Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 22,905
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinS
Based on the amenities offered at status level (Plat w SPG, Plat Amb w IHG), we're going w Pulitzer the whole time. Amstel offered us an Executive Room w a river view, full stop, no other amenities, while Pulitzer offered us Exec room 2 nights, Full Suite 3 nights (90 sq meter!), with free internet & 2 free breakfast buffet a day, so about $100 in perks that we'd have to pay for at other hotel. Between that and not having to unpack, that's done and done
Um, you know SPG plat compares with IC RA. With IC RA you get more and better, IMHO, perks. You get guaranteed 8Am check in. You get free mini-bar. You get a suite every time at the Amstel, versus not ever in the last 10 stays I had at the Pulitzer. It's a no-brainer to choose the Pulizter all things (SPG Plat vs IC RA) being equal.
Um, you know SPG plat compares with IC RA. With IC RA you get more and better, IMHO, perks. You get guaranteed 8Am check in. You get free mini-bar. You get a suite every time at the Amstel, versus not ever in the last 10 stays I had at the Pulitzer. It's a no-brainer to choose the Pulizter all things (SPG Plat vs IC RA) being equal.
I think it boils down to the Royal vs Platinum Ambassador.
The PlatAmb, I don't know that any of those things reliably happen, in my experience at least, vs how they might for Royal.
The Pulitzer vocalized all the things they would do, and, honestly, simply seemed to want my business, while the Amstel seemed indifferent - the Pulitzer communicated via email & phone regarding room options, made suggestions, the concierge reached out to me, they offered to arrange transportation, etc. That in and of itself was enough to have me stay at the Pulitzer. After taking into account the $100/day or so of comped benefits on top of that, the Pulitzer it is
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 22,905
Quote:
Originally Posted by KevinS
I think it boils down to the Royal vs Platinum Ambassador.
The PlatAmb, I don't know that any of those things reliably happen, in my experience at least, vs how they might for Royal.
The Pulitzer vocalized all the things they would do, and, honestly, simply seemed to want my business, while the Amstel seemed indifferent - the Pulitzer communicated via email & phone regarding room options, made suggestions, the concierge reached out to me, they offered to arrange transportation, etc. That in and of itself was enough to have me stay at the Pulitzer. After taking into account the $100/day or so of comped benefits on top of that, the Pulitzer it is
Platinum is the top level with Starwood so they should take good care of you. Ambassador is not even an earned level with IC. Anyone can purchase it. So you can't compare that with Starwood Platinum. You've compared apples with oranges. Try staying at a Starwood hotel without any elite status and see how the treatment differs.
I loved staying at the Pulitzer. Cool rooms, great location, near Anne Frank House, Tram, Van Gogh museum, Heinekin Factory.
The Pulitzer does have a great location and all are good besides the IC which I wouldn't stay out as a tourist. A quick tip from my recent trip to Amsterdam would be to get the Museum card it's EUR 45 and is good for most Museums throughout the country for a year.
Cheers
Howie
__________________
United we fly together we stand
Programs: BA GGL, VS Gold, HH Diamond, Marriott Plat, PC Plat, IC RA, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 214
I've stayed in both the Marriott and the IC. The IC is a better hotel and the Marriott is in a more central position. As you are not an ambassador, I would recommend the Marriott as you should get a nice upgrade as a Platinum (they gave me a suite when I stayed)
Location: exUA1K, UA MM, lifetime UA1P, AA MM, HH Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 2,999
I've stayed at the AMS Mariott 2x and it was OK. Not great, but OK.
Some of the staff was OK, some were dolts.
Perhaps the best feature was the free coffee machine in the lobby (with paper cups) until 10am.
After 40+ triips to the EU I really don't care for US hotels in EU. Frankly, I get really get tired of bumpimg into Americans in the hotel. And I am from the US.
I prefer to stay in European hotels in Europe, NOT American chains. I mean, I like to feel like I'm in Europe, not another trip to Grand Rapids....
I suggest finding a European hotel in the wonderful city of Amsterdam.
Programs: AMEX PLAT , HILTON GOLD, STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST GOLD, IHG PLAT AMBASSADOR, DAVID O FAN CLUB
Posts: 279
Amstel or Pulitzer for February weekend
Hi
I am between the Pulitzer or Amstel .
I am SPG Gold and IHG Plat Ambassador (not Royal)
2 nights at the weekend in February
Canal view room @ Pulitzer including breakfast with Travelzoo Code
or
Canal view room @ Amstel Intercontinental with my Ambassador Free Night Cert
Both are around 400 euro total for two nights.
I am thinking the Amstel mainly because of the spa + pool as its my wifes birthday we are going away for.
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 22,905
Like I said above, the Amstel is a league above the Pulitzer. I'm surprised you found a rate that cheap. As you say the spa and pool, and the rest of the health club, are one of the difference makers.
Programs: AMEX PLAT , HILTON GOLD, STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST GOLD, IHG PLAT AMBASSADOR, DAVID O FAN CLUB
Posts: 279
Quote:
Originally Posted by stimpy
Like I said above, the Amstel is a league above the Pulitzer. I'm surprised you found a rate that cheap. As you say the spa and pool, and the rest of the health club, are one of the difference makers.
Hi you can get the Amstel for 40k points or $280 a night using c+p trick for the entry level room.
I am using my BOGO Certificate so getting the second night free. 23-25 Feb.
If memory serves me right it is 420 euro a night for a canal view room.
Thanks Stimpy!- that is what I was thinking will stick with the Amstel which looks great
