Fairmont President's Club - 2011 FPC Benefits

Does anyone have any idea if there are any changes for the 2011 benefit year or when this information can be expected?

I've looked through the forum and haven't come across the answer.

Thanks,
MARS1982

Does anyone have any idea if there are any changes for the 2011 benefit year or when this information can be expected?

I've looked through the forum and haven't come across the answer.

Thanks,
MARS1982

There have been no annoucements about changes, I personally think that no changes is the best we can hope for.

Theoretically they could announce changes with the beginning of the new membership year starting March 1, but if there were any major changes they would usually have been announced at least a month ago.

The only (positive) change that may be implemented sometime this year is the introduction of Gold suite upgrade certs for some guests, as there was a trial period last year, but no idea whether/when this will happen.

I don't think gold suite upgrades were announced neither.. No changes to the program.. although I hear of different qualifying status promos with different products all of the time.

Thanks for the responses. Basically, I'm happy as long as nothing is cut.

Here is a teaser:

http://www.fairmont.com/promo/pt

Sounds like there may be some substantial changes ahead?

"we have listened and further enhanced..." :(

But who knows. Could be good?

Here is a teaser:

http://www.fairmont.com/promo/pt

Sounds like there may be some substantial changes ahead?

"we have listened and further enhanced..." :(

But who knows. Could be good?

I also shudder a hotel/airline tells me they´re "enhancing the program", even worse if they say "we´ve listened and enhanced".

Let´s hope you´re right and the changes are good.

I hope that Fairmont doesn't use the same definition of "enhance" that AC used to "enhance" the Aeroplan program this year:confused:

Form Dictonary.com

Enhance
1.to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify

2. to raise the value or price of

From Air Canada

Enhance
1. To gut; reduce value; take away; strip of usefulness

Fingers crossed that Fairmont knows the real definition...^

I hope that Fairmont doesn't use the same definition of "enhance" that AC used to "enhance" the Aeroplan program this year:confused:

Form Dictonary.com

Enhance
1.to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify

2. to raise the value or price of

From Air Canada

Enhance
1. To gut; reduce value; take away; strip of usefulness

Fingers crossed that Fairmont knows the real definition...^

I was thinking exactly the same. I´m still not quite over the "enhancement" of the Aeroplan Elite program. Same issue with the recent enhancement of the LH M&M reward chart. Maybe we need another big recession. :eek:

FPC has been a great program, let´s how it stays this way.

I hope that Fairmont doesn't use the same definition of "enhance" that AC used to "enhance" the Aeroplan program this year:confused:

Form Dictonary.com

Enhance
1.to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify

2. to raise the value or price of

From Air Canada

Enhance
1. To gut; reduce value; take away; strip of usefulness

Fingers crossed that Fairmont knows the real definition...^

Add to AC.. enhance the disappointment of customers, just as FPC did in 2005 when more than half of the promised benefits went "poof!"

When will the 2011 certificates get posted online? :) Will it show up under "my certificates" on March 1? Thanks!

When will the 2011 certificates get posted online? :) Will it show up under "my certificates" on March 1? Thanks!

Last year mine were posted at the end of February, but no guarantee. If you want to redeem them for a particular stay, you can already do so by calling in.

FPC can see your status on upcoming year stay and hence estimate the number of certs you will receive. Go ahead and book your stays use certs right away!^

Got that teaser sent directly to my email today. I am still left with the feeling of "okay.... what does this mean?". Crossing my fingers it's the same or potentially better than 2010.

Got that teaser sent directly to my email today. I am still left with the feeling of "okay.... what does this mean?". Crossing my fingers it's the same or potentially better than 2010.

+1

Received the same e-mail and wasn´t too impressed.

I hope the fact that Fairmont hasn´t (yet) offered the sweet suite promo this year hopefully isn´t an indicator that the program will be "enhanced".

Somebody cut and paste the e-mail..

Enhancements means "cut".. in my vocabulary.. but we'll have to wait and see I guess.

Somebody cut and paste the e-mail..

Enhancements means "cut".. in my vocabulary.. but we'll have to wait and see I guess.

The email was the same as the teaser link provided by mars1982 in his post further up the page:

http://www.fairmont.com/promo/pt

Reading the link.. sounds like more Fairmont Moments Packages.. A warning, although its a Fairmont package promoted by FPC, its' third party organized.. I found this out when we did the Calgary Philharmonic weekend at Chateau Lake Louise last year. Hotel quickly always referred to the third party you book with when we experienced problems.. which btw, none of the package inclusions were honored.. that until we dealt with the hotel front desk painstakingly.. pulling teeth dental work at front desk CLL.

My advice.. don't do Fairmont Moments - Turning Memories into Nightmares.

Has anyone received their 2011 Platinum package yet, or does anyone know when we can expect to receive them?

I spoke to someone on the FPC Plat line yesterday and they said March 1st:D

Kits usually get sent out a bit late after the March 1st annual start.. sometimes as late as April.. last year received it 2nd week of March.

Insider News Update: I've heard indeed there is something coming down the pipeline in terms of the program.. enhancements that encourages members staying at the hotel to perhaps stay longer. In a couple weeks, should be announced.

I suggested spa access.. but I doubt that'll happen.. discounts at restaurants?.. doubt that too.. what else can they do?.. we'll see I guess in a couple of weeks.

Quick question, this year is the first year I will be Platinum and on the website I see one of the benefits is a complimentary night - can some one tell me if this is meant as a part of a stay or can I simply book a single night using that certificate?

Actually second question now that I think of it, I seem to recall that the upgrade cert is not valid for a jump from a Deluxe to a Gold room, is that correct?

Thanks!

Quick question, this year is the first year I will be Platinum and on the website I see one of the benefits is a complimentary night - can some one tell me if this is meant as a part of a stay or can I simply book a single night using that certificate?

Actually second question now that I think of it, I seem to recall that the upgrade cert is not valid for a jump from a Deluxe to a Gold room, is that correct?

Thanks!

For PLTs, the free night cert can be used independently. So, yes, you can book a one night stay and it's free.

Right on the second question. The upgrades etc don't apply from reg to gold.

Insider News Update: I've heard indeed there is something coming down the pipeline in terms of the program.. enhancements that encourages members staying at the hotel to perhaps stay longer. In a couple weeks, should be announced.

I suggested spa access.. but I doubt that'll happen.. discounts at restaurants?.. doubt that too.. what else can they do?.. we'll see I guess in a couple of weeks.

Hope it's some tangible thing rather than a reduction in disguise (e.g. not getting this or that unless the stay is more than X nights).

All I care is the free night voucher, suite upgrades and the dining certificates.

If they continue to supply these without additional stipulations to use them, I would be all happy.

And I rarely stay more than 1 night. Never more than 2.

Quick question, this year is the first year I will be Platinum and on the website I see one of the benefits is a complimentary night - can some one tell me if this is meant as a part of a stay or can I simply book a single night using that certificate?

Actually second question now that I think of it, I seem to recall that the upgrade cert is not valid for a jump from a Deluxe to a Gold room, is that correct?

Thanks!

You can use the one night stand alone, and it will provide stay credit.

Upgrade (Room) is good for the next category above.. Suite Upgrade, book Fairmont room, and some hotels higher, and get the designated suite category.

You can use the one night stand alone, and it will provide stay credit.


Are you sure one gets stay credit if you use a free night cert on a one night stay?

It has certainly never counted as an eligible night for me (e.g. 3 night stay, pay 2 and use one free night cert: 1 stay credit and 2 nights credited), but I´ve never used a free night cert on a one night stay.

Are you sure one gets stay credit if you use a free night cert on a one night stay?

It has certainly never counted as an eligible night for me (e.g. 3 night stay, pay 2 and use one free night cert: 1 stay credit and 2 nights credited), but I´ve never used a free night cert on a one night stay.

I've done this numerous amounts of times in the earlier years.. When I was building up stay/night credits based on stays. Yes, definitely the free night can be used to get one stay, and one night credit. We used Platinum certs every year for the past 8 years, always getting credit on the free night as well. On packages of 5th, 4th, and 3rd nights free, you get credit on the free night. Using a Third night free certificate, you get credit on the third night.

Unless my wife and I are special, that's always how its' been.:cool:

Interesting, I´ve never received night credit for a free night, neither for the Premier 3rd night free nor for the Platinum free night, and I´ve used them at various properties. I guess it depends on how well the front desk staff is trained / what the property´s policy is (occasionally some hotels don´t take my room/suite upgrade cert, which is always greatly appreciated!:) It seems to happen more often at properties I stay at regularly, so it doesn´t seem to be an IT glitch in this case)

Interesting agreed. It's odd to have two seasoned members here on the board with two completely different histories. I know sometimes they treat pre-armageddon members a bit differently (pre-2005).. How long you've been FPC? How does other FTers find the free night credit.. counts toward status?

I almost always use the free night cert alone.

Sometimes we got credited, sometimes not.

But I don't really care. We will become Platinums no matter what.^

.. How does other FTers find the free night credit.. counts toward status?

my experience :

1)Never received stay credit when using free night certificate.
2)They almost always ask me to keep my suite/room upgrade certificate for future stays.

Have always received stay credit for using one night free certificate. Won't qualify this year unless they are extra generous :)

I've always got my free night stay credited as a stay - have another comp night stay coming up this week so I can let you know if it's still crediting in a couple weeks

Wow. Hit and miss. :eek:

Count one hit here. Used my 2010 free night cert for a single night stay and received night/stay credit.

To expound.. The T&C used to say that free nights would not be credited. Then the T&C changed.. will have to give it another read when the new kits arrived. Double checked and my free night, and my wife's free night at Kea Lani counted towards stay credit last year.

Platinum member since 02 or 03.

Everytime the free night stay counts as a stay credit.

I hope that Fairmont doesn't use the same definition of "enhance" that AC used to "enhance" the Aeroplan program this year:confused:

Form Dictonary.com

Enhance
1.to raise to a higher degree; intensify; magnify

2. to raise the value or price of

From Air Canada

Enhance
1. To gut; reduce value; take away; strip of usefulness

Fingers crossed that Fairmont knows the real definition...^
Thanks for the laugh (thank goodness I was not drinking anything-out the nose for sure)

Thanks for the laugh (thank goodness I was not drinking anything-out the nose for sure)

Ah! The lovely Mrs. Penner.. When are you up to Vancouver?.. hopefully a few nice dining outlets have been lined up.. Don't forget Whistler.. the Fairmont Whistler is an excellent hotel as you may already know.

On the question of credit for the free night certificates, we had a four night stay in San Francisco last fall, used a suite upgrade and a free night certificate, and got credit for all four nights. First year as a Platinum member.

I feel jipped:(

Normally I would be VERY happy to be given Platinum Status being just shy of the 10 stays required. However, I recently signed up for the AMEX Platinum card. As we all know it only requires 5 nights to get Plat status so this year was going to be my bonus year. I already am planning 5 stays before June. I should have been receiving my Priemier package soon and then in June when I crossed to Plat I would get another package...therefore double dipping!!

I just signed in to my account to see that I've already achieved Plat status so now I can't double dip...I feel cheated:( Is it resonable to request the demotion so I can take full advantage of the benefits I would have earned this year?

Update: Just spoke to FPC and was advised that there is no early recognition in the new benefits coming out on March 1st. According the the agent I spoke with I would not receiving a 2nd package if I cross over the stay threshold from Priemier to Platinum at any point this year. The new Plat status would only take affect on March 1st 2012. He assured me that the new "Passion Benefits" are worth being Plat as I would miss out on these extras. Only time will tell...

Update: Just spoke to FPC and was advised that there is no early reconition in the new benefits coming out on March 1st. According the the agent I spoke with I would not receiving a 2nd package if I cross over the stay threshold from Priemier to Platinum at any point this year. The new Plat status would only take affect on March 1st 2012. He assured me that the new "Passion Benefits" are worth being Plat as I would miss out on these extras. Only time will tell...

This sucks.. I was on track for early recognition this year! Well... at least now I won't go to any effort to get the 5 more stays I need. Pity though, early recognition is such a nice benefit/program.

Any updates?

Maybe over the weekend they initiated a new tier to compete with the 113 lifetime plats.

Premier
Platinum (113 members strong)
Plat Preferred (Preferred has more than one meaning)

In all seriousness, I would like to see a Plat benefit including a Lounge.

Any updates?

Maybe over the weekend they initiated a new tier to compete with the 113 lifetime plats.

Premier
Platinum (113 members strong)
Plat Preferred (Preferred has more than one meaning)

In all seriousness, I would like to see a Plat benefit including a Lounge.

Haven´t heard anything yet, no e-mail, no package, no nothing.

I guess the best we can hope for is no changes. I like the lounge idea, but I don´t think this will ever happen, IMO it´s more likely they´ll introduce a third tier (requiring 31 nights/year:p) than Fairmont giving away lounge access for free.

I´d be more than happy if they allowed using upgrade certs on Gold room bookings (this would generate quite a bit of additional revenue, as we wouldn´t have to choose between booking a Fairmont room and upgrading and booking a Gold room and not being allowed to upgrade)

Apart from that I´d like it if Fairmont allowed Plats to purchase lounge access for a fee (maybe $50/person/night), though I don´t think this will happen either.

I am just hoping they will maintain the status quo.

Any enhancement will be offset by another "enhancement".

So if they include lounge access, they will take away something. This is the last thing I would like to see. I have absolutely no interest in the crappy food the lounges provide. But to each his own. I will just watch and see.

Any updates?

Maybe over the weekend they initiated a new tier to compete with the 113 lifetime plats.

Premier
Platinum (113 members strong)
Plat Preferred (Preferred has more than one meaning)

In all seriousness, I would like to see a Plat benefit including a Lounge.

Permanent lounge access for all stays is doubtful.. Everyone would flock to one floor, and those who can't access it will feel left out.

Marketing Lifetime Plat was a mistake.. they are honoring it because Faimont San Francisco made a mistake marketing Permanent Platinum Status. There wasn't an additional tier in the works, as a result of this promo.

Ancien, Yes I know, it was a sarcastic response, and paranoia that they might treat the 113 of us differently.

AMRivlin.. No problem.. I've been comped a status before, and actually found that when comped a status I was treated differently compared to when I qualify traditionally. For example, the hotels were to a T redeeming certificates which is thier right under T&C. This past year, my wife and I have 64 nights between us, and we still have 4 suite upgrade certs left between the 2 of us. So the hotels must have it in their system of something regarding history or performance.. But this is just my experience, and maybe I was looking into it too deep.

Thanks for the e-mail correspondence today.. Hope all is well in Van.

Haven't got packages for my wife and I but noticed the same allotment of certs in my online profile. Hopefully this means that our certs are the same. TBD if there are other non-cert features.

Wirelessly posted (Mozilla/5.0 (BlackBerry; U; BlackBerry 9780; en-US) AppleWebKit/534.1+ (KHTML, like Gecko) Version/6.0.0.285 Mobile Safari/534.1+)

Haven't got packages for my wife and I but noticed the same allotment of certs in my online profile. Hopefully this means that our certs are the same. TBD if there are other non-cert features.

+1 just noticed that they posted about a week ago now.

Why are the certs expiring on Feb 28, 2012. Shouldn't they expire on Feb 29, 2012?

I can confirm the premier 2012 vouchers are the same.

If a 2010 expiring voucher is not showing "redeemed" can I use it tomorrow?
Meaning they didn't mark it in the system I guess.

Why are the certs expiring on Feb 28, 2012. Shouldn't they expire on Feb 29, 2012?

HAHA - I suppose that is true. These guys are generally very reasonable though so I can't imagine you'll have issues if you want to redeem on Feb 29, 2012. No need for a writing campaign ;)

If a 2010 expiring voucher is not showing "redeemed" can I use it tomorrow? Meaning they didn't mark it in the system I guess.

I generally find it takes about 5 business days or so for them to clear the cert in the system. Assuming you used it a while ago, it's quite possible that they gave you a pass. Feel free to try and use again tomorrow!

I generally find it takes about 5 business days or so for them to clear the cert in the system. Assuming you used it a while ago, it's quite possible that they gave you a pass. Feel free to try and use again tomorrow!

I found that the hotels usually redeemed the certificates immediately a check-in. Over the years, we would check in and I would open the lap top, and suite cert was redeemed.

HAHA - I suppose that is true. These guys are generally very reasonable though so I can't imagine you'll have issues if you want to redeem on Feb 29, 2012. No need for a writing campaign ;)

Last leap year FPC extended the certificates to Feb 29th, 2012. No guarantees but high probability that they will do so this time around as well.

btw.. I can confirm after checking both my wife and I's profile, that the offering for Platinum is the same. So we have a total of 8 suite upgrades to start this year.. with one expiring end of this month.. hopefully we can do something with it.

I can confirm the premier 2012 vouchers are the same.

When your lifetime Platinum kicks in, you will notice that the Platinum 2012 voucher are the same too.^

I feel jipped:(

Normally I would be VERY happy to be given Platinum Status being just shy of the 10 stays required. However, I recently signed up for the AMEX Platinum card. As we all know it only requires 5 nights to get Plat status so this year was going to be my bonus year. I already am planning 5 stays before June. I should have been receiving my Priemier package soon and then in June when I crossed to Plat I would get another package...therefore double dipping!!

I just signed in to my account to see that I've already achieved Plat status so now I can't double dip...I feel cheated:( Is it resonable to request the demotion so I can take full advantage of the benefits I would have earned this year?

Update: Just spoke to FPC and was advised that there is no early recognition in the new benefits coming out on March 1st. According the the agent I spoke with I would not receiving a 2nd package if I cross over the stay threshold from Priemier to Platinum at any point this year. The new Plat status would only take affect on March 1st 2012. He assured me that the new "Passion Benefits" are worth being Plat as I would miss out on these extras. Only time will tell...

To be clear.. Ive posted on previous threads that only new members who have never crossed the new tier thresholds are the only FPC members receiving early status kits. For example, if you are FPC going to FPC Premier, you will receive the kit under the promo.. if you're Premier and you early qualify before Sept 30, you will be guaranteed the Platinum kit that year as well. However, if you're already Premier for the year, you can't qualify for early Premier kit because you're Premier already. And if you're Platinum, you won't be receiving an early Platinum kit neither. That is because you can't early qualify for being Premier when you're already Premier, and you can't early qualify for Platinum when you're Platinum. You receive guaranteed early recognition kits if you qualify into a higher threshold prior to September 30th of the calendar year. Subject to availability, and this has always been the case with FPC, you may get early recognition kits if you qualify by December 31st of calendar year. This has always been the case with FPC since I was a member 2002. FPC. to their credit made it official this past year, guaranteeing a recognition kit early and providing a date.

Passion benefits would be a new thing for current Premier and Platinum it sounds. In years past, including last, when you early qualify to maintain next year's status, you get zip.. If they are introducing Passion Benefits for those who have remained loyal.. then Bravo, finally some recognition for maintaining status.

Regarding requesting to be demoted.. won't happen (you could leave FPC completely, but then your certs will be cancelled).. Just sign up your spouse or SO and restart the qualification process again. Plat Certs are transerable to immediate family members, so if you've achieved status, start working on a spouses' profile and early qualify her, and she'll take advantage what you received, and before you know it she'll be a platinum member. Yourself, don't qualify for next year, drop status, and requalify, and you'll be in you spouses' shoes next year.. so a perpetual cycle begins. This is just scratching the surface what you can do.. I'm not comfortable going any further, but have documented in full detail what you can do in Fairmont Platinum Secrets Group.. but if you have any questions or concerns regarding this method I would be happy to answer on this forum so that you've got the strategy down and maximize benefits.

To be clear.. Ive posted on previous threads that only new members who have never crossed the new tier thresholds are the only FPC members receiving early status kits. For example, if you are FPC going to FPC Premier, you will receive the kit under the promo.. if you're Premier and you early qualify before Sept 30, you will be guaranteed the Platinum kit that year as well.

The above bold would have applied to me as I believe I clearly stated:rolleyes: Please re-read my post before you write a short storey to "tell" me how it works...I already know:D

As someone who claims to know so much about FPC and have "all" the connections and answers it would be nice to at least entertain the idea that some of us do understand the program as well.

Your frequent posts remind me of a child who constantly talks just to hear themselves speak:rolleyes:

The above bold would have applied to me as I believe I clearly stated:rolleyes: Please re-read my post before you write a short storey to "tell" me how it works...I already know:D

As someone who claims to know so much about FPC and have "all" the connections and answers it would be nice to at least entertain the idea that some of us do understand the program as well.



I'm going to stay on topic.. the reason why I responded to your post is because one of the group members PMed and was confused with your post. So I thought instead of clarifying the confusion to just one person, I thought I better set the record straight. I think this forum is for the benefit of all to understand.. my response to your post to address the question, and unfortunately your post caused some confusion.

I don't profess to know it all neither.. for example, I noted that this is the first I've heard about passion benefits. I don't have all of the connections neither.. nor would I want to manage such.

To set the record straight.. there remains an early recognition program and that's the clarification..

https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/Benefits.htm

Kudos to Ancien Maestro for his helpful posts. I have found his posts to be extremely informative and his efforts are greatly appreciated

I found that the hotels usually redeemed the certificates immediately a check-in. Over the years, we would check in and I would open the lap top, and suite cert was redeemed.

This year, _none_ of my certs was ever marked used. I did use most of them and usually they were collected at checkin (or in the restaurant for the dining certs) except for the room upgrades. They never seem to collect those and I always get the upgrade. But none of my certs show as used online. I used the free night cert at the Turnberry last week, and just now when I went online to see if it showed as used the website was down for "updating".

This year, _none_ of my certs was ever marked used. I did use most of them and usually they were collected at checkin (or in the restaurant for the dining certs) except for the room upgrades. They never seem to collect those and I always get the upgrade. But none of my certs show as used online. I used the free night cert at the Turnberry last week, and just now when I went online to see if it showed as used the website was down for "updating".

I was dealing with one of my wife's unuse suite certs today with my personal concierge.. and she told me to remind her tomorrow, because she's handling another inquiry for me. But the updating that you see now is because of the year to year changeover of the system.. the the computers are down right now as its being updated. She couldn't update the unused suite cert until systems back up and running tomorrow.

Reminds me, this is year end for FPC.. Happy new year!:)

I couldn't see the early qualification benefit on the newly updated benefits page.. maybe i'm missing something! FPC did not remove this benefit right?

I couldn't see the early qualification benefit on the newly updated benefits page.. maybe i'm missing something! FPC did not remove this benefit right?

Good news! Double checked with FPC. Early qualification by September 30th remains. So get a Premier or Platinum kit for the balance of the year if you qualified before September 30th, receive another kit for the following calendar year qualified.

Everyone can rest easy now! Phew!:)

Note: The Early qualification is not listed on the new updated list of benefits.

Good news! Double checked with FPC. Early qualification by September 30th remains. So get a Premier or Platinum kit for the balance of the year if you qualified before September 30th, receive another kit for the following calendar year qualified.

Everyone can rest easy now! Phew!:)

Note: The Early qualification is not listed on the new updated list of benefits.

Thanks for double checking! Lost Plat status because we didn't stay at Fairmont a lot last year. 2 more nights and I can qualify early for Premier. :)

New FPC Benefit list:

https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/MembershipBenefits/

I don't see early recognition on it...

Hope AM is right and that this is still part of the benefit...

https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/MembershipBenefits/

copying the link from epost below....



"Complimentary Suit Upgrades"

I like my Hugo Boss' just fine. Gosh, now I wonder who made the mistake on the recent living social debacle. :eek:@:-)

New FPC Benefit list:

https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/MembershipBenefits/

I don't see early recognition on it...

Hope AM is right and that this is still part of the benefit...

I confirm that the benefit is not officially listed on the last line of my previous post.

"Note: The Early qualification is not listed on the new updated list of benefits."

FPC had this benefit for the past 9 years.. FPC only ever advertised it once last year. Early quaification has always been a mainstay in their program to encourage FPC members to frequent Fairmonts after reaching elite status during the same calendar year.

I need some expert advice on the status renewal certificate for 2011 to 2012. I was a premier member on 2010 and I stayed at Fairmont facilities for 15 consecutive nights during December 2010 and January 2011 period. Actually, 10 nights on 2010 and 5 days on January 2011, however, they counted all 15nights credit for 2011. Should I validate the new set of premier member certificate from March 1, 2011 to Feb. 29, 2012? Today, I am happened to check my profile, it indicated no certificate available. I am very disappointed. Can anyone explain to me on how to calculate the qualification for the renewal memebership? Please let me know whether they still in the process of updating the certificate or they will send me something for the early qual. at the end of September.

I need some expert advice on the status renewal certificate for 2011 to 2012. I was a premier member on 2010 and I stayed at Fairmont facilities for 15 consecutive nights during December 2010 and January 2011 period. Actually, 10 nights on 2010 and 5 days on January 2011, however, they counted all 15nights credit for 2011. Should I validate the new set of premier member certificate from March 1, 2011 to Feb. 29, 2012? Today, I am happened to check my profile, it indicated no certificate available. I am very disappointed. Can anyone explain to me on how to calculate the qualification for the renewal memebership? Please let me know whether they still in the process of updating the certificate or they will send me something for the early qual. at the end of September.

Validate? Don't know what you mean by validate.. do you mean that you will receive the certificates?

FPC is currently updating the system and my personal concierge worked late last night and got in early this morning frantically trying to keep up with a system that's slow and bogged down.

But, if you haven't received your early recognition kit and all 15 nights are credited to 2011 on your profile, then you will just get the Premier early 2011 shortly, and also qualify for 2012 Premier. In essence, you are not missing out on an early kit, but its all shifted a year forward based on your profile presented here.

I would also call FPC and double check.. but you should be getting your Premier kit soon, and expect to get another Premier kit in 2012. Getting the early 2010 kit now is moot, as all of the certificates have already expired.

I need some expert advice on the status renewal certificate for 2011 to 2012. I was a premier member on 2010 and I stayed at Fairmont facilities for 15 consecutive nights during December 2010 and January 2011 period. Actually, 10 nights on 2010 and 5 days on January 2011, however, they counted all 15nights credit for 2011. Should I validate the new set of premier member certificate from March 1, 2011 to Feb. 29, 2012? Today, I am happened to check my profile, it indicated no certificate available. I am very disappointed. Can anyone explain to me on how to calculate the qualification for the renewal memebership? Please let me know whether they still in the process of updating the certificate or they will send me something for the early qual. at the end of September.

If all 15 nights were credited for 2011, you´ve already qualified early for Premier status this year and should receive two packages, one now and another one next year (status valid until Feb. 2013)

I´m sure they´re still upgrading the profiles, if it doesn´t change, give them a call and they can manually upgrade your status and deposit the certs online. (even happened to me once as a Plat, so don´t worry;))

Jasper 2009, Thankyou for explaining to me. Actually, I received my platimum status at the end of 2009, and FPC only sent me one set of platimum certificate for March 2010 to Feb. 2011, therefore, I only have one stayed during December 2010 to January 2011. In this case, do I went down to be a premier member this year and am I only getting premier certificate this year?

Jasper 2009, Thankyou for explaining to me. Actually, I received my platimum status at the end of 2009, and FPC only sent me one set of platimum certificate for March 2010 to Feb. 2011, therefore, I only have one stayed during December 2010 to January 2011. In this case, do I went down to be a premier member this year and am I only getting premier certificate this year?

The way it used to work (and may still work, despite early qualification not being listed on the FPC site anymore) is:

1) qualifying for Plat status in 2009 got you Plat status March 2010 - Feb. 2011
2) you failed to requalify in 2010 for anything, so no status March 2011-Feb. 2012
3) 15 nights in Jan. 2011 would get you early Premier for March 2011-Feb. 2012 AND the following benefit year with status valid until Feb. 2013 (for qualifcation pruposes you´d be considered as "starting from scratch" while still having Plat status from the previous membership year)

This is how it should work IMO, but the combination of still having status while technically qualifying early doesn´t ahppen often I guess (or never), so you may have to call and/or may only get Premier status for one year.

Jasper 2009, Thankyou for explaining to me. Actually, I received my platimum status at the end of 2009, and FPC only sent me one set of platimum certificate for March 2010 to Feb. 2011, therefore, I only have one stayed during December 2010 to January 2011. In this case, do I went down to be a premier member this year and am I only getting premier certificate this year?

If I'm reading Singhotdeal quote correctly.. You earned platinum status at the end of 2009. To get an early platinum kit, you would have had to qualify prior to September of 2009. After, September, you may still get a kit, but its not guaranteed.. You would have had to call up FPC Platinum desk to see if they can make an exception. As a result you were Platinum member March 1st, 2010 to February 28th, 2011.

Singhotdeal.. if you only stayed once (and less than 10 nights) between January 1st, 2010 and December 31st, 2010, you would become base member for March 1st, 2011 and February 28th, 2012. Premier requires 5 stays or 10 nights to qualify, and you only did one stay. That would mean that you are not Premier, or Platinum but just a base member unfortunately.

But, if your profile shows 15 nights credited early 2011, then you qualify for early Premier kit since you achieved premier before September 2011. Because you had problems getting an early platinum kit in 2009, I would strongly recommend you call FPC and make sure you're getting an early Premier qualification kit. Jasper2009 is right, you'll also have Premier membership from March 1st, 2012 to February 28th, 2013.

I like the enhancements! Some nice extra perks. Well thought out. Well done Fairmont!

AM and Jaspar 2009, I am trying to understand the FPC system, I knew it is too late to act, but I need to understand what I should have starting forward. Since I qualified for platimum at the end of 2009, was I supposed to get a new platimum set from 01/01/2010 to 02/28/2010 and another set of kit from 03/1/10 to 02/28/11?

Second question, if FPC counted my 10 days credit on December 2010, I should have met only premier status, however, the system showed all 15 days counted as 2011, therefore, I will only have base membership on 2010 and receive early premier certificate instead. Am I right? Do you know when are they sending out the early qual. kit? AM, which scenario is better for me? Should I let it counted all 15 days on 2011 and then I will have the rest of year to work on 15 more days for platimum status again or should I call them to fix it? Please advice.

AM and Jaspar 2009, I am trying to understand the FPC system, I knew it is too late to act, but I need to understand what I should have starting forward. Since I qualified for platimum at the end of 2009, was I supposed to get a new platimum set from 01/01/2010 to 02/28/2010 and another set of kit from 03/1/10 to 02/28/11?

No, in order to qualify early you have to have the stays/nights before Sept. 30. As you qualified at the end of 2009, you were only entitled to one Platinum package (valid March 2010 - Feb. 2011)


Second question, if FPC counted my 10 days credit on December 2010, I should have met only premier status, however, the system showed all 15 days counted as 2011, therefore, I will only have base membership on 2010 and receive early premier certificate instead. Am I right? Do you know when are they sending out the early qual. kit? AM, which scenario is better for me? Should I let it counted all 15 days on 2011 and then I will have the rest of year to work on 15 more days for platimum status again or should I call them to fix it? Please advice.

If the 10 nights had counted for 2010 you´d only get one Premier package valid March 2011 - Feb. 2012.

As the 15 nights were credited for 2011, you should get two packages: one for qualifying early for 2011 (certs valid March 2011 - Feb. 2012) and another package for the following membership year (March 2012 - Feb. 2013).

No guarantee you´ll get two packages, as the "early qualification benefit" is not listed on the FPC website anymore.

It´s not unusual for the packages to be sent sometime in March, as mentioned above, I´d call them sometime in a week or two when FPC is less busy.

No, in order to qualify early you have to have the stays/nights before Sept. 30. As you qualified at the end of 2009, you were only entitled to one Platinum package (valid March 2010 - Feb. 2011).

Jasper2009 is correct. To get guaranteed early qualification platinum kit you would need to qualify for Platinum prior to Sept 30 of that calendar year. Thereafter, if there were kits available, then you would have received one. If I were in your shoes, I would have called into the FPC platinum desk and ask for the kit.. and if not available, I would have asked them just to post the certificates electronically.. obviously they'll never run out of those.. and have the hotel redeem the certificates electronically. I've done this many times over the years.

If you feel jipped.. call up FPC and see what they can do. A squeeky wheel sometimes gets some grease. FPC has restored in the past what was a glaring oversight or provide a gesture of goodwill to keep you happy.


If the 10 nights had counted for 2010 you´d only get one Premier package valid March 2011 - Feb. 2012.

As the 15 nights were credited for 2011, you should get two packages: one for qualifying early for 2011 (certs valid March 2011 - Feb. 2012) and another package for the following membership year (March 2012 - Feb. 2013).

No guarantee you´ll get two packages, as the "early qualification benefit" is not listed on the FPC website anymore.

It´s not unusual for the packages to be sent sometime in March, as mentioned above, I´d call them sometime in a week or two when FPC is less busy.

Jasper2009, states only what's guaranteed if qualifying Premier towards the end of 2010.. To get an exception, just call into FPC if you qualify towards the end of the year.. and they probably would have made the exception.

The early qualification benefit is still on.. I've double checked with FPC..

FPC has always had the early qualification benefit.. it wasn't until last year FPC advertised it. FPC has been providing this service as long as I can remember.

Good Luck.

I am still not getting it. :( On my updated profile showed 15 qualified days for 2011 but on my certificate website, I have no certificate. Obviously, they will not mail out any premier kit for me on March 2011. Technically, I have 11 nights that fell in 2010. I should have entitled a premier kit from 03/01/11 to 02/28/12. BTW, will the early qualify permier certificate for 03/01/12 to 02/28/13 show in my profile as part of the benefit this year or something that will be hidden until next year?:confused:

I am still not getting it. :( On my updated profile showed 15 qualified days for 2011 but on my certificate website, I have no certificate. Obviously, they will not mail out any premier kit for me on March 2011. Technically, I have 11 nights that fell in 2010. I should have entitled a premier kit from 03/01/11 to 02/28/12. BTW, will the early qualify permier certificate for 03/01/12 to 02/28/13 show in my profile as part of the benefit this year or something that will be hidden until next year?:confused:

As the 15 nights were credited for 2011, you have qualified early for Premier status, i.e. your status will be upgraded to Premier anytime soon (if not, give them a call), certs will expire Feb. 28, 2012.

On March 1, 2012 you´ll receive another set of certs valid until Feb. 28, 2013.

(assuming early recognizion will be continued as mentioned by AM)

Thank you, I got it.
How about if I fulfill 30 nights from now to Sept. 2011? Do I get another set of platimum kit for 2011-2012? In addition to the another set of early qualify platium kit set for 2012-2013. A total four set certificates together.^

Thank you, I got it.
How about if I fulfill 30 nights from now to Sept. 2011? Do I get another set of platimum kit for 2011-2012? In addition to the another set of early qualify platium kit set for 2012-2013. A total four set certificates together.^

If you complete 30 nights or 10 stays before Sept. 30, you´ll receive a Plat package with certs valid until Feb. 28, 2012.

However, in March 2012 you´ll only receive one (Platinum) package with certs valid until Feb. 2013. (no Premier package for that membership year, as you qualified for a higher tier)

So a total of three sets:

Premier certs: now (valid until Feb. 28, 2012)
Plat certs: this summer (valid until Feb. 28, 2012)
Plat cert: March 2012 (valid until Feb. 28, 2013)

I just spoke someone (I will withold her name) in the Presidents Club office and they have confirmed that Early Recognition program has changed. If you reach a new status level you WILL NOT be receiving the suite upgrades, room upgrades, free night/3rd night free, or gift certificates until the following year:td: Can you blame them, as these benefit are where the true cost to the program are?

Status will show on your file, you will be recognized as a status member when checking in, you will get the bonus miles, free us of the fitness attire, etc., just no "certs".

Do the the change in the program Fairmont is giving a grace period until March 31, 2011. If you cross a status level by this time you will receive the FULL package for the rest of 2011.

I guess we could term this new Early Recognition...FPC Status Lite:p

https://www.fairmont.com/fpc/MembershipBenefits/

Note after point 8 at the very bottom...see that little * well it refers back to the suite/room u/g, free/3rd night free, gift certs

What will the affect be on the Lifetime LivingSocial honorary members?

Must be the FPC reservation agent who I spoke with double checked with their supervisor the other day got all mixed up.. if early recognition is truly abolished. At the moment, I can't confirm either way.

IMO, with the Passions Enhancement mirroring the old Experience Fairmont where we used to get a free massage, free ski lift ticket and free round of golf, Fairmont should restore the program to its original offering of the following amount of certs, if they abolish the early recognition feature..

Premier Certs (2005 and prior) - 1 third night free cert, 2 suite upgrades, 2 room upgrade certs, 2 $50 dining certs (I think), spa access

Platinum Certs (2005 and prior) - 3 free night certs, 4 suite upgrades, 4 room upgrades, 3 $50 dining certs, spa access

Even with the above offerings, Fairmont offered early recognition as well.

Must be the FPC reservation agent who I spoke with double checked with their supervisor the other day got all mixed up.. if early recognition is truly abolished. At the moment, I can't confirm either way.

I told the lady at the FPC office that the agents don't seem to know what is going on with respect to early recognition. I've spoken to 3 different agents, of which, 2 have said it still does exist.

Early Recognition does still exist but it has changed. The agents just don't know what the changes are or how to communicate it the customer.

Premier Certs (2005 and prior) - 1 third night free cert, 2 suite upgrades, 2 room upgrade certs, 2 $50 dining certs (I think), spa access

Platinum Certs (2005 and prior) - 3 free night certs, 4 suite upgrades, 4 room upgrades, 3 $50 dining certs, spa access

Even with the above offerings, Fairmont offered early recognition as well.

While I´d love to see the above improvements, I don´t think they´ll ever happen.

If there´ll be any further improvements I think they´ll be tied to staying x nights, e.g. 1 free night and 1-2 suite upgrade cert after crossing 30 nights etc.

What I´m really not too happy about is that there´s no "sweet suite promo" this year, I´ll definitely have to reevaluate my planned stays unless Fairmont runs a promo sometime this year...

I hope the early qualify requirment has not changed. Can anyone confirm this issue with FPC?

While I´d love to see the above improvements, I don´t think they´ll ever happen.

If there´ll be any further improvements I think they´ll be tied to staying x nights, e.g. 1 free night and 1-2 suite upgrade cert after crossing 30 nights etc.

What I´m really not too happy about is that there´s no "sweet suite promo" this year, I´ll definitely have to reevaluate my planned stays unless Fairmont runs a promo sometime this year...

The improvements I'm suggesting would just restore what FPC offered Premier and Platinum Members 2005 and prior. Funny that they would bring out Passions enhancements to mirror what used to be Fairmont Experience where you get a free massage, free ski lift ticket, and free round of golf. Back in 2006, the new platinum as we know it was the old Premier, and the new Premier is half of the old Premier except for the third night free cert.

To clarify, my suggestion above is only because they are going by rule of the book when qualifying FPC members to elite tier levels and eliminating early qualification bonus of a kit sent out for the balance of the first year qualified. IMHO, there is not enough incentive to retain FPC members at the Premier level.. with the Passions Enhancements, minimal incentive to retain Platinum Members (unless hotels accross the board become light on suite cert redemptions), and not enough incentive to attract new FPC members.. the early qualification incentive of a kit for the balance of the year helped attract FPC members, and FPC is going to turn off the tap in terms of attracting new members through traditional qualification.

As a note.. I don't play the system anymore.. but I used too.. Over the years I learned that the FPC Platinum elite level provided for us excellent service, and earned our loyalty.. and as a result last year both my wife traditionally qualified by staying 64 nights (5 nights more if a stay at Banff Springs would have been posted correctly). IMO, they are not going to attract many new members by abolishing the early qualification system, if that is truly the case.

I agree the sweet suite promo is a definite plus.. while I plan to qualify on 30 nights this year, the absence of the sweet suite promo is definitely a downer. Hopefully, hotels don't start redeeming suite certs by the book otherwise.. FPC will begin losing quite a few of its loyal members.. the Lifetime Plat leak IMO is making traditional qualifying plats a bit uncomfortable, FPC should have offered it professionally and to those who are interested loyal FPCers for many years. These changes are already causing fundamental thought shifts amongst traditional FPCers.

I'll reserve comment until all changes are finalized.. hopefully it will be overly positive change, but there may be some negative aspects as well.

I´d be more than happy if they restored the benefits as you suggest, but unfortunately I have my doubts: if they didn´t see the necessity to improve the program during the economic crisis, I don´t see why they would do so now that rates are increasing / things are starting to look better again.

I´ll probably have requalified for Plat status by the end of April (qualifying the traditional way), hope to visit the Pacific Rim this summer, and then all my certs are gone. The "sweet suite promo" was a great incentive to spend more nights at Fairmonts than I needed to requalify, but unless FPC runs some promo / a bunch of suite upgrade certs suddently appear in my profile, I think I may get IC RA status and visit some other places where there´s no Fairmont.

If FPC is really eliminating early qualificaton kit for those who qualify by September 30th of calendar year for elite status, that's taking away incentive for traditional qualifiers and bad form IMO.

Jasper2009, I think they are better to do away with short cuts, or promos with AMEX than to do this. This will sway traditional qualifiers such as you and I to AMEX Plat5 promo where you can qualify for platinum by paying for 5 nights on the AMEX platinum charge card. Thus, a total of 54 nights less this year if both my wife and I qualified for plat5 this year instead of qualifying traditionally.

FPC should enhance traditional qualification, and if they are going to take away early qualification certs then business is going to drop for Fairmont.

AM, you are right, I am one of them that qualify through the traditional way, if they are going to take away the early qualification kit, I need to go some other brand of hotels this year or I need to call FPC to argue of the days that fall in December in order to get my status back. :mad:
Were you able to confirm that the early qualify kits are no longer existed? :confused: Can you update me through this thread?

AM, you are right, I am one of them that qualify through the traditional way, if they are going to take away the early qualification kit, I need to go some other brand of hotels this year or I need to call FPC to argue of the days that fall in December in order to get my status back. :mad:
Were you able to confirm that the early qualify kits are no longer existed? :confused: Can you update me through this thread?

Early qualification has been abolished.. didn't think that it would happen, but for know corporate office has quashed it. Something like that is so fundamental to creating business fo the 8 years I've been in the program for traditional qualifiers.

IMO its bad form.. Fairmont is giving away deals to those who do not traditional qualifiers, and giving the farm to those who are not loyal to Fairmont at all. Virtuouso agents, www.perfectescapes.com, etc all offer upgrades, amenities, late check out, to one off guests, and gutting the traditional qualifiers.

Seriously, after early qualifying for early Premier status, you get the kit the following year.. Where is the (1) motivation to early qualify and (2) where is the motivation to keep staying at Fairmonts when you early qualify until the following year when you receive your kit. IMO, Fairmont will lose millions of dollars in potetial revenue, and I've already seen some fundamental shifts in spending, and I'm questioning my double platinum loyalty. Jasper2009 has a good point, after qualifying early, where is the incentive to stay at Fairmonts for the remaining balance of the year? I know its about the suite sweet promo not coming out this year that is affecting Jasper2009.. But really where is the incentive to stay at Fairmonts once you qualify. There is now no incentive except basic elite inclusions. Just my two cents.

IMO its bad form.. Fairmont is giving away deals to those who do not traditional qualifiers, and giving the farm to those who are not loyal to Fairmont at all. Virtuouso agents, www.perfectescapes.com, etc all offer upgrades, amenities, late check out, to one off guests, and gutting the traditional qualifiers.

I don´t necessarily agree with you on this one. Most benefits (upgrade, early check-in, late check-out) are generally "based on availablity at check-in", so premier/latinum members are still much better off. With the possible exception of perfectescapes most of these programs target a particular (reasonably affluent) group of travellers, e.g.
- AMEX FHR requires an AMEX Plat or Centurion card
- hardly anyone knows about Virtuoso/Signature etc., and those who do, tend to stay at high-end properties on a regular basis

In both cases Fairmont has a very good reason to target those people.

Also it´s not Virtuoso vs. Plat benefits. You can combine them (i´ve done so a few times) and get some excellent deals.:)

Seriously, after early qualifying for early Premier status, you get the kit the following year.. Where is the (1) motivation to early qualify and (2) where is the motivation to keep staying at Fairmonts when you early qualify until the following year when you receive your kit. IMO, Fairmont will lose millions of dollars in potetial revenue, and I've already seen some fundamental shifts in spending, and I'm questioning my double platinum loyalty. Jasper2009 has a good point, after qualifying early, where is the incentive to stay at Fairmonts for the remaining balance of the year? I know its about the suite sweet promo not coming out this year that is affecting Jasper2009.. But really where is the incentive to stay at Fairmonts once you qualify. There is now no incentive except basic elite inclusions. Just my two cents.

I think FPC generally is a great program and appreciate the recent improvements (Platinum Passion benefits), however I´d appreciate some more incentives for those who requalify the traditional way: 2 suite upgrade certs for someone staying 5 nights a year (AMEX Plat promo) is plenty, 2 suite upgrade certs for someone staying 30 nights a year? Not so much. The obvious answer would be to decrease the number of nights, but I can´t imagine that´s what Fairmont wants, so they need to come up with some other benefits (e.g. threshold certs at 10/20/30 nights, extra suite upgrade promos etc.)

I don´t necessarily agree with you on this one. Most benefits (upgrade, early check-in, late check-out) are generally "based on availablity at check-in", so premier/latinum members are still much better off. With the possible exception of perfectescapes most of these programs target a particular (reasonably affluent) group of travellers, e.g.
- AMEX FHR requires an AMEX Plat or Centurion card
- hardly anyone knows about Virtuoso/Signature etc., and those who do, tend to stay at high-end properties on a regular basis

In both cases Fairmont has a very good reason to target those people.

Also it´s not Virtuoso vs. Plat benefits. You can combine them (i´ve done so a few times) and get some excellent deals.:)

For the few select certs thats combinable, yes its combinable. For a traditional qualifier who 'earns' the certs the hard way, compared to the general public who can access incentives that are pretty much the same as what's offered to loyal members.. is rewarding those who are not loyal and targeting their business (also because of hotel chain competition), and taking the early qualification for Premier and Platinum who are the real money loyal spenders is bad form IMO.

If I were a new FPC member, I would earn the Premier level (if there were enough incentive).. once the level is earned, just wait for the new kit that comes out the following year, and continue the hotel stays.. that is unless I want to earn the Platinum level.. I would earn the level and wait for the kit. Where is the incentive to keep on staying the balance of the calendar year once you hit the Premier and Platinum level early?

Not saying Fairmont will lose business from Virtuoso and AMEX avenues.. but I can see a vacuum for FPCer elite levels to downgrade tier status, or spend less, and take advantage of qualification benefits from third party avenues. All equals Millions of Dollars worth of lost loyalty revenues as there is now more incentive to access third party programs.

btw I hear that Virtuoso and third party programs make up half of the revenue at FPC, and the other half is their elite membership that traditionally qualifies. Thats a stark contrast.

If Fairmont quashes the third party avenues, which I've heard that AMEX plat5 may be the last year.. that is when Fairmont will really lose their customers. For the record, I'm a traditional 30 night qualifier, and have never really taken advantage of early qualification always trying to maintain status year in and year out. This is just my professional opinion and two cents.



I think FPC generally is a great program and appreciate the recent improvements (Platinum Passion benefits), however I´d appreciate some more incentives for those who requalify the traditional way: 2 suite upgrade certs for someone staying 5 nights a year (AMEX Plat promo) is plenty, 2 suite upgrade certs for someone staying 30 nights a year? Not so much. The obvious answer would be to decrease the number of nights, but I can´t imagine that´s what Fairmont wants, so they need to come up with some other benefits (e.g. threshold certs at 10/20/30 nights, extra suite upgrade promos etc.)

I would agree that thre should be more incentives for those who qualify traditionally and maintain their status.. That is where Passions fills in that gap for Platinum nicely. Premier IMO is gutted from early qualification kit and no Passions.. that is the level where its going to suffer a bit this year. But, the jump to Platinum.. is Passions enough to entice new FPCers to get up to that level?.. I guess it provides more incentive to get there and maintain, but the gap between when a base FPCer early qualifies for Platinum and when the kit is received the following year will experience a big revenue hole.

A suggestion, maybe FPC can stagger the year membership to the day that each FPC member uniquely qualifies. The clock starts ticking on the calendar year when they qualify for elite status. That will fill in the hole quite nicely.

I think you´re over-emphasizing the importance of early qualification:

1. many people didn´t even know about early qualification, and even if they had read about it, many didn´t understand it (just think of how many "do I get one or two packages?" threads we´ve had here on FT, and I´d argue the FTers who post here generally are better informed than the average FPC member)
2. people who earn Premier status for the first time are unlikely to spend 20 nights and/or earn Plat status the same year. I´d guess that the way things often go is: member A spends 6-7 nights at a Fairmont and thinks "Premier only requires 10 nights, why not add a weekend in xyz this year?" A enjoys the benefits and may become a Plat within the following 1-3 years.

I think Fairmont has invested a huge amount of money in acquiring new members (early qualification / Plat 5 promo etc.), but hasn´t really done much for the loyal members who requalify each year. The Plat Passion benefits are a nice addition IMO, and I hope they continue these kind of improvements.

Regarding Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/etc. benefits, I don´t see them as negatively as you do.

I´d bet that the average Plat member or guest who booked through Virtuoso/AMEX spends more per night than a "regular" guest, and this can only be good.

There are many high-spending travellers who just open their Vrituoso catalogue and choose a property or ask their Amex FHR TA for advice, so Fairmont would be stupid to not target this customer segment.

I don't see Virtuoso and AMEX as a negative.. I'm saying that they are huge positives.. So huge that it overshadows traditional FPC qualification, that traditional FPCers are going to switch over to such incentives more and more.

If you read my post a bit more closely.. I agree with you Fairmont needs to do more to retain the loyalty of the elite membership.. But in doing so, they decided to take away early qualification for new elite members, which in my opinion is going to affect their business greatly.

I don't see Virtuoso and AMEX as a negative.. I'm saying that they are huge positives.. So huge that it overshadows traditional FPC qualification, that traditional FPCers are going to switch over to such incentives more and more.

I probably should have been more precise: It seems you consider Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/etc. benefits to compete with the FPC Premier/Platinum benefits, and some people would choose the Virtuoso/AMEX FHR benefits over earning status with FPC.

I´d respectfully disagree.

Only about one third of the Fairmont properties participate in any of those programs, and - except for the daily breakfast and added benefit (lunch/dinner/spa) once during the stay - the benefits are nothing spectacular.
Also rates are identical (or slightly slower) than the BAR rate, so often I find there are better rates/packages even with the added benefits.

What keeps many Plats loyal IMO is the ability to confirm upgrades to a suite (even the room upgrade with Virtuoso/AMEX often isn´t confirmed).
I think more and more Plats will combine the two benefits, but I don´t think many will give up Plat status and "dpwngrade" to a less generous system.

I probably should have been more precise: It seems you consider Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/etc. benefits to compete with the FPC Premier/Platinum benefits, and some people would choose the Virtuoso/AMEX FHR benefits over earning status with FPC.

I´d respectfully disagree.

Only about one third of the Fairmont properties participate in any of those programs, and - except for the daily breakfast and added benefit (lunch/dinner/spa) once during the stay - the benefits are nothing spectacular.
Also rates are identical (or slightly slower) than the BAR rate, so often I find there are better rates/packages even with the added benefits.

What keeps many Plats loyal IMO is the ability to confirm upgrades to a suite (even the room upgrade with Virtuoso/AMEX often isn´t confirmed).
I think more and more Plats will combine the two benefits, but I don´t think many will give up Plat status and "dpwngrade" to a less generous system.

We all give our business to Fairmont for different reasons. Yourself, you've stated once you qualify for Platinum for the following year.. I think you mentioned late April.. you'll be switching to another hotel chain probably for the balance of the year.. based on no suite sweet deal offer this year.

We've been double platinum for 8 years.. the changes introduced this year, will lessen our ability to remain loyal to Fairmont to the level of 64 nights between the two of us last year. This year, I'll qualify the 30 nights, and unfortunately.. will be phasing out traditional platinum membership qualification for both of us two years time. If Plat5 AMEX is available we'll continue, or another promo out there that makes sense for us.

Interested FTers.. if you read back on the posts of Flyertalk about FPC, in 2006, half of the platinum incentives were cut in half. Half of the Premier incentives were cut in half. Reading back, there were lawyers talking about a law suit, and a lot of disgruntled members who were not forewarned about their earned benefits cut in half.. yes right here on FT. A bit surreal reading it.. I wasn't a FTer back then..

Fairmont Plat. benefits cut 50% beginning 2/06
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/527037-fairmont-plat-benefits-cut-50-beginning-2-06-a.html

Fairmont about to Destroy Platinum Program
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/456454-fairmont-about-destroy-platinum-program.html

At that time, my wife and I both platinum members decided to phase out traditional qualification as well, but stuck with it because FPC wanted to earn our business. A couple of platinum kits showed up encouraging us to keep on going with the program. Our business was earned for another 5 years through traditional qualification.. with this recent program change, it no longer makes sense for us to traditionally qualify on its face. Platinum AMEX incentives includes other hotel chains we'll carefully take a look at.. I think our big island and Maui vacations will continue, but probably at the Four Seasons through Virtuoso.. not concluding anything yet, but it looks like a couple of years to completely scale down and make a shift.. Maybe we'll still stay at the Kea Lani once in awhile through www.perfectescapes.com suite upgrade incentive.. Disney World has become an annual 2 to 3 week trip with two young kids for us as well.

FYI I just asked @fairmonthotels on Twitter about luggage tags:

Luggage tags should be in the kits. If you didn't receive, let me know and I'll flag with our team here.

Still waiting for my premier kit in Vancouver.

Quick question, sorry if this has been asked and answered. I qualified last October for Premier and received my 2010 certificates which expired 2/28/11. When should I expect my 2011 certificates post online? Thanks!

Quick question, sorry if this has been asked and answered. I qualified last October for Premier and received my 2010 certificates which expired 2/28/11. When should I expect my 2011 certificates post online? Thanks!

The new certs (valid until Feb. 28, 2012) should be credited anytime this/next week (mine have already been posted, but AFAIK not all certs are posted simultaiously). You can also give them a call and politely ask to credit them manually.

Luggage tags are nice.. I notice that the toll free #s change from year to year, so its good to get new ones.

Kits should arrive early March, although some years have been mid-march and sometimes into April.

I think the benefits are pretty good. I've just finished my first year of platinum - and managed 38 nights. (some were where I had booked more than one room for family members) There are usually pretty good deals around if you look hard - especially at the Vancouver hotels where I stay a lot - and the benefit of Platinum has been that I have been lucky enough to be upgraded almost every time - both to improved rooms and suites and still had upgrade certs left last week as they were rarely collected. The benefits of early check in and late check out have proved useful especially at YVR and the free Internet a bonus. I was snared by Fairmont on the original NFAF deal and they have done enough to keep me happy. I tried the St. Andrews , Scotland Fairmont last week which was very nice and should be in the Fairmont Singapore in a fortnight. Can't wait.

Really? That's it?
I'm so underwhelmed with Fairmont Platinum status right now. Just found out I can't use the room upgrades while staying on a corporate rate. So that pretty much rules out us ever using those.
The couple of $25 meal certs are no big thrill. Spa coupons? Great if you happen to be in a Fairmont that has a spa and have the time/inclination to use them.
So I spend 30+ nights and I get an amenity (if they remember) and the crappiest room in the house (again corporate rate) and one free night a year and two suite upgrades (that Hilton and Hyatt would give me without the stupid coupons). Oh yeah and really cool luggage tags and a moleskine book :rolleyes:
Am I missing something?

Am I wrong in thinking that I'm better off staying at Hilton and Hyatt for most of my hotel stays and only staying at Fairmonts that I really like (Seattle, San Francisco) but forget about status. I can't see where there are any real perks above someone who walks in off the street with no status.

I´m surprised you can´t use the upgrade certs when booking a corporate rate? That sounds very odd, have to talked to several agents / received this info in writing?

Or is it possible that your company negotiated a lower rate in exchange for accepting a "no elite benefits apply" clause in the contract?

Except for the GRGD rates I´ve never come accross a rate that wasn´t upgradable.

If the info you received is indeed correct, you may indeed be better off with another program.

What I like most about FPC is the ability to confirm suite upgrades on pretty much any rate (incl. free nights!), I highly appreciate the confirmed upgrades on those stays I really care about (and in some cases I´ve even received better suites than the upgrade cert entitled me to), so I´ve been pretty happy overall.

Only Hyatt Diamond status has a similar feature (4 confirmed suite upgrade certs / year), IC RA comes close with the two-category confirmed upgrades, but many ICs have a dozen room categories, so it really depends on the property.

Hilton doesn´t usually upgrade elites to suites afaik, SPG does upgrade its top elites to suites based on availability at time of check-in. it´s this "based on availability at time of check-in" clause I really dislike which is why I haven´t really bothered about those programs.

Except for the GRGD rates I´ve never come accross a rate that wasn´t upgradable....

What I like most about FPC is the ability to confirm suite upgrades on pretty much any rate (incl. free nights!), I highly appreciate the confirmed upgrades on those stays I really care about (and in some cases I´ve even received better suites than the upgrade cert entitled me to), so I´ve been pretty happy overall.


+1 - Never encountered a rate that I couldn't upgrade beyond GRGD. This INCLUDES corporate rates and where my company has negotiated a cheaper rate due to many consultants traveling into a certain hotel.

The FPC Platinum program is about 25% of the benefits compared to what was FPC Platinum prior to 2006. With early qualification questioned for this coming year, the FPC program probably won't be attracting as many new elite members compared to last year when new elite members receive an early kit of that year's full gamut of certificates. Yes you get status.. but whoop d' doo.. really no additional incentive to stay at Fairmonts until a member receives the certificates.

In addition, half of the business of the Platinum desk is now promos to those who've never qualified or stayed at Fairmonts before or patrons who don't stay at Fairmonts on a regular basis. So the shift since 2006 at the elite desk bookings from non-elite members taking advantage of upgrades, breakfasts, amenities, and other features offered to the general public. Yes, FPC platinum has its benefits, but seems like less incentives to remain a traditional qualified FPC elite member.

I´m surprised you can´t use the upgrade certs when booking a corporate rate? That sounds very odd, have to talked to several agents / received this info in writing?

Or is it possible that your company negotiated a lower rate in exchange for accepting a "no elite benefits apply" clause in the contract?

Except for the GRGD rates I´ve never come accross a rate that wasn´t upgradable.

If the info you received is indeed correct, you may indeed be better off with another program.

What I like most about FPC is the ability to confirm suite upgrades on pretty much any rate (incl. free nights!), I highly appreciate the confirmed upgrades on those stays I really care about (and in some cases I´ve even received better suites than the upgrade cert entitled me to), so I´ve been pretty happy overall.

Only Hyatt Diamond status has a similar feature (4 confirmed suite upgrade certs / year), IC RA comes close with the two-category confirmed upgrades, but many ICs have a dozen room categories, so it really depends on the property.

Hilton doesn´t usually upgrade elites to suites afaik, SPG does upgrade its top elites to suites based on availability at time of check-in. it´s this "based on availability at time of check-in" clause I really dislike which is why I haven´t really bothered about those programs.

Believe me - I'm even more surprised than you are! I can't imagine them negotiating that much cheaper for a no upgrades. In fact in most places the corp rate for this company isn't significantly cheaper than the rack rate. I called the Platinum line twice and was told the same thing. Very very discouraging. I've sent an email as well and we'll see what I get back.

For us, the whole point of working for platinum was to use the room/suite upgrades as we often stay 5 days and with all 4 (room/suite upgrades). Cut that in half (2 suite upgrades only) and that is pretty uninspiring.

We've had very good success with room upgrades / suite upgrades with Hilton. In one case we had a 6 week engagement and had the same suite the whole time. At minimum we get concierge level and lounge access. We are Hyatt diamond as well and have had no trouble with upgrades at the corporate rate.

I know - I'm just b*tching. But I am totally disappointed. We'll be spending a lot of time in Seattle in the next few months and I was really jazzed about staying at the Fairmont - now I'm just annoyed.

Believe me - I'm even more surprised than you are! I can't imagine them negotiating that much cheaper for a no upgrades. In fact in most places the corp rate for this company isn't significantly cheaper than the rack rate. I called the Platinum line twice and was told the same thing. Very very discouraging. I've sent an email as well and we'll see what I get back.
:::
I know - I'm just b*tching. But I am totally disappointed. We'll be spending a lot of time in Seattle in the next few months and I was really jazzed about staying at the Fairmont - now I'm just annoyed.

Very odd indeed, and I can understand your frustration if indeed that´s Fairmont´s policy.

Even if the official answer is "no", I´d suggest contacting the Fairmont Seattle directly (preferably the director of sales, the GM or someone else than the front desk).

Ask them whether they´re willing to allow all Plat benefits to be used during your stay and let them know that your decision whether to spend $$$$ will depend on the ability to use the upgrade certs.

Alternatively, if the difference between the corporate rate and any other rate is minimal, you could negotiate a deal with your company to pay the difference. I know this isn´t great, but if paying an extra $10-$20 allows you to upgrade to a suite, it may definitely be worthwhile.

I see where you're coming from.

As a top tier member, I don't see Fairmont treats us better than, say, someone who booked the same room as the same rate using Amex FHR or Virtuoso. They would get room upgrade based on availability at check-in. But a Fairmont Plat member won't, unless he uses an upgrade cert, or the reception staff is extra nice.

Other loyalty programs don't have room upgrade certs. Why? They don't need them. A top tier member will automatically get a room upgrade, in some cases, the best room or suite available.

A Fairmont Plat member doesn't even get free lounge access or free breakfast.

And staying at a Fairmont only gives one measly 1000 airline points per stay. At least at Hilton, Hyatt, or SPG etc, you would get some hotel points good for future free room or suite.

If I were you, I won't be putting my money on the Fairmont loyalty program. I would spend my nights in a loyalty program that rewards me better.

If Amex Cent card didn't comp me Fairmont Plat, I won't be one for sure.




Believe me - I'm even more surprised than you are! I can't imagine them negotiating that much cheaper for a no upgrades. In fact in most places the corp rate for this company isn't significantly cheaper than the rack rate. I called the Platinum line twice and was told the same thing. Very very discouraging. I've sent an email as well and we'll see what I get back.

For us, the whole point of working for platinum was to use the room/suite upgrades as we often stay 5 days and with all 4 (room/suite upgrades). Cut that in half (2 suite upgrades only) and that is pretty uninspiring.

We've had very good success with room upgrades / suite upgrades with Hilton. In one case we had a 6 week engagement and had the same suite the whole time. At minimum we get concierge level and lounge access. We are Hyatt diamond as well and have had no trouble with upgrades at the corporate rate.

I know - I'm just b*tching. But I am totally disappointed. We'll be spending a lot of time in Seattle in the next few months and I was really jazzed about staying at the Fairmont - now I'm just annoyed.

I see where you're coming from.

As a top tier member, I don't see Fairmont treats us better than, say, someone who booked the same room as the same rate using Amex FHR or Virtuoso. They would get room upgrade based on availability at check-in. But a Fairmont Plat member won't, unless he uses an upgrade cert, or at reception staff is extra nice.

Other loyalty programs don't have room upgrade certs. Why? They don't need them. A top tier member will automatically get a room upgrade, in some cases, the best room or suite available.

A Fairmont Plat member doesn't even get free lounge access or free breakfast.

And staying at a Fairmont only gives one measly 1000 airline points per stay. At least at Hilton, Hyatt, or SPG etc, you would get some hotel points goo for future fee room or suite.

If I were you, I don't be putting my money on the Fairmont loyalty program. I would spend my nights in a loyalty program that rewards me better.

If Amex Cent card didn't comp me Fairmont Plat, I won't be one for sure.

As a traditional qualifier staying 30 nights.. I would agree with Jarusoba.. I'm not treated any better than someone who walks off the street necessarily with room upgrades, breakfast, lounge access, etc. With early recognition kits gone, for the years we can't double qualify for platinum, means we'll be looking at non-traditional methods of qualifying for platinum, or not frequenting Fairmonts as much.

I think in the near future, Four Seasons is coming up on our list pretty high for us with no qualification Virtuoso offerings (speaking with my wife over the weekend).. or just doing Fairmonts on non-elite levels, unless Plat5 remains available for AMEX. Still good value for Fairmont, don't get me wrong.. why be loyal and traditionally qualify for status and stay 69 nights like we do? Unless FPC have an unwritten code with hotels leaving my suite upgrades untouched within the profile, I can't see us double qualifying platinum.. but the Plat5, virtuoso, www.perfectescapes.com, AMEX FHR.. are all excellent programs.. and you don't have to be loyal at all to Fairmont to get these! I think we'll enjoy Fairmont, and other hotels too.. start splitting up our stays.

Plus, no Fairmont in Disney World.. we just did 21 nights in Florida over Christmas break.. So I think Flyer Talk will have me roaming around researching another Brand pretty quick.. and enjoying Fairmont less frequently.. it looks anyway..

I think in the near future, Four Seasons is coming up on our list pretty high for us with no qualification Virtuoso offerings

For Four Seasons, use Four Seasons Preferred Partners to book. They usually have more property choices and (maybe) higher upgrade priority.

For Four Seasons, use Four Seasons Preferred Partners to book. They usually have more property choices and (maybe) higher upgrade priority.

Is preferred partners Virtuoso? I guess in a sense Virtuoso is a preferred partner, and there can be other preferred partners other than Virtuoso.

I've got traditional employee connections.. so a line on those types of rates as well on an ongoing basis.. I noticed that suites on F and F rates are sometimes only $30 more per night (i.e. Fairmont Dallas, and Fairmont Newport Beach).. so definitely no effect getting a suite at select hotels. A suite at Kea Lani Friends and Family is quite affordable as well. Really no need to qualify for elite levels.. enjoy Fairmont and other hotels without having to be loyal seems pretty good to me. Jarusoba, a bit out there paying $2,500 a year though for Amex Centurion.. How many hotel nights do you stay per year?

Is preferred partners Virtuoso? I guess in a sense Virtuoso is a preferred partner, and there can be other preferred partners other than Virtuoso.

I've got traditional employee connections.. so a line on those types of rates as well on an ongoing basis.. I noticed that suites on F and F rates are sometimes only $30 more per night (i.e. Fairmont Dallas, and Fairmont Newport Beach).. so definitely no effect getting a suite at select hotels. A suite at Kea Lani Friends and Family is quite affordable as well. Really no need to qualify for elite levels.. enjoy Fairmont and other hotels without having to be loyal seems pretty good to me. Jarusoba, a bit out there paying $2,500 a year though for Amex Centurion.. How many hotel nights do you stay per year?
4S preferred partners are not Virtuoso. Although most of them are Virtuoso agents too but the converse is not true. I suggest you do a search in the Luxury Hotels FT forum.

We usually do about 90 nights away from home in a year, either in a hotel, or onboard an airplane.:eek:

4S preferred partners are not Virtuoso. Although most of them are Virtuoso agents too but the converse is not true. I suggest you do a search in the Luxury Hotels FT forum.

We usually do about 90 nights away from home in a year, either in a hotel, or onboard an airplane.:eek:

Ok.. that's why Amex Centurion benefits are a must have if travelling to the extent you do Jarusoba.. I can see myself if we're travelling around the world, wanting to access such benefits.. so basically costs about $30 of travel is actually not bad..

Thanks for the preferred partner clarification.. I've also been to the luxury hotel forum to check things out.. having visited Four Seasons Hualalai and Maui.. and besides having some of the best meals in our lives there.. they do everything first class.. every detail is amazingly sown into place, and the service isn't rough around the edges, or missing a note. Truly trips of a lifetime await staying at Four Seasons Hualalai and Maui. Fairmont has played an important role in our memories for the past 8 years.. so glad to have been involved with Fairmont.. although it seems a downward pattern is happening as we travel to more and more places.

As a traditional qualifier staying 30 nights.. I would agree with Jarusoba.. I'm not treated any better than someone who walks off the street necessarily with room upgrades, breakfast, lounge access, etc. With early recognition kits gone, for the years we can't double qualify for platinum, means we'll be looking at non-traditional methods of qualifying for platinum, or not frequenting Fairmonts as much.

I think in the near future, Four Seasons is coming up on our list pretty high for us with no qualification Virtuoso offerings (speaking with my wife over the weekend).. or just doing Fairmonts on non-elite levels, unless Plat5 remains available for AMEX. Still good value for Fairmont, don't get me wrong.. why be loyal and traditionally qualify for status and stay 69 nights like we do? Unless FPC have an unwritten code with hotels leaving my suite upgrades untouched within the profile, I can't see us double qualifying platinum.. but the Plat5, virtuoso, www.perfectescapes.com, AMEX FHR.. are all excellent programs.. and you don't have to be loyal at all to Fairmont to get these! I think we'll enjoy Fairmont, and other hotels too.. start splitting up our stays.

Plus, no Fairmont in Disney World.. we just did 21 nights in Florida over Christmas break.. So I think Flyer Talk will have me roaming around researching another Brand pretty quick.. and enjoying Fairmont less frequently.. it looks anyway..

FPC Premier is very competitive relative to other hotel programs. No other loyalty program that I'm aware offers confirmed suite upgrades on 5 stays a year. The 3rd night free is also very handy as its good off virtually any rate.

FPC Plat is a bit less competitive relative to other programs, but Fairmont think's there a class above traditional business hotels (and in some cases are), so perhaps they figure they can get a way with offering less.

Fairmont is the only brand I'm currently loyal to, everything else is lowest available rate usually off Priceline or Hotwire. I like Fairmont because of their suburb properties, many of which are old railway hotels which I love. The generic 4* business hotels are very easy to get off Priceline for cheap (think many Hilton/Hyatt/SPG properties), if you can live with standard rooms the savings will almost always be worth it. If you really need the extra space of a suite, than it might be a better deal to be loyal to a few brands.

FPC Premier is very competitive relative to other hotel programs. No other loyalty program that I'm aware offers confirmed suite upgrades on 5 stays a year. The 3rd night free is also very handy as its good off virtually any rate.

FPC Plat is a bit less competitive relative to other programs, but Fairmont think's there a class above traditional business hotels (and in some cases are), so perhaps they figure they can get a way with offering less.

Fairmont is the only brand I'm currently loyal to, everything else is lowest available rate usually off Priceline or Hotwire. I like Fairmont because of their suburb properties, many of which are old railway hotels which I love. The generic 4* business hotels are very easy to get off Priceline for cheap (think many Hilton/Hyatt/SPG properties), if you can live with standard rooms the savings will almost always be worth it. If you really need the extra space of a suite, than it might be a better deal to be loyal to a few brands.

You're right.. qualifying 10 nights is easy enough to maintain.. over two profiles as well.. in fact over two profiles and 20 nights, you get extra night free (based on paid two nights), and equal amount of certs.

With the Passions for Platinum, I guess the 4 selections add up to average that free night.. but you have to qualify 30 nights to get that. So I guess in a sense that evens out.

I think Premier may be easy enough to maintain at 10 nights per year. Friends and Family rates will help to draw us back to Fairmonts a few times during the year for sure.. coupled with Preferred Partners, www.perfectescapes.com, definitely a possibility.^

I'm surprised that Platinum desk is clamping down on upgrades to corporate rates.. Last I've heard corporate rates isn't that much of a discount. I heard that Fairmont doesn't want employees booking friends and family rates to corporations.. that is a big no no. So it must be that Fairmont sees corporation business as a complete non-starter to give credit to personal rewards.. which is exactly what FPC does.

The FPC program is favorable towards individuals.. and the decision of the leisure/personal traveller is who they are trying to give enhanced services to. Its' dog eat dog when individuals shop around and choose based on price. Fairmont seems to want to just give enough to traditional loyal members, and go after the huge market of one off here and there travellers. That's where the biggest discounts are found.

I should give terms and conditions a read.. maybe something there about FPC credit and corporate rates. Fairmont seems to be guarding it's corporate business with a fine tooth comb, to go the extent to denying FPC upgrades on corporate rates.

Plus, how many other chains require only 10 stays for their top tier?

10 stays gets me SPG gold which was pretty much indistinguishable from my pre-gold experience aside from the extra point per $.

I appreciate the point being made about confirmed upgrades but surely the point of being a loyal Plat FPC er is that you can hopefully receive a lot of comp upgrades. Whether I've been lucky or whether it is common I don't know but on the majority of my stays over the last 12 months I've always ended up in a far nicer room than that for which I've paid. I only had to use one of my suite upgrades all year which was a bonus.
There were some crazy rates around eg Waterfront in Vancouver for $109 , Empress in Victoria for $99 (both were offers on Fairmont website NOT NFAF ) and in both cases I was comped to really nice rooms.
This year through the AC deal you can get Plat staus for 2012-13 for just 8 room nights.
I think that is a pretty good deal for what you get in terms of free nights, upgrades, late check out , early check in and recognition which leads sometimes to comp upgrades.
For sure the benefits are not what they were a few years back ( as AM keeps telling us;)) but they don't seem to have stopped him spending weeks there each year.

I appreciate the point being made about confirmed upgrades but surely the point of being a loyal Plat FPC er is that you can hopefully receive a lot of comp upgrades. Whether I've been lucky or whether it is common I don't know but on the majority of my stays over the last 12 months I've always ended up in a far nicer room than that for which I've paid. I only had to use one of my suite upgrades all year which was a bonus.
There were some crazy rates around eg Waterfront in Vancouver for $109 , Empress in Victoria for $99 (both were offers on Fairmont website NOT NFAF ) and in both cases I was comped to really nice rooms.
This year through the AC deal you can get Plat staus for 2012-13 for just 8 room nights.
I think that is a pretty good deal for what you get in terms of free nights, upgrades, late check out , early check in and recognition which leads sometimes to comp upgrades.
For sure the benefits are not what they were a few years back ( as AM keeps telling us;)) but they don't seem to have stopped him spending weeks there each year.

To all Fters.. please don't get me wrong.. I've truly enjoyed Fairmont Hotels and hope to continue in the future. There are many places and Fairmonts in the world we haven't visited. Our favorite hotel remains the Banff Springs, and our family cares greatly for the staff at each of the hotels we visit including the Hawaii properties where we know some of the employees by name (especially the Orchid).

My point is it doesn't make much sense to traditionally qualify anymore for the program. Mountainmike.. awesome you are able to get comped Platinum 8 nights through AC this year and get Platinum.. can you provide us a link or some info. I'm assuming that you're SE status. This is another reason for not qualifying traditionally.

I see the reasoning for Fairmont to cut platinum years ago.. hindsight is always 20/20.. so they can market their program through untraditional routes and not have to dole out say 3 free nights, 4 suite upgrades, 4 room upgrades, massage, ski ticket, and free round of golf, plus $150 of dining certs, access to willowstream spas, etc. The program is designed to take advantage of AMEX, centurion, AC SE, etc. Its a business and balancing act.. and Fairmont has done a great job attracting customers from other sources. Nothing personal.. just business. I'm good with that.

This year through the AC deal you can get Plat staus for 2012-13 for just 8 room nights.

Are you sure about the 8 nights for Plat status? I can only see a promo where you need 8 stays (vs. 10 stays) to get Plat status, not really an exciting promo IMO, or am I overlooking something on the AP website?

I should have said a minimum of 8 nights ie 8 X 1 night stays = 8 stays. I appreciate not everyone would like to stay for just a night but I found it beneficial when staying at YVR - which I do a fair bit especially as when I also book another room if I am travelling with other family members I get that night also credited to my account (as I pay for it). So not everyone could or indeed would want to get plat status this way but it works for me.
The deal with AC was for E and SE - just as well as I'm only a lowly E ;)
see below:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1179889-fast-track-fairmont-premier-platinum-status-ac-elites.html

I should have said a minimum of 8 nights ie 8 X 1 night stays = 8 stays. I appreciate not everyone would like to stay for just a night but I found it beneficial when staying at YVR - which I do a fair bit especially as when I also book another room if I am travelling with other family members I get that night also credited to my account (as I pay for it). So not everyone could or indeed would want to get plat status this way but it works for me.
The deal with AC was for E and SE - just as well as I'm only a lowly E ;)
see below:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairmont-presidents-club/1179889-fast-track-fairmont-premier-platinum-status-ac-elites.html

Thank´s, I´m aware of that thread as I originally posted it. :p ;)

I agree Vancouver is great for a bit of "hotel hopping"/mattress runs. Last year I stayed at the Waterfront for one night and then moved to the Pacific Rim for the rest of my stay (which was sold out the first night), the taxi driver was not very happy when I told him to take me to the Pacific Rim.:D (though he did get a 50% tip that day...)

I am pretty sure the PacRim BMW would have picked you up. Or if weather was clear you could have walked and had the bellhop transfer your luggage.

I am pretty sure the PacRim BMW would have picked you up. Or if weather was clear you could have walked and had the bellhop transfer your luggage.

I´m sure the hotel could have arranged something, but in this case it was the easiest option just go down to the lobby when I was ready, drop off the keycard and catch one of those taxis waiting around. Fare was something like $3.xx, gave him $5, no calls, no waiting etc..

Getting the hotel involved probably would have been more hassle and more expensive (in terms of tips)

Update on the upgrading on a corporate rate....
We got a very cordial email that I still haven't quite made sense of yet. It basically said that we misunderstood and with our corporate rate we were already booked in a deluxe room. Therefore the only upgrade could be a suite upgrade.
Which begs the question - if that is the case why is this the first time that we've ever been given a deluxe room since we've always paid the same corporate rate? Not complaining here - just confused. :confused: Is it that the corporate rate + Platinum = deluxe room? I didn't think it worked that way.

So in the end we have a very nice deluxe room - by far the largest we've had staying in any Fairmont. I'm still not convinced staying in a Fairmont I'm not overly fond of (Dallas for example) is worth it just to chase status. However, when in Seattle or San Francisco Fairmont will always be my first choice.

Update on the upgrading on a corporate rate....
We got a very cordial email that I still haven't quite made sense of yet. It basically said that we misunderstood and with our corporate rate we were already booked in a deluxe room. Therefore the only upgrade could be a suite upgrade.
Which begs the question - if that is the case why is this the first time that we've ever been given a deluxe room since we've always paid the same corporate rate? Not complaining here - just confused. :confused: Is it that the corporate rate + Platinum = deluxe room? I didn't think it worked that way.

So in the end we have a very nice deluxe room - by far the largest we've had staying in any Fairmont. I'm still not convinced staying in a Fairmont I'm not overly fond of (Dallas for example) is worth it just to chase status. However, when in Seattle or San Francisco Fairmont will always be my first choice.

Subject to recent changes in rules, a suite upgrade is upgraded from the Fairmont room category. So if you booked a deluxe room, it wouldn't have qualified.. Fairmont used to be sticky about this requirement.. in order to upgrade to a suite, the Fairmont category room must be available and not sold out.. of course you can ask the hotel whether they will make this exception or not.

I'm glad it worked out and you felt you've received value for the purchase. The clarification of whether one can upgrade from a corporate rate remains in question. FPC is designed for personal travel enhancements, and not meant for corporate travel.

My point is it doesn't make much sense to traditionally qualify anymore for the program. Mountainmike.. awesome you are able to get comped Platinum 8 nights through AC this year and get Platinum.. can you provide us a link or some info. I'm assuming that you're SE status. This is another reason for not qualifying traditionally.


When there ready to sell Plat for $1500 for a "life time" (however long that turns out to be), I think it says they don't consider it to be very valuable. Moreover, it just makes the people who actually qualify the regular way look like suckers.

Subject to recent changes in rules, a suite upgrade is upgraded from the Fairmont room category. So if you booked a deluxe room, it wouldn't have qualified.. Fairmont used to be sticky about this requirement.. in order to upgrade to a suite, the Fairmont category room must be available and not sold out.. of course you can ask the hotel whether they will make this exception or not.

What recent changes to rules?

I´m not aware of any rule that would require booking a Fairmont room in order to upgrade to a suite, in fact you can book the highest room category and still upgrade to a (junior) suite, the hotel will be more than happy about the additional revenue (in this case the value of using a suite upgrad cert obviously isn´t that large).

The requirement to book a Fairmont room only applies when using a free night / 3rd night free cert.

What recent changes to rules?

I´m not aware of any rule that would require booking a Fairmont room in order to upgrade to a suite, in fact you can book the highest room category and still upgrade to a (junior) suite, the hotel will be more than happy about the additional revenue (in this case the value of using a suite upgrad cert obviously isn´t that large).

The requirement to book a Fairmont room only applies when using a free night / 3rd night free cert.

I'll have to read up on the latest rules on suite upgrades.. for many years the Fairmont room category has to be available in order to use a platinum suite upgrade..

I know this was the case when I booked for Kea Lani this year, they required for me to book a Fairmont Suite to upgrade using the certificate, but the Fairmont Suite wasn't available. Finally, found the Fairmont Suite category and I was able to conduct an upgrade utilizing the Suite Upgrade Certificate.

Certificate Rules for March 1st, 2011 FPC programme.

https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess

I guess the Fairmont room category doesn't apply to room upgrade certs, or suite upgrade certs. So more flexibility.

The free night cert for Platinum and 3rd night free certificate entitles the member to a Fairmont room and tax.

When there ready to sell Plat for $1500 for a "life time" (however long that turns out to be), I think it says they don't consider it to be very valuable. Moreover, it just makes the people who actually qualify the regular way look like suckers.

I don't think they were "ready to sell" platinum for lifetime for this amount (if you are referring to the living social "deal" that occurred last week) It was apparently a miscommunication on the part of the hotel, or livingsocial. Was never intended to be lifetime, was meant to be an annual offer in conjunction with an expensive one night stay in the second to top suite. Other than resort home ownership, I don't believe FPC offers a liftetime status level.

When there ready to sell Plat for $1500 for a "life time" (however long that turns out to be), I think it says they don't consider it to be very valuable. Moreover, it just makes the people who actually qualify the regular way look like suckers.

I agree.. and even subtracting the Living Social deal.. with all of the deals available to the general public, and early accelerated qualification.. there is a little bit of that sucker sentiment on those who traditionally qualify Platinum based on 30 nights (talking about myself of course).

We like Fairmonts, and its service.. seems suite upgrades don't get redeemed at the hotels we stay at all the time.. and keeps us coming back.. hopefully that continues. We'll be able to continue on one profile, and maybe keep another profile premier traditionally qualified in the foreseeable future.

Currently shopping AMEX, and researching the AMEX portion of FT to see if we can pick up a Platinum card, so that we can maintain two platinum profiles for next year.. as for traditionally qualifying both profiles, simply not going to happen as we're planning to visit places without Fairmonts.

Subject to recent changes in rules, a suite upgrade is upgraded from the Fairmont room category. So if you booked a deluxe room, it wouldn't have qualified...

That is not what was indicated by the Platinum line. I was told I could use a suite upgrade in this situation but not a room upgrade because we were already in a deluxe room.

That is not what was indicated by the Platinum line. I was told I could use a suite upgrade in this situation but not a room upgrade because we were already in a deluxe room.

Yeah, I'm wrong.. it did change.. I guess for years, I'm used to upgrading from the Fairmont category for a suite but apparently now they've changed the rules so that you can upgrade your room from a category to a hotel designated suite category.. which explains my recent booking to Ocean Front Suite at Fairmont Orchid.

I'm reading terms and conditions, and there's nothing preventing an upgrade from deluxe room to the next category.. but as Jasper2009 stated, you should be able to upgrade from the highest room category to the lowest suite category. I see that T&C changed for room upgrades as well.. as room upgrade is not applicable to suites now.

For reference.. following is T&C certificate use from limited access

Room Upgrade Certificate
Members can redeem a complimentary room upgrade when staying at any Fairmont hotel or resort*.
Subject to availability at time of reservation. Certificates cannot be redeemed on the dates listed to the left. Members are upgraded from the room category purchased to the next available room category, excluding Fairmont Gold. Not applicable for Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Cannot be used as credit towards Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Not applicable for Suites. One certificate redeemable per stay. Cannot exceed a stay of five nights. Cannot be redeemed without advance notice to Fairmont President’s Club concierge at time of reservation, phone number provided on back of certificate. Original certificate must be presented at Front Desk at time of check-in. In the event that original certificates are not provided, additional charges relating to the certificate may apply. Premier certificate is non-transferable. Platinum certificate is transferable only to immediate family meaning: parent, adult child, spouse (including common law) and siblings. Certificate is non-refundable if lost, stolen or destroyed. Certificate has no cash surrender value. Certificate cannot be used prior to March 01, 2011 and expires on February 29, 2012. Please see below for additional Certificate Terms and Conditions that may apply.

*Certificate is not applicable at:
Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
The Fairmont Royal Pavillion


Suite Upgrade Certificate
Members can redeem a complimentary room upgrade when staying at any Fairmont hotel or resort*. One certificate is redeemable per five nights of stay. Subject to availability at time of reservation. Certificates cannot be redeemed on the dates listed to the left. Members are upgraded from the room category purchased to the hotel’s designated Suite category. Applicable from Fairmont room category and above. Not applicable for Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Cannot be used as credit towards Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Not applicable for specialty Suites or multi-unit Suites. One certificate redeemable per stay. Cannot exceed a stay of five nights. Cannot be redeemed without advance notice to Fairmont President’s Club concierge at time of reservation, phone number provided on back of certificate. Original certificate must be presented at Front Desk at time of check-in. In the event that original certificates are not provided, additional charges relating to the certificate may apply. Premier certificate is non-transferable, Platinum certificate is transferable only to immediate family meaning: parent, adult child, spouse (including common law) and siblings. Certificate is non-refundable if lost, stolen or destroyed. Certificate has no cash surrender value. Certificate cannot be used prior to March 01, 2011 and expires on February 29,2012. Please see below for additional Certificate Terms and Conditions that may apply.

*Certificate is not applicable at:
Fairmont Tremblant
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
The Plaza
Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello

The suite upgrade certificate at Fairmont Pacific Rim is only available for the:

Harbour View Suite
Harbour Mountain View Suite

The suite upgrade certificate at The Fairmont Kea Lani is not applicable to:

Signature Suites and above

https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess

That is not what was indicated by the Platinum line. I was told I could use a suite upgrade in this situation but not a room upgrade because we were already in a deluxe room.

If there isn't a non-suite category above Deluxe in this hotel, you don't have anywhere to upgrade into. Typically when I've upgraded using "room upgrade" cert, it's from Fairmont room to Deluxe room. Can't think of anytime I've "room upgraded" from a Deluxe room.

I re-read bsbdewd posts and can't seem to find which hotel he was staying at. If we knew, we could look up the hotel he stayed at and see if there is a higher room category.

Too bad T&C limited access room upgrade doesn't allow room upgrade from highest room level to lowest level suite. I know that the room upgrade from third parties will allow this upgrade this to happen. Just another bit of irritation with the FPC program.. but I guess, one could look for guaranteed upgrade off a third party site, call the hotel and get a suite by quoting third party upgrade.. but based on T&C you can't upgrade using your suite cert of room upgrade cert for a better room category after third party site guaranteed upgrade is applied..

Too bad T&C limited acess room upgrade doesn't allow room upgrade from highest room level to lowest level suite. I know that the room upgrade from third parties will allow this upgrade this to happen. Just another bit of irritation with the FPC program.. but I guess, one could look for guaranteed upgrade off a third party site, call the hotel and get a suite by quoting third party upgrade.. but based on T&C you can't upgrade using your suite cert of room upgrade cert for a better room category after third party site guaranteed upgrade is applied..

Not quite accurate in my experience:

- Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/Signature etc. will only provide a one-category upgrade (not room upgrade) at time of check-in based on availability whi,le room/suite upgrade certs can confirmed anytime
- only a few properties offer confirmed one-category upgrades at time of booking, and this isn´t a permanent benefit, but rather a promo hotels can decide to offer each year (don´t have the exact figures, but I´d estimate only about 5% of the Virtuoso properties offer confirmed upgrades at time of booking)
- there may be an issue with using a room upgrade cert after getting a confirmed one-category upgrade (which would result in a two-category upgrade), however it´s definitely possible to use a suite upgrade cert (e.g. book Fairmont room, get confirmed upgrade to Deluxe room, use suite upgrade cert to upgrade to suite)

To summarize the above points: You can definitely use room/suite upgrade certs when booking a Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/Signature etc. rate, but the upgrades are not "§stackable" most of the time (though it has happened to me, each hotels seems to have a slightly different policy)

What recent changes to rules?

... in fact you can book the highest room category and still upgrade to a (junior) suite, the hotel will be more than happy about the additional revenue (in this case the value of using a suite upgrad cert obviously isn´t that large).


Not quite accurate in my experience:

- Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/Signature etc. will only provide a one-category upgrade (not room upgrade) at time of check-in based on availability whi,le room/suite upgrade certs can confirmed anytime
- only a few properties offer confirmed one-category upgrades at time of booking, and this isn´t a permanent benefit, but rather a promo hotels can decide to offer each year (don´t have the exact figures, but I´d estimate only about 5% of the Virtuoso properties offer confirmed upgrades at time of booking)
- there may be an issue with using a room upgrade cert after getting a confirmed one-category upgrade (which would result in a two-category upgrade), however it´s definitely possible to use a suite upgrade cert (e.g. book Fairmont room, get confirmed upgrade to Deluxe room, use suite upgrade cert to upgrade to suite)

To summarize the above points: You can definitely use room/suite upgrade certs when booking a Virtuoso/AMEX FHR/Signature etc. rate, but the upgrades are not "§stackable" most of the time (though it has happened to me, each hotels seems to have a slightly different policy)

https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess

"Room Upgrade Certificate
Members can redeem a complimentary room upgrade when staying at any Fairmont hotel or resort*.
Subject to availability at time of reservation. Certificates cannot be redeemed on the dates listed to the left. Members are upgraded from the room category purchased to the next available room category, excluding Fairmont Gold. Not applicable for Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Cannot be used as credit towards Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Not applicable for Suites. One certificate redeemable per stay. Cannot exceed a stay of five nights. Cannot be redeemed without advance notice to Fairmont President’s Club concierge at time of reservation, phone number provided on back of certificate. Original certificate must be presented at Front Desk at time of check-in. In the event that original certificates are not provided, additional charges relating to the certificate may apply. Premier certificate is non-transferable. Platinum certificate is transferable only to immediate family meaning: parent, adult child, spouse (including common law) and siblings. Certificate is non-refundable if lost, stolen or destroyed. Certificate has no cash surrender value. Certificate cannot be used prior to March 01, 2011 and expires on February 29, 2012. Please see below for additional Certificate Terms and Conditions that may apply.

*Certificate is not applicable at:
Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello
The Fairmont Royal Pavillion"

My point is that per limited access T&C, you can't upgrade from the highest room category, to the lowest suite category of the hotel with an FPC certificate.. Not applicable for Suites. but you can with a guaranteed room upgrade offered by a third party website/travel agent.

For example:
www.perfectescapes.com offers free guaranteed upgrade for Fairmont Orchid. Book Ocean Front Room, and you get guaranteed booked Garden View Suite.

https://www.fairmont.com/EN_FA/FPC/LimitedAccess

"Suite Upgrade Certificate
Members can redeem a complimentary room upgrade when staying at any Fairmont hotel or resort*. One certificate is redeemable per five nights of stay. Subject to availability at time of reservation. Certificates cannot be redeemed on the dates listed to the left. Members are upgraded from the room category purchased to the hotel’s designated Suite category. Applicable from Fairmont room category and above. Not applicable for Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Cannot be used as credit towards Fairmont Gold Rooms or Suites. Not applicable for specialty Suites or multi-unit Suites. One certificate redeemable per stay. Cannot exceed a stay of five nights. Cannot be redeemed without advance notice to Fairmont President’s Club concierge at time of reservation, phone number provided on back of certificate. Original certificate must be presented at Front Desk at time of check-in. In the event that original certificates are not provided, additional charges relating to the certificate may apply. Premier certificate is non-transferable, Platinum certificate is transferable only to immediate family meaning: parent, adult child, spouse (including common law) and siblings. Certificate is non-refundable if lost, stolen or destroyed. Certificate has no cash surrender value. Certificate cannot be used prior to March 01, 2011 and expires on February 29,2012. Please see below for additional Certificate Terms and Conditions that may apply.

*Certificate is not applicable at:
Fairmont Tremblant
The Fairmont Vancouver Airport
The Fairmont Royal Pavilion
The Plaza
Kenauk at Fairmont Le Chateau Montebello

The suite upgrade certificate at Fairmont Pacific Rim is only available for the:

Harbour View Suite
Harbour Mountain View Suite

The suite upgrade certificate at The Fairmont Kea Lani is not applicable to:

Signature Suites and above"

My point with the suites.. it seems room and suite is distinct.. meaning you can upgrade from a room category to a suite, but leaves questionable if you can upgrade from a suite to a suite.. Members are upgraded from the room category purchased to the hotel’s designated Suite category. Although, at the Fairmont Kea Lani, for upcoming Spring Break I was able to upgrade from a Fairmont Suite, to Partial Ocean View.. and apply a third party website upgrade (applied a check-in) for a guaranteed Ocean View.

While I agree that the FPC room certs are not stackable, it seems hotels may make an exception to combine FPC room/suite u/g certs with third party room/suite upgrades at times, per Jasper2009's experience.

I re-read bsbdewd posts and can't seem to find which hotel he was staying at. If we knew, we could look up the hotel he stayed at and see if there is a higher room category.

Too bad T&C limited access room upgrade doesn't allow room upgrade from highest room level to lowest level suite. I know that the room upgrade from third parties will allow this upgrade this to happen. Just another bit of irritation with the FPC program.. but I guess, one could look for guaranteed upgrade off a third party site, call the hotel and get a suite by quoting third party upgrade.. but based on T&C you can't upgrade using your suite cert of room upgrade cert for a better room category after third party site guaranteed upgrade is applied..

We're at the Fairmont Seattle. I'm a she btw :)

Hi! I've selected the Fairmont as my hotel of choice during my current business travels and have accumulated 24 nights since the beginning of the year. I will most likely reach 30 before the end of March.

The reason I chose the Fairmont was the fact that I thought I'd be able to earn Platinum level as well as a good number of free room nights by the end of the year.

Now it seems as though the Platinum level would only be awarded in 2012. Also, as stated earlier in this thread, I would not be earning extra nights for every 10 nights in 2011.

My questions simply is: What is the point? Why should I stay any more nights this year after reaching platinum?

I'm a bit upset as I could have just as easily stayed at a different hotel and the PC was the primary reason for my selection.

Hi! I've selected the Fairmont as my hotel of choice during my current business travels and have accumulated 24 nights since the beginning of the year. I will most likely reach 30 before the end of March.

The reason I chose the Fairmont was the fact that I thought I'd be able to earn Platinum level as well as a good number of free room nights by the end of the year.

Now it seems as though the Platinum level would only be awarded in 2012. Also, as stated earlier in this thread, I would not be earning extra nights for every 10 nights in 2011.

My questions simply is: What is the point? Why should I stay any more nights this year after reaching platinum?

I'm a bit upset as I could have just as easily stayed at a different hotel and the PC was the primary reason for my selection.

Welcome to Flyertalk! :)

The program changes from one day to another are indeed annoying, however I´d definitely recommend contacting FPC and ask for FPC Plat early recognizion:

1) include the info how many nights you stayed in 2011 already (24 in two months is quite impressive and should be among the top 1% if there´s a ranking)
2) let them know that Plat early recognizion was one major incentive in staying at Fairmont hotels that often
3) politely ask if they´d be able to give you early recognizion after crossing 30 nights with all the associated benefits (someone else mentioned they´re still doing "early recognizion", but without all the upgrades/free nights, so make sure to ask for the full benefits)
4) point out how many nights you´re planning to stay at Fairmonts this year (incl. a note that you don´t see any reason to stay at Fairmonts without the Plat benefits)

I´d say your chances should be pretty good, Fairmont has been quite reasonable in making deals when you offer them a fair amount of business in return.

(If this fails and you stay at the same property all the time, you could also get the GM involved)

Good luck!

Welcome to Flyertalk! :)

The program changes from one day to another are indeed annoying, however I´d definitely recommend contacting FPC and ask for FPC Plat early recognizion:

1) include the info how many nights you stayed in 2011 already (24 in two months is quite impressive and should be among the top 1% if there´s a ranking)
2) let them know that Plat early recognizion was one major incentive in staying at Fairmont hotels that often
3) politely ask if they´d be able to give you early recognizion after crossing 30 nights with all the associated benefits (someone else mentioned they´re still doing "early recognizion", but without all the upgrades/free nights, so make sure to ask for the full benefits)
4) point out how many nights you´re planning to stay at Fairmonts this year (incl. a note that you don´t see any reason to stay at Fairmonts without the Plat benefits)

I´d say your chances should be pretty good, Fairmont has been quite reasonable in making deals when you offer them a fair amount of business in return.

(If this fails and you stay at the same property all the time, you could also get the GM involved)

Good luck!

Can you get yourself an Amex Plat card? That way I think you'll qualify for instant recognition after 5 nights' stay.

We're at the Fairmont Seattle. I'm a she btw :)

I apologize. :)

Hi! I've selected the Fairmont as my hotel of choice during my current business travels and have accumulated 24 nights since the beginning of the year. I will most likely reach 30 before the end of March.

The reason I chose the Fairmont was the fact that I thought I'd be able to earn Platinum level as well as a good number of free room nights by the end of the year.

Now it seems as though the Platinum level would only be awarded in 2012. Also, as stated earlier in this thread, I would not be earning extra nights for every 10 nights in 2011.

My questions simply is: What is the point? Why should I stay any more nights this year after reaching platinum?

I'm a bit upset as I could have just as easily stayed at a different hotel and the PC was the primary reason for my selection.

I agree with.. call in and explain your situation.. Fairmont President's Club has the power to make a status upgrade exception.

I'm trying to decide on the 4 selections for this year and I'm having a hard time choosing because I don't know what Fairmont Moments are typically like or cost. The Fairmont Site shows 2011's are there yet and I did a google and FT search and didn't find many examples from 2011.

Can someone help me out and post a couple of past examples of what Fairmont Monents are and what they typically cost?

$100 off $200-$300 is certainly much different that $100 of $1000 :)

I am probably going to wait until summer to choose.

I am probably going to wait until summer to choose.

You're not going to want to wait that long....

Members will have from March 1, 2011 through until May 31, 2011 to select their benefits. All benefit selections must be completed by May 31, 2011. After this time, benefit selections will be closed for the year.

You're not going to want to wait that long....

Thanks Shenanigans for pointing this out! Ladies and Gentlemen, pick 'em or lose 'em.:cool:

Curious.. what's everyone selecting?

Can someone help me out and post a couple of past examples of what Fairmont Monents are and what they typically cost?

$100 off $200-$300 is certainly much different that $100 of $1000 :)

These things are typically big dollars ... I think cheapest one was about $1500 and some significantly more

These things are typically big dollars ... I think cheapest one was about $1500 and some significantly more

I did a Fairmont Moments last year.. and it was third party reservation. Basically, Platinum desk told me it was a Fairmont package and had to be booked through a 3rd party. The worst reservation we've had in a long time..

So to answer your question.. the package was quite affordable, and we ended up with most of the inclusions. $750 for a two nighter, that included Friday reception, Breakfasts, Saturday lunch, Saturday Gala Dinner, Sunday Brunch.. The Calgary Philharmonic put on 5 show/classes.. two of those classes they brought in experts talking about the Stradivarius (my wife is a violinist). Package inclusions included room, meals, and valet parking.

I noticed that they have the same package this year, but is not a Fairmont Moments and double the price for the weekend about $1,400.. We'll be maybe doing a trip to Vancouver and area instead.. All other Fairmont Moment Packages last year I noticed was around $1,500 and up.. to $5,000. So, yes its a big ticket item, and I don't know if there are going to be any loss leader packages offered this year. Sort of a roll of the dice if go with $100 off coupon.

I took the $100 off coupon and will hope for the best. We'll see ... they might come up with something truly special that's difficult to put together on your own.

I took the $100 off coupon and will hope for the best. We'll see ... they might come up with something truly special that's difficult to put together on your own.

Curious.. after selecting this option, what was the description on your electronic certificate in your profile?

Curious.. after selecting this option, what was the description on your electronic certificate in your profile?

Description is:

"$100 USD Fairmont Moments Savings"

Description is:

"$100 USD Fairmont Moments Savings"

So pretty targetted towards the Fairmont Moments Packages.. last time I checked, there were no Fairmont Moments Packages being promoted.


ENHANCEMENT ALERT BELOW..:eek:
__________________________________________________ _________

Eligible
Stays

Certain rates do not qualify toward tier status. Stay credit will not be awarded for contracted airline crew rates, travel industry rates, travel agent rates, tour group escort rates, complimentary rooms, and stays using award certificates

__________________________________________________ _________

The above is on all FPC profiles under Stay History. A sign for things to come?:rolleyes:

Eligible Stays

Certain rates do not qualify toward tier status. Stay credit will not be awarded for contracted airline crew rates, travel industry rates, travel agent rates, tour group escort rates, complimentary rooms, and stays using award certificates

The above is on all FPC profiles under Stay History. A sign for things to come?:rolleyes:

I'm not sure what you're trying to say... as much as many of us have had good luck getting comp nights credited as a stay, I don't think it would be unreasonable for us to not get credit considering we paid ... nothing. Am I missing something here?

I'm not sure what you're trying to say... as much as many of us have had good luck getting comp nights credited as a stay, I don't think it would be unreasonable for us to not get credit considering we paid ... nothing. Am I missing something here?

Comp nights not a big deal.. It's the stays using award certificates i.e. room upgrade, suite upgrades (maybe dining certs, Fairmont Passion certs).. basically the use of award certificates don't count toward tier status.

ENHANCEMENT ALERT BELOW..
__________________________________________________ _________

Eligible
Stays

Certain rates do not qualify toward tier status. Stay credit will not be awarded for contracted airline crew rates, travel industry rates, travel agent rates, tour group escort rates, complimentary rooms, and stays using award certificates
__________________________________________________ _________

Comp nights not a big deal.. It's the stays using award certificates i.e. room upgrade, suite upgrades (maybe dining certs, Fairmont Passion certs).. basically the use of award certificates don't count toward tier status.

ENHANCEMENT ALERT BELOW..
__________________________________________________ _________

Eligible
Stays

Certain rates do not qualify toward tier status. Stay credit will not be awarded for contracted airline crew rates, travel industry rates, travel agent rates, tour group escort rates, complimentary rooms, and stays using award certificates
__________________________________________________ _________

Yeah, the broad interpretation of that line would be the use of any award certificate would bar the tier qualification. The narrower reading would be that it would apply only to "free" award stays. I'm more inclined to lean toward the latter, but who knows.

Eligible
Stays

Certain rates do not qualify toward tier status. Stay credit will not be awarded for contracted airline crew rates, travel industry rates, travel agent rates, tour group escort rates, complimentary rooms, and stays using award certificates

This clause has been part of the T&C for some years, definite4ly nothing new, the alst part doesn´t make a huge lot of sense, my interpretation would be that any kind of award stays (Plat free nights, possibly some ovation certs etc.) don´t qualify.

IMO nothing to worry about...

This clause has been part of the T&C for some years, definite4ly nothing new, the alst part doesn´t make a huge lot of sense, my interpretation would be that any kind of award stays (Plat free nights, possibly some ovation certs etc.) don´t qualify.

IMO nothing to worry about...

The clause is what it is.. this clause wasn't part of the T&C that I could find. Its' under 'my stay history' what qualifies and what doesn't. We'll see how it plays out, and hopefully you're right.

I'm going to hold off on worrying about this being an "enhancement" for now. Not willing to get myself worked up about a possible change to a program which I enjoy.

Wow, I almost missed my certs! I got the moleskine notebook in the mail the other day, looked in the back pocket and read their little Passions blurb, and tossed it aside! I figured they were *just* sending the notebook, and the certs would come separately in a more traditional (and easy to notice) envelope. Only after reading someone's post here very closely did I realize that this year's certs were in there too!

Sure enough I dug through the back pocket and realized that this year's certs are very small. Last year's were much easier to see ;)

Fairmont, don't make it so hard for us to see these, or you're going to be spending a lot of extra money and effort sending extras out to people..

....
Only after reading someone's post here very closely did I realize that this year's certs were in there too!

Sure enough I dug through the back pocket and realized that this year's certs are very small. Last year's were much easier to see ;)

Fairmont, don't make it so hard for us to see these, or you're going to be spending a lot of extra money and effort sending extras out to people..

You were expected to anxiously wait for the package, grab it from the mailman when it arrives, closely read every piece of paper enclosed and evenutally jump up when you find the certs. :p:D

Seriously, except for the dining certs all certs can be redemmed electronically without any issues.

This clause has been part of the T&C for some years, definite4ly nothing new, the alst part doesn´t make a huge lot of sense, my interpretation would be that any kind of award stays (Plat free nights, possibly some ovation certs etc.) don´t qualify.

IMO nothing to worry about...

I've only got one Fairmont stay so far this year and it was using last year's free night cert at the Turnberry in February. On "My Stay History" it shows up as a Qualified Stay and Night.

So it looks like nothing has changed.

Got my package today. But my wife still hasn't got hers yet.

I've only got one Fairmont stay so far this year and it was using last year's free night cert at the Turnberry in February. On "My Stay History" it shows up as a Qualified Stay and Night.

So it looks like nothing has changed.

See that you're still Fairmont Plat.. Did you qualify through the Plat5 Amex promo?.. or Cdn Amex Centurion?

See that you're still Fairmont Plat.. Did you qualify through the Plat5 Amex promo?.. or Cdn Amex Centurion?

I've got an Amex Plat, but I had more than 10 stays last year anyways. I've been FPC Plat on and off over many years now, sometimes qualifying through promos, in the past through revenue, sometimes through stays/nights and a few times only making mid-tier.

You were expected to anxiously wait for the package, grab it from the mailman when it arrives, closely read every piece of paper enclosed and evenutally jump up when you find the certs. :p:D

Seriously, except for the dining certs all certs can be redemmed electronically without any issues.

Yeah, and now.. no jumping! Very disappointed, Fairmont. ;)

Yeah, and now.. no jumping! Very disappointed, Fairmont. ;)

My package arrived today.^ No jumping, but I like the new design of the Plat membership card (shiny black).

This year they included a Moleskin "book", not sure whether I´ll be able to use it.
Last year´s Moleskins were very useful. I use the different compartment to keep spare foreign money and other travel related stuff I don´t need too frequently.

I'm in no position to know whether mine has arrived or not.

It hadn't arrived prior to my departure from home yesterday for my lovely suite at the Banff Springs. I guess it'll keep for a couple more days...:)

Received my kit when I checked the mail today. Looks like the collection of Moleskin(es) continues. Sort of like a book with cover pockets with empty pages throughout. You could remove all marketing material and use it as a reference book or something. FPC clearly embossed in the front. I could see a few FPC members keeping the Moleskin around the office for 50 years or so.:)

I'm thinking that FPC will probably have a different moleskin offered next year, the way things are going.

I only stayed 3x at Fairmont last year but was pleasantly surprised this past weekend to find a moleskin book and Premier status extended to me. No explanation about how I came to obtain it.

I only stayed 3x at Fairmont last year but was pleasantly surprised this past weekend to find a moleskin book and Premier status extended to me. No explanation about how I came to obtain it.

Congrats and enjoy! :)

I guess you had some 8-9nights last year or had status the years before?

Jasper2009: 8 nights, but no prior status. I started to despair when my last employer started to face declining revenue performance (not my fault!) and cost cutting began, so I was not able to get my last two stays/nights in 2010. I am so glad that I now have status!

I loved my stays in Cairo last year. And the chain is a good alternative to SPG and Hyatt.

Jasper2009: 8 nights, but no prior status. I started to despair when my last employer started to face declining revenue performance (not my fault!) and cost cutting began, so I was not able to get my last two stays/nights in 2010. I am so glad that I now have status!

I loved my stays in Cairo last year. And the chain is a good alternative to SPG and Hyatt.

FPC has sometimes comped status when one almost qualified (8/10nights), I guess Fairmont would like to have you as a regular guest, and the comped status is a nice incentive to continue staying at Fairmont hotels (but don´t expect it to happen each year;))

Good to hear you enjoyed your Cairo stays. Haven´t been there and have no plans to go there in the near future, but there are still plenty of Fairmont hotels in the US and Canada I haven´t been to (despite being a loyal Fairmont guest). :)

My Premier kit arrived at my USA address.

My Platinum kit (I just activated LT Plat) will take another month I suspect.

Still no kit for my wife or me ... in YEG ... :(

Platinum kit arrived in YYT yesterday.

Still waiting for my kit.

Just got my Premier kit today - nicely put together package. Classy and tasteful. Air Canada could learn a thing or two from Fairmont in this regard. At least I have some luggage tags I'm willing to actually use now!

Still waiting for my Premier kit! But she told me the kit was shipped around the 15 march, so maybe this week! (Switzerland).

Do you still have your FPC number on the card? or only your name? (I saw a Premier Card and only the name was write on).

Still waiting for my Premier kit! But she told me the kit was shipped around the 15 march, so maybe this week! (Switzerland).

Do you still have your FPC number on the card? or only your name? (I saw a Premier Card and only the name was write on).

Hadn´t even noticed before, but you´re right: The new (Plat) membership card only has the member´s name on it.

Hadn´t even noticed before, but you´re right: The new (Plat) membership card only has the member´s name on it.

It's not a big deal but I like the way we are not anymore "numbers" for them! (at leat on the membership card!)

It's not a big deal but I like the way we are not anymore "numbers" for them! (at leat on the membership card!)

Still waiting on my platinum package. Hopefully I'll receive it before I leave to go on my vacation!

Still waiting on my platinum package. Hopefully I'll receive it before I leave to go on my vacation!
Me 275, def Fairmont is very late this year.

We've received both of our Platinum Kits now.

Premier kit arrived this morning!

My platinum kit came last week - name only on the tags........


..............but the most surprising thing was I didn't qualify for Platinum last year - I began it as a lowly club member, got early promotion to premier after a few stays and finished the year on 17 nights.


Most welcome though as a few stays are planned this year ;)

My platinum kit came last week - name only on the tags........


..............but the most surprising thing was I didn't qualify for Platinum last year - I began it as a lowly club member, got early promotion to premier after a few stays and finished the year on 17 nights.


Most welcome though as a few stays are planned this year ;)

Congrats! :)

Any chance you were close to having 10 stays? (i.e. FPC has occasionally granted people Plat status who had 8-9 stays)

Still waiting on my platinum package. Hopefully I'll receive it before I leave to go on my vacation!

Same here. I'd like to be able to use my dining and passions certs when I go. Plus the hotel asked me to bring my suite upgrade certs. I know they can access them electronically, but why rock the boat.

It's been a while but thanks to the suggestions and feedback from Jasper, Allvest and Ancien, FPC has granted me Platinum status for 2011 when I reached over 30 nights before the end of March. It sounded like that was the cut-off date, so if any of you are in that boat, I suggest you give them call or send them an email. Very pleased with the response and courtesy of FPC in handling this issue.

Still waiting for Premier/Platinum Kit. Was going to use some spa certificates for my wife this week, but we'll see. Maybe the hotel can check online.

Thanks again for your help!

It's been a while but thanks to the suggestions and feedback from Jasper, Allvest and Ancien, FPC has granted me Platinum status for 2011 when I reached over 30 nights before the end of March. It sounded like that was the cut-off date, so if any of you are in that boat, I suggest you give them call or send them an email. Very pleased with the response and courtesy of FPC in handling this issue.

Still waiting for Premier/Platinum Kit. Was going to use some spa certificates for my wife this week, but we'll see. Maybe the hotel can check online.

Thanks again for your help!

Congrats. Good to see you and a few other FPC members getting above board treatment. It's good they are not overlooking exceptions when it makes sense.

The deadline was a soft date.. hopefully, Fairmont's will to cut off early recognition has loosened up a bit, and more exceptions are being made.

..............but the most surprising thing was I didn't qualify for Platinum last year

I had the exact same thing happen to me. I knew I wasn't going to make Platinum last year so I didn't bother chasing down the extra nights. In the end I had 6 stays for 22 nights. While the bump up was a pleasant surprise this would be the year that I may have only my one stay in February for the whole year....such is my luck.

I received my FPC Platinum ket last week, but I had selected my 'passion' gifts' online over a month ago, and didn't receive them. Has anyone else selected gifts, not certificates, and received them. We ordered the gym bag as one of our selections.

I received my FPC Platinum ket last week, but I had selected my 'passion' gifts' online over a month ago, and didn't receive them. Has anyone else selected gifts, not certificates, and received them. We ordered the gym bag as one of our selections.

I believe that it may take some time as FPC just recently organized the passion benefits last second. With the selections to be made before the end of May, it could be awhile. Best to phone the FPC Platinum concierge or FPC Loyalty to see what the timelines for your benefits are.

I understand the stated benefits of FPC PLT include two upgrade certificates and two suite upgrade certificates, which will allow for confirmed upgrades. I am just wondering if PLT also receive any upgrade without certificate, whether suite or just room category upgrade, at check in time if a suite or deluxe room is available. If they do provide these no certificate upgrade at check in time, how often do they happen?

I understand the stated benefits of FPC PLT include two upgrade certificates and two suite upgrade certificates, which will allow for confirmed upgrades. I am just wondering if PLT also receive any upgrade without certificate, whether suite or just room category upgrade, at check in time if a suite or deluxe room is available. If they do provide these no certificate upgrade at check in time, how often do they happen?

Comp. upgrades at check-in are not a listed benefit, officially Plats get the two room upgrade certs and two suite upgrade certs, and that´s it.

That being said, many Plats do receive comp. upgrades (mostly from a Fairmont room to a better room, very rarely to to a suite) every now and then, though there are Plats who have reported to have never ever received a comp. upgrade.

IME it very much depends on which hotel you´re staying at, whether you stay at that hotel on a regular basis etc.

I made a post about comp. upgrades here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16205021-post7.html) earlier today discussing how comp. upgrades work to the best of my knowledge, but the procedure variers from property to property.

Generally speaking, don´t expect any comp. upgrades, and when they happen, be happy.;)

Thanks for your detail analysis! Your link really gives lot of good information

Comp. upgrades at check-in are not a listed benefit, officially Plats get the two room upgrade certs and two suite upgrade certs, and that´s it.

That being said, many Plats do receive comp. upgrades (mostly from a Fairmont room to a better room, very rarely to to a suite) every now and then, though there are Plats who have reported to have never ever received a comp. upgrade.

IME it very much depends on which hotel you´re staying at, whether you stay at that hotel on a regular basis etc.

I made a post about comp. upgrades here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/16205021-post7.html) earlier today discussing how comp. upgrades work to the best of my knowledge, but the procedure variers from property to property.

Generally speaking, don´t expect any comp. upgrades, and when they happen, be happy.;)

Which is in stark contrast to Marriott platinum where I can more often than not expect a suite upgrade from the lowest room category, and at least a room upgrade at the ritz carlton.

FPC is quite uncompetitive in the way they treat their top tiers. No bfast, no lounge, no upgrades.

Rather than being "happy" if i ever get treated to an unexpected benefit at fairmont, i prefer being happy giving my business to Marriott.

Which is in stark contrast to Marriott platinum where I can more often than not expect a suite upgrade from the lowest room category, and at least a room upgrade at the ritz carlton.

FPC is quite uncompetitive in the way they treat their top tiers. No bfast, no lounge, no upgrades.

Rather than being "happy" if i ever get treated to an unexpected benefit at fairmont, i prefer being happy giving my business to Marriott.

I agree that FPC doesn´t work for everyone, and the lack of additional upgrades is one issue many aren´t too happy about.

What keeps me pretty loyal is the ability to confirm (often pretty impressive) suites for the stays I really care about.

I don´t need a suite on each stay, but knowing I´ll get a confirmed upgrade to a nice 1000sq.ft. suite with a balcony with great views on my vacation ranks pretty high in my books.

However, I´m much less happy this year as FPC eliminated the opportunity to earn additional suite upgrade certs during their yearly winter promo, and I´ll likely not spend as many nights at Fairmont hotels this year as I had originally planned...

Which is in stark contrast to Marriott platinum where I can more often than not expect a suite upgrade from the lowest room category, and at least a room upgrade at the ritz carlton.

FPC is quite uncompetitive in the way they treat their top tiers. No bfast, no lounge, no upgrades.

Rather than being "happy" if i ever get treated to an unexpected benefit at fairmont, i prefer being happy giving my business to Marriott.

But then it only takes 10 stays to be PLT with Fairmont. I don't think we're comparing apples and apples here. I love the way SPG treats its PLTs, but I love the Fairmonts I stay in regularly. Fairmont's low PLT threshold allows me to keep my SPG PLT and HH Diamond and still be top tier at Fairmont. Love it. ^

But then it only takes 10 stays to be PLT with Fairmont. I don't think we're comparing apples and apples here. I love the way SPG treats its PLTs, but I love the Fairmonts I stay in regularly. Fairmont's low PLT threshold allows me to keep my SPG PLT and HH Diamond and still be top tier at Fairmont. Love it. ^

I understand all that. But the problem remains that fpc top tier is just a very washed out benefit. Incidentally, if you have 1000 lifetime Marriott nights you retain platinum status for life.

I understand all that. But the problem remains that fpc top tier is just a very washed out benefit. Incidentally, if you have 1000 lifetime Marriott nights you retain platinum status for life.

I was wondering about that.. Hyatt Platinums become status for life after paying $200,000 basically (1,000,000 pts) and 10 years with status. Good to know that Marriott Platinum becomes become lifetime status after 1,000 nights.

Missed out on the Fairmont Platinum for Life mistake.. So I'm hoping maybe my wife and I approaching Fairmont Platinum Status for 10 years will mean something to Fairmont.

Missed out on the Fairmont Platinum for Life mistake.. So I'm hoping maybe my wife and I approaching Fairmont Platinum Status for 10 years will mean something to Fairmont.

Me too. I saw that offer that morning but I thought I have the Amex Cent card and would have Fairmont Plat anyways so I passed. But now I'm thinking of switching my Canadian Cent card to IDC Cent card which doesn't have Fairmont Platinum.

BTW, I don't think Fairmont would grant you lifetime Platinum even if you were Platinum for 20 consecutive years. But let hope so.;)

Me too. I saw that offer that morning but I thought I have the Amex Cent card and would have Fairmont Plat anyways so I passed. But now I'm thinking of switching my Canadian Cent card to IDC Cent card which doesn't have Fairmont Platinum.

BTW, I don't think Fairmont would grant you lifetime Platinum even if you were Platinum for 20 consecutive years. But let hope so.;)

Lots of pressure from other hotel chains giving out lifetime elite status.. As Fairmont experiences more competition from other loyalty programs, why not reward some of those who spent the real money and are most loyal? That would only help Fairmont solidify their market position. Otherwise, the most loyal members will end up finding themselves being rewarded at other chains..

I ended up at a Sheraton, so signed up for their program. I spent 14 nights on the Priority Clubs reward program and received 5 free nights. Its quite unique to continually be loyal to Fairmont which are far and wide pretty spread out. To the powers at Fairmont.. reward those who are most loyal, and others will follow.

I ended up at a Sheraton, so signed up for their program. I spent 14 nights on the Priority Clubs reward program and received 5 free nights.

Think you are mistaken - which one was it? Sheraton is SPG. Priority Club is ICHG.

To the powers at Fairmont.. reward those who are most loyal, and others will follow.

^ One can only hope :)

Think you are mistaken - which one was it? Sheraton is SPG. Priority Club is ICHG.

Its actually both.. Just signed up for SPG.. and Priority Club, I got the 5 free nights staying 14 paid. I guess the sentences were running into each other.@:-)

Hi,

Can I still qualify early for Premier status? I just completed 10 nights. I know this is not listed on the benefits page anymore but last time I talked to a customer rep (sometime in March) they said it's still possible to qualify early. I just checked my online profile and it is indeed showing 10 nights but still as club member. I lost my plat status this year because I didn't travel much last year! :(

Thanks!

Hi,

Can I still qualify early for Premier status? I just completed 10 nights. I know this is not listed on the benefits page anymore but last time I talked to a customer rep (sometime in March) they said it's still possible to qualify early. I just checked my online profile and it is indeed showing 10 nights but still as club member. I lost my plat status this year because I didn't travel much last year! :(

Thanks!

Call FPC loyalty desk and ask to be early qualified.. Mention that you've got 10 nights this year on your profile.. the FTers experiences here that I've read all have been early qualified thus far.

Report back your results.:)

Call FPC loyalty desk and ask to be early qualified.. Mention that you've got 10 nights this year on your profile.. the FTers experiences here that I've read all have been early qualified thus far.

Report back your results.:)

Called FPC and they posted the certificates within minutes of me putting down the phone :) Early qualification still possible!

Called FPC and they posted the certificates within minutes of me putting down the phone :) Early qualification still possible!

Early qualification has always been there.. just last year they advertised it and probably got into some legal issues.. thus everyone got extra kits even though the electronic profile didn't update with the certs..

Glad they took the advertising out.. and give out the early qualification as a generous gesture. For us, we are Platinum members pretty solid, but the odd year or so, it helps us out as well.

This feature is important to Fairmont's Loyalty Program.. I made it a point to pass it on to Director at Fairmont, and to give me a call about it.. Never got a phone call back, I'm glad.. as they've kept the feature.^

Early qualification has always been there.. just last year they advertised it and probably got into some legal issues.. thus everyone got extra kits even though the electronic profile didn't update with the certs..

Glad they took the advertising out.. and give out the early qualification as a generous gesture. For us, we are Platinum members pretty solid, but the odd year or so, it helps us out as well.

This feature is important to Fairmont's Loyalty Program.. I made it a point to pass it on to Director at Fairmont, and to give me a call about it.. Never got a phone call back, I'm glad.. as they've kept the feature.^

Maybe this has been covered already and my apologies if it has... I am a Premier member for 2011 and have accumulated 12 nights so far this calandar year. Since I am not jumping to the next membership level, does this mean I do NOT get the early qualification perk? I emailled FPC and they said I would only be getting the 2012 certificates in Feb next year.

Maybe this has been covered already and my apologies if it has... I am a Premier member for 2011 and have accumulated 12 nights so far this calandar year. Since I am not jumping to the next membership level, does this mean I do NOT get the early qualification perk? I emailled FPC and they said I would only be getting the 2012 certificates in Feb next year.

Wlecome to Flyertalk and the FPC forum! :)

That´s correct. The early qualification benefit has always only kicked in when you achieve a higher tier level. As the FPC told you, you´ll receive new certs on March 1, 2012 valid until Feb. 28, 2013.

Maybe this has been covered already and my apologies if it has... I am a Premier member for 2011 and have accumulated 12 nights so far this calandar year. Since I am not jumping to the next membership level, does this mean I do NOT get the early qualification perk? I emailled FPC and they said I would only be getting the 2012 certificates in Feb next year.

The early qualification only happens if you achieve a higher level that you are currently.. So if you qualify for Platinum, I think unofficially before Sept 30, 2011, you'll receive an early qualification kit..

Does one have to reach plat status by a certain date to qualify for Platinum "Passion" Benefits in the current year (2011)?

Does one have to reach plat status by a certain date to qualify for Platinum "Passion" Benefits in the current year (2011)?

The Passion benefits have only been introduced this year, so I guess nobody knows for sure. My guess would be that if you reach Plat status sometime this year, you won´t get the 2011 benefits, but I´d probably drop FPC a message if I were you.

Does one have to reach plat status by a certain date to qualify for Platinum "Passion" Benefits in the current year (2011)?

Originally, tentative dates were set (I think May 1st, 2011) to choose your Passions Benefits..

There have been reports here on this forum that FPC members were choosing benefits after the drop dead date..

There haven't been reports where any members have been out of luck.. yet

I really like my Adidas bag:D

I really like my Adidas bag:D

Is it pretty high quality build?..

What do you estimate the value to be if you bought it a store?

Similarly. :) Didn't expect much, but it is a decent bag, and I actually traveled to FM Olympic with it.

Mine still has the pricetag on it. $40.00

The Passion benefits have only been introduced this year, so I guess nobody knows for sure. My guess would be that if you reach Plat status sometime this year, you won´t get the 2011 benefits, but I´d probably drop FPC a message if I were you.

That seems to be the case, my wife joined FPC this year and early qualified for Plat with her Aeroplan Amex card. Once she has the nights she needed she emailed FPC and they updated her status to Plat and the regular certs posted electronically for this year to her profile. I don't see the passion benefits in her certificates like I do in my profile.

That seems to be the case, my wife joined FPC this year and early qualified for Plat with her Aeroplan Amex card. Once she has the nights she needed she emailed FPC and they updated her status to Plat and the regular certs posted electronically for this year to her profile. I don't see the passion benefits in her certificates like I do in my profile.

Interesting.. perhaps the Passion Rewards are targeted for those who traditionally qualify and those who early qualify by May 1st of the calendar year..

Its was advertised by Fairmont to choose Passion certs by May 1st, 2011, otherwise there would be inability to take advantage of choices by that date..

I find the quality of the Adidas bag to be excellent, I would rate it 4 stars out of 5! Do we get these bennies again next year and every year after that? If yes, I like it:)

I've just learned that based on my stays so far this year, and Amex usage, that I've been upgraded to Platinum. My account contains the requisite upgrades / free night / suite / dining certs good to Feb 29, 2012.

Will I also get a benefits package that will carry out to Feb 28, 2013?

I've just learned that based on my stays so far this year, and Amex usage, that I've been upgraded to Platinum. My account contains the requisite upgrades / free night / suite / dining certs good to Feb 29, 2012.

Will I also get a benefits package that will carry out to Feb 28, 2013?

Yes, you´ll get new certs on March 1, 2012 which will be valid until Feb. 28, 2013.

Very cool!

How do I use any of these certificates I see online?
I don't have a physical copy with me. I don't know when FPC will send them to me. How do I go about using the $100 food credit? Or the free night? Or the suite upgrade?

Call FPC and book one night somewhere, tell them to apply the suite upgrade to that room? And then eat somewhere in that hotel on that day, charge the meal to the room, and have the front desk apply the $100 food credit when I check out?

How do I use any of these certificates I see online?
I don't have a physical copy with me. I don't know when FPC will send them to me. How do I go about using the $100 food credit? Or the free night? Or the suite upgrade?

Call FPC and book one night somewhere, tell them to apply the suite upgrade to that room? And then eat somewhere in that hotel on that day, charge the meal to the room, and have the front desk apply the $100 food credit when I check out?

You can easily apply the free night and room/suite upgrade certs by calling FPC (or contacting the hotel directly), in fact you need to inform FPC/the hotel in advance that you want to use your certs. You can either apply the certs after making the res yourself or make the res and apply the certs at the same time.

Using the dining certs without having the actual paper certs can be an issue. Some FTers have reported being able to have the certs redeemed electronically at the restaurant or at the front desk while I can confirm that I´ve been refused to do either when I forgot my paper certs once.
I´d give it a shot asking the front desk to redeem the dining certs electronically (explaining you haven´t received your package yet), but you should be prepared that it may be an issue.

I've just learned that based on my stays so far this year, and Amex usage, that I've been upgraded to Platinum. My account contains the requisite upgrades / free night / suite / dining certs good to Feb 29, 2012.

Will I also get a benefits package that will carry out to Feb 28, 2013?

Congratulations, you have early qualified for Platinum and as a bonus, you get certificates for use for the balance of 2011 and up to February 28th, 2011..

I would use these certificates as much as possible, and redeem the suite upgrades, free night, and dining coupons.. enjoy!

You'll get another package next year that will expire February 28th, 2013..

How do I use any of these certificates I see online?
I don't have a physical copy with me. I don't know when FPC will send them to me. How do I go about using the $100 food credit? Or the free night? Or the suite upgrade?

Call FPC and book one night somewhere, tell them to apply the suite upgrade to that room? And then eat somewhere in that hotel on that day, charge the meal to the room, and have the front desk apply the $100 food credit when I check out?

You can easily apply the free night and room/suite upgrade certs by calling FPC (or contacting the hotel directly), in fact you need to inform FPC/the hotel in advance that you want to use your certs. You can either apply the certs after making the res yourself or make the res and apply the certs at the same time.

Using the dining certs without having the actual paper certs can be an issue. Some FTers have reported being able to have the certs redeemed electronically at the restaurant or at the front desk while I can confirm that I´ve been refused to do either when I forgot my paper certs once.
I´d give it a shot asking the front desk to redeem the dining certs electronically (explaining you haven´t received your package yet), but you should be prepared that it may be an issue.

I've always been asked this year by hotels we are staying at if I have a paper cert, and always I let the hotel know to redeem them online so I can keep track..

Once redeemed online, even if you have the physical certificate, it will no longer be valid..

I've never had trouble redeeming online dining certs with the front desk..

Used my free round and golf lesson this weekend at the Banff Springs really enjoyed the round. Thanks for the passions enhancements Fairmont.

I've never had trouble redeeming online dining certs with the front desk..

Do you redeem the dining certs at check in? check out? prior to eating at the hotel? charge dining to the room, and ask the front desk to use the certs?

Do you redeem the dining certs at check in? check out? prior to eating at the hotel? charge dining to the room, and ask the front desk to use the certs?

At check out..

I charge the dining to my room, and they adjust it at the end..

When you check in, they'll confirm that they can do this for you..

So! Good news for me!

I was Club Member in January, I got the Premier Member cert in March, and now I got the Platinum level with 12 stays 10 days ago, and got an email today to confirm me this.

So, I got the new cert for Platinum (valid tru feb 2012).

Thats really really good, because I will use my two suite upgrades in dec and jan. and will get new cert in march.

now one question, can i use my 150$ dinning cert. in one time?

I used $100 dining certs at one time, and then did another $100 the next day. i see no reason you can not do $150 at one time.

So! Good news for me!

I was Club Member in January, I got the Premier Member cert in March, and now I got the Platinum level with 12 stays 10 days ago, and got an email today to confirm me this.

So, I got the new cert for Platinum (valid tru feb 2012).

Thats really really good, because I will use my two suite upgrades in dec and jan. and will get new cert in march.

now one question, can i use my 150$ dinning cert. in one time?

Welcome to Flyertalk and the FPC Platinum club! :)

Shuldnblem t use both your Premier and Platinum dining certs at once. In any case I´m 100% sure you can use all your Plat dining certs at once (which I´ve done before).

Thanks Jasper!

I sent an email to Frontenac, and she comfirmed me that I can use all my cert in the same time! so all is good!

Just need to find a way to use my 2 rooms upgrade until feb!

Do you know if I will receive a kit my post for these certificates? Or I will just receive a kit with the 2012 cert?

Thanks Jasper!

I sent an email to Frontenac, and she comfirmed me that I can use all my cert in the same time! so all is good!

Just need to find a way to use my 2 rooms upgrade until feb!

Do you know if I will receive a kit my post for these certificates? Or I will just receive a kit with the 2012 cert?

Welcome to the Club!
You have not received the kit & physical certificates yet, correct? Did Frontenac tell you you can redeem all of your dining certs at the same time without the physical copies?
I'm hearing conflicting reports on this. Since I'll be staying at the Frontenac as well, it would be good to know how this hotel deal with this.

Thanks.

Welcome to the Club!
You have not received the kit & physical certificates yet, correct? Did Frontenac tell you you can redeem all of your dining certs at the same time without the physical copies?
I'm hearing conflicting reports on this. Since I'll be staying at the Frontenac as well, it would be good to know how this hotel deal with this.

Thanks.

I've used all my dining certs in 2 profiles applied to one bill this year.. all redeemed from online..

Welcome to the Club!
You have not received the kit & physical certificates yet, correct? Did Frontenac tell you you can redeem all of your dining certs at the same time without the physical copies?
I'm hearing conflicting reports on this. Since I'll be staying at the Frontenac as well, it would be good to know how this hotel deal with this.

Thanks.

So, afer i read your message yesterday, I sent an email to the "service royal" and she just confirmed me that I can use ALL my cert. without the physical copies because they can simply use the "online" cert. at checkout.

So, for me, I'm still in LOVE with this hotel and in LOVE with their customer service!

When are you going to Chateau Frontenac?

So, afer i read your message yesterday, I sent an email to the "service royal" and she just confirmed me that I can use ALL my cert. without the physical copies because they can simply use the "online" cert. at checkout.

So, for me, I'm still in LOVE with this hotel and in LOVE with their customer service!

When are you going to Chateau Frontenac?

End of Oct. I guess I'll use all of my dining certs as well. :)

So, afer i read your message yesterday, I sent an email to the "service royal" and she just confirmed me that I can use ALL my cert. without the physical copies because they can simply use the "online" cert. at checkout.

So, for me, I'm still in LOVE with this hotel and in LOVE with their customer service!

When are you going to Chateau Frontenac?

With your online certs, you have until Feb 28th to use any certificates that you wish..

You will get another set March 1st, 2012.. certs will appear online..