Choice Privileges - Barceló: New point redemption option

I don't know anything about Barceló and I haven't examined the properties to know if this is a good deal or not, but Choice announced in an email I received a new redemption option.

One night at Barceló properties can be had for 10,000 points (low season) or 16,000 points (high season: December 19-1 April) plus $35/per person ($25 under 12) for the all-inclusive food & beverage service.

Reservations must be made through the Choice call center.

http://www.barcelo.com/BarceloHotels/en-GB/Choice/Barcelo-Choice

I seen this last night as well. I looked deeper into this offer in Mexico and it seems it is for some of their lower end properties. However, that said 70,000 points and $490 seems like a pretty good deal for a decent all-inclusive property in Mexico. Comparing it to 50,000 points/night for some of the Preferred Hotels puts it in a little better perspective. I'll likely take advantage of this partner offer.

I have just been doing a preliminary analysis of the Barcelo and Preferred Hotels redemption opportunities along with the 3 stays and 14,000 points promotion. I plan to post this deal on my blog tomorrow.

Looks like a good deal for me. All-inclusive hotels I checked in the Dominican Republic and Mexico looked to have rates from $150 to $200 per day for December 1-5, 2009. Two adults will need to pay 10,000 points + $70 per day for the all-inclusive meals and drinks.

10,000 points in low season now through December 18, 2009. 16,000 points in high season from Dec 19 to April 1, 2010.

Using Choice points for a Barcelo redemption is a better value than the $50 hotels gift card.

Barcelo is a Spanish chain similar to Iberostar and RIU. I was quite shocked that redemption's were only 10K (off peak) plus the $35 supplement. I found the supplement a bit odd, but it is what it is.

Not all Barcelo's are participating.

Wirelessly posted (FlyerTalk.com/wap is fun : BlackBerry9630/4.7.1.40 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/105)

This actually seems like a neat use of points. Will have to check it out.

Called Choice to inquire about availability for Barcelo. Here is the result:
1st call - transferred to listen to sales pitch on shoppers advantage
2nd call - told that I should call hotel myself
3rd call - told that I can check reward night availability myself - which is not true.
4th call - transferred to some Joe who has to contact representative of Barcelo but refused to do so. Demanded that I have enough points in order to make reservation. Even though I was not making a reservation - I wanted to check availability. He said - there is no need to waste their time! Supervisor stated the same.

Isn't it ridiculous for reps to decide for you whether you need to know info or not?! It is like telling someone that I will not tell you the rate until you show me the money even though you only at this point want to find out what rate it is.

what a bunch of morons who doesn't comprehend their own language.

PS sorry, I am blowing off my frustration

Their agents are usually quite good, but I have had the occasional bad experience as well.

Did you call the Choice Privileges call center or the general reservation line?
I ask because as far as I know, the Barcelo relationship is only part of the Choice loyalty program and the general call center folks might not know about it.
Not an excuse for them acting rudely however.

dagnemo,

all of my previous experience with Choice were fine until I inquired about their partner Barcelo. The number I called is the one they list to make a booking. Supposedly, Choice contacts their rep with Barcelo, but supervisor accidently stated that their own rep does it. When I questioned her, she once again stated the same and once I told her - then why is your rep lying to me, her story changed - the rep has to contact Barcelo. What the truth is I still don't know. (((