Other Hotel Programs - Omni Select Guest & Hilton Royal Orleans

Hello all. I've booked a last minute weekend trip (11/15-11/17) to New Orleans. I'll be staying at the Omni Royal Orleans as that seemed to me to be the best value for what I'm trying to accomplish.

After some searching about Omni Hotels on this forum, I've been unable to get my questions answered, so I decided to start a thread.

I signed up for Omni Select Guest. I've only stayed at an Omni once (D.C.) but my name wasn't on the room, so consider me totally lost. Benefits sound neat, but when I called to add my Select Guest number to the reservation...I was told that reservations made online but not through Omni are "blocked" and they can't add it. The representative - who was very friendly - suggested that I give it at check-in. I'm thinking I might be able to find an agent who will add it ahead of time. What do you think? Should I call the hotel directly? Do they have in-house reservations? (I'll probably call tomorrow).

Will I see any benefits aside from free internet and morning beverages? Previous posts have talked about upgrades, and some implied that an upgrade cert comes after the first stay...but the info is very limited. I know...an upgrade on the first stay is unheard of, but the previous posts about Omni have me questioning. It is a rather important last-minute trip for me ;)

Finally, there aren't any detailed reports of the Omni Royal Orleans. Has anyone stayed there recently? I've searched the forum, found old posts that say the hotel is great, but nothing new and nothing in very much detail.

Thanks (as always),
Chris

I was able to add my select guest number to a Priceline reservation last summer, I just emailed them and they added it without question. I got credit for the stay and a motnh afterwords got a coupon for 50% weekend rate, a room upgrade coupon and a membership card.

I'm not sure I got an upgrade with it, since I was already checked in when I arrived I just had to give them my CC# and I was off to the room so I never inquired, but it can't hurt from an upgrade perspective.

I will be staying here this Friday through Monday...will report back. I as well got an excellent rate on priceline and was able to add my account number through the Omni phone number. Will report back Tuesday!!:D

check in was a breeze...and at 1 am that was a pleasant suprise. Great bellman, frontdesk, and customer service. Room was large.. restroom was small and dated. BEDS WERE HORRIBLE.

I am a member of the loyalty program. SIGN UP. you get two free beverages every morning (coffee, tea, and a huge choice of cold drinks) FOR FREEEEEE!!:D
You can also specify for how many people....great service!

I wouldnt go back to this particular hotel due to the beds. would go back to my regular hotel the W French Quarter.

Staying at the Omni Royal New Orleans on St. Louis Street and room service is simply great. Although I am so glad they have this soft music TV station on the television - I ate tooooo much and its a relaxing station.

Hotel has a terrific pool/deck on the roof and the interior chandeliers, etc. are pretty amazing.

Doesn't seem very crowded (12/29/09) but I'm sure they will get busier as 12/31/09 arrives.

Only complaint: There are very few power outlets in the room that are easily accessible.