St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort, Miami Beach, FL [Master Thread]
Oct 5, 2017, 8:38 pm
#197
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
Update for those staying in the future: hotel has implemented a resort fee of $35 per night + tax. See this notice from their website:
Effective September 1, 2017, a resort fee of $35 plus tax per night will be charged to offer our guests access to the most commonly requested amenities and services around the resort.
This daily fee includes the following resort amenities:
One Fitness Class per day
Two Bicycle Rentals for up to two hours
High-Speed Internet with upgraded 15MB of connection
Daily Art Tour with Rosenbaum Gallery at The St. Regis Bal Harbour
Access to Remède Spa facilities, including showers, steam room, and sauna
Daily cocktail at The St. Regis Bar & Sushi Lounge
This daily fee includes the following resort amenities:
One Fitness Class per day
Two Bicycle Rentals for up to two hours
High-Speed Internet with upgraded 15MB of connection
Daily Art Tour with Rosenbaum Gallery at The St. Regis Bal Harbour
Access to Remède Spa facilities, including showers, steam room, and sauna
Daily cocktail at The St. Regis Bar & Sushi Lounge
Oct 8, 2017, 2:56 pm
#199
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC, VS, Marriott, HH, Hertz PC
Posts: 270
Could anyone offer some recent anecdotal evidence re Plat upgrades/treatment in general?
Based on this thread and other mentions it seems Plats are mostly treated well?It's taken a while but finally heading down there in the coming weeks...
Based on this thread and other mentions it seems Plats are mostly treated well?It's taken a while but finally heading down there in the coming weeks...
Nov 2, 2017, 7:55 am
#200
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: London, UK
Programs: BAEC, VS, Marriott, HH, Hertz PC
Posts: 270
Excellent Plat upgrade to an Atlantic Suite, had booked a Grand Lux (2nd Cat). Fabulous suite and we really enjoyed our stay. I was thoroughly impressed with service across the property.
One thing to be aware of, as we were on the South side (?) of the building, the sun doesn't reach either of the balconies at any point during the day. Not a problem if you plan on spending all your time on the beach/at the pool but if you wanted to relax on the balcony, you'll be in the shade.
Nov 10, 2017, 11:28 am
#201
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: BOS
Programs: AA EXP 1MM, DL PM, Bonvoy Titanium (Plat Life), HH G, Amtrak, B6, MR
Posts: 1,548
I wanted to report on my recent stay. Spent 4 nights here with Mrs. sxpsxpsxp to celebrate a special occasion.
I booked via the Plat Concierge - redeemed points for 2 nights and did the SPG50 rate for the other two.
No upgrade. Booked the Grand Luxe Oceanfront room, floors 8-21, and got exactly that on floor 19. My understanding is that the hotel was completely sold out with a conference part of the time we were there, so that probably explains why.
The room was awesome. Spacious. Huge bathroom with separate bath & shower and a separate WC with its own sink. Water pressure in the shower was fantastic. The bed and pillows could've been a bit more comfortable, but hey, it's a hotel. The iOS AirPlay-enabled TV was cool, although it took us a while to figure out how to make it work and then it only worked once. Wouldn't work on subsequent tries. My biggest complaint (and it really isn't that big a deal in the grand scheme of things) is that they made a fuss about the smart TV in the bathroom that's integrated into the mirror. I thought I was being stupid because I couldn't figure out how to turn it on. Turns out it wasn't working in our room, and it took two calls to engineering to be told that it wasn't working and they couldn't fix it.
The staff was ridiculously helpful, bordering on obsequious. I'm not accustomed to being waited on quite at this level, so it was somewhat amusing. At one point I think I almost gave the pool attendant a heart attack as I put up my own umbrella.
At check-in I was advised that buffet breakfast was one of my options for my platinum amenity, so I chose that as I'd heard great things about it. Yet I still had to sign the check every day when leaving, and then had to have them manually remove the charges from my bill at check-out. That said, the buffet breakfast is awesome. I would expect as much, considering the $48/person charge.
We also had some munchies by the pool, had room service one night and got takeout from BH Burger Bar and a pastry from La Gourmandise. The food was excellent everywhere. And I have to say that it was often visually stunning as well. La Gourmandise is a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth, and the plate of sushi Mrs. sxpsxpsxp got from room service was so gorgeous to look at it that she had to take a picture.
The beach and pool were great as well.
I booked via the Plat Concierge - redeemed points for 2 nights and did the SPG50 rate for the other two.
No upgrade. Booked the Grand Luxe Oceanfront room, floors 8-21, and got exactly that on floor 19. My understanding is that the hotel was completely sold out with a conference part of the time we were there, so that probably explains why.
The room was awesome. Spacious. Huge bathroom with separate bath & shower and a separate WC with its own sink. Water pressure in the shower was fantastic. The bed and pillows could've been a bit more comfortable, but hey, it's a hotel. The iOS AirPlay-enabled TV was cool, although it took us a while to figure out how to make it work and then it only worked once. Wouldn't work on subsequent tries. My biggest complaint (and it really isn't that big a deal in the grand scheme of things) is that they made a fuss about the smart TV in the bathroom that's integrated into the mirror. I thought I was being stupid because I couldn't figure out how to turn it on. Turns out it wasn't working in our room, and it took two calls to engineering to be told that it wasn't working and they couldn't fix it.
The staff was ridiculously helpful, bordering on obsequious. I'm not accustomed to being waited on quite at this level, so it was somewhat amusing. At one point I think I almost gave the pool attendant a heart attack as I put up my own umbrella.
At check-in I was advised that buffet breakfast was one of my options for my platinum amenity, so I chose that as I'd heard great things about it. Yet I still had to sign the check every day when leaving, and then had to have them manually remove the charges from my bill at check-out. That said, the buffet breakfast is awesome. I would expect as much, considering the $48/person charge.
We also had some munchies by the pool, had room service one night and got takeout from BH Burger Bar and a pastry from La Gourmandise. The food was excellent everywhere. And I have to say that it was often visually stunning as well. La Gourmandise is a feast for the eyes as well as the mouth, and the plate of sushi Mrs. sxpsxpsxp got from room service was so gorgeous to look at it that she had to take a picture.
The beach and pool were great as well.
Nov 11, 2017, 5:51 am
#202
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
At check-in I was advised that buffet breakfast was one of my options for my platinum amenity, so I chose that as I'd heard great things about it. Yet I still had to sign the check every day when leaving, and then had to have them manually remove the charges from my bill at check-out. That said, the buffet breakfast is awesome. I would expect as much, considering the $48/person charge.
Regards
Jan 17, 2018, 3:07 pm
#203
Join Date: May 2005
Location: CLE
Programs: RA, UA MM 1k, AA EXP, Marriott LTP, Hyatt Plat, SPG100
Posts: 476
I have an upcoming reservation at this property to celebrate a milestone birthday using my points. I've tried working with my Ambassador to line up an upgrade, since we will be 3 in a room. While she's made a good effort, doesn't appear she's been successful, as the hotel sent me a note directly offering me the opportunity to purchase a "discounted" upgrade for >$1,000 per night. This feels very off-putting and disingenuous to the platinum recognition program. Anyone else have this experience?
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
Jan 17, 2018, 3:13 pm
#204
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
I have an upcoming reservation at this property to celebrate a milestone birthday using my points. I've tried working with my Ambassador to line up an upgrade, since we will be 3 in a room. While she's made a good effort, doesn't appear she's been successful, as the hotel sent me a note directly offering me the opportunity to purchase a "discounted" upgrade for >$1,000 per night. This feels very off-putting and disingenuous to the platinum recognition program. Anyone else have this experience?
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
I've stayed here a few times, and the base room is still likely to impress most travelers. Plus the hotel is usually pretty good about upgrades when there is availability so I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet.
Jan 17, 2018, 3:20 pm
#205
Suspended
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Southern California, USA
Programs: Marriott Ambassador and LTT, UA Plat/LT Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 8,764
I have an upcoming reservation at this property to celebrate a milestone birthday using my points. I've tried working with my Ambassador to line up an upgrade, since we will be 3 in a room. While she's made a good effort, doesn't appear she's been successful, as the hotel sent me a note directly offering me the opportunity to purchase a "discounted" upgrade for >$1,000 per night. This feels very off-putting and disingenuous to the platinum recognition program. Anyone else have this experience?
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
FWIW, we will be staying here later this year on points, too. While I certainly hope for an upgrade, I also know that even the entry level rooms are a massive 650 square feet—and the standard suite junior suite upgrade is only 675 square feet. I’d think that even entry level rooms can accommodate 3 persons with that much space. So your concern about a “suite upgrade” here seems superfluous to me. That’s also why I am not bothering to waste 5 SNAs merely for an additional 25 square feet!
I almost always get upgraded, but I won’t be put out if I have to “settle” for a free 650 square feet room that ordinarily costs $1000.
Reaping the rewards on holiday is perfectly appropriate. But expecting to reap complimentary upgrades when a hotel is at high occupancy (as I expect it would be now and in the coming month) is unwise...and perhaps expecting too much.
That being said, you could be worried for naught: my Ambassador has on numerous occasions told me I couldn’t get an upgrade or couldn’t help get my SNAs to clear...only for me to arrive (even after SNAs were refunded) and still get a significant upgrade! There’s just no telling...
Jan 17, 2018, 3:24 pm
#206
Join Date: May 2005
Location: CLE
Programs: RA, UA MM 1k, AA EXP, Marriott LTP, Hyatt Plat, SPG100
Posts: 476
What room types are available for those dates and did you put in an SNA request? The email you received may just be a general email that they send out to all guests, but even if it's not, it's not unusual for a hotel to only offer paid upgrades in advance and then still be willing to upgrade you when you check in if suites are still available.
I've stayed here a few times, and the base room is still likely to impress most travelers. Plus the hotel is usually pretty good about upgrades when there is availability so I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet.
I've stayed here a few times, and the base room is still likely to impress most travelers. Plus the hotel is usually pretty good about upgrades when there is availability so I wouldn't throw in the towel just yet.
That's encouraging....a rollaway bed doesn't feel like a luxury experience, but I hope I'm wrong. There are no base level rooms available or junior suites for booking. But there are non-standard suites available. I did not use an SNA, as I don't select those anymore. I've never had one clear in 5 years. Maybe I'll be lucky and they oversold base rooms and get an upgrade based on that.
Jan 17, 2018, 4:24 pm
#207
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
That's encouraging....a rollaway bed doesn't feel like a luxury experience, but I hope I'm wrong. There are no base level rooms available or junior suites for booking. But there are non-standard suites available. I did not use an SNA, as I don't select those anymore. I've never had one clear in 5 years. Maybe I'll be lucky and they oversold base rooms and get an upgrade based on that.
I think only the top end suites have two beds and in all my stays I don't think I've been upgraded to one of those without paying for at least an Imperial Suite to start with.Let us know how the stay goes, and good luck on the upgrade.
Jan 20, 2018, 11:45 pm
#208
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
I have an upcoming reservation at this property to celebrate a milestone birthday using my points. I've tried working with my Ambassador to line up an upgrade, since we will be 3 in a room. While she's made a good effort, doesn't appear she's been successful, as the hotel sent me a note directly offering me the opportunity to purchase a "discounted" upgrade for >$1,000 per night. This feels very off-putting and disingenuous to the platinum recognition program. Anyone else have this experience?
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
As SPG100, I never get suite upgrades, which is fine when I'm traveling on business and alone in the room. But it would be nice to actually reap some reward for my loyalty when traveling on vacation, and especially when it's a special occasion. I'm not a fussy traveler and don't have demanding requests. I'd just like to impress my mom once in a while when on a nice trip....show her that being a road warrior does have some perks. Intercontinental is very good at this, but Marriott and SPG....not so much.
I'm not going to get too worked up about it, as it sounds like a lovely resort no matter what room type we get. But I wonder if anyone thinks about the optics of programs like this? From the traveler's point of view, feels like SPG doesn't care so much about my 100+ nights per year as they do for short term revenue.
(Side note about suite types: the 'standard' junior suite really doesn't add much. You get a small kitchenette, but you lose some of the closet space and the two-section bathroom setup. I typically find that they try to upgrade to higher level suites, and those have blown me away each time. The next two levels (grand lux and imperial suites) do only have one king bed, but there is plenty of room for a roll-away. The deluxe oceanfront suites (lower floors, but bigger, and thus, more expensive) have a den/media room with a sofa bed which could sleep three in total. The two-bedroom royal suites have two kings (connecting suites) and could thus sleep 4 without rollaways/sleeper sofas, but the chance of an upgrade to this is likely pretty slim!)
Feb 28, 2018, 1:04 pm
#209
Join Date: Aug 2011
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador
Posts: 598
I have an upcoming stay here (still over 3 months away), and I just got an email from the hotel saying they have options for a guaranteed, 'discounted' suite upgrade. We booked a room on points, and they said they would give us a 'credit' for the best available rate of the standard room if we wanted to upgrade to a suite. So it seems like the same price as what a regular/cash upgrade would be, although they are allowing it on a points booking. The offer was about $600 a night for an upgrade to a one bedroom suite.
Has anyone else received a similar email or have an experience like this?
I'm also curious to know how the situation above panned out, but it definitely seems like the hotel is making a push to maximize revenue from paid upgrades.
Has anyone else received a similar email or have an experience like this?
I'm also curious to know how the situation above panned out, but it definitely seems like the hotel is making a push to maximize revenue from paid upgrades.
Feb 28, 2018, 2:16 pm
#210
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
I have an upcoming stay here (still over 3 months away), and I just got an email from the hotel saying they have options for a guaranteed, 'discounted' suite upgrade. We booked a room on points, and they said they would give us a 'credit' for the best available rate of the standard room if we wanted to upgrade to a suite. So it seems like the same price as what a regular/cash upgrade would be, although they are allowing it on a points booking. The offer was about $600 a night for an upgrade to a one bedroom suite.
Has anyone else received a similar email or have an experience like this?
I'm also curious to know how the situation above panned out, but it definitely seems like the hotel is making a push to maximize revenue from paid upgrades.
Has anyone else received a similar email or have an experience like this?
I'm also curious to know how the situation above panned out, but it definitely seems like the hotel is making a push to maximize revenue from paid upgrades.
The one bedroom suites are all specialty suites, so they are not included in the upgrade pool anyway. On a super slow night, it's possible you'd get upgraded to one, but the typical platinum upgrade, if available, is to a junior suite, which is basically a regular room with a tiny kitchenette included in the hall between the bedroom and the bathroom.