nicolas75

My review

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/13077374-post3165.html

TravellerOnline

I am writing this from the club lounge at Westin Sydney.

I am in Sydney for the amazing New Year Eve fireworks. Just found out that both CP Darling Harbour and IC are open up for point redemption on NYE(They were not available in the last month or so). I got really excited because both properties offer great view for fireworks.

Grabbed the IC for city view point redemption room (non-cancelable) on 12/31. Called the hotel and, after a long hold on my international roaming mobile phone, was told that no upgrade will be given to this reservation, even for RAs. I offered to pay for club access and was denied as well. "If you want to watch fireworks, you can go down to the street and watch them there." Ouch!

Now, I am stuck with a room with no view of fireworks. Should have stayed in my 27 floor Westin room (which has the same view as the lounge) where I can, at least from a distance, still see the fireworks.

Oh, for those who are also in Sydney for NYE, the Sydney Marriott is also available (for both revenue and award reservations) on 12/31. All SPG properties are fully booked.

mister__big

That's definitely not the norm. Every IC I've stayed at using the F&F rate honors upgrades for ambassadors and RAs.

This plus TravellerOnline's and nicholas75's experiences tell me that the IC Sydney is a place that avoids giving out upgrades whenever possible. Looks like I'll be avoiding the IC Sydney until some of the policies are changed.

markis10

IC Sydney has never let me down with upgrades despite having deep discount rates most times, as to having an issue with not getting an upgrade on a rewards night for NYE, give me a break, the hotel along with 9 out of the other 10 ICH hotels are sold out at present, with the average hotel room going for $500+ not even in the city I would be stoked to score a freebie.

nicolas75

PS: I am currently at Sofitel Sydney.
As Plat member, I was offered an upgrade to a superior room. When I asked the difference between the superior and classic room, the answer was: "oh, there is a sofa in the superior room". Great news.
No internet offered at the business centre (+no wifi in the rooms), no club lounge offered (I had to add AU$ 175 for the club lounge)

uk1

I don't mean to be disloyal but if any FT'er wants an introduction to the GM at Quay Grand then PM me. Consistantly excellent, all-suite hotel, (kitchen, bedroom large lounge with balcony overlooking Circular Quay, and one or two bedrooms) great restaurant for breakfasts and right on Circular Quay.

They always treat people I refer very well!

Dave Noble

He has booked , from what I understand, a night using points. Reward nights are quite clearly in the rules as being neither entitled to upgrades nor entitled to free mini bar

That is the policy of the scheme, not a hotel making one up

Dave

3544quebec

Indeed-delight in your fruit plate and late check-out which seem to be the only benefits that you are entitled to on a points stay!

TravellerOnline

I am not complaining about not getting the free upgrade -- I understand the official policy. Just a bit disappointed that they won't allow me to pay for access to lounge where I can watch fireworks.

Well, I am heading to the hotel in a few hours. Will ask for paying for club access again. Let's see how it goes.

Dave Noble

The lounge is a finite size and I expect it will be busy with those that have club rooms booked.

Dave

TravellerOnline

Quick update on the hotel on NYE.

Checked in in the afternoon with a very friendly reception staff. As the hotel promised, no upgrade on award redemption, paid lounge access not available. I asked how many RAs are in the house and was told "a few." And accodrding to the staff, a RA just checked in before me and got no upgrade what so ever.

However, got a bottle of Moet, and full free mini bar -- very good indeed. In fact, the hotel staff I met are very nice, as nice as the wonderful staff at Westin lounge. I guess that's why a lot of hotel management in Asia Pacific chain hotels are from Australia.

The lobby is great. My superior city view room (lowest category) is a standard IC room. Didn't get a chance to go up to the lounge(not allowed). The only bad part is that there is a strange smell in the room (smells like a smoking room). I think I will come back to check out the other room types at some other time.

Went down to the street to watch NYE fireworks. Very spetacular.

barnetda

Fantastic hotel, great service.
UK1 recommendation couldnt have been more helpful. ^

tinkybelle

I checked in on NYE as RA paid $750 for the night and got club upgrade before checkin then on checkin a lovely exec opera house view suite.

the club was paid drinks from 7pm and a spectacular night.
I really love being RA !!

will be booking for next year asap.

cdp88

Hi all, this is my first post. I recently purchased ambassador status and have a couple of stays booked, one in Singapore and the other in Sydney.

In Sydney I have booked best flex + breakfast and will use my voucher for the second night. I know the terms and conditions say the voucher is good for the room only so the hotel doesn't have to give me the breakfast on the second night. But, i understand some hotels may still honour the breakfast. Does anyone have any experience of this at Sydney recently?

uk1

I can't answer your question - but an alternative you might want to look at is booking a room with Club access for your first night. The weekend cert should give you club access for the second night which should include breakfast.