As an update.. we rebooked everything a week later, and lined up flights YYC-CUN, 2 weeks, CUN-LAX, stopover 8 nights, LAX-YYC. So I'm happy to report we're confirmed.. btw Happy Easter to all.

Getting a bit excited as I talked with the assistant manager this morning who helped finalize the signature casita suite upgrades on the reservation. I booked with Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection, on a pretty good rate that was less than rate of the day.. So every third night free off the rate of the day plus deluxe buffet breakfast. The package includes a room upgrade inclusion (which I'm not sure if they'll honor given that I've got a suite already, but the two Hawaii properties we just returned from guaranteed me third party website upgrades, and the Kea Lani property further added another upgrade at check-in, all this after applying suite upgrades on our 19 night Hawaii trip).

So Visa Infinite Luxury Hotel Collection includes.. room upgrade, VIP status, valet parking, breakfast, late checkout, $25 food and beverage credit.

So with the passions certificates, we'll be lining up treatments, 2 rounds of golf, Lessons with an expert etc when we're down there, I've still got the $200 in dining certificates.. will need it since we'll be at the hotel restaurants quite a bit.. kids 5 and under eat free, 3 hours of supervised kids activities per day, $25 per day spa access per adult.

Last time we were at the Mayan Riviera area, we didn't rent a vehicle. Talking with the Assistant Manager really helped, as with a car, we have more flexibility to visit Cancun, and Play del Carmen when we want, plus we don't have to wait for tour buses, or a cab. I was a bit concerned for the safey, but she assured me its' quite safe in Mexico nowadays.. I've heard drug cartels have been causing a lot trouble, but good to know its become relatively safe in the Riviera Maya area.. So renting a minivan is a possibility.. we'll have the kids car seats with us as we're travelling to SoCal after this.. so the rental idea is definitely a possiblity especially with free valet.

So, I see that a few FPC members were upgraded the Beach Casita Suite.. Its' definitely not common for them to do that, as I asked the hotel, if there was a possiblity given my package has a room upgrade available at check-in. I guess those suites are not available for promo.. but I do have a package that says room upgrade on availability.. so the assistant manager duly noted this on the reservation.. plus they are competing with the properties I stay at regularly in Hawaii.. where they seem to guaranteeing a third party website upgrade the last couple of years prior to my arrival.

My wife and I are transitioning to becoming Platinum Members through Canadian AMEX Platinum cards. With kids, its just hard to maintain status for both of us traditionally. Plus we have the Disney World factor, Oahu, and Kauai coming up where there is no Fairmont where my wife and kids wants to go and visit. My kids are especially interested in Walt Disney World, so hopefully Fairmont gets a hotel up there soon.