Programs: Continental Gold, US Air Gold,Starwood Platinum,Hilton Gold,Marriott Silver,AA Plat
Posts: 1,208
Question re: Ritz Certificates
I got a few Ritz Club certs from a supplier and have reserved three nights in Palm Beach during Christmas. The rates during that time are pretty high and I was impressed with the value I got.
Seems they are purchasable. A suite certificate can be had for $610 with no seasonal exceptions - and most Ritz suites go for a lot more than that. Has anyone had any experience redeeming them for suites? Any issues or problems?
Programs: Continental Gold, US Air Gold,Starwood Platinum,Hilton Gold,Marriott Silver,AA Plat
Posts: 1,208
Thanks K (where you get the time to help us so much, on so many boards, is beyond be but thank you, thank you, thank you!).
Found the itchecques on my own but not the cheaper incentive trip one. My question is that there seem to be times when these are spectacular deals. I'm curious to know if anyone has had any experience redeeming the Suite awards and if there were any concerns or problems.
A year ago, when you could purchase 100,000 Starwood miles per year (200,000 for a couple), I used points to reserve a suite, during Christmas, as the Westin in Puerto Vallarta. I had the points but it struck me as amazing that the room for 5 nights would have gone for $7,500 yet at the time it only required 64,000 Starpoints. Those points would have only cost $2,240! So it raised my antenna about these deals and I'm hoping to find out if I'm missing something.
I wonder what's the difference between a "regular" suite award and a majestic suite one?
It seems like the only difference is "50+ properties" vs. "any property" ... can anyone shed some light on this?
P.S. For the record, I have used the certificates (regular ones, not suite) to check into the Ritz Grand Cayman about 6-7 months after it first opened and had no issues whatsoever booking with them - my first date wasn't available, but the reservations agent found space about 2 weeks later from my initial date.
Programs: Continental Gold, US Air Gold,Starwood Platinum,Hilton Gold,Marriott Silver,AA Plat
Posts: 1,208
Regular award - use in US but capacity controlled. There may be rooms available for cash but not with the certificates.
Premier Award - can use in any hotel in the US (except in NYC) at ANY time, i.e., no seasonal exceptions.
Majestic Award - can use anywhere on the planet, anytime.
FWIW, I believe a regular room certificate costs about $450, a Premier cost about $540 and Majestic is almost $1,000. But used at the right time, it can be a real bargain.
What about the RC gift certificates for a club suite that are $500?
You can use them at various resorts at different times of the year but the Ritz Carlton has black out dates tied to these and doesn't seem to be as generous in the times you can use them. You'll usually never be able to use them during the height of "season" or during holiday times. It's a great deal when you can use them though. I just used one last weekend at the Ritz Naples, the rate was $1279 plus tax for the club suite and I used the certificate so only paid $500.
Programs: Continental Gold, US Air Gold,Starwood Platinum,Hilton Gold,Marriott Silver,AA Plat
Posts: 1,208
Just left the RC Palm Beach and we had an incredible stay. As I said when I opened this thread, we redeemed three Royal Prestige Club Awards - good for one night on Club Level. I have absolutely no idea why this happened, but we were upgraded to an Oceanfront one bedroom suite on the Club Floor that goes for $1,600 per night. It was truly spectacular.
I absolutely loved the hotel and we look forward to returning in the future. What a deal!
, Platinum and Lifetime Gold, SPG Platinum, Marriott Platinum, BA silver
