I use 30K points for a quick overnight stay at the hotel I have stayed at many times before. I think the value has somewhat decreased.

Upon check-in I am ‘un’ warmly greeted by Cameron who lectures me that upgraded are not available even for Diamond members at any HGI hotels and points out to me that I should check my Hhonors app. I ask if this is a new rule as I have stayed not only at this hotel but many HGIs over the years and have ALWAYS been upgraded. He doesn’t reply to my question but checks his computer and tells me he has indeed now upgraded me to a room ‘2 levels above’ my booking.

The room is standard HGI on the 15th floor, basic amenities, no bathtub and no balcony as I was hoping.

I have an early flight the next day and choose 750 points in lieu of free breakfast. I hand over my keycard as I leave and make eye contact and smile to the receptionist who is serving another guest, but there is no nod of acknowledgement or smile in return.

A very different experience from my usual stay at HGI Singapore 🇸🇬.