[Left Marriott 15 Nov 2018] St. Regis Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii [Master Thread]
Jul 10, 2014, 10:35 am
#932
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Somewhere between YXU and YYZ
Programs: Marriott Lifetime Titanium Hilton Diamond AC*75K
Posts: 618
I'm doing a three night stay in the fall. If I book directly w/ the hotel, I can get SPG Plat benefits but will cost $430 extra before taxes (probably ~$500 all in) versus a group rate for an event I'm attending. I'm told that with the group rate I get no SPG benefits, even though it's booked directly with the hotel.
Would the points, a chance of upgrade and free breakfast (and internet?) worth the extra cash? I'm still super annoyed that it's even possible to book a rate w/ a hotel directly that excludes benefits.
It would be helpful if someone told me what the value of Platinum breakfast is every morning? It will be two of us in the room.
Thanks!
Would the points, a chance of upgrade and free breakfast (and internet?) worth the extra cash? I'm still super annoyed that it's even possible to book a rate w/ a hotel directly that excludes benefits.
It would be helpful if someone told me what the value of Platinum breakfast is every morning? It will be two of us in the room.
Thanks!
Maybe worth it if it was a full breakfast and I was guaranteed the upgrade.
I would get creative and contact the manager and see if there is something in between the two rates that will include the benefits.
This is based on the assumption that a normal group rate would be xx cheaper and that a group rate that has no benefits would be xx+xx cheaper.
Doesn't hurt to ask.
Jul 10, 2014, 11:06 am
#933
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
I'm doing a three night stay in the fall. If I book directly w/ the hotel, I can get SPG Plat benefits but will cost $430 extra before taxes (probably ~$500 all in) versus a group rate for an event I'm attending. I'm told that with the group rate I get no SPG benefits, even though it's booked directly with the hotel.
Would the points, a chance of upgrade and free breakfast (and internet?) worth the extra cash? I'm still super annoyed that it's even possible to book a rate w/ a hotel directly that excludes benefits.
It would be helpful if someone told me what the value of Platinum breakfast is every morning? It will be two of us in the room.
Thanks!
Would the points, a chance of upgrade and free breakfast (and internet?) worth the extra cash? I'm still super annoyed that it's even possible to book a rate w/ a hotel directly that excludes benefits.
It would be helpful if someone told me what the value of Platinum breakfast is every morning? It will be two of us in the room.
Thanks!
I would not want to pay $500 for 6 continental breakfasts ($19 upcharge to full) and a chance at an upgrade.
Maybe worth it if it was a full breakfast and I was guaranteed the upgrade.
I would get creative and contact the manager and see if there is something in between the two rates that will include the benefits.
This is based on the assumption that a normal group rate would be xx cheaper and that a group rate that has no benefits would be xx+xx cheaper.
Doesn't hurt to ask.
Maybe worth it if it was a full breakfast and I was guaranteed the upgrade.
I would get creative and contact the manager and see if there is something in between the two rates that will include the benefits.
This is based on the assumption that a normal group rate would be xx cheaper and that a group rate that has no benefits would be xx+xx cheaper.
Doesn't hurt to ask.
EchoVictor, I'm not sure what your current rate is. However, if you are a AAA member, there usually is a AAA rate for $655/nt for a Junior Suite Ocean View which includes a full breakfast for two and valet parking. This way, you are guaranteed an upgraded room with a couple of nice benefits.
Jul 11, 2014, 9:53 am
#934
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: SFO
Posts: 312
I was there in May and they didn't charge me for parking. If they did, I was prepared to complain because you can valet park for free if you take a snorkel tour that runs off their beach - which we did a few days before we checked in.
Sep 1, 2014, 3:00 pm
#936
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
St. Regis Princeville Review
This review is from our stay over two months ago. Sorry for the delay but just now catching up after several months of travel.
SPG Status: Lifetime Gold
Date of Stay: June 2014
Length of Stay: 3 nights
Arrival Day: Wednesday
POSITIVES:
View from room- We were in an Ocean View Jr. Suite (which is what we reserved).
Breakfast buffet- An excellent buffet was available each day at Makana Terrace including a cook-to-order omelette station. Full disclosure: our room rate included breakfast buffet for two daily and daily valet parking.
Cleanliness of room- The room and bath were spotless. We requested that the room be cleaned during a specific period each day before we departed for the day. The room was always ready when we returned.
Water temperature & pressure- Self-explanatory.
In-room safe- Self-explanatory.
Availability of pool and beach chairs – As late as 11:00 am each morning, there were still dozens of beach and pool chairs available contrary to what I’ve read in other reviews.
Staff attitudes and assistance – Each person we met greeted us warmly and assisted as requested.
NEGATIVES:
Mailani dinner show- While the food was excellent, the show seemed somewhat out of synch at times. Our stay coincided with the first week of the show, so perhaps they worked out the issues. Also, the traffic pattern at the buffet for this show needs major improvement. The main food offerings were directly in front of the entrance/exit to the terrace location of the show which caused a major bottleneck.
Overall, this was a very good stay and I will definitely return to the St. Regis Princeville again.
SPG Status: Lifetime Gold
Date of Stay: June 2014
Length of Stay: 3 nights
Arrival Day: Wednesday
POSITIVES:
View from room- We were in an Ocean View Jr. Suite (which is what we reserved).
Breakfast buffet- An excellent buffet was available each day at Makana Terrace including a cook-to-order omelette station. Full disclosure: our room rate included breakfast buffet for two daily and daily valet parking.
Cleanliness of room- The room and bath were spotless. We requested that the room be cleaned during a specific period each day before we departed for the day. The room was always ready when we returned.
Water temperature & pressure- Self-explanatory.
In-room safe- Self-explanatory.
Availability of pool and beach chairs – As late as 11:00 am each morning, there were still dozens of beach and pool chairs available contrary to what I’ve read in other reviews.
Staff attitudes and assistance – Each person we met greeted us warmly and assisted as requested.
NEGATIVES:
Mailani dinner show- While the food was excellent, the show seemed somewhat out of synch at times. Our stay coincided with the first week of the show, so perhaps they worked out the issues. Also, the traffic pattern at the buffet for this show needs major improvement. The main food offerings were directly in front of the entrance/exit to the terrace location of the show which caused a major bottleneck.
Overall, this was a very good stay and I will definitely return to the St. Regis Princeville again.
Sep 11, 2014, 6:02 pm
#937
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Germany
Programs: GP Dia, HH Dia, Marriott Gold, Club Carlson Gold
Posts: 139
Staying for 2n at the end of Jan as a SPG Gold. If there is a large amount of availability any chance of a decent upgrade? or should I look into one of the upgrade offers they'll send me?
Sep 21, 2014, 4:26 pm
#938
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG PLAT, UA PLAT, AmEx Plat
Posts: 94
Just got back from my 8 night stay at Princeville.
I had 5 nights booked with points + 3 nights for cash.
Used SNAs to upgrade to a suite for the first 3 nights (cash nights), which cleared.
The second part of the stay they kept us in the same room, which was nice of them.
The property is great, views are amazing. Beach is a little small, but there is always enough room.
On the outside (from the beach side) the property looks like something from the 70ies, however it looks and feels updated on the inside.
Parking was $30, and the only way to go was valet, which was a little annoying, as it takes time to get the car out, I would rather self-park.
Platinum breakfast is pretty good. $19 upgrade is worth it, as most other breakfast places on the island are just bad.
Overall very positive experience, highly recommend.
I had 5 nights booked with points + 3 nights for cash.
Used SNAs to upgrade to a suite for the first 3 nights (cash nights), which cleared.
The second part of the stay they kept us in the same room, which was nice of them.
The property is great, views are amazing. Beach is a little small, but there is always enough room.
On the outside (from the beach side) the property looks like something from the 70ies, however it looks and feels updated on the inside.
Parking was $30, and the only way to go was valet, which was a little annoying, as it takes time to get the car out, I would rather self-park.
Platinum breakfast is pretty good. $19 upgrade is worth it, as most other breakfast places on the island are just bad.
Overall very positive experience, highly recommend.
Sep 21, 2014, 9:40 pm
#940
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: SoCal; DO-RAGS: Old Gold tagged, PIP, LatPass 1/2, AA 4MM, HH LT Diamond, Marriott Titanium/LT Plat, Omni
Posts: 9,180
In an eight days' stay (or even less) it's worth going at least once to the Wake Up Café: kinda an old Hawaii grunge vibe with servers who would probably rather be surfing, and even if half the pancakes are a bit under-cooked, there's so much food you only want to eat half anyway. In fact, I've just made a mental note to drop by in November.
It's just a darn friendly, laid back place: don't be in a hurry.
It's just a darn friendly, laid back place: don't be in a hurry.
Sep 22, 2014, 4:37 pm
#941
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: LAX
Programs: SPG PLAT, UA PLAT, AmEx Plat
Posts: 94
In an eight days' stay (or even less) it's worth going at least once to the Wake Up Café: kinda an old Hawaii grunge vibe with servers who would probably rather be surfing, and even if half the pancakes are a bit under-cooked, there's so much food you only want to eat half anyway. In fact, I've just made a mental note to drop by in November.
It's just a darn friendly, laid back place: don't be in a hurry.
It's just a darn friendly, laid back place: don't be in a hurry.
I agree, it's really boring to have breakfast in the same place every morning, so we tried like 4 other places on the island - all bad.
For dinner though, you HAVE to go to BarAcuda, amazing food, great service.
For the poster who asked about the "upgraded" breakfast difference.
basic breakfast is cold (includes lox, which is nice), while upgraded has eggs, etc.
Oct 10, 2014, 11:48 am
#942
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 812
How are the gym, spa, and spa facilities at this property? I'm hosting Flyertalkers to visit the Four Seasons Maui Dec. 11th, but want to visit Princeville in March.
I stayed at the St. Regis SF recently and their Remede spa was "separate" from the hotel, and didn't allow guest access without a reservation or a $20 upcharge.
I stayed at the St. Regis SF recently and their Remede spa was "separate" from the hotel, and didn't allow guest access without a reservation or a $20 upcharge.
Oct 11, 2014, 7:17 am
#943
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: SYD
Programs: QF WP (OWE), VA PLAT, EY GLD, SPG PLAT, Hyatt DIA, Hilton DIA, Hertz PC
Posts: 8,527
How are the gym, spa, and spa facilities at this property? I'm hosting Flyertalkers to visit the Four Seasons Maui Dec. 11th, but want to visit Princeville in March.
I stayed at the St. Regis SF recently and their Remede spa was "separate" from the hotel, and didn't allow guest access without a reservation or a $20 upcharge.
I stayed at the St. Regis SF recently and their Remede spa was "separate" from the hotel, and didn't allow guest access without a reservation or a $20 upcharge.
Nov 3, 2014, 4:32 pm
#944
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Dreamland
Posts: 927
Hi all - need some help - we booked this property via all points 5 nights in early Dec. Had SPG Plat agent hold rooms last week while waiting for some of my wifes points to transfer to my account and the person taking res. said we could us SNAs and he would apply them to this res.
Just called in today after points transferred to confirm all was good and shift the reservation by 1 day (still 5 nights, and no availability issues). All was confirmed within 3 minutes on the phone, but when I mentioned to the rep to be sure our SNA request was still in for those 5 nights - he said this property isn't eligible, and pointed to the same "ineligible" notice that has been mentioned elsewhere in this thread and from my searches some other SPG threads.
After searching and perusing most of this thread, I'm seeing MULTIPLE people confirming SNA for Platinums ahead of time (within the 5 day window of course).
The rep, who said he was a Platinum Rep for 5 years and (also) in the customer solutions center, was emphatic that this property didn't participate in SNAs and it was "impossible" to apply them - and basically we're in the check-in upgrade lottery at this point and he'll note our reservation that we were given wrong info and "maybe that will help" upon check in.
I told him how wrong I believed that to be - and he said nothing could be done.
What am I missing here? Thanks in advance, FTers!
Just called in today after points transferred to confirm all was good and shift the reservation by 1 day (still 5 nights, and no availability issues). All was confirmed within 3 minutes on the phone, but when I mentioned to the rep to be sure our SNA request was still in for those 5 nights - he said this property isn't eligible, and pointed to the same "ineligible" notice that has been mentioned elsewhere in this thread and from my searches some other SPG threads.
After searching and perusing most of this thread, I'm seeing MULTIPLE people confirming SNA for Platinums ahead of time (within the 5 day window of course).
The rep, who said he was a Platinum Rep for 5 years and (also) in the customer solutions center, was emphatic that this property didn't participate in SNAs and it was "impossible" to apply them - and basically we're in the check-in upgrade lottery at this point and he'll note our reservation that we were given wrong info and "maybe that will help" upon check in.
I told him how wrong I believed that to be - and he said nothing could be done.
What am I missing here? Thanks in advance, FTers!
Nov 3, 2014, 4:54 pm
#945
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
My apologies, but you might want to send us an email to the email address below with all the details...reservation confirmation number, SPG account number, etc.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]