09-24-2016, 03:17 AM
Hilton strategy is generally to place one of their lower tier brands near their higher tier "Hilton" brands so that whether you are looking for a cheaper room or a more expensive "luxury" stay you are funneled into their brand via the booking sites. For example you are looking for a $150 Doubletree room but they are sold out at that rate and the only rooms available are $180. The web site points out that the Hilton nearby has rooms for $190. You figure, why not stay at a better hotel for an extra $10/night? Psychologically speaking, you "agreed" to $10/night. But Hilton is getting $40 from you, or $240 for a 6 night stay. Even if you don't fall for the "would you like cheese on that?" tactic, if one hotel has no vacancies the other properties are automatically marketed. (Likewise if the Kona Hilton properties are full, the Hilo options could be displayed, and vice versa). In other words, Hilton has it's foot in the door and if they follow their traditional strategies a higher-end Hilton in Hilo will follow (someday).