PSA: KrisFlyer Ascend voucher bookings ineligible for Hilton elite benefits at Conrad Centennial

The AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend comes with an annual one night stay at selected Hilton properties across Asia Pacific, which can help recoup a significant portion of the card’s non-waivable S$337.05 annual fee (at least it’s non-waivable in theory; people have reported varying degrees of success). 

In light of the ongoing travel restrictions, American Express has added two local options to the list of participating hotels: Hilton Singapore, and the Conrad Centennial Singapore (Hilton Garden Inn is also participating, but is not taking bookings until 31 March 2021 while it accommodates SHN guests). These are available for stays booked and completed by 31 March 2021. 

In my post about the updates, I wrote that Hilton elite benefits will be honored on these stays. This was based on my experience at the Conrad Bangkok last year, where I received free breakfast as a Hilton Gold.

However, it seems this may be a case of YMMV…

No Hilton elite benefits at Conrad Centennial

AMEX KrisFlyer Ascend cardholders redeeming their Hilton voucher at the Conrad Centennial Singapore have been told that the booking is not eligible for Hilton Honors elite benefits. I reached out to the hotel myself, and was told the following:

Greetings from the Conrad Centennial Singapore!

We have verified and based on reservation booked under American Express Krisflyer Ascend credit card reward redemption is not an eligible stay, hence it is not entitled to Honors benefits. You may refer to the official Honors website as follows:

You may also refer to the official link below from American Express:

I’m not sure I agree with how they’re reading the “not applicable in conjunction with any other offers, promotions, discounts of privileges” clause. In my mind, this shouldn’t extend to excluding elite benefits- I imagine American Express had other AMEX privileges in mind when they wrote this. 

But ultimately it doesn’t matter what I think. The hotel has said no, so that’s that. What this means is you’re not entitled to the following…

Free breakfast Room upgrade Late check-out My Way benefits	Free breakfast Room upgrade Late check-out Lounge access My Way benefits

Or does it?

Upgrade through e-check in?

Hilton offers digital check-in and room selection via the Hilton app. Guests can do this from 6 a.m the day before arrival. 

What’s interesting is that Diamond (and Gold, if you’re lucky) members can select an upgraded room, in particular the Executive King category. This would come with breakfast and lounge access, so it solves for those two benefits. 

I’m not sure how the Hilton system works, but I’d have thought that if the rate were truly ineligible for any elite benefits, then the upgrade during check-in option would not be available. I certainly hope it’s not a case of the Conrad Centennial making up rules as they go along, but you never know…

But anyway, don’t look a gift horse in the mouth. If you’re a Hilton Gold or Diamond member, do make it a point of checking in via the app. 

Conclusion

I’m in the process of checking whether Hilton Singapore honors elite benefits on Ascend voucher stays, but frankly speaking, the breakfast over there is nothing to get excited over. Lounge access would be a nice perk though, and the renovated facility is quite eye-catching. 

If you’ve used the Ascend voucher at other Hilton properties (either in Singapore or overseas), do sound out below- were your elite benefits honored?