Fairmont President's Club - Fairmont President´s Club MASTER FAQ

As many questions are asked over and over again, I have created a master FAQ which will hopefully be of some help to new members of the Fairmont President´s Club and the Fairmont Forum on Flyertalk.

If you´d like to have any info added, please feel free to add any suggestions/info or drop me a PM.

Thanks!

Jasper2009
Moderator Fairmont FPC forum

FPC membership and status levels

Anyone can become a Fairmont President´s Club member. Members can take advantage of the membership privileges on their first stay after enrolling.

Which status levels are there?

Fairmont President´s Club (base) member
Fairmont President´s Club Premier
Fairmont President´s Club Platinum

How do I earn Premier status?

Premier status is awarded to members with 5 stays or 10 room nights in one calendar year.

How do I earn Platinum status?

Platinum status is awarded to members with 10 stays or 30 room nights in one calendar year.

What is considered a "qualifying rate"?

All publically available rates are considered "status qualifying rates", including:

- best available rate (BAR) / rack rate
- advance purchase rate
- discounted rates (CAA/AAA etc.)
- corporate rate
- bookings made through travel agents
- F&F rate
- "Great Rates Great Dates" rate

Rooms booked as part of a tour group / package and rooms booked through Priceline etc. may be excluded.

What is the qualification and membership year?

The membership qualifying period is the calendar year (e.g. January 1, 2012 – December 31, 2012). Status (and the room upgrade/suite upgrade/ dining / free night certificates) are valid from March 1 the year after until February 28 the following year (e.g. if you have 10 stays at Fairmont properties in 2012, your status will be valid from March 1, 2013 – February 28, 2014).

How does early qualification work?

!!! Please note that early qualification is no longer listed as a benefit on the Fairmont President´s Club website.!!!

There is conflicting info whether this benefit has been discontinued or now is an "unpublished benefit", however there have been several reports that early qualification still exists.

This is how it used to work (still works?):

If you qualify for Premier / Platinum status before September 15, you will be awarded status instantly. Status will be valid for the remainder of the membership year and the following membership year.

For instance, if you have 5 qualifying stays between January 1, 2012 and September 15, 2012, you will have Premier status until February 28, 2014. You will receive one set of certificates after qualifying early (certificates will be valid until February 28, 2013) and another set of certificates the following year (certificates valid until February 28, 2014)

Does FPC match status?

Generally no. Unlike other hotel loyalty programs you cannot earn points to redeem for future stays, instead FPC focuses on enhancing / personalizing members´ stay, also the free night certificates and room/suite upgrade certificates Premier and Platinum members receive have a high value which further reduces the chance of getting a status match.

Is there any way to get Premier/Platinum status for free or is there a fast track to Premier/Platinum status?

Yes, FPC Platinum status is awarded to Canadian AMEX Centurion cardholders.

Canadian AMEX Platinum cardholders have been awarded with Platinum status after completing 5 nights. (Please note that benefits associated with a particular credit card can change.)

Fairmont has also offered occasional fast track promos. Please see the master promo thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1066266-master-thread-fairmont-promos-special-rates.html) for any current offers.

FPC membership and status benefits

What benefits do Fairmont President´s Club (base) members receive?

The most valuable benefits of FPC membership are:

- complimentary internet access
- complimentary local calls and no service charge for toll-free calls
- complimentary health club access (excluding spa)
- complimentary daily delivery of either local or national newspaper
- 15% discount at the Fairmont store

A full list of all benefits can be found here (https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/benefits/).

What benefits do Premier members receive?

In addition to the benefits all FPC members receive Premier members receive:

- one room upgrade certificate
- one suite upgrade certificate
- one third night free certificate
- two $25 dining certificates

What benefits do Platinum members receive?

In addition to the benefits all FPC members receive Platinum members receive:

- two room upgrade certificate
- two suite upgrade certificate
- one free night certificate
- four (4) $25 dining certificates
- four Platinum "Passion" benefits (please see the post below for more details)
- guaranteed early check-in and check-out
- booking guarantee for Fairmont city center hotels (with 72h advance notice)
- one additional free night certificate for every 10 nights after completing 30 nights (i.e. one additional free night certificate after 40/50/etc. nights in a calendar year)
- turndown service
- personalized welcome amenity upon arrival (typically fruit basket, chocolates, nuts, bottle of water etc.)

Can I earn miles for my stays at Fairmont hotels?

Yes, miles can be earned on select rates.

FPC members earn 500 miles per stay.
Premier members earn 750 miles per stay.
Platinum members earn 1000 miles per stay.

Which rates are eligible for mileage accrual?

Unfortunately there is no definite answer to this question, so it is recommended to ask when making a reservation.

Rates that do earn miles include:
- Best available rate (BAR) / rack rate booked on fairmont.com
- Corporate rates
- Spring/summer/winter sale rate

Rates that do not earn miles include:
- some prepaid/discounted rates
- some package rates
- Family & Friends rate
- all rates not available to the general public (e.g. travel industry rates, flight crew rates etc.)

Which airlines´ frequent flyer programs can I earn miles with?

The current list of FFPs is:

Air Canada Aeroplan
Air China PhoenixMiles
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
American Airlines AAdvantage
British Airways Executive Club (Avios)
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles
Emirates Skywards
Etihad Guest
Jet Airways JetPrivilege
Lufthansa Miles and More
Singapore Airlines Krisflyer
Qatar Airways
United Mileage Plus

Do I get any benefits at Swissotels or Raffles hotels?

Yes, Premier and Platinum members both receive stay credit for stays at Swissotel and Raffles properties and receive the following benefits:

- room night credit towards membership status
- complimentary local calls and no service
charge on toll-free calls
- complimentary fitness center access (excludes spas)
- complimentary Room delivery of daily
national newspaper
- VIP Welcome Amenity

A full list of all benefits can be found here (http://www.fairmont.com/promo/fpc_crossbrand).

Room and Suite Upgrade Certificates and Free Night Certificates

How does a room upgrade certificate work?

You can apply a room upgrade on nearly any booking and any date (see exceptions below). In order to apply the room upgrade certificate you need to call Fairmont President´s Club or contact the hotel directly. A room upgrade is valid for a stay of up to five nights and entitles you to an upgrade to the next room category (one category upgrade). Note that moderate rooms are excluded from using any sort of upgrade certificates.

Are any properties excluded from using a room upgrade certificate?

Room upgrade certificates cannot be used at the following properties:

Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
The Fairmont Royal Pavillion

How does a suite upgrade certificate work?

You can apply a suite upgrade on nearly any booking and any date (see exceptions below). In order to apply the suite upgrade certificate you need to call Fairmont President´s Club or contact the hotel directly. A suite upgrade is valid for a stay of up to five nights and entitles you to an upgrade from a Fairmont room (or higher) to the “designated suite upgrade category”, which usually means that you can upgrade to a junior suite or a one-bedroom suite. Specialty suites and multi-bedroom suites cannot be booked using a suite upgrade certificate.

Are any properties excluded from using a suite upgrade certificate?

Suite upgrade certificates cannot be used at the following properties:

Fairmont Tremblant
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
The Plaza, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
The Savoy, A Fairmont Managed Hotel
Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello

Can room and suite upgrade certificates be used towards Fairmont Gold rooms / suites?

No, room and suite upgrade certificates cannot be used to upgrade to a Gold room / suite.
However, Fairmont President´s Club has sent a “Gold suite upgrade certificate” to select Platinum members in 2010 who regularly book Gold rooms/suites. A Gold suite upgrade certificate can be used to upgrade from a Fairmont Gold room to a Fairmont Gold suite.

How does the third night free / free night certificate work?

A free night certificate is only valid for the Fairmont room category. In order to apply the free night or third night free certificate you need to call Fairmont President´s Club or contact the hotel directly.

Are there any blackout dates?

Yes, each property has a few blackout dates when room upgrade certificates, suite upgrade certificates and third night free / free night certificates cannot be used.
Please check the current blackout dates here (https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess).
Also, both the Savoy and the Plaza have imposed capacity controls for using free night certs.

Are any properties excluded from using a third night free / free night certificate?

Third night free / free night certificates cannot be used at Fairmont Heritage Places.

Also, third night free / free night certificates cannot be used at Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello.

Can room/suite upgrade certificates be combined with third night free/free night certificates?

Yes

Are any rates excluded from using the room/suite upgrade certificates?

Room/Suite upgrade certificates cannot be used on "Great Rates Great Dates" rates. Except for some special promo rates where upgrade certs are specifically excluded room/suite upgrade certs can be used on any (publically available) rate.

Can room/suite/free night certificates be used on Family and Friends rates?

Yes, no problem at all.

Are certificates transferable?

Premier certificates are non-transferable.
Platinum certificates are transferable to immediate family, i.e. spouse, parents, (adult) children and siblings.

Complimentary Dining/Willow Stream Spa Certificates

As listed above, Premier members receive two $25 Dining/Willow Stream Spa certificates and Platinum members receive four $25 Dining/Willow Stream Spa certificates per year.

Certificates can be used at most restaurants or at the Willow Stream Spa, however they cannot be used for in-room dining or in-room spa treatments.

How do I use a free dining certificate?

You need to present the certificate before/upon being seated. The dining certificate can only be applied towards to the food & beverage charge and does not include gratuity. Offically, the credit cannot be used for alcoholic beverages, though this rule isn´t always enforced.

Are dining certificates stackable?

Yes, you can use several (or all) dining certificates at the same time.

Do I have to stay at the hotel to use the dining certs?

There is no such restriction in the T&C, so you shouldn´t have any problem just going to the restaurant at any Fairmont hotel and enjoy a nice meal.

Are any restaurants excluded from using the dining certificates?

Yes, dining certificates cannot be used at a few (independently owned/operated) restaurants (exceptions include some restaurants at the Plaza and the Savoy Hotel).


Dining certificates can be used at most restaurants (http://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/ParticipatingRestaurants.htm).

Are there any other exceptions?

Yes, officially dining certificates cannot be used when the date is blacked out for using free night / room or suite upgrade certificates. Black-out dates can be found here (http://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess).

Are certificates transferable?

Premier certificates are non-transferable.
Platinum certificates are transferable to immediate family, i.e. spouse, parents, (adult) children and siblings.

Platinum "Passion" Benefits

new benefit for the current 2011 membership year:

FPC Platinum members can select up to four of the following benefits:

Arts and Entertainment:

1) Iconic Fairmont books: These books capture the rich and storied history of Fairmont’s destinations around the world. (choose one out of four books available: )
2) Savings at Eye Buy Art: Enjoy 20% savings at an online art gallery that represents an exciting new generation of emerging photographers, considered “the ones to watch”.
3) Savings on a Fairmont Moments Experience: Enjoy $100 USD off a Fairmont Moments Experience.

Food & Drink

1) Authentically Local Food Experience: Enjoy an authentically local food experience, prepared daily and delivered in true Fairmont style.
2) Collection of Fairmont Teas: A boxed collection of international teas from ‘Teas at the Fairmont’, featuring a relaxing blend of both classic and modern teas.
3) Fairmont Wine Set and Pairing Recipes: Everything you need to enjoy wines of the world, including food and wine pairing recipes prepared by Fairmont’s Master Sommelier.

Leadership & Philanthropy

1) Adopt An Animal Through World Wildlife Fund - Canada: Select from one of the five animals to adopt. Receive a stuffed animal and information on the endangered species research you have helped fund.
2) Donation to World Wildlife Fund Canada or National Geographic Society
3) Give And Get Back: Like to give back? So do we. Work for three hours with any registered charity and we’ll add a stay credit to your profile. Maximum of 2 stay credits per member.

Spa & Fitness

1) Willow Stream Spa Gift Certirficate: Receive a $25 USD gift certificate for use at your favourite Willow Stream Spa on your next 60 minute body massage, facial or body treatment.
2) Willow Stream Spa Treatment: Escape your fast-forward world to relax and recover with a 45 minute Willow Stream Classic Manicure or Classic Pedicure.
3) Adidas Fitness Bag: This adidas Striker Duffel Bag makes it easy to stay active and balanced during your travels.

Sports & Adventure

1) Complimentary Golf Lesson: Take a lesson from the pro at one of our Fairmont managed golf courses. Perfect for the beginner or experienced golfer.
2) Complimentary Round of Golf: Enjoy a complimentary round of golf at one of our prestigious Fairmont managed golf courses around the world.
3) Ski Resort Gift Card: Choose a $25 gift card or certificate from 11 ski hills, including such famous destinations as Whistler Blackcomb, Lake Louise, Sunshine Valley and more.

Threads of general interest

Master Thread Promos and Special rates (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1066266-master-thread-fairmont-promos-special-rates.html)
Great Rates Great Dates Master Threas (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/941123-fairmont-great-rates-great-dates-monthly-promotion-master-thread.html)

confirmed upgrades using suite upgrade certificates (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1092594-confirmed-upgrades-using-suite-upgrade-certs.html)
highest suite upgrade received using upgrade cert (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1041908-highest-suite-upgrade-received-using-fpc-certificates.html)

Who owns Fairmont properties? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/982810-who-owns-fairmont-properties.html)

reserved

Hi, Thanks for putting the FAQ together.

Can you clarify one aspect? If I book and pay for a Gold Room can I apply a Suite Upgrade to it to maintain to the Gold Floor Lounge?

I'm totally new to Fairmont and will be moving a bunch of my stays there so please be patient with questions that might be very common knowledge :)

My guess is 'Gold Rooms' have a lounge that you can get continental breakfast in similiar to Hyatt or some Intercontinentals. If I'm wrong on this please help educate me.


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[B]Can room and suite upgrade certificates be used towards Fairmont Gold rooms / suites?

No, room and suite upgrade certificates cannot be used to upgrade to a Gold room / suite.
However, Fairmont President´s Club has sent a “Gold suite upgrade certificate” to select Platinum members in 2010 who regularly book Gold rooms/suites. A Gold suite upgrade certificate can be used to upgrade from a Fairmont Gold room to a Fairmont Gold suite.

Hi, Thanks for putting the FAQ together.

Can you clarify one aspect? If I book and pay for a Gold Room can I apply a Suite Upgrade to it to maintain to the Gold Floor Lounge?

I'm totally new to Fairmont and will be moving a bunch of my stays there so please be patient with questions that might be very common knowledge :)

My guess is 'Gold Rooms' have a lounge that you can get continental breakfast in similiar to Hyatt or some Intercontinentals. If I'm wrong on this please help educate me.

Unfortunately it´s not possible to upgrade from a Gold room to a Gold suite, basically all certs cannot be used on any booking involving a Gold room/suite.

Fairmont markets Fairmont Gold as a "hotel within a hotel", it has its own private check-in/check-out, its own concierge team and offers breakfast in the morning (usually continetnal breakfast plus 1-2 hot items), evening canapes and a honor bar. The main difference between Fairmont Gold and the executive/Club lounges at most ICs/Hyatts is that there is no other way getting access than paying for a Gold room/suite (no upgrades, no elites), many Fairmont hotels don´t have more than 20-25 Gold rooms/suites, so the atmosphere is more exclusive IMO.

The rooms are usually the same, though the Gold rooms may have more upscale furnishing/amenities. The only exception to this I know is Lake Louise where a standard Gold room is about 2x as big as a Fairmont room (which are more like shoe boxes and quite mediocre), as the Gold floor was renovated some years ago.

Thanks for clearing it up for me. So Gold Rooms can be good for someone who is making stays for status (paying for the gold room itself) but not as part of any award redemption.

Sounds similiar to SPG's Phoenician; a hotel within a hotel where status perks don't really apply.

Thank you.

Thanks for clearing it up for me. So Gold Rooms can be good for someone who is making stays for status (paying for the gold room itself) but not as part of any award redemption.

Thank you.

Gold room/suite bookings definitely count for status, but you can´t use any of the certs. The tangible Premier/Plat benefits (welcome amenity, free local calls etc.) apply, of course, but are often included as a Gold floor amenity anyway.

Btw, Fairmont currently is running a promo where you earn 2000 miles per stay when booking a Gold room (vs. the regular 500/750/1000 miles)

Btw, Fairmont currently is running a promo where you earn 2000 miles per stay when booking a Gold room (vs. the regular 500/750/1000 miles)

I have a regular room booked with an e-standby upgrade for $49 to a gold room. I wonder if the 2000 bonus applies to the upgrade if it goes through at check-in.

If both me and my partner are FPC members, and if we book a room under my partner name, and following night booked a room under my name in the same hotel, will we get one stay credit for each account, I.e. Total two stays for both of our accounts without actually moving out of the hotel? Will the hotel allow us the stay in the same room?
Just wondering what is your experience

If both me and my partner are FPC members, and if we book a room under my partner name, and following night booked a room under my name in the same hotel, will we get one stay credit for each account, I.e. Total two stays for both of our accounts without actually moving out of the hotel? Will the hotel allow us the stay in the same room?
Just wondering what is your experience

I've never tried this, but it is within the T+C's. Should be fine. If they really wanted to be sticklers, they could make you move rooms, but I doubt they would do that.

If both me and my partner are FPC members, and if we book a room under my partner name, and following night booked a room under my name in the same hotel, will we get one stay credit for each account, I.e. Total two stays for both of our accounts without actually moving out of the hotel? Will the hotel allow us the stay in the same room?
Just wondering what is your experience

You should be able to receive a stay credit each when making two reservations. The only potential issue is that as a premier member you may not be able to use a room/suite upgrade cert for the entire stay as technically the cert is not transferrable to anyone.

If you were a Plat member, this shouldn´t be an issue at all.

If both me and my partner are FPC members, and if we book a room under my partner name, and following night booked a room under my name in the same hotel, will we get one stay credit for each account, I.e. Total two stays for both of our accounts without actually moving out of the hotel? Will the hotel allow us the stay in the same room?
Just wondering what is your experience

Yes, we have done this a number of times.. probably 7 or 8 years ago..

Just ask reservations (premier concierge) to link the two reservations and let the hotel know that they can leave you in the same room.

As far as upgrade certificates.. each certificate whether Premier or Platinum is good for one stay up to 5 nights.. since each room night will count as a seperate stay, you will each be required to relinquish an upgrade certificate for each stay.. whether Premier or Platinum.

How does early qualification work?

!!! Please not that early qualification is no longer listed as a benefit for the 2011 membership year !!!

There is conflicting info whether this benefit has been discontinued or now is an "unpublished benefit", therefore this is just some info how it used to work:

If you qualify for Premier / Platinum status before September 15, you will be awarded status instantly. Status will be valid for the remainder of the membership year and the following membership year.

Unpublished or not, let me confirm that this benefit does exist. I just finished a vacation that included the Chateau Laurier and the Chateau Frontenac (gold floor-was very nice :)), which pushed me over the required nights for Platinum status. My account has now been upgraded, presumably for the balance of this year and next. I did send an e-mail asking for some clarification on the rules, and they just upgraded me. ^

I have an Amex platinum and I was able to register my PC # with Fairmont to fast track to Platinum after 5 nights. I have a few questions that haven't been answered.

1. Does Amex FHR stays qualify? I booked 3 nights through FHR, and I'm wondering if they count toward the 5 nights stay?
2. If I qualified before Sept. 15 2011 through the 5 nights stay, will I have Platinum status until Feb 28 2012 or Feb 28 2013?
3. Early qualification will get 2 Platinum welcoming packages (1 a week or two after Sept. 15 2011, and another one after March 1 2012.) Is this true for the plat5 promo?

Thanks

I have an Amex platinum and I was able to register my PC # with Fairmont to fast track to Platinum after 5 nights. I have a few questions that haven't been answered.

1. Does Amex FHR stays qualify? I booked 3 nights through FHR, and I'm wondering if they count toward the 5 nights stay?
2. If I qualified before Sept. 15 2011 through the 5 nights stay, will I have Platinum status until Feb 28 2012 or Feb 28 2013?
3. Early qualification will get 2 Platinum welcoming packages (1 a week or two after Sept. 15 2011, and another one after March 1 2012.) Is this true for the plat5 promo?

Thanks

1) Yes, bookings made through AMEX FHR definitely are qualifying stays.
2) You´ll have Plat status until Feb. 28, 2013. However, there is no official statement on whether you´d get Plat status immediately or starting March 1, 2012. (It seems, you get Plat status, but no certs immediately and the full package on March 1, 2012, but I´m not in a position to confirm either way)
3) This is how it used to work, however you´ll probably only get one package on March 1, 2012 with certs valid for one year.

1) Yes, bookings made through AMEX FHR definitely are qualifying stays.
2) You´ll have Plat status until Feb. 28, 2013. However, there is no official statement on whether you´d get Plat status immediately or starting March 1, 2012. (It seems, you get Plat status, but no certs immediately and the full package on March 1, 2012, but I´m not in a position to confirm either way)
3) This is how it used to work, however you´ll probably only get one package on March 1, 2012 with certs valid for one year.

I recently received a package in the mail upon my early qualification for Platinum, along with certs expiring Feb 29, 2012. I'm assuming a second set of certificates will be arriving next March to expire in Feb 2013. It's next year that I really wanted it for anyway for a series of stays I have planned--I didn't really need it for the rest of this year, but it was a nice bonus to get it.

The upgrade didn't seem to automatically happen, as after my 5th stay (also the PLAT5 promo), my account on the website was still quoting a figure of so many more nights required to obtain the next status level. Thinking the PLAT5 might have been missed, I just e-mailed Fairmont asking why, and they replied back saying they had upgraded the account to Platinum. I didn't ask for the immediate upgrade, but it didn't happen automatically either. I wonder if the early recognition triggers automatically when you stay the full # of nights, but on the PLAT5 promo, the system might need to be prompted?

My suggestion is, if you don't see the upgrade after you see the final stays posted to your account, send a similar e-mail to 'MarketingSupportGRC@fairmont.com' and see what happens.

I recently received a package in the mail upon my early qualification for Platinum, along with certs expiring Feb 29, 2012. I'm assuming a second set of certificates will be arriving next March to expire in Feb 2013. It's next year that I really wanted it for anyway for a series of stays I have planned--I didn't really need it for the rest of this year, but it was a nice bonus to get it.

The upgrade didn't seem to automatically happen, as after my 5th stay (also the PLAT5 promo), my account on the website was still quoting a figure of so many more nights required to obtain the next status level. Thinking the PLAT5 might have been missed, I just e-mailed Fairmont asking why, and they replied back saying they had upgraded the account to Platinum. I didn't ask for the immediate upgrade, but it didn't happen automatically either. I wonder if the early recognition triggers automatically when you stay the full # of nights, but on the PLAT5 promo, the system might need to be prompted?

My suggestion is, if you don't see the upgrade after you see the final stays posted to your account, send a similar e-mail to 'MarketingSupportGRC@fairmont.com' and see what happens.

Early qualification is no longer advertised.. but the experience recently after ths recent March 1st, 2011 for early qualification, is that members have been receiving kits.. This was the way it operated prior for years before it was advertised last year..

So although unadvertised, early qualification seems to be alive and well..

Because you qualified this year.. you wll be receiving a Platinum kit around March 1st, 2012 with certificates expirng February 28th, 2013

My 3 nights stay booked through FHR haven't shown on the past stays yet. It's been about 5 days. I looked through the FAQ, but didn't see anything about how long it takes for qualifying nights/stays to show up.

My 3 nights stay booked through FHR haven't shown on the past stays yet. It's been about 5 days. I looked through the FAQ, but didn't see anything about how long it takes for qualifying nights/stays to show up.

My wife's profile showed up about 5 or 6 days after.. we were in San Francisco when I checked..

Give it a few more days, then phone up FPC

My 3 nights stay booked through FHR haven't shown on the past stays yet. It's been about 5 days. I looked through the FAQ, but didn't see anything about how long it takes for qualifying nights/stays to show up.

My experience has been pretty consistent that stays appear in the 7-10 day window. I'm not sure why it takes so long, but like clockwork, that's usually what it takes.

Does Fairmont upgrade Plat members who don't use the Suite/Room certificates? How do you go about getting the upgrades? Call them at the time of reservation? Ask at check-in?
How likely is it to get upgrades compare to SPG Plat?

Does Fairmont upgrade Plat members who don't use the Suite/Room certificates? How do you go about getting the upgrades? Call them at the time of reservation? Ask at check-in?
How likely is it to get upgrades compare to SPG Plat?

Our recent 25 night vacation at 4 different Fairmonts.. all consecutive.. we were not treated to an upgrade at check-in..

Having said that.. we visited during South America's winter break.. so basically the exact 2 week window where everyone was off. Southern California and San Francisico is really busy because its summer time. I wasn't happy with the no upgrades a check-in.. but not sure if it was related to the fact that the hotels were near capacity, or Fairmont's new policy how they are treating elite members..

Jasper2009.. how has your experience been lately?

Does Fairmont upgrade Plat members who don't use the Suite/Room certificates? How do you go about getting the upgrades? Call them at the time of reservation? Ask at check-in?
How likely is it to get upgrades compare to SPG Plat?

Short answer is: Complimentary upgrades are not part of the FPC program. You get a limited number of confirmed upgrades vs. the "upgrade at check-in based on availability" at SPG properties (personally I prefer the FPC system as I can make sure I´ll get a suite when it´s really important ot me)

That being said, I´ve received

1) comp. upgrades at some hotels when not using any upgrade certs (usually 1-2 night stays when it would be a waste to burn upgrade certs) or
2) occasionally the hotel told me to "keep the suite upgrade cert for the next stay" when I had confirmed a suite in advance

While not expected, such gestures are always greatly appreciated and increase my loyalty to the individual property, but usually only happen at hotels where I´ve stayed on a regular basis (2-3x/year).

I wish they adopt the SPG approach as well as keeping the current scheme: give upgrades whenever available. The way they set it up now is nice for someone who only stay 4 times/year as a Platinum member. For some Plat members who stay 20 times/year, it's very likely they would get 10 suite upgrades.

I wish they adopt the SPG approach as well as keeping the current scheme: give upgrades whenever available. The way they set it up now is nice for someone who only stay 4 times/year as a Platinum member. For some Plat members who stay 20 times/year, it's very likely they would get 10 suite upgrades.

I pretty much agree. The official benefits (2 suite and 2 room upgrade certs) aren´t too bad, but not overly impressive either, I think what has kept many Plats happy in the previous years were the opportunities to earn extra suite upgrade certs. As FPC hasn´t offered this option this year, I´m getting the impression some Plats are reconsidering their options. If it weren´t for some excellent experiences/unpublished benefits provided by some individual properties here and there, I certainly wouldn´t be spending some 50 nights at Fairmont hotels this year.

My experience is a little different with the upgrades. If you book a "moderate" room (this would be an interior view room in San Francisco, or a garden view room in Barbados*) you will be upgraded for free to the standard Fairmont room unless the hotel is sold out. I believe it even states this on the reservation.

Other than that I think Presidents Circle anything will get you the nicest room the the category you booked over the none PC members. My second stay ever at a Fairmont was in Singapore and I had a nice view of Marina Bay, but an otherwise normal room. I was pretty impressed with the PC dedicated check in, free wifi and a nice view for someone who was just a "member".

The Fairmont bed is the same in all the rooms, and for most hotel stays, that is probably the most important thing for me, and the base rooms are nice. Maybe I am just easy to please.

* Glad that one worked out, or I would probably be divorced right now.

My experience is a little different with the upgrades. If you book a "moderate" room (this would be an interior view room in San Francisco, or a garden view room in Barbados*) you will be upgraded for free to the standard Fairmont room unless the hotel is sold out. I believe it even states this on the reservation.

Other than that I think Presidents Circle anything will get you the nicest room the the category you booked over the none PC members. My second stay ever at a Fairmont was in Singapore and I had a nice view of Marina Bay, but an otherwise normal room. I was pretty impressed with the PC dedicated check in, free wifi and a nice view for someone who was just a "member".

The Fairmont bed is the same in all the rooms, and for most hotel stays, that is probably the most important thing for me, and the base rooms are nice. Maybe I am just easy to please.

* Glad that one worked out, or I would probably be divorced right now.

You´re right that at some hotels FPC members (even without status) get a comp. upgrade to the next room category (better view etc.), but it´s not a published benefit nor does it happen on a reliable basis, it´s more like "if occupancy is low, and you booked the lowest room category, and there are plenty of nicer rooms available, and the check-in agent is in a good mood, you may get the upgrade"

Btw, "President Circle" is the highest invitation-only status (above Plats) who get upgraded to the best suite available at check-in, you probably meant "President´s Club" ;)

My experience is a little different with the upgrades. If you book a "moderate" room (this would be an interior view room in San Francisco, or a garden view room in Barbados*) you will be upgraded for free to the standard Fairmont room unless the hotel is sold out. I believe it even states this on the reservation.

Other than that I think Presidents Circle anything will get you the nicest room the the category you booked over the none PC members. My second stay ever at a Fairmont was in Singapore and I had a nice view of Marina Bay, but an otherwise normal room. I was pretty impressed with the PC dedicated check in, free wifi and a nice view for someone who was just a "member".

The Fairmont bed is the same in all the rooms, and for most hotel stays, that is probably the most important thing for me, and the base rooms are nice. Maybe I am just easy to please.

* Glad that one worked out, or I would probably be divorced right now.

Published on the reservation? Not sure about the FPC benefit you speak of.. ime there is no upgrade benefit for FPC members that is specifically published..

Perhaps its a third party reservation benefit.. where you get the next available room category upgrade at check-in.. those are definitely published.. i.e. Visa Luxury Hotel collection, FHR, virtuoso, perfect escapes.. are just a few examples of third party offering an upgrade at check-in.. and you don't have to be an FPC member.. although its free to sign up..

I'll qualify for Premier level in the Presiden't club for the first time this year. Not having received the upgrade certs in year's past to see the Ts&Cs, I had two question about how they work:

1) For the suite upgrade certificate, is that good for an upgrade from a regular room to a suite, or is it only good for an upgrade from a suite to a higher category suite?

2) At properties that are all suites, like the Kea Lani, what upgrade certificate does one use, and if the answer to 1) is that the suite upgrade moves you from a regular room to a suite, what does the suite upgrade get you at the Kea Lani?

Thanks

I'll qualify for Premier level in the Presiden't club for the first time this year. Not having received the upgrade certs in year's past to see the Ts&Cs, I had two question about how they work:

1) For the suite upgrade certificate, is that good for an upgrade from a regular room to a suite, or is it only good for an upgrade from a suite to a higher category suite?

2) At properties that are all suites, like the Kea Lani, what upgrade certificate does one use, and if the answer to 1) is that the suite upgrade moves you from a regular room to a suite, what does the suite upgrade get you at the Kea Lani?

Thanks

1) A suite upgrade cert upgrades you from a Fairmont room (or any room category except a Moderate room) to the "designated suite category", which usually means you´ll be upgraded to a junior or one-bedroom suite, some hotels are more generous than others. See this thread for some examples: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1092594-confirmed-upgrades-using-suite-upgrade-certs.html

2) IIRC you can upgrade from a regular suite to a partial ocean view or ocean view suite using a suite upgrade cert, but I´m sure the regular visitors at that hotel can tell you the current policy (you should find some info in the Kea Lani master thread)

I'll qualify for Premier level in the Presiden't club for the first time this year. Not having received the upgrade certs in year's past to see the Ts&Cs, I had two question about how they work:

1) For the suite upgrade certificate, is that good for an upgrade from a regular room to a suite, or is it only good for an upgrade from a suite to a higher category suite?

2) At properties that are all suites, like the Kea Lani, what upgrade certificate does one use, and if the answer to 1) is that the suite upgrade moves you from a regular room to a suite, what does the suite upgrade get you at the Kea Lani?

Thanks

1) A suite upgrade cert upgrades you from a Fairmont room (or any room category except a Moderate room) to the "designated suite category", which usually means you´ll be upgraded to a junior or one-bedroom suite, some hotels are more generous than others. See this thread for some examples: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1092594-confirmed-upgrades-using-suite-upgrade-certs.html

2) IIRC you can upgrade from a regular suite to a partial ocean view or ocean view suite using a suite upgrade cert, but I´m sure the regular visitors at that hotel can tell you the current policy (you should find some info in the Kea Lani master thread)

1) IIRC you can book a Fairmont room or higher room category (introduced recently, since rules for suite upgrade was from Fairmont room category only) to the hotel's designated suite..

2) ime at Kea Lani you can use your suite upgrade from a Fairmont suite (and may be a higher category suite.. I'm sure you can use a higher category suite to upgrade) to a partial Ocean View Suite.. There was some talk with the hotel and reservations about using the suite upgrade for a higher category than Fairmont for upgrading purposes..

so a nice change from the stalwart, must book a Fairmont category to upgrade to designated hotel suite, from year's past

What is the Platinum kit? Is it going to be mailed home? What about the certificates online? Wouldn't they show up there?

TIA.

What is the Platinum kit? Is it going to be mailed home? What about the certificates online? Wouldn't they show up there?

TIA.

Yes, you receive a package sent to your address on file containing your membership card, baggage tags, the paper certs, and usually a pretty nice item like a Moleskin. Free night and upgrade certs can usually be redeemed electronically (i.e. you tell FPC to redeem them and they "manually" redeem them), dining certs seem to cause some issues and it´s much easier to just hand the waiter the paper certs (which will show up as redeemed in your profile after a few weeks)

What is the Platinum kit? Is it going to be mailed home? What about the certificates online? Wouldn't they show up there?

TIA.

Short answer is.. you will receive both..

I find that the online account is helpful to determine what certificates have been or have not been used..

I've never doubled up trying to redeem online and using paper certs.. but I personally stay above board, and just track certs via the online system..

Just received my package today. Got the moleskin book, a platinum card, 3 platinum luggage tags, and the certificates.

I will bring the certificates with me to Mayakoba to make sure they are used properly.

Just received my package today. Got the moleskin book, a platinum card, 3 platinum luggage tags, and the certificates.

I will bring the certificates with me to Mayakoba to make sure they are used properly.

Was just at Mayakoba and they redeemed my certificates electronically.. including suite certs, dining certs, mani/pedi certs, local food experience cert..

And I'm at Mayakoba now, and they've asked for all certs in paper form - so experience may differ :-) Probably a wise call to have the paper certs on band just in case

And I'm at Mayakoba now, and they've asked for all certs in paper form - so experience may differ :-) Probably a wise call to have the paper certs on band just in case

They asked me the same..:) I asked if they can redeem them electronically because that way I can keep track.. no problem.. that's how they keep track of cert usage anyways..

Note: You cannot use the paper certs after redeeming electronically. This has been told to me many times..

.... , dining certs, mani/pedi certs, local food experience cert..

These are the same 4 certs used for the various uses?

Actually, if I understand correctly, it's a combination of regular certs and passion benefit certs - ie, this weekend I used the passion certs local dining experience, pedi for my wife, $25 off massage for me, plus the regular certs suite upgrade and 4x$25 dining/spa credits.

These are the same 4 certs used for the various uses?

Platinum and Passion Certs..

I used a number of suite upgrades, 8 $25 dining certs, 2 mani/pedi, and local food experience at El Puerto for a lobster tail..

Platinum and Passion Certs..

I used a number of suite upgrades, 8 $25 dining certs, 2 mani/pedi, and local food experience at El Puerto for a lobster tail..

A tale of many certs:D

I emailed 'MarketingSupportGRC@fairmont.com' regarding my status at Fairmont about a week ago. No response until now. What's the usual turn around time for them to respond to emails?

A tale of many certs:D
:D

I emailed 'MarketingSupportGRC@fairmont.com' regarding my status at Fairmont about a week ago. No response until now. What's the usual turn around time for them to respond to emails?

Hit and miss to whether they'll respond or not..

I would call FPC loyalty and get it handled straight away..

:D



Hit and miss to whether they'll respond or not..

I would call FPC loyalty and get it handled straight away..

I called the FPC number, but they said they had to forward my request to someone. I then sent them an email to follow up on the request. It's been a week now. Very disappointed at how unresponsive they are.

I called the FPC number, but they said they had to forward my request to someone. I then sent them an email to follow up on the request. It's been a week now. Very disappointed at how unresponsive they are.

Just got a request answered by email today (Labour Day) that was sent three weeks ago..:eek:

Over the years, I call during business hours and talk to FPC loyalty desk.. If you speak to someone there, they can handle the situation immediately for you.. and they are good at getting back to you.. I usually have them give me a call on my cell when they get an answer for me..

Just got a request answered by email today (Labour Day) that was sent three weeks ago..:eek:

Over the years, I call during business hours and talk to FPC loyalty desk.. If you speak to someone there, they can handle the situation immediately for you.. and they are good at getting back to you.. I usually have them give me a call on my cell when they get an answer for me..

I called the FPC desk regarding the 5 nights -> Platinum status. She said they would need to forward the request to the marketing department for further research. I asked what research they will need. She told me it was to make sure all 5 nights I paid with the Amex Plat. I asked if she can do it immediately, I wouldn't mind holding. After a moment of hesitation, she finally did it. So now, I can see my new Platinum status and all of my certificates showed up online. Looks like early qualification is still alive.
How long does it take for them to send these certificates out to you after they showed up online? Do they normally send them out the same day you qualify? I didn't want to push the girl too much.

I called the FPC desk regarding the 5 nights -> Platinum status. She said they would need to forward the request to the marketing department for further research. I asked what research they will need. She told me it was to make sure all 5 nights I paid with the Amex Plat. I asked if she can do it immediately, I wouldn't mind holding. After a moment of hesitation, she finally did it. So now, I can see my new Platinum status and all of my certificates showed up online. Looks like early qualification is still alive.
How long does it take for them to send these certificates out to you after they showed up online? Do they normally send them out the same day you qualify? I didn't want to push the girl too much.

You can use the electronic certs immediately..

I don't bother with the paper certs anymore, I just ask the hotel to redeem the certs online.. that way I can keep track of the inventory of certs..

Congrats on early qualification.. Earn em and burn em..

Does the platinum benefit of late checkout apply to any rate and even awards? Or are there any restrictions that would prevent it?

I bought one of the Fairmont San Francisco Living Social offers early in the year and they are saying late checkout is not offered with the stay. Even when it is really a stay as I'm paying the ~$250 in taxes for the suite.

Does the platinum benefit of late checkout apply to any rate and even awards? Or are there any restrictions that would prevent it?

I bought one of the Fairmont San Francisco Living Social offers early in the year and they are saying late checkout is not offered with the stay. Even when it is really a stay as I'm paying the ~$250 in taxes for the suite.

Congratulations on your purchase..

This is the first that I've heard that Fairmont has refused late checkout, even prior to arrival..

The rules clearly state that Platinum is entitled to early check-in and late check out, no questions asked..

In reality, whenever I arrive at the hotel, even if I request late check out, the hotel asks for me to work with them, in case its a busy night, and they are expecting an arrival for the room.. So I get a nice room, with the expectation that I leave the room, for the next guest and forgo the late check out.. which is a fair trade..

I always double check the day of my departure, and over the past 6 years, I've never been refused late check out, having double checked on the departure day..

I think 7 or 8 years ago, it happened a couple of times, the hotel requested I leave with a earlier than requested late checkout, because another party was checking into the room.. no problem there, I left as requested..

Does the platinum benefit of late checkout apply to any rate and even awards? Or are there any restrictions that would prevent it?

I bought one of the Fairmont San Francisco Living Social offers early in the year and they are saying late checkout is not offered with the stay. Even when it is really a stay as I'm paying the ~$250 in taxes for the suite.

FPC Platinum benefits should apply to all qualifying rates, i.e. pretty much any rate except travel industry / airline crew rates etc.

The way your request was handled doesn´t seem too impressive, but there´s probably not much you can do as the hotel (not FPC) determines what "late check-out" is. So if regular check-out time is 12p.m., they could theoretically argue 12.30p.m. is a late check-out. (mind you, most hotels will offer a 12p.m. early check-in and 4p.m. late check-out as a minimum, but the benefit is not defined anywhere)

Thanks guys. I think I'm going to try to negotiate down to a lower category suite, ask for them to cover taxes, and see if that will work.

I certainly don't really need a suite of this size. My kids are getting a distorted view of life :eek:

But one thing I learned on FT over the years. You see something good, just do it - don't wait, don't take a breath, just do it if there is any refundability available at all. When I saw the deal both my wife and I went in.

>>>>>>>>>My kids are getting a distorted view of life

I know what you mean. My son will not consider anything else other than a BMW bike now:D

>>>>>>>>>My kids are getting a distorted view of life

I know what you mean. My son will not consider anything else other than a BMW bike now:D

Will have to try one then.. how much one of those at the Fairmont go for retail? A good bike was $2,000, but I think they've come down in price..

No idea how much they are, he is not getting one:D

No idea how much they are, he is not getting one:D

Yeah.. that too!:D

Still wouldn't mind knowing the retail price on the BMW bike..;)

Hi everyone!

So, just2 good news to share with you!

First of all, i'm plat since Sept. and i got my early cert. (until feb 2012) and i got my plat kit!

the idea of my mom was to be Premier this year (she thanks me a lot to make them find and love fairmont hotels).

So we stayed at the Montreux Palace for 3 days, and i used one on my room cert upgrade.

Good news for me, she got the 3 nights, 1 stay, and i got 3 nights 1 stay too! =D (works everytime like this when a plat share a cert with family?)

And so, my mom wrote FPC this morning (because the last stay was just one week ago), and she got the premier status today too, and she got the early qualification upgrades! (valid thu feb 2012 too).

I was thinking the early qualification was only until end of sept.

So thats it! =)

We are just happy!

Hi everyone!

So, just2 good news to share with you!

First of all, i'm plat since Sept. and i got my early cert. (until feb 2012) and i got my plat kit!

the idea of my mom was to be Premier this year (she thanks me a lot to make them find and love fairmont hotels).

So we stayed at the Montreux Palace for 3 days, and i used one on my room cert upgrade.

Good news for me, she got the 3 nights, 1 stay, and i got 3 nights 1 stay too! =D (works everytime like this when a plat share a cert with family?)

And so, my mom wrote FPC this morning (because the last stay was just one week ago), and she got the premier status today too, and she got the early qualification upgrades! (valid thu feb 2012 too).

I was thinking the early qualification was only until end of sept.

So thats it! =)

We are just happy!

Excellent.. The early qualification kits is a cornerstone building FPC loyalty for the program..

Unofficially, before Sept 30, you're guaranteed a kit if qualified for status.. thereafter, the early qualification kits is upon availability..

I don't see a reason why Fairmont wouldn't just give the early qualification electronicaly.. even if kits run out.. Perhaps they do anyways, just haven't seen kits run out, and early qualification granted on electronic profile..

Excellent.. The early qualification kits is a cornerstone building FPC loyalty for the program..

Unofficially, before Sept 30, you're guaranteed a kit if qualified for status.. thereafter, the early qualification kits is upon availability..

I don't see a reason why Fairmont wouldn't just give the early qualification electronicaly.. even if kits run out.. Perhaps they do anyways, just haven't seen kits run out, and early qualification granted on electronic profile..

I will hit Plat the 25th November. It will just be incredible to have certs for 2011 :p Will see....

I just noticed that certs are "transferable" between family members for Platinum FPC members only. Well, my husband and I are premier. :rolleyes: Does anyone know if "transferring" applies to us if we're staying together, or just to people who give their certs to a family member who's not traveling with the FPC member?

Long story short, my husband and I will be staying at a Fairmont and I was planning on making the reservation using my FPC account, but applying his certs certs once he receives them in January (they'll probably be available online only at that point, but I was able to use mine at this time last year). But since we're not platinum, are we not allowed to use each other's certs?

If someone could clarify, I'd appreciate it! I want the nights on my FPC account to go toward premier status for 2012 (mine will expire in Feb and I'm planning on re-earning it), but now it sounds like this might not be doable? Can we just ask that the stay be credited to my FPC account when checking in or out?

thanks!^

I just noticed that certs are "transferable" between family members for Platinum FPC members only. Well, my husband and I are premier. :rolleyes: Does anyone know if "transferring" applies to us if we're staying together, or just to people who give their certs to a family member who's not traveling with the FPC member?

Long story short, my husband and I will be staying at a Fairmont and I was planning on making the reservation using my FPC account, but applying his certs certs once he receives them in January (they'll probably be available online only at that point, but I was able to use mine at this time last year). But since we're not platinum, are we not allowed to use each other's certs?

If someone could clarify, I'd appreciate it! I want the nights on my FPC account to go toward premier status for 2012 (mine will expire in Feb and I'm planning on re-earning it), but now it sounds like this might not be doable? Can we just ask that the stay be credited to my FPC account when checking in or out?

thanks!^

I believe the official policy is that your husband would also have to get stay credit if you were using his upgrade certs.

What I would probably do:

1. make reservation both under your and your husband´s name and upgrade using your certs for the time being
2. when your husband´s certs post online, contact FPC to let them know you´d like to use your husband´s certs instead (shouldn´t be a problem, as you´ll both be present)
3. nicely ask the check-in agent whether they´d mind crediting the miles to your FPC account while redeeming your husband´s upgrade cert

...as always, no guarantee this will work, but it´s definitely worth a shot, as I´d consider it a bit of a grey area.

I just noticed that certs are "transferable" between family members for Platinum FPC members only. Well, my husband and I are premier. :rolleyes: Does anyone know if "transferring" applies to us if we're staying together, or just to people who give their certs to a family member who's not traveling with the FPC member?

Long story short, my husband and I will be staying at a Fairmont and I was planning on making the reservation using my FPC account, but applying his certs certs once he receives them in January (they'll probably be available online only at that point, but I was able to use mine at this time last year). But since we're not platinum, are we not allowed to use each other's certs?

If someone could clarify, I'd appreciate it! I want the nights on my FPC account to go toward premier status for 2012 (mine will expire in Feb and I'm planning on re-earning it), but now it sounds like this might not be doable? Can we just ask that the stay be credited to my FPC account when checking in or out?

thanks!^

The official policy for Premier Members is the certs aren't transferrable.. but in the past, and not sure if it still works.. we make the reservation in the name that the certs are under and at check out, have the hotel front desk change the FPC number we want credited and should work..

Did this a number of times this year at various Fairmonts and the stay credit showed up as intended.. but we were both Platinum this year.. in the past as Premier, no problems..

thanks Jasper and AM - sounds good, I will try asking them to apply the nights to my account, and if there's a problem, we'll just put them on my husband's account and work toward getting him Premier again instead of me. (Though it makes more sense for me to have premier status, since I'm the planner! :cool:)

I assume that if he gets 5 stays/10 nights in 2012 while already a Premier, he will remain Premier for 2013?

I assume that if he gets 5 stays/10 nights in 2012 while already a Premier, he will remain Premier for 2013?

Correct, or to be more precise, the following membership year (March 1, 2013 - Feb. 28, 2014)

thanks Jasper and AM - sounds good, I will try asking them to apply the nights to my account, and if there's a problem, we'll just put them on my husband's account and work toward getting him Premier again instead of me. (Though it makes more sense for me to have premier status, since I'm the planner! :cool:)

I assume that if he gets 5 stays/10 nights in 2012 while already a Premier, he will remain Premier for 2013?

Thinking Back to my experiences.. you could call and prearrange to see if the hotel would book the reservation under your desired name, and use your spouses' certificate on your pre-booked stay.. Doesn't hurt to ask..

If you want to change the FPC# on your profile during your stay so that you can get stay credit, I would advise you do so before the hotel closes the books (charge the room charges onto the cc on profile or cc presented at check-in).. Once the cc is charged, its too late.. and the hotel accounting department will not reverse all of the paperwork, simply to give another member stay credit..

I will hit Plat the 25th November. It will just be incredible to have certs for 2011 :p Will see....

I finished my stay the 25th. November. The stay was credited yesterday, and I called today to ask about my Plat statut...
10 minutes later I had the Platinum in my profile... with all crtificate expire 29 feb 2012 :)
Thanks Fairmont !

I finished my stay the 25th. November. The stay was credited yesterday, and I called today to ask about my Plat statut...
10 minutes later I had the Platinum in my profile... with all crtificate expire 29 feb 2012 :)
Thanks Fairmont !

The physical kit may or may not be received, but its moot.. cause all of the certs have appeared on your electronic account..

Hurry, you'll need to liquidate the certs by Feb 28th, 2012, otherwise they'll expire..

A strategy I use is to use the certs after January 1st, 2012 because the stays that happen after this date actually count towards status qualification for March 1st, 2013 to February 28th, 2014.. Or, you can build up your spouse/better half to status, as the plat certs are transferable to spouse (including common law) and immediate family members (check T&C).

Quick strategy would be to apply for Aeroplat, and have your spouse stay 5 nights between Jan 1st to Feb 28th.. She'll qualify for status March 1st, 2013 to February 28th, 2014.. and early qualify for Plat as soon as she stays to 5 nights for the current membership year.. pretty easy using your transferable plat certs.:)

I want to make a booking to use my Platinum complimentary night certificate. I am in the UK; do I need to call the International number (+xxx xxx xxxx) or is there a UK number? If I need to call the international number, what country am I actually calling so that I can figure out what time to call?!

TIA

I want to make a booking to use my Platinum complimentary night certificate. I am in the UK; do I need to call the International number (+506 387 1767) or is there a UK number? If I need to call the international number, what country am I actually calling so that I can figure out what time to call?!

TIA

The int´l number directs you to the Platinum concierge desk in Canada (or the US?), so you need to dial 001-xxx-xxxxxxx.

There´s a regular res. number for the UK:
00 800 0441 1414

They should be able to apply a comp. night cert, but I ´d use the Plat number for any other matters.

Is there any fasttrack deal to Platinum status for US residents? Really wish we weren't effectively blocked from the Am Ex Plat deal for Canadian Platinum Am Ex holders. Thanks

Is there any fasttrack deal to Platinum status for US residents? Really wish we weren't effectively blocked from the Am Ex Plat deal for Canadian Platinum Am Ex holders. Thanks

None that I´m aware of. The 5 nights requirement for Canadian AMEX Plat members is ridiculously low, but other fast track promos I´ve seen require 4 stays (vs. 5 stays) for Premier status and 8 stays (vs. 10 stays) for Platinum status.

I´ve listed sme fasttrack options in the master promo thread, the Air Canada fast track offer definitely is still available, not sure about the status of the other promos.

Is there any fasttrack deal to Platinum status for US residents? Really wish we weren't effectively blocked from the Am Ex Plat deal for Canadian Platinum Am Ex holders. Thanks

You might want to confirm with Jarusoba, but he's comped Plat status with Amex Centurion.. so this maybe available for US centurion cardholders IIRC

The upfront and annual fees are pretty hefty.. for a frequent traveller, it may be worth it..

Thanks for the info. Also, IIRC, I've seen the "early qualification" benefit discussed with respect to Platinum status, but I don't recall seeing any discussion about this with respecet to qualifying for premier status. Does the early qualification apply to attaining premier status as well? Thanks a lot.

Thanks for the info. Also, IIRC, I've seen the "early qualification" benefit discussed with respect to Platinum status, but I don't recall seeing any discussion about this with respecet to qualifying for premier status. Does the early qualification apply to attaining premier status as well? Thanks a lot.

There´s no early qualifcation for Premier status through AMEX Platinum. You get Platinum status after completing five nights (not stays!), it really doesn´t get any easier than that (except for Canadian Centurion members who are comped Plat status).

There´s no early qualifcation for Premier status through AMEX Platinum. You get Platinum status after completing five nights (not stays!), it really doesn´t get any easier than that (except for Canadian Centurion members who are comped Plat status).

Sorry-that question got wrapped up into the fasttrack to platinum question and maybe I used the wrong term as well. By early qualification I didn't mean a shortened criteria for qualification. I meant do you get the perks and the certificates for 2 years (both the year in which you actually qualify and also the following calender year in which the status is good for)? I saw a recent post where someone who just qualified for plat got a set of certs that had to be used by february 2012 (or something like that) and was also expecting to get a set of certs to be used by feb 2013. Does that happen for premier as well or only for platinum?

Thanks

Sorry-that question got wrapped up into the fasttrack to platinum question and maybe I used the wrong term as well. By early qualification I didn't mean a shortened criteria for qualification. I meant do you get the perks and the certificates for 2 years (both the year in which you actually qualify and also the following calender year in which the status is good for)? I saw a recent post where someone who just qualified for plat got a set of certs that had to be used by february 2012 (or something like that) and was also expecting to get a set of certs to be used by feb 2013. Does that happen for premier as well or only for platinum?

Thanks

Sorry, my mistake, you used the correct terms, but for some odd reason I thought you were replying to the posts above.:o

When early qualification (earn status before Sept. 30 and get status immediately for the rest of the membership year and the following membership year) was listed on the FPC website it was both applicable to members both going from basic to Premier and from Basic/Premier to Platinum.

As the benefit is no longer officially listed, but still seems to exist, I assume the answer is yes.
However, I´m not sure they hand out early qualification this late in the year, the Sept. 30 deadline doesn´t seem to exist anymore based on other FTer´s experience getting the certs in Oct. as well, but this doesn´t mean there´s no deadline at all.
I´d probably just call FPC and ask whether they´d be kind enough to bump you up to Premier.

Sorry-that question got wrapped up into the fasttrack to platinum question and maybe I used the wrong term as well. By early qualification I didn't mean a shortened criteria for qualification. I meant do you get the perks and the certificates for 2 years (both the year in which you actually qualify and also the following calender year in which the status is good for)? I saw a recent post where someone who just qualified for plat got a set of certs that had to be used by february 2012 (or something like that) and was also expecting to get a set of certs to be used by feb 2013. Does that happen for premier as well or only for platinum?

Thanks

Not advertised.. but yes, this has been the case this year.

Is there a difference between :
- book online and call the hotel after to apply upgrade certificate
or
- call the hotel and book the room with the upgrade at the same time ?
I was thinking, maybe if you have already book a non-refundable fare, the hotel won't have to negociate anything (ie : just giving a 10$ higher room with a room-upgrade cert or the cheapest suite with a suite-upgrade cert).
Any idea ?

Thanks

Is there a difference between :
- book online and call the hotel after to apply upgrade certificate
or
- call the hotel and book the room with the upgrade at the same time ?
I was thinking, maybe if you have already book a non-refundable fare, the hotel won't have to negociate anything (ie : just giving a 10$ higher room with a room-upgrade cert or the cheapest suite with a suite-upgrade cert).
Any idea ?

Thanks

Booking online a non refundable deposit thats precharged to your card, you run the risk not being able to confirm your upgrade.. You book online or third party on a package that is not normally offered through Fairmont, and after the booking you call up Fairmont to apply the upgrades..

Normally with third parties I only book refundable rates, in case something goes wrong..

Fairmont is strict and fair on upgrades.. if its not available or is nights booked is limited access, it will not be applied.. if it is available and qualified, Fairmont will honor and confirm a guaranteed upgrade based on T&Cs..

As the benefit is no longer officially listed, but still seems to exist, I assume the answer is yes.
However, I´m not sure they hand out early qualification this late in the year, the Sept. 30 deadline doesn´t seem to exist anymore based on other FTer´s experience getting the certs in Oct. as well, but this doesn´t mean there´s no deadline at all.
I´d probably just call FPC and ask whether they´d be kind enough to bump you up to Premier.

I had previously no status with FPC. I just recently got the Platinum Amex and completed the 5 stays. With only a few days left in the year they have upgraded me and provided the 2011 certs. YMMV. But I'm very happy with the customer service at Fairmont and am seriously reconsidering my loyalty to Hilton. I just wish they had more locations.

Locations have traditionally been sparse compared to other major hotel chains.. but I'm glad to see that more and more hotels are added to Fairmont each year, and seems like quite a few new hotels are under construction and is slated to come online..

imho, one of the great loyalty building tools Fairmont has is the early qualification for its new members.. Fairmont should keep this feature to earn business from new customers.. Mtlfire is a true life example how early recognition is valuable to gaining new members..

Mtlfire.. glad to hear you're taking a liking to FPC, it is a good program..:)

Just an FYI for US HSBC Premier customers, since US AMEX Plat don't have the accelerated Plat route.

Offer includes: a) complimentary upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at check-in; b) complimentary daily breakfast; c) loyalty component "Get Premier status in 3 stays/6 consecutive nights”
Enrollment

Just an FYI for US HSBC Premier customers, since US AMEX Plat don't have the accelerated Plat route.

Offer includes: a) complimentary upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at check-in; b) complimentary daily breakfast; c) loyalty component "Get Premier status in 3 stays/6 consecutive nights”
Enrollment

Interesting. Do you happen to have a link with the exact details so I can add it to the master FAQ?

Just an FYI for US HSBC Premier customers, since US AMEX Plat don't have the accelerated Plat route.

Offer includes: a) complimentary upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at check-in; b) complimentary daily breakfast; c) loyalty component "Get Premier status in 3 stays/6 consecutive nights”
Enrollment

Im HSBC Premier here in Canada.. hmm.. so its just for US only I guess? Be nice to have that in Canada.

Just an FYI for US HSBC Premier customers, since US AMEX Plat don't have the accelerated Plat route.

Offer includes: a) complimentary upgrade to next room category, subject to availability at check-in; b) complimentary daily breakfast; c) loyalty component "Get Premier status in 3 stays/6 consecutive nights”
Enrollment

This just kills me.
I am AmexPlt in the US and HSBC Premier in Canada. A double loser, that's what I am! :(

This just kills me.
I am AmexPlt in the US and HSBC Premier in Canada. A double loser, that's what I am! :(

How does that work.. so you're a dual citizen or something?

How does that work.. so you're a dual citizen or something?

Cdn but working in the US.

Interesting. Do you happen to have a link with the exact details so I can add it to the master FAQ?

I found the link on the following website: http://goo.gl/Boe7A
After you choose the property to book/view the offer, you will be asked to enter the first 6 digits of your HSBC Premier Mastercard. Seems to work for my Indonesian-based card. I haven't taken advantage of this myself though.

Cdn but working in the US.

You could get the Amex Plat Cdn, but then you're paying foreign exchange fees.. so I see your dillemma where its better to have the US Amex Plat..

Your situation is truly an inbetween.

You could get the Amex Plat Cdn, but then you're paying foreign exchange fees.. so I see your dillemma where its better to have the US Amex Plat..

Your situation is truly an inbetween.

Such is life, hah hah.

I found the link on the following website: http://goo.gl/Boe7A
After you choose the property to book/view the offer, you will be asked to enter the first 6 digits of your HSBC Premier Mastercard. Seems to work for my Indonesian-based card. I haven't taken advantage of this myself though.

Thanks for posting. Was not on flyertalk for a few days.

Came back from Fairmont Tremblant. not bad but meh. However considering price and convenience would stay again. Much better than the Westin -- which I would not recommend.

Such is life, hah hah.

The US Amex Plat has no foreign exchange fees.. thats typically the annual fee in savings right there..

I wish that Cdn Amex had this feature.. 2.5% foreign transaction fee is alot to swallow..

I stayed at Le Montreux Palace last week for 2 nights and used a free night certificate and paid for the other night.
Now the stay does appear on my profile but it is listed as "non qualified" even if I paid for a night.
Does it happen frequently ? Should that be corrected ?

I stayed at Le Montreux Palace last week for 2 nights and used a free night certificate and paid for the other night.
Now the stay does appear on my profile but it is listed as "non qualified" even if I paid for a night.
Does it happen frequently ? Should that be corrected ?

When using a free night cert, you don´t get stay credit for that night, but you should have definitely received stay credit for the other night.

Your stay history should display one of the following:

(a) Montreux - 1 night - qualifying
Montreux - 1 night - non-qualifying

or (b) Montreux - 1 night - qualifying

More often than not just the qualifying night appears in my account with the adjusted number of nights.

When using a free night cert, you don´t get stay credit for that night, but you should have definitely received stay credit for the other night.

Your stay history should display one of the following:

(a) Montreux - 1 night - qualifying
Montreux - 1 night - non-qualifying

or (b) Montreux - 1 night - qualifying

More often than not just the qualifying night appears in my account with the adjusted number of nights.

Thanks ! I will claim my paid night.

When using a free night cert, you don´t get stay credit for that night, but you should have definitely received stay credit for the other night.

Hmm, this hasn't been my experience. Only been at this free night certificate thing for the last three years and each free night has shown up as qualifying on my profile.

Hmm, this hasn't been my experience. Only been at this free night certificate thing for the last three years and each free night has shown up as qualifying on my profile.

With the crappy IT system everything´s possible and I know of several folks who have had the same experience as you, but the official policy is that those nights are non-qualifying. Or to put it differently: Consider yourself lucky if the night posts, but don´t complain if it doesn´t.

With the crappy IT system everything´s possible and I know of several folks who have had the same experience as you, but the official policy is that those nights are non-qualifying. Or to put it differently: Consider yourself lucky if the night posts, but don´t complain if it doesn´t.

Don't get me wrong. I was surprised to see that they were "qualifying" but at the end of the day it doesn't (didn't) make any difference to me one way or the other.

You make a good point, though, on the crappy IT. It seems pretty clear that the feedback that they solicit on the website experience goes absolutely nowhere given that their website has been pure unadulterated crap for quite a long time.

With the crappy IT system everything´s possible and I know of several folks who have had the same experience as you, but the official policy is that those nights are non-qualifying. Or to put it differently: Consider yourself lucky if the night posts, but don´t complain if it doesn´t.

Don't get me wrong. I was surprised to see that they were "qualifying" but at the end of the day it doesn't (didn't) make any difference to me one way or the other.

You make a good point, though, on the crappy IT. It seems pretty clear that the feedback that they solicit on the website experience goes absolutely nowhere given that their website has been pure unadulterated crap for quite a long time.

I've always receive credit for my free nights.. Nowadays it doesn't matter because I qualify for Plat via Amex Platinum. If qualifying by stays for Plat, then the free night should be moot.

Well, I did a credit stay claim.
Finally they credited me not one but the two nights :p

Well, I did a credit stay claim.
Finally they credited me not one but the two nights :p

This one BSH stay, I requested like 8 times, and did not post.. Finally posted when I talked to my personal concierge.. It took hime like a half an hour.

There is another stay at BSH that did not register this year.. I wonder how many requests its going to take this time.

[SIZE="4"][COLOR="Red"][B]Is there any way to get Premier/Platinum status for free or is there a fast track to Premier/Platinum status?

Yes, FPC Platinum status is awarded to Canadian AMEX Centurion cardholders.
Canadian AMEX Platinum cardholders have been awarded with Platinum status after completing 5 nights. (Please note that benefits associated with a particular credit card can change.)

Fairmont has also offered occasional fast track promos. Please see the master promo thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1066266-master-thread-fairmont-promos-special-rates.html) for any current offers.

Also "free" with AmEx Centurian

Also "free" with AmEx Centurian

In the US, I believe Centurion is the only way to get Fast Track FPC Platinum with Amex. In Canada, its available with Amex Platinum and Centurion IIRC.

I found the link on the following website: http://goo.gl/Boe7A
After you choose the property to book/view the offer, you will be asked to enter the first 6 digits of your HSBC Premier Mastercard. Seems to work for my Indonesian-based card. I haven't taken advantage of this myself though.

Direct link for HSBC Premier expedited premier status: http://www.fairmont.com/Promotions/HSBCglobalpromotion.htm

Looks like you have to pay with the hsbc premier card to be eligible.

ialto

YES, Fairmont Platinum (early status for 2012), with 5 PLAT5 nights (in 2 stays, 5 room nights in total). My Plat. kit is on the way


Question - How do I redeem FREE night certificate? do I call hotel in also? similar to upgrade certificates?

YES, Fairmont Platinum (early status for 2012), with 5 PLAT5 nights (in 2 stays, 5 room nights in total). My Plat. kit is on the way


Question - How do I redeem FREE night certificate? do I call hotel in also? similar to upgrade certificates?

Same procedure as redeeming upgrade certs. Easiest way is to call FPC. You can also contact the hotel instead, but calling FPC is the easiest option IMO.

Same procedure as redeeming upgrade certs. Easiest way is to call FPC. You can also contact the hotel instead, but calling FPC is the easiest option IMO.

Thanks Jasper

so to clarify, I should call FPC first and make reservation over the phone then? I suppose FPC will let me know if it's NOT usable for certain hotel/night (like Savoy or Park Plaza, ha, managed by Fairmont only)

or book online first and then redeem later?

I don't have any solid plan to get the best value of it yet (especially in North America, I don't think it's that worthy), maybe Fairmont Singapore in September

Thanks Jasper

so to clarify, I should call FPC first and make reservation over the phone then? I suppose FPC will let me know if it's NOT usable for certain hotel/night (like Savoy or Park Plaza, ha, managed by Fairmont only)

or book online first and then redeem later?

I don't have any solid plan to get the best value of it yet (especially in North America, I don't think it's that worthy), maybe Fairmont Singapore in September

It doesn´t really matter. If you plan to redeem the cert at the Savoy or the Plaza I´d recommend calling FPC first to see whether you can use your free night cert due to the capacity controls imposed.

If you plan to redeem your cert at any other Fairmont you can just as well make res online and call FPC anytime later as long as you make sure (1) youé booked the Fairmont room category and (2) your dates isn´t listed on the Limited Access page on the Fairmont website (in which case you can use the free night cert)

Regarding best value: It really depends on when you´re planning to travel etc. During peak season it´s not uncommon to see >$500/night rates at the Kea Lani / Fairmont Barbados / Pacific Rim / Banff Springs / Lake Louise or even the Fairmont San Francisco at times.

Noticed the BWM vehicle benefit relisted in my FPC packet:

"Complimentary access to BMW vehicles at select hotels and resorts"

I know this was removed for a year or two, but I guess it's back. It's also listed on the benefits page again. Benefits (https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/MembershipBenefits/)

Room and Suite Upgrade Certificates and Free Night Certificates

Are certificates transferable?

Premier certificates are non-transferable.
Platinum certificates are transferable to immediate family, i.e. spouse, parents, (adult) children and siblings.

Ok about that point. I look at rear of Platinum certs, but no mention of transfer.

Let's say me and a sibling (same surname) wish to book two rooms in same hotel. Would both rooms be booked, paid for, and upgraded under my name? Or would I call and apply my cert to his booking and present certs at time of check in (both together)?

Ok about that point. I look at rear of Platinum certs, but no mention of transfer.

Let's say me and a sibling (same surname) wish to book two rooms in same hotel. Would both rooms be booked, paid for, and upgraded under my name? Or would I call and apply my cert to his booking and present certs at time of check in (both together)?

You can find the info regarding transferability here (http://www.fairmont.com/fpc/limitedaccess) (right hand side under room/suite upgrade certs).

Both options you mention work:

option #1: you can book both rooms under your name, but you´ll only get stay credit for the room you´re staying in (at least according to the T&C)

option #2: have your brother make the res, call FPC and have the upgrade cert applied

I usually choose option #1 and have my family member provide his FPC number at check-in, so both of us get a night credit.

Room and Suite Upgrade Certificates and Free Night Certificates

Are certificates transferable?

Premier certificates are non-transferable.
Platinum certificates are transferable to immediate family, i.e. spouse, parents, (adult) children and siblings.

Does "spouse" include (unregistered) same-sex domestic partner?

Does "spouse" include (unregistered) same-sex domestic partner?

If your domestic partner changes every other week, the answer probably is no. If you transfer certs to the same person and have the same address on file, I doubt you´ll have any issues (The FPC T&C specifically include "common-law partners", so it seems they use a broad definition of spouse). But it´s one of the few topics I have absolutely no experience with.

If your domestic partner changes every other week, the answer probably is no. If you transfer certs to the same person and have the same address on file, I doubt you´ll have any issues (The FPC T&C specifically include "common-law partners", so it seems they use a broad definition of spouse). But it´s one of the few topics I have absolutely no experience with.

I'm wasn't suggesting gaming the system, although I worry about people doing exactly as you describe and ruining other's legitimate benefits. My DP has been the same for 10+ years, and we share the same address.

I'm currently plat member due to the Plat5 promo. I'm wondering if the requalification process is the same. Stay 5 nights and my status would remain the same next year? Do I need to call them again after 5 nights?

Anyone who's been Plat for multiple years through Plat5, can you please comment on your process?

I'm currently plat member due to the Plat5 promo. I'm wondering if the requalification process is the same. Stay 5 nights and my status would remain the same next year? Do I need to call them again after 5 nights?

Anyone who's been Plat for multiple years through Plat5, can you please comment on your process?

In my experience there is no need to call again.

I'm currently plat member due to the Plat5 promo. I'm wondering if the requalification process is the same. Stay 5 nights and my status would remain the same next year? Do I need to call them again after 5 nights?

Anyone who's been Plat for multiple years through Plat5, can you please comment on your process?

IME, (into my 4th year) you don't need to do anything but stay five nights again. As long as the promo code is on your profile, you should be good to go. Nobody to call and nothing else to do.

Does anyone know if you can apply a free night certificate on a FHR stay.
ie : pay 1 night at the FHR rate, get the benefits (free breakfast, upgrade if available) and stay a 2nd night free using a free night certificate and keep the benefits ?

Does anyone know if you can apply a free night certificate on a FHR stay.
ie : pay 1 night at the FHR rate, get the benefits (free breakfast, upgrade if available) and stay a 2nd night free using a free night certificate and keep the benefits ?

You can definitely apply a free night cert towards a booking made through AMEX FHR, howver the official policy is that the cert applies to accommodation only, it´s therefore up to the hotel whether they provide benefits on your second night.

IME the longer the stay, the greater the chances of benefits being extended for all nights, but there are too many variables to say for sure, so I´d ask at check-in...

i have a question about the FPC,

if i book multiple rooms for the same night at a Fairmont, why is it that the member booking the room is only entitled to the single night of room credit? and not the entire booking? i.e. 3 rooms booked on same night = 1 stay 3 nights credit to FPC account.

i have a question about the FPC,

if i book multiple rooms for the same night at a Fairmont, why is it that the member booking the room is only entitled to the single night of room credit? and not the entire booking? i.e. 3 rooms booked on same night = 1 stay 3 nights credit to FPC account.

This is a pet peeve of mine as well which I have raised with FPC multiple times. It´s a pretty stupid policy IMO as various other loyalty programs allow night/stay credit for multiple rooms and FPC discourages additional revenue.

Feel free to complain to FPC, and maybe things will change one day.;)

earlier this month i made a booking for 3 nights at a Fairmont, when the stays posted into my FPC account they posted as 1 stay 1night x3 on 3 separate entries.

When i booked 2 rooms in one night on a second stay, olny 1 night/1 stay was credited. i thought i was missing a stay and a night credit. I contacted FPC and they said that the other room will only be credited if the other room was used by your family member that are under the age of 18.

seems silly to me, as i paid for both rooms, i was present at the property, it makes no difference to the hotel as all rooms were paid for.

i wonder what the logic is behind this? do they not want someone booking multiple rooms, then get platinum status in one shot? seems counter productive, because now i will be looking at other hotels to book as the stay credits are important to me, and i see no reason for Fairmont to withhold something that i have paid for.

You can definitely apply a free night cert towards a booking made through AMEX FHR, howver the official policy is that the cert applies to accommodation only, it´s therefore up to the hotel whether they provide benefits on your second night.

IME the longer the stay, the greater the chances of benefits being extended for all nights, but there are too many variables to say for sure, so I´d ask at check-in...

Thanks.
I imagine the best way is to book the whole stay with FHR and then call FPC to apply the free night cert to pull off one night...

Thanks.
I imagine the best way is to book the whole stay with FHR and then call FPC to apply the free night cert to pull off one night...

Indeed, that´s what I´d recommend.

I assume that the free upgrade or suite cert via Premier membership cannot be combined with the free night certs from the credit card?

I assume that the free upgrade or suite cert via Premier membership cannot be combined with the free night certs from the credit card?

You can apply either a room upgrade or suite upgrade cert towards a bookings on which you´re also using a free night cert. It´s been no problem combining upgrade certs and the regular Premier/Platinum free night certs, so I´m pretty confident that the same policy applies to the free night certs from the CC promo.

Has anybody noticed that it looks like the Plat Passions is now an official benefit of the FPC program? Sort of makes it look like it will become a permanent fixture and around for a long time to come. ^
https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/benefits/

Also, I noticed that it seems the Willow Stream treatment gift is listed as:
"Escape your fast-forward world to relax and recover with a 60 minute Willow Stream signature pedicure or deluxe executive foot grooming."
http://www.fairmont.com/promo/fpcbenefits/en/index.aspx

Instead of the 45-minute Classic Manicure or Pedicure like the actual paper certs state. I wonder which is correct? Maybe they plan to upgrade it to the 60 minute mani/pedi for next year? Or maybe the paper certs are incorrect? Might be worth not bringing in the paper certs and asking them to pull your e-cert and see what the T&Cs are for it. ^

Has anyone tried redeeming certificates at the Fairmont in Dubai on the Palm (opening later this year)? I tried earlier today to use a suite upgrade as well as a free night for a reservation that I have next year and the agent said that this hotel is not eligible for certificate redemptions. Will be dissapointed if this hotel falls along the way of the Plaza and the Savoy.

Has anyone tried redeeming certificates at the Fairmont in Dubai on the Palm (opening later this year)? I tried earlier today to use a suite upgrade as well as a free night for a reservation that I have next year and the agent said that this hotel is not eligible for certificate redemptions. Will be dissapointed if this hotel falls along the way of the Plaza and the Savoy.

Sounds strange to me.

I guess it´s technically not possible to redeem certs yet as:

- the hotel hasn´t yet determined which suites are available and
- the hotel hasn´t yet determined the black-out dates yet

However, I would be surprised if the hotel had implemented a permanent policy to not allow any certs to be applied.

Just my guess and of course I could be wrong...

Sounds strange to me.

I guess it´s technically not possible to redeem certs yet as:

- the hotel hasn´t yet determined which suites are available and
- the hotel hasn´t yet determined the black-out dates yet

However, I would be surprised if the hotel had implemented a permanent policy to not allow any certs to be applied.

Just my guess and of course I could be wrong...

I hope you are right but I when I called back today the agent said this specific property is likely going to have limited participation in the PC but final decision has not been made.

I hope you are right but I when I called back today the agent said this specific property is likely going to have limited participation in the PC but final decision has not been made.

I tend to be pretty unimpressed by hotels that think they´re much better than other other hotels in the chain and therefore limit benefits. I have no inside knowledge regarding the Dubai Palm hotel, so it´s entirely possible the info you received is correct.

Just is surprising to me as the hotel seems to have plenty of Fairmont/Fairmont View/Deluxe rooms which don´t look any more "special" than the rooms at other (new) Fairmont hotels, so using free night certs should be possible IMO. The one-bedroom suites look pretty nice, so I could see how the hotel may want to limit the use of suite upgrade certs, but again just offering a decent product isn´t a reason to opt out of offering benefits IMO.

Then again, I don´t personally care too badly, as Dubai is pretty much at the bottom of my places to visit.:p

Any feedback on whether "early qualification" is still an unofficial FPC benefit for 2012? I qualified for Premier status a couple of weeks ago, and while my account correctly tracks 5+ qualified stays, my FPC status still says "Club."

Am I correct in assuming that I should receive Premier status at some point in the next few weeks, and that I will keep it until February 2014? Furthermore, with regards to "early qualification", should I expect to receive later this year a set of certificates good until February 2013, and then another set next year good until February 2014? I have a couple of stays coming up in San Francisco this year, and would love to try (and redeem a Premier certificate or two at) the Fairmont there.

I only began staying at Fairmont properties this year, and I went through the entire FAQ thread once but unless I completely missed something, I didn't find confirmation that "early qualification" was still a benefit offered in 2012.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks very much!

Unofficially, before Sept 30, you're guaranteed a kit if qualified for status.. thereafter, the early qualification kits is upon availability..

Any feedback on whether "early qualification" is still an unofficial FPC benefit for 2012? I qualified for Premier status a couple of weeks ago, and while my account correctly tracks 5+ qualified stays, my FPC status still says "Club."

Am I correct in assuming that I should receive Premier status at some point in the next few weeks, and that I will keep it until February 2014? Furthermore, with regards to "early qualification", should I expect to receive later this year a set of certificates good until February 2013, and then another set next year good until February 2014? I have a couple of stays coming up in San Francisco this year, and would love to try (and redeem a Premier certificate or two at) the Fairmont there.

I only began staying at Fairmont properties this year, and I went through the entire FAQ thread once but unless I completely missed something, I didn't find confirmation that "early qualification" was still a benefit offered in 2012.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks very much!

I haven´t heard any updates regarding "early qualification" during the last few months, but would assume the benefit still exists.

However, I don´t think your status is upgraded automatically, but instead you need to contact FPC to ask whether they can manually upgrade your status.

Thank you. After having spoken to FPC today, I can confirm early qualification remains an elite benefit in the program.

I haven´t heard any updates regarding "early qualification" during the last few months, but would assume the benefit still exists.

I re-qualified for Premier in September but was told that early re-qualification is not available. I did receive it last year (in December) apparently as a "courtesy" so I would have to wait until March (it was my first year).

Is early re-qualification an unwritten benefit or just for Platinums? Seems to be varying experiences on this board.

There has never been any early Re-qualification. If you have no status you have early qualification to Premier or Plat, but if you are already Plat, you just stay Plat (and will select benefit next year... as you already selected benefit this year)

Ah, gotcha...I was thinking "re" when posters were talking about new qualifications. My mistake. Thanks!

I should be getting my two free nights from Chase Visa soon. I want to redeem them in Sept 2013.

The upgrade certs in my account expire 2/28/13 (as do they all, I think). Does the stay have to occur by 2/28/13 to use these? If so, I assume I'll get new ones on 3/1 and have to hope there is still availability.

I assume it must be relatively hard to upgrade March stays if you have to wait until 3/1 to get the new certs in your account.

I should be getting my two free nights from Chase Visa soon. I want to redeem them in Sept 2013.

The upgrade certs in my account expire 2/28/13 (as do they all, I think). Does the stay have to occur by 2/28/13 to use these? If so, I assume I'll get new ones on 3/1 and have to hope there is still availability.

I assume it must be relatively hard to upgrade March stays if you have to wait until 3/1 to get the new certs in your account.

Yes, for the certs that expire Feb. 28, 2013 the stay has to be completed by that date.

As cardholders of the Chase FPC CC automaically get Premier status, you should get a new set of certs on March 1, 2013.

For Premier/Platinum members who qualify via nights/stays there´s usually some leeway in that FPC allows those members who have already requalified to apply upgrade certs to stays after Feb. 28. Whether this exception also applies to members who only qualify for Premier status via the Chase CC I don´t know (if I had to guess I´d say no as you could technically cancel the card anytime, but it´s quite possible Fairmont hasn´t considered this scenario yet.;))

As cardholders of the Chase FPC CC automaically get Premier status, you should get a new set of certs on March 1, 2013.


Where do you see that?

Where do you see that?

The T&C of the Fairmont Chase CC state that cardholders are upgraded to Premier status as long as they have the card.

The membership is March 1 - Feb. 28, so IMO you *should* get a new set of certs on March 1. Obviously there is no first-hand experience yet, but as Premier status has pretty much zero value without the certs anything else would make no sense IMO.

As always there´s a chance I´m wrong as I don´t work for Fairmont.;)

The T&C of the Fairmont Chase CC state that cardholders are upgraded to Premier status as long as they have the card.

The membership is March 1 - Feb. 28, so IMO you *should* get a new set of certs on March 1. Obviously there is no first-hand experience yet, but as Premier status has pretty much zero value without the certs anything else would make no sense IMO.

As always there´s a chance I´m wrong as I don´t work for Fairmont.;)

I would love to find out for sure.. The "earned through your stays" part has me concerned.

Existing Premier and Platinum Members Receive an Annual Fairmont Gold Upgrade*
As you maintain your Fairmont President's Club Platinum or Premier status earned through your stays, you will receive a Fairmont Gold Floor upgrade certificate, plus dining certificates to enjoy once per year.

I would love to find out for sure.. The "earned through your stays" part has me concerned.

What you are referring to and (and quoted above) is the bonus offer for existing Premier/Platinum members who receive a Gold upgrade cert.

Basically if you only have Premier status through the CC, you get the regular Premier certs.
If you qualify for Premier/Platinum status anyway, you also get the Gold upgrade cert.

At least this is how it worked this year...

Quick question about the dining certificates. My wife and I each have $50 we recieved with the credit card sign-up, and they expire in Februrary. We don't live anywhere near a Fairmont, but I will be in San Fran soon visiting my sister and would like to use all $100 if I can. What are my chances of passing my sister as my wife? Do they usually ask for ID or anything like that?

Quick question about the dining certificates. My wife and I each have $50 we recieved with the credit card sign-up, and they expire in Februrary. We don't live anywhere near a Fairmont, but I will be in San Fran soon visiting my sister and would like to use all $100 if I can. What are my chances of passing my sister as my wife? Do they usually ask for ID or anything like that?

I don't think they check very thoroughly
at least for my $100 + $50 gift card usage last week, I simply gave Fairmont Chicago the paper certificates and GC and they came off the bill

FYI: I was staying there and made reservation from my room, so in theory they know I'm FPC Platinum already if they link the dots

So, I'm working overseas for a while (~2 years) and will be staying in a hotel for the entire time. I've already spend ~ 3 months at Kempinksi, a week at Four Seasons (not a fan), and now at the Fairmont for 2 months and counting. It seems to me they penalize long stay customers by their 'stay' vs 'nights' reward policies. I settle my bill once a month, so if I understand correctly that 30 days is only one 'stay'. So for my one stay (~30 days) I get 1000 miles, but a person that might stay for two nights (separated) will get 2000 miles (assuming both are Platinum Club). Does this make any sense? Which customer is a greater asset to the hotel? Shouldn't a reward program provide the greatest rewards to their most loyal customers? Anyone familiar with Cairo, Egypt and which hotel in downtown would be the best option for a long stay traveller?

So, I'm working overseas for a while (~2 years) and will be staying in a hotel for the entire time. I've already spend ~ 3 months at Kempinksi, a week at Four Seasons (not a fan), and now at the Fairmont for 2 months and counting. It seems to me they penalize long stay customers by their 'stay' vs 'nights' reward policies. I settle my bill once a month, so if I understand correctly that 30 days is only one 'stay'. So for my one stay (~30 days) I get 1000 miles, but a person that might stay for two nights (separated) will get 2000 miles (assuming both are Platinum Club). Does this make any sense? Which customer is a greater asset to the hotel? Shouldn't a reward program provide the greatest rewards to their most loyal customers? Anyone familiar with Cairo, Egypt and which hotel in downtown would be the best option for a long stay traveller?

Welcome to Flyertalk!:)

You´re right that long-term guests are somewhat at a disvantage when it comes to earning miles. However, earning miles probably is the least most valuable benefits considering how restrictive earning opportunities are.

With 60 nights at a Fairmont hotel you´ll earn:

- Platinum status (1 free night, 2 suite upgrade certs, 2 room upgrade certs among other benefits)
- three additional free nights for crossing the 40/50/60 nights threshold in one calendar year

Sorry, haven´t been to Cairo, so can´t comment much on hotels there. You may find some helpful responses in the Middle East forum (under "destionations", very right column at the top)

I had a stay at Fairmont Orchid in November. I think I booked rate as book now and save. I was surprised to see it was listed as qualified stay (for Fairmont) but did not receive any AA miles. I called and said my stay did not qualify according to AA rules which are: "Miles are eligible on Corporate, Package and Sell Rate of the Day and exclude some discounted packages."
Seems confusing to me. I have no idea what "sell rate of day" means and how does one know which "discounted packages"? When I checked in at the Presidents desk clerk noted my AA account and I thought I would get the miles.

I had a stay at Fairmont Orchid in November. I think I booked rate as book now and save. I was surprised to see it was listed as qualified stay (for Fairmont) but did not receive any AA miles. I called and said my stay did not qualify according to AA rules which are: "Miles are eligible on Corporate, Package and Sell Rate of the Day and exclude some discounted packages."
Seems confusing to me. I have no idea what "sell rate of day" means and how does one know which "discounted packages"? When I checked at Presidents desk clerk noted my AA account and I thought I would get the miles.

Rule of thumb is: Pretty much any rate qualifies for stay credit, but many rates don´t earn miles. (for a detailed list of rates please see the first page of the FAQ)

Presumably your rate was non-refundable / required a deposit / was listed as a promo rate and therefore did not earn miles. Never heard of "sell rate of day", but it´s probably just a different term for "best available rate" (fully refundable / flexible) which does earn miles.

FAQ :
Unfortunately there is no definite answer to this question, so it is recommended to ask when making a reservation.

Rates that do earn miles include:
- Best available rate (BAR) / rack rate booked on fairmont.com
- Corporate rates
- Spring/summer/winter sale rate

Rates that do not earn miles include:
- some prepaid/discounted rates
- some package rates
- Family & Friends rate
- all rates not available to the general public (e.g. travel industry rates, flight crew rates etc.)
Above does not really clarify much. My rate was a discounted rate but was not non-refundable. Seems like there should be clearer guidelines. No one said rate would not qualify for miles when I made the reservation or checked in, but I did not ask as suggested in FAQ.

Above does not really clarify much. My rate was a discounted rate but was not non-refundable. Seems like there should be clearer guidelines. No one said rate would not qualify for miles when I made the reservation or checked in, but I did not ask as suggested in FAQ.

Sorry, the above list is the best I´ve been able to come up with, and as you have noticed the Fairmont website isn´t particularly helpful in this regard.

My conclusion so far has been that one shouldn´t expect to earn any miles unless when booking a rate that has proven to earn miles.

Has anyone had any luck redeeming 2013 certs before March 1st? I have a stay I'd like to use a suite upgrade for in late April.

Has anyone had any luck redeeming 2013 certs before March 1st? I have a stay I'd like to use a suite upgrade for in late April.

:confused: Sorry, don't quite get your question. Do you mean end of February?

:confused: Sorry, don't quite get your question. Do you mean end of February?


My FPC certs are gone, and I'm waiting for the new certs to arrive in my account for 2013/2014. It sounds like they won't be in my account until March 1st. I'd like to use my 2013/2014 certs to secure an upgrade for a booking later in the year, has anyone had any luck using the certs before they arrive in your account? Or am I stuck waiting till March 1st? One wonders with ecerts why there's a 3 month wait to get your certs for the next year.

My FPC certs are gone, and I'm waiting for the new certs to arrive in my account for 2013/2014. It sounds like they won't be in my account until March 1st. I'd like to use my 2013/2014 certs to secure an upgrade for a booking later in the year, has anyone had any luck using the certs before they arrive in your account? Or am I stuck waiting till March 1st? One wonders with ecerts why there's a 3 month wait to get your certs for the next year.

Yes, you can indeed call FPC and apply an upgrade cert towards a booking after March 1 as they will be able to see that you have qualified for 2013.

In any case certs are only pulled from your account after the stay.

Yes, you can indeed call FPC and apply an upgrade cert towards a booking after March 1 as they will be able to see that you have qualified for 2013.

In any case certs are only pulled from your account after the stay.

Thanks!

Just wondering about the free night / upgrade certs, do they have to be physically presented at check in or can the hotel redeem it from your account electronically during the stay?

Just wondering about the free night / upgrade certs, do they have to be physically presented at check in or can the hotel redeem it from your account electronically during the stay?

Having those certs redeemed electronically is no problem at all. I´d say it´s actually the norm rather than the exception.

Thanks Jasper you've been invaluable =)

Just wondering if its possible to redeem any sort of fairmont certificates (free night, suite upgrade, etc.) at raffles properties as well? Any experiences ;)?

Just wondering if its possible to redeem any sort of fairmont certificates (free night, suite upgrade, etc.) at raffles properties as well? Any experiences ;)?

Unfortunately that´s not possible. Raffles has their own loyalty program (though with fewer benefits than FPC), and only a very limit number of benefits (such as free local calls, comp. newspaper) apply at Swissotel/Raffles hotels.

The only exception being the points you earn from the Fairmont Chase CC which can redeemed for "ovation certs" which are valid at Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles properties.

Unfortunately that´s not possible. Raffles has their own loyalty program (though with fewer benefits than FPC), and only a very limit number of benefits (such as free local calls, comp. newspaper) apply at Swissotel/Raffles hotels.

The only exception being the points you earn from the Fairmont Chase CC which can redeemed for "ovation certs" which are valid at Fairmont, Swissotel and Raffles properties.

Thx Jasper for the fast reply - really appreciate that ;). Besides redeeming pts for the ovation certs, it should be also possible to buy them (for companies as an incentive) or wait until the next dailyamericangetaways come out lol

Is it possible to add some details on the free night certificates in the FAQ :
Properties with limited availability (Savoy, Plaza)
Properties where the certificates cannot be use (Fairmont Kenauk, Heritage Place ?)...

Is it possible to add some details on the free night certificates in the FAQ :
Properties with limited availability (Savoy, Plaza)
Properties where the certificates cannot be use (Fairmont Kenauk, Heritage Place ?)...

I believe #1 is already covered (see below).

I´ve added a comment regarding Fairmont Heritage Places - thanks for the suggestion.


How does the third night free / free night certificate work?

A free night certificate is only valid for the Fairmont room category. In order to apply the free night or third night free certificate you need to call Fairmont President´s Club or contact the hotel directly.

Are there any blackout dates?

Yes, each property has a few blackout dates when room upgrade certificates, suite upgrade certificates and third night free / free night certificates cannot be used.
Please check the current blackout dates here (https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess).
Also, both the Savoy and the Plaza have imposed capacity controls for using free night certs.

I believe #1 is already covered (see below).


Sorry, I should have read more carefully :rolleyes: ...

http://www.fairmont.com/promo/card/#rewards I have this card, was planning on using the 2 nights at the savoy in london around the end of may. Called to check availability and they said they aren't accepting this until the winter? Can that be correct?

http://www.fairmont.com/promo/card/#rewards I have this card, was planning on using the 2 nights at the savoy in london around the end of may. Called to check availability and they said they aren't accepting this until the winter? Can that be correct?

Welcome to Flyertalk!:)

Could you please clarify what the hotel is not accepting? Your free night certs or any reservations that include free night certs at all?

Welcome to Flyertalk!:)

Could you please clarify what the hotel is not accepting? Your free night certs or any reservations that include free night certs at all?
from the way they made it sound any reservation that includes free night certs

Does Fairmont have a Best Rate Guarantee

Does Fairmont have a Best Rate Guarantee

No they don't.
The only thing you can do when finding a lower price is call the hotel or Fairmont reservation and ask if they can match the rate. Usually they do. However, you will not have extra-reduction / bonus...

(this is quite a shame when knowing that Swissotels, from the same corporate company, have 50% off on the first night)

from the way they made it sound any reservation that includes free night certs

Haven´gt heard of that particular problem, however the Savoy and the Plaza started to impose capacity controls for the redemption of free night certs a while ago, so it´s quite likely that the hotel hasn´t yet released any dates for redemption of free night certs yet.

Haven´gt heard of that particular problem, however the Savoy and the Plaza started to impose capacity controls for the redemption of free night certs a while ago, so it´s quite likely that the hotel hasn´t yet released any dates for redemption of free night certs yet.

from history then when pray tell do they release dates for free night certs? thanks in advance

I mean I'm not going to my homeland is Israel so I'm not sure why they are being so Jewish about this

No they don't.
The only thing you can do when finding a lower price is call the hotel or Fairmont reservation and ask if they can match the rate. Usually they do. However, you will not have extra-reduction / bonus...

(this is quite a shame when knowing that Swissotels, from the same corporate company, have 50% off on the first night)

I know..im a swissotel member and have used this quite often

No they don't.
The only thing you can do when finding a lower price is call the hotel or Fairmont reservation and ask if they can match the rate. Usually they do. However, you will not have extra-reduction / bonus...

(this is quite a shame when knowing that Swissotels, from the same corporate company, have 50% off on the first night)

Thanks for the info anyway

from history then when pray tell do they release dates for free night certs? thanks in advance

The capacity controls at the Plaza and Savoy are a rather new policy (maybe 1-2 years old), so no pattern I´m aware of. Also, since the launch of the Fairmont Chase CC there´s much more competition for using free night certs, so I wouldn´t count on being able to use your free night certs there.

Based on what I´ve heard each hotel only accepts a very limited number of free night certs each month, and I´ve probably tried a dozen times, and always failed miserably.

The shame is, now there is lots of CC free night cert given during the whole year, so if you are a regular Plat when you get you certs, the free nights are already gone for the whole year !

Hi there, I was hoping someone could help clarify when Platinum benefits kick in? I hit platinum status this past week and am confused on when I can start using certificates. Will I get them credited to my account on March 1st, 2013? Or do I have to wait till 2014 for the certificates?

Thanks in advance.

Hi there, I was hoping someone could help clarify when Platinum benefits kick in? I hit platinum status this past week and am confused on when I can start using certificates. Will I get them credited to my account on March 1st, 2013? Or do I have to wait till 2014 for the certificates?

Thanks in advance.

Technically, any stays in the 2013 calendar year will get you Platinum status from March 1, 2014 - Feb. 28, 2015. However, FPC has frequently upgraded members´ status immediately upon qualification, so you´d have Platinum status for two full years. You may however have to call FPC to have the status manually upgraded as the IT system is pretty broken.

Technically, any stays in the 2013 calendar year will get you Platinum status from March 1, 2014 - Feb. 28, 2015. However, FPC has frequently upgraded members´ status immediately upon qualification, so you´d have Platinum status for two full years. You may however have to call FPC to have the status manually upgraded as the IT system is pretty broken.

Wonderful. I'll wait for the stays to show up on my account then call. Thanks again.

Wonderful. I'll wait for the stays to show up on my account then call. Thanks again.

Did you stay the regular 30 night or 10 stays, or did you get a fast track (like Plat5) ?
I am asking because, if you have 10 stays, you should have qualified for Premier at 5 stays.
With FPC it is good to wait for the Premier certificate before asking for the Plat one, as you will get the 2 bunches...

Did you stay the regular 30 night or 10 stays, or did you get a fast track (like Plat5) ?
I am asking because, if you have 10 stays, you should have qualified for Premier at 5 stays.
With FPC it is good to wait for the Premier certificate before asking for the Plat one, as you will get the 2 bunches...


Fast tracked with the Plat5. Thanks though.

Is there a list anywhere of Fairmont properties and rewards categories. I can't seem to find it ANYWHERE other than screenshots on blogs which only show the category prices--not which hotels are in which categories...

Is there a list anywhere of Fairmont properties and rewards categories. I can't seem to find it ANYWHERE other than screenshots on blogs which only show the category prices--not which hotels are in which categories...

I assume you´re talking about the ovation cert categories?

http://www.frhi.com/corporateincentives/ovationrewards/collections

I assume you´re talking about the ovation cert categories?

http://www.frhi.com/corporateincentives/ovationrewards/collections

What do those categories mean?

What do those categories mean?

The category to which a particular Fairmont/Swissotel/Raffles hotel belongs determines how many Fairmont Chase points you need to redeem for an ovation cert (= free night incl. breakfast), e.g. you need 25000 Fairmont Chase points to get one ovation cert for a category A property (Fairmont/standard room category)