Changes to the Hilton HHonors Program

Beginning on January 1, 2013 changes to the Hilton HHonors program will change for qualification of the Gold and Diamond level.

I received an email that reads as follows:

Thank you for making Hilton HHonors™ your guest loyalty program. With ten distinct hotel brands, you have endless ways to experience the benefits of being an HHonors member. Over the past few years, we have expanded the benefits for our guests with Gold and Diamond status. They can now enjoy benefits such as complimentary space-available room upgrades, high-speed Internet access, breakfast, and up to a 50% bonus on all Base Points earned on every stay. Periodically, we need to adapt our program based on industry trends. For the past ten years, we have not changed the qualifications for Gold and Diamond status. As of January 1, 2013, we will adjust the requirements to qualify for elite status in 2014. To qualify for Gold status, HHonors members must complete 20 stays, 40 nights, or attain 75,000 Base Points within the calendar year. To qualify for Diamond status in 2014, members must complete 30 stays, 60 nights, or attain 120,000 Base Points in 2013. All other tier level qualifications, as well as elite status received through Hilton HHonors credit cards and partners, will remain the same. We thank you for your loyalty, and we look forward to seeing you at one of our 3,900 hotels and resorts in 2013. Sincerely,

Jeffrey Diskin Executive Vice President, Commercial Services Hilton Worldwide

I believe that the Hilton HHonors Gold level is the best mid-level program out there among the major hotel brands including Hyatt, SPG and Marriott.

At the Hilton HHonors Gold level, benefits include:

25% ELITE STATUS BONUS

With Gold elite status, you automatically receive a 25% bonus on all the HHonors Base Points you earn.

HOTEL BENEFITS

Members with Gold status receive all the benefits in the lower tiers:

• Quick reservations and check-ins based on your room preferences
• Late check-out*
• Express check-out
• Spouse stays free**
• Complimentary access to fitness centers and health clubs†
• Two complimentary bottles of water per stay (at Waldorf Astoria™ Hotels & Resorts, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton™, Embassy Suites Hotels™, Hilton Garden Inn™ and Hilton Grand Vacations™ hotels)

Plus:

• eCheck-In: Select your room and check in online up to 24 hours in advance at participating properties

MY WAY GOLD MEMBERSHIP HOTEL BENEFITS:††
Waldorf Astoria™ Hotels & Resorts

• Space-available upgrade to a preferred room
• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or one in-room movie per stay

Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton™

• Space-available upgrade to a preferred room
• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or a complimentary continental breakfast for you and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay

Embassy Suites Hotels™

• 500 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or two snack/refreshment choices per stay

Hilton Garden Inn™

• 750 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or a complimentary Hot Cooked-to-Order Breakfast for you and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay

Hampton Inn™, Homewood Suites by Hilton™

• 250 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or choice of snack and bottled water

Home2 Suites by Hilton™

• 100 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or choice of snack and bottled water

Hilton Grand Vacations™

• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay

Diamond Benefits include:

50% ELITE STATUS BONUS

With Diamond elite status, you automatically receive a 50% bonus on all the HHonors Base Points you earn.

48-HOUR ROOM GUARANTEE

Need a room at the last minute? You are guaranteed a room when you make a reservation at least 48 hours prior to your arrival.‡‡

HOTEL BENEFITS

Members with Diamond status receive all member benefits:

• Quick reservations and check-ins based on your room preferences
• Late check-out*
• Express check-out
• Spouse stays free**
• Complimentary access to fitness centers and health clubs†
• Two complimentary bottles of water per stay (at Waldorf Astoria™ Hotels & Resorts, Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton™, Embassy Suites Hotels™, Hilton Garden Inn™ and Hilton Grand Vacations™ hotels)
• eCheck-In: Select your room and check in online up to 24 hours in advance at participating properties

MY WAY DIAMOND MEMBERSHIP HOTEL BENEFITS:††
Waldorf Astoria™ Hotels & Resorts

• Space-available upgrade to a preferred room
• Choice of two among the following: 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay; one in-room movie per stay; or a spa, golf or restaurant discount, as designated by the property

Conrad® Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton™

• Space-available upgrade to a preferred room
• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay
• A complimentary continental breakfast for you and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay
• Executive Floor Lounge Access (available at select properties‡)

Embassy Suites Hotels™

• 1,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or three snack/refreshment choices per stay

Hilton Garden Inn™

• 750 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or a complimentary Hot Cooked-to-Order Breakfast for you and up to one additional guest registered to the same room each day of your stay

Hampton Inn™, Homewood Suites by Hilton™

• 250 HHonors Bonus Points per stay, plus snack choices or choice of snack and bottled water

Home2 Suites by Hilton™

• 100 HHonors Bonus Points per stay or choice of snack and bottled water

Hilton Grand Vacations™

• 2,000 HHonors Bonus Points per stay

The new changes almost make it very difficult to maintain Gold status, as the new qualifications require almost as many stays to get top tier status with Hyatt or SPG.

I do think the benefits of Hilton HHonors Gold is invaluable, as the free breakfast and internet saved me nearly $80 per day during my stay in London earlier this year.

Hatfield's Restaurant

Hatfield's restaurant has been awarded one Michelin star, a significant accomplishment in the restaurant world.

As you enter the restaurant, there is a small hostess stand with the bar area directly behind it.  The dining room is on the smaller side, but tables are spaced well.  With high ceilings and an open floor plan, the space feels cozy yet spacious at the same time.  There is an open kitchen, so you can see the behind the scene action.

Dinner started with an amouse bouche of salmon tartar with celery root puree.  The salmon was super fresh and literally melted in your mouth.  The celery root was pureed to a fine consistency like mashed potatoes.  A great little bite to start the meal.

Amouse Bouche

The Arugula and Roasted Fig Salad paired the peppery arugula with the sweetness of the figs.  The Serrano ham added a nice salty note, while the almonds added some crunch.  The Manchego cheese also added some saltiness as well as some “funk” commonly found in aged sheeps milk cheese.  This is a well composed and balanced salad.

Arugula & Roasted Fig Salad

The Wagyu Flat Iron & Red Wine Braised Short Rib is a great way to sample different cuts of meat at the same time.  The Wagyu is well marbled and tender.  Overcooking the steak would be a crime, as most of the flavor and tenderness would be destroyed.  The flat iron was full of flavor, cooked to perfection, still juicy and tender enough to cut with a fork.  The short rib was braised to perfection.  Super tender and still moist, it literally fell apart just by touching it.  The Swiss chard and cippolini onions added some acid and sweetness to the dish.  The mashed potatoes were my least favorite part of the dish, probably because I do not like Kalamata olives.

Wagyu Flat Iron & Red Wine Braised Short Rib

The Banana Cream “Tart” is a deconstructed banana cream pie of sorts.  Paired with chocolate cinnamon ice cream which really had a strong cinnamon burst, this is a somewhat odd combination of flavors that works.  The “tart” was very not very sweet with a hint of banana.  The “cream” was interesting in that it was encapsulated with a crunchy shell filled with luscious whipped cream whipped to very soft peaks.  The boldness of the cinnamon slightly overpowered the banana, but this is still a very solid dessert.

Banana Cream "Tart"

A “cupcake” was presented at the end of the meal.  This was the smallest cupcake I have ever seen.  It would have been perfect for a Barbie doll.  The cupcake was a great last bite to remember the meal.  The cupcake was moist while the frosting was not too sweet.

"Cupcake"

Hatfields lived up to its Michelin star with great, fresh ingredients that are cooked to perfection, while also challenging the taste buds particularly with dessert.  With choices like Black Pepper ice cream, Celery-bitters ice cream, and an Earl Grey milkshake those who are opposed to experimentation.

Andaz West Hollywood

The Andaz West Hollywood sits on the Sunset Strip with great city views, especially from the rooftop pool.  The Chateau Marmont is also a stones throw from the hotel.

Rooftop Pool

Cabanas

 As you enter the hotel, there is no formal registration desk.  There are “hosts” that assist you with the check-in process.  Guests are invited to sit on sofas throughout the check-in process.  Guests are also offered a glass of wine, water or other beverage.

During this stay, I decided to use a Suite Upgrade, which Diamond members receive four throughout the year.  Normally, a Diamond member will be upgraded to the smallest or lowest level suite, but can be upgraded further at the hotels discretion.  As you may expect, some hotels are more generous than others with upgrades.

I was given an Andaz Suite King on the 9^th floor.  As you enter, the room opens up into a large open space.  There is a large glass table with four barstools with a large window that overlooks the city.

Entryway

 To the left is a large leather couch with a large desk.  There is also a flat screen TV that welcomes you to the Andaz.  They even personalize the greeting on the TV, a very nice and memorable touch.

Couch & Desk

Hallway to Guest Bathroom

The balcony has been enclosed and converted into a small sitting area with two chairs and ottomans, and a small TV that overlooks the city.  With the great city views, why would someone want to watch TV?

Sitting Area

Sitting Area

City View

City View

City View

With the Andaz brand, all non-alcoholic drinks are complimentary, along with several types of snacks.

Free Drinks

Snacks

The room has two full bathrooms.  The “guest” bathroom is slightly larger than the one in the bathroom.  There is a large counter, which is always appreciated when on the road.  The shower is spacious, however there is only a small hand held shower head that does not put out much water pressure.  There is only a semi-enclosed shower door so water will undoubtedly splash onto the floor.

Guest Bathroom

Guest Shower

Toilet

The bedroom is fairly large with a closet holding two robes and pairs of slippers, iron and ironing board.  There is a small sitting area in the bedroom.  The bed is on the softer side with large super soft pillows.  Although the bed is on the softer side, it is not uncomfortably so.  There is a large dresser and flat screen TV to round out the room.

Bedroom

Sitting Area

The master bathroom is slightly smaller than the guest bathroom with almost no counter space.  Like the guest bathroom, there is a fairly large shower with hand held shower head with less than desirable water pressure.  The same semi-enclosed shower door is also in the master bathroom.  There are Lather bath products, which are a very welcome change compared to the standard Portico products.

Master Bathroom

Master Bathroom

Bath Amenities

Santouka Ramen - Costa Mesa

In a time when ramen joints seem to be gaining popularity and popping up almost daily, Santouka is a place that seems to keep things old school and simple.

Many of the newer ramen places either have a ton of different types of soup choices, such as Mapo Tofu, Curry, Seafood, etc.  Or the other option seems to be that you get your choice of soup bases, such as shio (salt), miso or shoyu (soy sauce), and then nickel and dime you for extras such as pork, eggs, mushrooms, vegetables, etc.

Santouka has its roots in Japan, and first came to the US several years ago.  In California, it appears that they have partnered with Mitsuwa market, as most of the restaurants are based in the food court of this Japanese super market chain.

Spicy Miso Ramen

The Spicy Miso Ramen, is a deep, thick rich pork soup base with miso to give it a somewhat cloudy appearance.  Thick, rich puddles of oily goodness can be seen floating at the top of the bowl.  Although  red like magma, the soup would probably not be considered to spicy for most.  The ramen comes with two thick slices of fatty pork belly that just melts in your mouth, bamboo shoots, wood ear mushrooms, green onions and sesame seeds.  The noodles have enough chew in them to make the meal satisfactory.

Shoyu Egg

The ramen also comes with a shoyu soaked hard boiled egg.  Unlike many ramen places, Santouka serves this on the side rather than placing it in the ramen.

Pork & Rice

The pork and rice side dish completes the combo.  The pork is super tender and full of flavor.  It literally disintegrates in your mouth.  The rice is moist and a little chewy.  It is also loaded with green onions and sesame seeds.

Santouka does not do "gimmicky" ramen, just the basics.  However, they do them to perfection.

Mochi Cream

Mochi Cream

Mochi Cream is a Japanese confectioner whose product is similar to mochi ice cream, like that found by pioneered Mikawaya.

Wide Variety of Flavors

Mochi Cream's dessert are about the size of a golf ball, and have a myriad of flavors, some traditionally Japanese such as Sakura (Cherry Blossom), Green Tea, Azuki Bean, Sweet Potato, Black Sesame, and Green Soybean.

There are other flavors more familiar to most Americans such as Chocolate Banana, Double Mango, Caramel Machiatto, Blueberry, Chocolate, etc.

Mochi Cream is different than mochi ice cream in that the center is a sweetened white bean paste.  I tried getting more information from the employee working there, and my guess would be a sweetened lima bean filling.  The beans are ground to a very fine paste, as there is no "grit" but does have a slight texture to it.

Some of the mochi creams also have a fruit puree in the middle in addition to the "ice cream".

Although frozen when purchased, it is advised to let it thaw 10-15 minutes before eating.

Mochi Cream is very expensive for what you get, $2+ per piece.

Of the few I tried my favorite was the Caramel Machiatto, Chocolate Banana and Dark Chocolate.


The Double Mango was nothing special, and with the Azuki, I'd rather eat regular mochi for the price point.

The Westin San Diego

The Westin San Diego sits on the outskirts of the Gaslamp Quarter, and is part of an office building.  As you enter the lobby, a huge open atrium with skylights sheds beautiful sunlight throughout the property.

The check-in desk is to the right, and each Front Desk Agent has their own “station”.  Check-in was smooth, with all amenities clearly explained.  I was told that I was given a room on the “SPG” Floor, which seems like a regular room but on a higher floor.

The hotel also offer three different types of fruit flavored water in the lobby, on a seemingly rotating basis.  During my stay, I noticed strawberry, lemon, orange, pineapple, and melon flavored water.  The melon and pineapple were my favorites.

Dresser, TV, Refrigerator

I was given a Traditional Room with a King bed.  As you enter the room, there is a dresser with TV directly to the right.  There are two bottles of complimentary water with a small refrigerator.

Bed & Sitting Area

The room is fairly spacious with a king bed and ample space to walk around the room.  To the right of the bed is a small sitting area.

Desk

View

To the left, there is a small desk with a partial ocean view.  The room also faces an office building so having the curtains open can cause for some embarrassing moments if not careful.

Bathroom Sink

Shower/tub & Toilet

To the left of the entrance sits the bathroom, which is spacious.  There is ample counter space with a shower/tub combo.

The hotel is clean, personnel is friendly and professional.  Rates seems to be a little cheaper compared to being directly in the Gaslamp Quarter.

Valet parking is $32 per day, but there is some metered parking in the surrounding area which is free after 6 PM and on Sundays.