huge fan of the Hilton - if I stay in the Viaduct area I prefer the Sofitel.

I'm trying the Langham in a few weeks. It's $325/night vs $550/night at the Hilton and includes breakfast+wifi.

Hardly any Hilton stays this year as I've been enjoying other hotels instead. I suspect I'll be saying goodbye to Diamond soon

Apart from points/stays, I can't see why anyone would stay Hilton over Langham in that case! Please let us know how it goes!

 

[Geoff1978]

Thanks for the information and advice.

I have just decided to go with the CP as we won't really be at the accom much. The money I saved will be used for some weekends at the Hilton Surfers Paradise.

Cheers