Hilton reached out this morning with some good news for Hilton Honors elite members who felt that the benefits at some hotels weren’t up to par. As of January 1, 2018, all Gold and Diamond members will be able to enjoy complimentary breakfast at Waldorf Astoria hotels and resorts as a new “My Way” elite benefit.
While I sometimes agree with Sriram that breakfast is an overrated elite benefit, it can be particularly expensive at resort properties like Waldorf Astoria where there are no other convenient options. This change will save money for most elite members. On the other hand, it can also create confusion when the “standard” buffet and the “free” buffet do not match. Omar recently discovered this at the Park Hyatt St. Kitts.
It’s a common perception that Gold and Diamond members get a free breakfast whenever they stay at one of Hilton’s numerous brands. In fact, breakfast is only listed as a My Way benefit for some brands, and each brand has its own, unique set of My Way benefits. This makes sense for some budget properties that don’t even have a kitchen, or for properties like Embassy Suites that include breakfast automatically for all guests. Hilton Garden Inn lets you choose between breakfast or bonus points.
Waldorf Astoria would previously let you choose two options among 1,000 bonus points, a free in-room movie, or some kind of resort service or dining discount. It appears that breakfast for two people will be added in addition to this existing choice.
Starting January 1, all Waldorf Astoria properties will offer complimentary continental breakfast or an equivalent Food & Beverage credit for all Gold and Diamond members (and one guest) as part of a MyWay benefit option. This was in direct response to our members’ feedback, so we’re excited to offer this benefit at all our luxury properties.
Besides Embassy Suites and Hilton Garden Inn, which have their own exceptions, the other brands that continue to offer free breakfast to Gold and Diamond members include Conrad, Curio Collection, the mainstream Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, and Tapestry Collection. Remember that you can get Gold status automatically with the Hilton Surpass credit card from American Express or the American Express Platinum Card. Amex is also expected to release a new Hilton credit card next month that will provide Hilton Honors Diamond status.
