Other Hotel Programs - Shangri-La Hotels: The NEW Golden Circle Program

As noted in the previous thread, SL has just announced a new GC program, going into effect next week: http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/goldencircle

On first glance, the main change is the introduction of point in addition the former "appreciation only" elements of the program. Given the significant expansion of SL in the last years, personally I think it was high time for a move like this.

After a first read, here is my initial take on the changes -all others pls weigh in with your thoughts:

Membership levels: slights reduced quali criteria (stay requirement at min 2 properties removed, only 50 days required for Diamond, not only night based but also stay based quali criteria).
Added flexibility with point redemption for free nights and upgrades (probably need to wait until the redemption chart comes out to fully rate this change - I hear there will be 5 hotel tiers defined, requiring different amounts of points for redemptions)
None stay redemption classes (e.g. F&B vouchers) added
Additional Elite (Jade 25%, Diamond 50%) bonus for earning (a totally new benefit)
Additional earning for F&B and Spa spending (a totally new benefit, but be aware of the minimum spend requirement of 50 USD); elite bonus also applicable for this spending category
Continuing to allow double dip for airline miles
Diamond (old Elite) benefits seem largely the same (certainly the very important Horizon Club access, room guarantee and early check-in/ late check-out are still there), additional small benefits like higher cash advance.
The main downgrade I see is on the entry level, where the breakfast benefit (used to
be 50% off) has disappeared.

I will have my first stay under the new regime in 2 weeks, let’s see if that brings any additional insights. I expect the former significant "appreciation" and personalised services to elite members will continue to remain in place in addition to the new points earning possibilities.

Cheers
JRK

does it really allow double-dip for airline miles ? I thought it's either GC points or airlines miles...

and, for the Elite bonus...yes it's "new" for GC points, but we used to have "elite bonus" for airline miles too...

another downside of course is the suite upgrade for Elites (of course it doesn't happen as often now anyway, vs. like 10 years ago when I pretty much got upgraded 100% of the time to big suites).

hard to say it's overall good or bad...the points of course are good, but not like it would easily attract me from other chains...but let's wait for the redemption chart...

does it really allow double-dip for airline miles ? I thought it's either GC points or airlines miles...


I think you are right. I re-read the quote and -whist ambiguous- I now also think it is meant that you need to choose if you want (airline) miles or (GC) points before the stay. That being said, there also seems to be an attractive 1:1 conversion to airline miles with no fees.

Given the average spend on my stays (particularly now also counting F&B and (not so often) Spa), a 50% bonus over the points awarded (1 US = 1GC point) would usually be better than the straight mileage credit.

You have an excellent point for short stays though, I wonder if the elite bonus would still be applied to the airline miles if you choose not to earn GC points for a stay....?

oh interesting, didn't know about this 1:1 conversion earlier. but now found it in the T&C...but in this sense then it's definitely less attractive than SPG ? SPG: USD 1 = 3 Starpoints (for Elite) = 3.75 miles (if you transfer 20k Starpoints = 25k miles)...while here it's USD 1 = 1.5 GC Points = 1.5 mile ? and, in SPG their definition of spending is slightly more generous ? not just F&B and Spa, but also telecom expenses etc ? I think similarly for Marriott too, but don't have the exact conversion off my head. and I think for SPG the minimum for earning points as a non-hotel-guest is USD 10 or so ? while it's USD 50 here...

I think the elite bonus doesn't apply now if you choose airline miles for a stay...the 25%/50% in the benefits table quite clearly say "GC Points" now, and the detailed table with 3 columns (Classic, Exec, Elite) of airline miles for each of the airlines have been changed into a single column now.

and, one question, on their press release, "Golden Circle is the only international loyalty programme that allows both staying and non-staying guests to earn and redeem Golden Circle Awards Points (GC Awards)" don't quite understand what this really means ? of course the "golden circle" program is the only one to earn/redeem "golden circle points" ? like SPG is the only program that allows members to earn and redeem Starpoints ?? or if it's the point about staying vs. non-staying, SPG also allows too (and more generously)...so, not quite sure what's this "only" point referring to ? any clue ?

Thanks for alerting me to the SPG 20k conversion bonus. They have comped me PLT this year, but I did not go into all this details yet... And yes, I agree that makes the airline miles conversion much more generous. Remains to be seen how the GC redemption chart looks like to assess if one would usually convert GC points to airline miles or use for upgrades and free nights.

I think the "only" is intended to mean that GC is the only program to allow non staying guest to earn miles for F&B and Spa.

From your experience tedhl: can you also earn SPG points for F&B when you are not staying at the hotels?

JRK, well done for kicking this discussion off...

My first impressions:

Lower qualification level - I think I'll need it this year...so: Good.

Loss of free upgrade....at first I thought this was a real loss - the upgrades were what made GC different from every other hotel program. But after having returned from a three hotel run (Shenzhen - good, Kowloon - OK, Island - sensational) without having a single upgrade, I wonder if it's as significant a loss as I first thought. For many of us it may be the loss of a theoretical benefit that was increasingly rare in practice, replaced by a tangible benefit that will not be diminished by further growth in membership.

The other changes don't really affect me much.

The key issues for me:
- what is the final earn/burn ratio?
- hopefully there will still be some level of upgrades for the most frequent stayers, even if not specifically promised up front as they were previously.

Gone is the 50% breakfast discount, and partner stays free with similar breakfast benefit, for the lowest tier member.

I don't get to achieve many stays with Shangri-La each year because it's my corporate hotel in very few cities in Asia, am always stuck in the lowest tier, so this in my view was the best benefit that now has been taken away. :td:

Still, the new card design is much nicer though.

From your experience tedhl: can you also earn SPG points for F&B when you are not staying at the hotels?yes, if I remember right I did it quite a few times before, it's quite a published benefits...but, I think for SPG it's only the restaurants, and not the spa...i.e. I'm not sure if you can get SPG points from spa, if you're not an in-house guest...but I'm not 100% sure...

- hopefully there will still be some level of upgrades for the most frequent stayers, even if not specifically promised up front as they were previously.

I believe that years of making GC about recognition for most loyal guests (even before the more recent "you are part of our family" campaign) is still in the DNA of local service managers, front office coordinators and guest relations personnel. Therefore I would also think that upgrades might continue to happen - albeit they are no longer a "published" benefit.

I am at Pu Dong Shangri-La this week and will be back in two weeks: Will report back on any differences I note between the application of the old and the new GC.

Boy have they really stripped it back on the features for the lowest tier.

The partner stay free has gone, as has the suite upgrade from $39 that I personally found very useful personally - having used it several times!

Oh well... Another cost-cutting across all the membership programs... :( Infact, never has a 'Gold' level membership been so bad! haha

and I think for SPG the minimum for earning points as a non-hotel-guest is USD 10 or so ? while it's USD 50 here...


Just received the T&Cs, but could not find a refernce to the 50 USD min spend. Where did you see that? I only saw the USD 50 lowest value F&B voucher as a redemption benefit. From reading the T&C, it would appear that any F&B and SPA spending, even if not an in-house guest, gets credited. Am I missing anything?

Also saw the redemption chart, it gives 7 categories ranging from 1.000; 2.000; 3.500; 5.000; 6.500; 9.500 to 20.000 points. But still no indications which properties are going to be in which category. Highest category for Tokyo, Maledives and the new European properties is an easy guess, but I details on the lower 4 categoreis are going to be very interesting....

Another thing I notices in the T&C is that room rewards seem to include the relevant taxes - which I think is a pretty good deal (seeing as this can easily be 15-20 % of room rate in some AP contries).....

http://www.shangri-la.com/en/corporate/goldencircle/earnpoints

Points for Non-Hotel Stays
You do not need to be a hotel staying guest to earn GC Award Points. You will earn GC Award Points on qualifying spending of USD50 or more on food and beverage, as well as treatments at CHI, The Spa at any Shangri-La hotel, resort or Traders hotel.

what do you mean by "room rewards seem to include the relevant taxes" ? i.e. when redeeming reward stay you do not need to pay taxes ? I thought it's always (or at least most often) the case for all hotel programs ? at least for Hyatt, SPG, Marriott, etc ?

Thanks. Yes, I also think Shangri-la have to get strong their loyalty program. But this enhancing program is so weaker than any other major hotels'. I know shangri-la has good properties but this program is not attractive.

[url] I thought it's always (or at least most often) the case for all hotel programs ? at least for Hyatt, SPG, Marriott, etc ?

I guess that disclosed that I have not redeemed many free nights in the past... I was comparing to MPC and other airline programs where we always have to pay the taxes when issuing award tickets.

BdW, took your advice and transfered 20.000 SPG points to MPC today to get the 5.000 miles bonus.

Will report back on any differences I note between the application of the old and the new GC.

So I am back in PDSL and glad to report that upgrades for DM still exist. The hotel seems very full (last weekend of expo) and I didn't quite get the suite, but a beautiful Premier Bund View Room. This is perfect for the week and is definitely a few categories above what I had originally reserved.

They also have new key card with the new GC logo and I received an additional "dining invitation" card (left in my room today) with an invitation to sample some special dishes at the different restaurants, including a special discount (10 RMB of for every 100 spend).

Has anyone actually received a mail out or any new collateral for the changed program? I have to say it seems surprising to have such significant changes without anything at all in the mail.

Has anyone actually received a mail out or any new collateral for the changed program? I have to say it seems surprising to have such significant changes without anything at all in the mail.

Yes, got my new package in last week. "Welcome" letter, new card, new luggage tags (nicer than the old ones) and a little booklet. The booklet also spells out the redemption categories and has a T&C leaflet included. Maybe yours is still "en-route"?

Hi there,

I have an upcoming business trip in Taipei fr 15-20 Nov and intend to stay at Shangri-La Taipei.
Do you know how I can go about getting cheaper rate than what is listed on the website ?
Any help is greatly appreciated from anyone or if anyone is able to provide with with corp rate code for any company having corp rate with Shangri-La Taipei is also much appreciated

Has anyone actually received a mail out or any new collateral for the changed program? I have to say it seems surprising to have such significant changes without anything at all in the mail.....got it today.

Has anyone actually received a mail out or any new collateral for the changed program? I have to say it seems surprising to have such significant changes without anything at all in the mail.

I live in the US, & just did get the new card 'Jade' with all the membership information today. I like the card style & the neat green luggage tags. romm on the tag to handwrite in my US cell & china mobile #'s.

Posting this from the traders club lounge at Traders KL. I was approached to join the program upon arrival and the young lady handling my check in DID credit both my new temporary GC card and my SAS Eurobonus card. I'm not sure if this was a mistake but I'm not about to bring attention to it.

Take this as YMMV report, but I recently booked my first stay after the new rules @ TPE where I have 85 nights this year so far. Most of the time I get a very good corporate rate for the lowest level room and they'll upgrade me two levels to the executive room when I email them and ask. This time, they said because of the new rules they can only upgrade one level and if I wanted to get my usual room at my current rate I'd need to up it to deluxe. The difference was like 30 dollars so I just did it, but I was a little miffed the "play by the new rules" line.

When you are going to close the year at 100 nights in a single property they ought to throw the rules out, especially when they've been bumping two levels no questions asked the entire year. I'm going probably switch to starwood next year as if I wanted that type of program I would have switched already.

When you are going to close the year at 100 nights in a single property they ought to throw the rules out, especially when they've been bumping two levels no questions asked the entire year. I'm going probably switch to starwood next year as if I wanted that type of program I would have switched already.

That's a very conterproductive practise. This kind of inflexibility for a customer that spends a 1/4 of his year at their property is baffling.

IT's a shame really since Shangri-La otherwise are better managed and kept than Starwood hotels in the same price-range/category.

The partner stay free has gone, as has the suite upgrade from $39 that I personally found very useful personally - having used it several times!

Indeed, there seems to be no way anymore to buy up to a suite for less money. I guess this will be reserved for points upgrades only.

That's a very conterproductive practise. This kind of inflexibility for a customer that spends a 1/4 of his year at their property is baffling.

IT's a shame really since Shangri-La otherwise are better managed and kept than Starwood hotels in the same price-range/category.


Yeah, I could probably email the GM and get it set back, but I'm tired of asking for stuff. I'm three years Elite based almost entirely on this one property and I shouldn't have to ask. One of my stay's this summer I needed to extend my trip, they were booked except for the Plaza Suite and basically wanted to charge me 200% over the rate I was currently staying at. I offered to keep my exec room at my current rate and they could give the Plaza Suite to someone else coming in. They wouldn't do it, so I was forced to find a new hotel. I was blown away and angry but for some reason continued to stay there.

Again, they don't have to upgrade me at all prior to my arrival, and certainly not two room levels above, so I get it. BUT, they were doing that since I became elite and in my mind, with the exception of the extension fiasco, were really living up to the ad campaign. Not anymore it seems. I used to feel pretty special staying there, oh well good things always come to an end I suppose.

Hi, I usually stay with Marriott when I´m in Asia, so I just spend around one week in Shangri-La´s resorts, mostly in the Philippines. As a result, I was "just" a classic member before.

Now the NEW GC program is virtually downgrading me, taking away
- Partner stays free in the same room and enjoys applicable complimentary breakfast benefit
- 50% discount on Buffet Breakfast
- upgrade option, etc.

At the same time, they are talking about "indulging yourself with the generosity of golden circle" and a "new experience". What a joke!!! THAT SUCKS.
So far that is my first experience of being downgraded, i still can´t believe it.

Did anybody got downgraded in other programs yet? Cheers.

Looks like the list of properties for each category is online now.

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedFiles/corporate/golden_circle/redeem_points/GC%20PDF%20eng.pdf

Any thoughts on what that means for the earn/burn rate?

Do we agree on the classification of the properties?

One that is misplaced imO is Hangzhou (Cat. C). I recently stayed there and would certainly not rate it better than say Boutou (Cat A). Besides, they plan to do major renovations there to upgrade it.

Looks like the list of properties for each category is online now.

http://www.shangri-la.com/uploadedFiles/corporate/golden_circle/redeem_points/GC%20PDF%20eng.pdf

Any thoughts on what that means for the earn/burn rate?

Do we agree on the classification of the properties?

One that is misplaced imO is Hangzhou (Cat. C). I recently stayed there and would certainly not rate it better than say Boutou (Cat A). Besides, they plan to do major renovations there to upgrade it.
For the property I stay at most it equates to 20 nights to earn a free night...not terribly attractive!

I just got a points statement from GC by mail. I have previosuly been unable to tie my GC # to an onlien profile so this is the first time I've seen my earnings with them. Turns out I've been granted 500 points for a 5 day stay(!) What's going on here, and why should anyone bother with this program??

Boy have they really stripped it back on the features for the lowest tier.

The partner stay free has gone, as has the suite upgrade from $39 that I personally found very useful personally - having used it several times!

Oh well... Another cost-cutting across all the membership programs... :( Infact, never has a 'Gold' level membership been so bad! haha

For me these are the two biggest losses too.

Again packed in marketing bla bla "the new GC - even better" or something like this.

GC does not think they need to reply to any guest questions, I do not think I need to take any trouble to stay in their hotels too.

The Family and I just returned from a great year end vacation at the CEB SL. The management and staff there really went out of their way to make this a perfect stay for us, I am pleased to report that DM status still receives the same attention and service as before the GC changes.

I also noticed that 'free non-motorized water-sports' was now an official DM benefit. In the past, I think this was only extended during the time in the suite (when there still where suit upgrades for the first 3 days of a stay...). Now all the (non-motorized) water-sport activities where deducted from our invoice upon check out.

Anyone able to give a view on how redemptions will compare to other programs? Does not look very attractive to me compared to SGP.

Does anyone know if its possible to transfer points into the Golden Circle Program from other frequent flyer programs.
Seems quite restrictive if you can only earn by staying in their hotels, unlike SPG which allows transfers in.

(Sorry if this is a new subject)

Does anyone know if its possible to transfer points into the Golden Circle Program from other frequent flyer programs.
Seems quite restrictive if you can only earn by staying in their hotels, unlike SPG which allows transfers in.

(Sorry if this is a new subject)

To the best of my knowledge you can only transfer miles OUT to FFPs (1:1), but not trnsfer IN.

We had a wonderful trip to the Tanjun Aru and the KL Shangri-La over Easter, and I also had the opportunity to tour the facilities and different room types at the KL Traders. I was very impressed with all three properties. In terms of resort facilities the Tanjun Aru must now be one of the best equipped in the portfolio.

Overall the most impressive property was the KL Shangri-La. The Horizon lounge is very spacious and beautifully decorated. Whilst the view is better in PuDong, food and beverage offering and presentation are significantly ahead in KL. All staff was exceptionally kind and helpful and very consistently addressed us by name. Health Club and Sauna are also very impressive and the room was very beautifully furnished. The 2009 renovation of this property certainly paid off.

In terms of redemption value, Tanjun Aru in Cat "C" (2.000 points for suite upgrade) I think is a bargain given the new pool and slides and I think KLSL is rightly charged with the (currently) highest amount for a suite upgrade (4.500 points).

Are there any ways to earn points for free? Surveys, etc? I received an email to sign up to the program and receive 500 points, but I see there is a minimum of 2,500 points needed to redeem for miles. Would love to grab a quick few airline miles if anyone knows of any good promos.

Are there any ways to earn points for free? Surveys, etc? I received an email to sign up to the program and receive 500 points, but I see there is a minimum of 2,500 points needed to redeem for miles. Would love to grab a quick few airline miles if anyone knows of any good promos.

there is a double point promo on now for a 3 month period.

I did stay at 2 properties in July, Huhot & Baotou. But the points did not post...
Oh well, must be a clever HK IT promo.

BTW, very nice properties, but rooms were abet dated, and limited front desk staff english.

Just completed 2 nights stay at Kerry Center Shangri-la for 2 nights. This hotel is really dated, it's a such a far cry compared to Shangri-la in other cities that I have stayed.

Just completed 2 nights stay at Kerry Center Shangri-la for 2 nights. This hotel is really dated, it's a such a far cry compared to Shangri-la in other cities that I have stayed.

Isnt this one brand new, just opening recently?

Isnt this one brand new, just opening recently?

I thought the same, maybe confused SH & BJ. The BJ one is abet old, but has great service & CBD location.

Recent double indulgence promotion

I had 6 nights and short of 4 nights to reach Jade

Worth it to go for a run for the Jade benefits?

Recent double indulgence promotion

I had 6 nights and short of 4 nights to reach Jade

Worth it to go for a run for the Jade benefits?

GC-If they post the nights & points... and the jade card at check in has value if you have a 2nd person with you & need an extra free breakfast . Do not expect much of an upgrade at Jade level, maybe a better window view room.

GC-If they post the nights & points... and the jade card at check in has value if you have a 2nd person with you & need an extra free breakfast . Do not expect much of an upgrade at Jade level, maybe a better window view room.

You sound like they will NOT post the points. hahaha

Comparing this to SPG and hilton mid tier, GC Jade benefits seem limited. At least the tangible benefits.

Comparing this to SPG and hilton mid tier, GC Jade benefits seem limited. At least the tangible benefits.

Shangri-la & SPG both have good web sites & properties in China.
But, IMO, The Marriott brands have the best mid tier benefits here. With Marriott Gold you have lounge access, & always 2 free breakfast. Not with SPG gold, but SPG has some good cash/points deals at low catergory type properties. No comment on Hilton, as they have diluted the HH points.

& about 3 out of 4 of my Shangri-la stays do post, just upset when they do not post. & they ignore the missing stay/points requests.

Shangri-la & SPG both have good web sites & properties in China.
But, IMO, The Marriott brands have the best mid tier benefits here. With Marriott Gold you have lounge access, & always 2 free breakfast. Not with SPG gold, but SPG has some good cash/points deals at low catergory type properties. No comment on Hilton, as they have diluted the HH points.

& about 3 out of 4 of my Shangri-la stays do post, just upset when they do not post. & they ignore the missing stay/points requests.

Since I travel to China quite frequently and thought it might be worth it to do a mattress run for GC since I am only short of 4 nights under this promo.

The cheapest to do a mattress run in China I suppose is the traders at Changzhou or the traders at Penang?

Since I travel to China quite frequently and thought it might be worth it to do a mattress run for GC since I am only short of 4 nights under this promo.

The cheapest to do a mattress run in China I suppose is the traders at Changzhou or the traders at Penang?

Have you checked some of the smaller SL near HKG (particulary Zongshan)? Easy to reach (45 min by ferry from KWL/ less from HKIA + 10 min on free shuttle bus), quite decent property (I enjoy the spa - non Chi, hence very resonable), can do daytrips to the hot pools and even Macau. I have not checked the rate lately, but in the past it was very resonable.

Have you checked some of the smaller SL near HKG (particulary Zongshan)? Easy to reach (45 min by ferry from KWL/ less from HKIA + 10 min on free shuttle bus), quite decent property (I enjoy the spa - non Chi, hence very resonable), can do daytrips to the hot pools and even Macau. I have not checked the rate lately, but in the past it was very resonable.

thanks for the tip and will head to Zhongshan if I happen to be around HK but as I am in Shanghai, Changzhou will give me more value I suppose.

For the last couple of years we've been using the Shangri-La Hotel in Suzhou in China for a cost effective mattress run.

But we've got hooked on the hotel and Suzhou now and love staying in one of their Premier rooms which is as large as most junior suites and just as sumptuous. Suzhou has fabulous Chinese gardens almost everywhere.

You can get to Suzhou by bus from Pudong airport and the city is on the main east-west bullet train line. It's also easy to get to most other places in the Jiangnan area either by train or by bus.

Damn sight cheaper than staying down the track in Shanghai!

For the last couple of years we've been using the Shangri-La Hotel in Suzhou in China for a cost effective mattress run.

But we've got hooked on the hotel and Suzhou now and love staying in one of their Premier rooms which is as large as most junior suites and just as sumptuous. Suzhou has fabulous Chinese gardens almost everywhere.

You can get to Suzhou by bus from Pudong airport and the city is on the main east-west bullet train line. It's also easy to get to most other places in the Jiangnan area either by train or by bus.

Damn sight cheaper than staying down the track in Shanghai!

Thanks I have seen Suzhou too many times and if I were to visit, it would be purely a MR and not a sightseeing trip.

Thanks though.

We qualified for Diamond this year (and before the double points / nights offer).

With the end of the year coming up, surely we will hold Diamond for 2012 and not be reset at the beginning of the year.

You would think so, right? But this is not the first time we have been short-changed by Golden Circle.

We qualified for Diamond this year (and before the double points / nights offer).

With the end of the year coming up, surely we will hold Diamond for 2012 and not be reset at the beginning of the year.

You would think so, right? But this is not the first time we have been short-changed by Golden Circle.

Yes, remainder of current calendar year + one full year + (unpublished and sometime depending on property) first 3 month of year 2 if not re-qualified/ dropped to lower level. Never hear of the full year not being applied.

Care to share more details re/ being "short-changed" by GC?

I am new to Shang. I have been at the Edsa Manila since Oct. I will likely remain here thru Jan 2012.

The hotel is fine, but I recently learned that due to the fact that I have a "long-stay" package (i.e., flex-meal, laundry, etc) my months here will count as a single stay!

Needless to say I was suprised! I was thinking I would be Diamond by this point. The expiration on the points is another nasty discovery I have made.

While I am happy with the hotel and staff, I am mulling moving to the Marriott, for the balance of this trip and when I return in Feb.

Any suggestions?

I am mulling moving to the Marriott, for the balance of this trip and when I return in Feb.

Any suggestions?

You can try an email to GC service in HK. they may soft land you for 2012.

marriott; they will give you status via a challenge, & also on feb 1st the Mrt spring megabonus starts.... Mrt Exec apts sometimes do not particpate.

The mrt club lounges are about a push to Shangri-la, the main difference is no smoking at most Mrt's.

After 10+ years of top level loyalty I've been dropped to Jade. I didn't make it so fair enough!
THE GC program has its benefits but you may wish to check out the newest SPG loyalty program additions!
LIFE LONG status ... etc ...
I hope GC looks hard at their competition!

Noticed a revamped website but can't seem to be able to log in.

Anyone else?

Noticed a revamped website but can't seem to be able to log in.

Anyone else?

New website is being softlaunched - official start date is 10.04. Log in worked fine for me.

I like the new layout....

New website is being softlaunched - official start date is 10.04. Log in worked fine for me.

I like the new layout....

You cannot log in any longer with your email address, you have to use your Golden Circle membership numer :(. But apart from that it is looking ok.

Anyone have any experience with the Kerry Hotels? What did you think about the restaurants and room?

Anyone have any experience with the Kerry Hotels? What did you think about the restaurants and room?

Stayed at the BJ Kerry Hotel, good CBD location, very nice large room, & great club lounge. Did not use the restaurants as too many nearby outside options.

Anyone have any experience with the Kerry Hotels? What did you think about the restaurants and room?

I stayed at SHA Kerry a few weeks back and was very impressed by the personal service and the club lounge. The micro brewery is great and the steak restaurant was full every night. I did not try it but had a walk around and setting and dishes looked very tempting. Fitness center is amazing. Rooms more modern and vibrant than at the Shang band, my personal favorite is the bar table in the room. Location in SHA is a bit far vom CBD, but good for exebition.

Do they status match ?

Do they status match ?

I seem to remember the 'old' GC thread's consensus was "No".

But I guess it does not hurt to try. If you can show your stay history at competing chains and your travel pattern matches their locations.....you never know..... I have not heard of anyone attempting to Status Match since they revamped the program.

Would be interesting to hear about your success/ the reaction you get.

Looks like GS has added an unpublished benefit to the program: From what I gather, since May this year Diamond members -might (probably based on having passed certain stay or revenue thresholds)- receive birthday surprises in the form of suite upgrade voucher(s).
I was lucky to receive this very unexpected and welcome surprise just prior to an upcoming stay and front desk staff shared that it is a very new initiative and actually the first voucher they have ever seen at that property.

A great addition to the program imO, showing that SL is continuing to look after their elite members and is in fact listening to our feedback.

A couple naive questions from someone not familiar with program

Can an award stay be booked for someone else?

How to check award availabilty?

Thanks!

A couple naive questions from someone not familiar with program

Can an award stay be booked for someone else?

How to check award availabilty?

Thanks!

GC seems to allow for nominees (from GS web-page: "Redeem GC Award Points for free room nights for yourself and your nominees")

Same web-page allows you to online check availability and make award reservations. It is my understanding that awards book into the lowest room category (unless you are booking an upgrade award) and as long as this room category is available, you will be able to book it using your points.

Hope this helps.

GC seems to allow for nominees (from GS web-page: "Redeem GC Award Points for free room nights for yourself and your nominees")

Same web-page allows you to online check availability and make award reservations. It is my understanding that awards book into the lowest room category (unless you are booking an upgrade award) and as long as this room category is available, you will be able to book it using your points.

Hope this helps.

Yes, thank you, this is very helpful. Now i just need to find some someone willing to trade a 6-9K of those points... :D

Great luck for me last night. As I checked into Traders Hong Kong, I was awarded an upgrade to the suite. Since I am a lowly GC Gold, I was quite lucky. However, I think the hotel may have been fully booked and I must have just been bumped up - but I'll take it.
The suite was beautiful with views of victoria harbor and L'Ocitane ammenities.
Regarding the original post - I do find it quite a challenge to get up to that 20th night since I am really only able to use HKG as a pass-through on the way to/from China.

new to this forum. golden circle website shows for gold members benefit cash advance of usd 250 per stay. it mean any fresh member can stay at any of shangrila hotels for i nite ( appx 180 usd ) & get back cash advance of 250 usd. It sounds too good to be true. I request for opinion from senior members

new to this forum. golden circle website shows for gold members benefit cash advance of usd 250 per stay. it mean any fresh member can stay at any of shangrila hotels for i nite ( appx 180 usd ) & get back cash advance of 250 usd. It sounds too good to be true. I request for opinion from senior members

The "cash advance" means that you can draw cash in local curreny on your credit card -and this is the main point- without it beeing booked as a "cash Advance" on your cc (with some 30% financing charges etc). The amount of the Cash advance just gets added to your bill and you settle it through your CC with the rest of your hotel stay.

ImO a great GC benefit, as it is very convenient. And there is just no better feeling then actually GETTING cash upon check out..... Of course you have to pay up eventually!

The "cash advance" means that you can draw cash in local curreny on your credit card -and this is the main point- without it beeing booked as a "cash Advance" on your cc (with some 30% financing charges etc). The amount of the Cash advance just gets added to your bill and you settle it through your CC with the rest of your hotel stay.

ImO a great GC benefit, as it is very convenient. And there is just no better feeling then actually GETTING cash upon check out..... Of course you have to pay up eventually!

Wow. Sounds like a really good benefit, if I understand it the way it is.
Does it means that, on top of the room charge in the Local Currency, the cash advance is added to the room charge (both are local currency here) and you just settle the final bill with your credit card?

(And you earn credit card points on the cash advance without additional penalty, and the currency conversion rates depends on either Mastercard/Visa or Amex, depending on what credit card you use?)

Wow. Sounds like a really good benefit, if I understand it the way it is.
Does it means that, on top of the room charge in the Local Currency, the cash advance is added to the room charge (both are local currency here) and you just settle the final bill with your credit card?

(And you earn credit card points on the cash advance without additional penalty, and the currency conversion rates depends on either Mastercard/Visa or Amex, depending on what credit card you use?)

That's it exactly ZenWorld - as you say, a great benefit (up tp USD 250 equivalent per stay).

That's it exactly ZenWorld - as you say, a great benefit (up tp USD 250 equivalent per stay).

I think this is really interesting.
Could any Diamond members shed some light on Shangrila's Horizon Club Lounge, as well as Trader's Club Lounge?

How do they compare to other Hotel Chains' Club lounges?

I think this is really interesting.
Could any Diamond members shed some light on Shangrila's Horizon Club Lounge, as well as Trader's Club Lounge?

How do they compare to other Hotel Chains' Club lounges?

I visited the Horizon Club lounge at the Makati Shang and it had many items available from the Circles buffet in the lobby, plus what I would describe a several more 'western' breakfast items. The space was very large, giving you privacy. It had maybe 10 guests and this was across a space with at least 50 tables. Great views of Manila too. I did not see it during evening hours.

There are attendants at the doors (as usual with Shang) and there were desk agents who I would imagine can handle any request you would make of the hotel, and then some.

I'm at the Abu Dhabi Shangri-La property for the next ten days and have just signed up to Golden Circle. I have a couple of queries though:

1) I have added my BA Executive Club membership number to the account in order to earn airline miles (Avios). Do I automatically earn both GC points AND Avios or can I only earn one or the other? If the latter, where do I choose my preference as I can't see an option for it online.

2) My GC membership number is not attached to my booking as I have only just signed up. Should I give it to reception now or wait until we've left and then retrospectively claim the stay/point/mileage credit?

Thanks in advance for advice anyone can offer.

MAN-FF

[QUOTE=MAN-FF;19104617]I'm at the Abu Dhabi Shangri-La property for the next ten days and have just signed up to Golden Circle. I have a couple of queries though:

1) I have added my BA Executive Club membership number to the account in order to earn airline miles (Avios). Do I automatically earn both GC points AND Avios or can I only earn one or the other? If the latter, where do I choose my preference as I can't see an option for it online.

2) My GC membership number is not attached to my booking as I have only just signed up. Should I give it to reception now or wait until we've left and then retrospectively claim the stay/point/mileage credit?

You can only earn points in one program, so choose BA or GC and tell the front desk. Confirm when you check out which program is being credited. Save yourself some time and potential grief by doing this before you check out.

I'm at the Abu Dhabi Shangri-La property for the next ten days and have just signed up to Golden Circle. I have a couple of queries though:

1) I have added my BA Executive Club membership number to the account in order to earn airline miles (Avios). Do I automatically earn both GC points AND Avios or can I only earn one or the other? If the latter, where do I choose my preference as I can't see an option for it online.

Thanks in advance for advice anyone can offer.

MAN-FF

One more point to note: GC point transfer 1:1 to most airline FFPs. However, if you choose airmiles, it is usually 500 per stay. So for your stay, I would say it is better to get GC points first and you can later transfer if need be. Also if you get status bonus(once you become Gold Member), it is only on GC, not on airmiles. I only specify airmiles for one night stays, when the 500 miles would be more than the (spend based) GC points. You tell front desk your choice upon check out.

I just got a letter in the mail from LH M&M, offering free Jade level until Dec/2013 Apply by 30/Sep

Also 1000 M&M miles per stay between 1/Sep and 30/Nov/21012

I don't know if this is for ALL SENs or a really targeted promo. The letter included a GC application form - it is pre-printed with the picture of a Jade card

I just got a letter in the mail from LH M&M, offering free Jade level until Dec/2013 Apply by 30/Sep

Also 1000 M&M miles per stay between 1/Sep and 30/Nov/21012

I don't know if this is for ALL SENs or a really targeted promo. The letter included a GC application form - it is pre-printed with the picture of a Jade card

Im a UK SEN and I also got the offer

I just got a letter in the mail from LH M&M, offering free Jade level until Dec/2013 Apply by 30/Sep

Also 1000 M&M miles per stay between 1/Sep and 30/Nov/21012

I don't know if this is for ALL SENs or a really targeted promo. The letter included a GC application form - it is pre-printed with the picture of a Jade card

Could anyone successfully FAX the application?
I always got "no answer"

I just got a letter in the mail from LH M&M, offering free Jade level until Dec/2013 Apply by 30/Sep

Also 1000 M&M miles per stay between 1/Sep and 30/Nov/21012

I don't know if this is for ALL SENs or a really targeted promo. The letter included a GC application form - it is pre-printed with the picture of a Jade card

I got the same offer as a SEN and sent the application over a month ago without any response so far. Anyone received their card yet?

I contacted GC and they have processed the Jade membership LH SEN offer. They changed my membership number so I had to register onlinewith the new number. Card should arrive in 4-6 weeks...

The "cash advance" means that you can draw cash in local curreny on your credit card -and this is the main point- without it beeing booked as a "cash Advance" on your cc (with some 30% financing charges etc). The amount of the Cash advance just gets added to your bill and you settle it through your CC with the rest of your hotel stay.

ImO a great GC benefit, as it is very convenient. And there is just no better feeling then actually GETTING cash upon check out..... Of course you have to pay up eventually!

Would be interesting to know if this works at Traders Hotel in Yangon, given the variations in currency in Myanmar. Would they offer an advance in Kyats or USD? Wish I'd tried it when I stayed there.

Got a strange letter today. They "offered" me upgrade to Diamond membership with one additional night, despite only needing two nights to get to Diamond. 1 night off when I'll probably stay more than one night anyway? Gee thanks! That wasn't even worth the stamp.

Anyone managed to get a status match to GC from other top tiers hotel programs?
Their reply to my query was a very strict "Golden Circle does not have tier matching with the membership programmes of other hotel groups".
Cheers. :)

Anyone managed to get a status match to GC from other top tiers hotel programs?
Their reply to my query was a very strict "Golden Circle does not have tier matching with the membership programmes of other hotel groups".
Cheers. :)

Some years back we had a corporate rate with them and travel tried unsuccessfully any number of times to negoatiate this. After 10 years as a preferred vendor they were dropped.

Anyone know of any recent changes?

Anyone managed to get a status match to GC from other top tiers hotel programs?
Their reply to my query was a very strict "Golden Circle does not have tier matching with the membership programmes of other hotel groups".
Cheers. :)

I showed them my Hilton Diamond and InterContinental RA earlier this year and asked for a match. They told me the same. Ended up earning Diamond at Shangrila the hard way.

I am looking at staying at the Shangri-la Kowloon hotel in Hong Kong. The points redemption rate is 6500 for a standard room and 8500 for an Horizon room. Is the Deluxe Harbor View room considered a standard room? It's not listed under the Horizon rooms, but it isn't a standard room either (which I am assuming would be the Premier room), so I'm not really sure how many points would be needed for that room. Thanks!

Are there any current "fast-track" promotions at the moment?

All I can find is the "Chinese New Year Holiday Room Package" including, among free breakfast and late check-out, double/ triple GC points. But that probably does not mean nights are counted double, does it?

Are there any current "fast-track" promotions at the moment?

All I can find is the "Chinese New Year Holiday Room Package" including, among free breakfast and late check-out, double/ triple GC points. But that probably does not mean nights are counted double, does it?

Yeah only counted for the GC points it seems.

I am looking at staying at the Shangri-la Kowloon hotel in Hong Kong. The points redemption rate is 6500 for a standard room and 8500 for an Horizon room. Is the Deluxe Harbor View room considered a standard room? It's not listed under the Horizon rooms, but it isn't a standard room either (which I am assuming would be the Premier room), so I'm not really sure how many points would be needed for that room. Thanks!

Harbor view is not the basic room

Harbor view is not the basic room

Thank you for your reply. I actually completed my stay already - didn't book with points, paid cash for a Harbor View Room. Stay was fabulous!

Does Shanggri-La do BRG's

Has any other Diamond members received the birthday suite upgrade certificate gift? I'm a bit frustrated that I haven't scored an upgrade at all with Shang in all my stays, and the benefits (companion free, breakfast free) mean nothing to me when I'm on a corporate rate by myself and my rate already includes breakfast. Seems like it would be nice to trade out those valueless benefits for an upgrade and in fact, if I don't get a certificate before my next trip, I'll book away from Shang this year.

Has any other Diamond members received the birthday suite upgrade certificate gift? I'm a bit frustrated that I haven't scored an upgrade at all with Shang in all my stays, and the benefits (companion free, breakfast free) mean nothing to me when I'm on a corporate rate by myself and my rate already includes breakfast. Seems like it would be nice to trade out those valueless benefits for an upgrade and in fact, if I don't get a certificate before my next trip, I'll book away from Shang this year.

I received 3 vouchers (3 days each) for my birthday last year. This year, I did not get any - but then again, I had renewed DM unusually early and had a nice letter appreciating the fact accompanied with 3 vouchers. It looks like GC is trying to make it a real surprise when the vouchers come.... not something to be "entitled to" at every birthday

I'm calling BS on multiple elements of Shangri-La at this point.

I asked why for my 19 night stay - where the first 3 nights I was Jade and the last 16 nights I was Diamond, I only received the Jade bonus.

The Response:

Please be informed that all your hotel stays will have to go through validation process once being captured by our system after check out. Only the qualifying stays will be counted towards your Golden Circle membership. Any qualified members will be upgraded to corresponding membership levels upon completion of the upgrade process. The process takes approximately 1-2 weeks from the last check out date.

Hence, we are sorry that we could not comply your request to apply the Diamond member benefit of 50% bonus on GC Award Points to your last stay from the 3rd night, as the mentioned stay is not completed yet. Your kind understanding is highly appreciated.

Please do not hesitate to contact us if we may be of further assistance to you. We are also pleased to inform you that Golden Circle Member Services is now available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You may contact us at any of the international toll-free numbers listed on our website.

So, I guess there's no room for any manual posting after the fact in recognition of my over 70 nights, no room upgrades, a free meal each morning that is already in my negotiated rate.... It's time to try the Peninsula. At least I hear their service is very genuine.

I received 3 vouchers (3 days each) for my birthday last year. This year, I did not get any - but then again, I had renewed DM unusually early and had a nice letter appreciating the fact accompanied with 3 vouchers. It looks like GC is trying to make it a real surprise when the vouchers come.... not something to be "entitled to" at every birthday

I didn't get any for my birthday last August, but my colleague just got his last week. We have a similar stay profile ~70 nights. :(

Based on this recent news report (http://www.channelnewsasia.com/news/singapore/new-hotels-coming-up-on-orchard-rd/620532.html), Traders Hotel Orchard Gateway will be opened sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2014. It's right smack along Orchard Road, heavy construction is still going on but the building structure is in place.

It is the 4th property of Shangri-La group and 2nd Traders hotel in Singapore.

Apologies if this is covered here somewhere, but I couldn't find the answer with the search function.

I'm new to GC (typically a Hyatt guy), but have gone from zero to diamond due to a long stay as part of a relocation. I was lucky that the property was also running a triple points promo, so I am now sitting on ~60k points ready to be used for the family.

My question is - does Shangri-la grant diamond benes (primarily horizon club access) on award stays or only on paid stays?

Thanks!