If we’re on a road trip on major highway, most of us stop at the state-owned rest stops along the way. Although if you’re going to go past a Buc-ee’s, I’d recommend going there because their bathrooms are super duper clean. And if you’re on secondary roads, most of us wind up stopping at a local chain restaurant, coffee shop or (my place of choice) a supermarket.
However a couple named Ash & Ronnie, who call themselves @acoupleofcoutus on TikTok, have a different place where they prefer to stop. Well, where Ronnie prefers to stop.
“Most people stop at gas stations” the video says. “But my husband stops at a literal HILTON to use the bathroom and get coffee.”
Y’see, Ronnie apparently has Hilton Diamond status and, according to their TikTok video, he takes that VERY seriously.
Here’s the video in question:
@acoupleofcoutus He takes his Diamond status VERY seriously. #marriage #couples #couple #hilton #fypage #marriedlife #coffee
So this brings up a legit question. If you’re not a guest of the hotel but you have status with the brand, does that mean you can help yourself to the hotel’s facilities any time you want? I decided to investigate.
It’s not as a listed perk of Diamond Status
I checked Hilton’s website and nope, it’s not listed as a perk of Diamond Status. These are what are listed:
What perks do Diamond Members get?
Diamond Members get all the benefits that our Gold Members enjoy, plus:
- 100% Bonus Points on Stays
- Space-available room upgrades
- Premium Wi-Fi
- 48-hour room guarantee
- Executive lounge access
- Elite status gifting
- Diamond status extension
Earn Diamond with 60 nights, 30 stays, or 120,000 Base Points.
It’s not listed as ANY status
There are people in hotels every day who aren’t staying there
Of course, people go to conventions, conferences and special events within hotels every single day, even if they’re not actually staying at the hotel. They’re invited to use the restrooms and partake in any refreshments the gathering offers because, of course, they’re paid for by whoever is putting on the event.
So even if these people aren’t necessarily staying at the hotel overnight, they’re still guests of the hotel by way of their event hosts.
Peoples’ response to this
But what this guy is doing? Personally, I think this is on the same level as shoplifting. Granted, using the restroom isn’t that big of a deal. But the coffee is really supposed to be for hotel guests, isn’t it? Not just people who come in from the outside, flash their Diamond status and pour themselves a cup, right?
I mean, along the same lines, do people with status often stop off at DoubleTree by Hilton and just ask for a free cookie? Use the hotel gym or pool? Print their boarding pass at the computer station?
Anyway, response to the video was mixed.
- BUT WHY HAVE I DRIVEN CROSS COUNTRY FOUR TIMES AND NEVER THOUGHT OF THIS. — Laura
- The Hilton I stayed at in Philly required you to scan your room key to use the bathroom so I don’t recommend trying this — jess
- The front desk sees way too many people per day to even notice. They also do not get paid enough to care 😅 — Shelby
- Must be nice, I tried this once and got stopped to show my room key. — Sage
- I’ve used hotels for their bathroom for years now! They’re so clean! I walk right in, say nothing to the front desk, & head straight to the bathroom😂 — Alexis
- Ok but wait. Is this an option?!? — that.girl.Cody (Note: Ash & Ron admitted that technically, it’s not an option. SO THEY ADMITTED THEIR GUILT! LOL!)
What do you think?
Your turn – what do you think?
If you’re driving around and pass a hotel where you have status, especially a higher level of it, would you stop to use the facilities and grab a snack? Or would you just use the bathroom and leave, because any sort of food or facility use would be for actual hotel guests?
What would you do?
Feature Photo: Hilton Hotels & Suites
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2 comments
There may have been a California court case deeming hotel lobby space public. I go inside a hotel, as a tourist and/or local, all the time to appreciate the lobby decor. There’s a bathroom to use as well. Granted, this is done by walking in in the middle of the city. I’ve never driven off the freeway to get to a roadside hotel for such purpose. It’s legitimate but out-of-the-way flaunting to do so on social media.
To me there is a difference in using the lobby restroom (which is essentially public space) and anything else. I happen to be Diamond but IMHO that doesn’t make me more entitled than anyone else if not staying at hotel. Using restroom is fine however no way you should swim or use gym (most need card key access anywho, charge your EV or take anything from breakfast area (including a cup of coffee) if not staying there.