Recently spent two nights here, our first time staying at Highlands Inn. A not-so-brief rundown on our experience.

Reservations:

As a Diamond, and after much research here on FT, utilized my two free nights in a suite from Chase/Hyatt Visa promo and booked a midweek stay in hopes of securing one of the coveted 500 series townhouses. Noticed that the reservation confirmation specified room as “oceanview, 850 sq. ft. balcony,..” that led me to believe that they had me reserved in one of the vacation club units. Called the Inn and they verified that indeed the room was a vacation club unit. Asked if I could have it moved to one of the townhouses and they stated that only GP could make that change. I confirmed that townhouses were available during our stay then called GP to request that my reservation be changed to a townhouse unit. No problem, change made as requested and new confirmation received that indicated “OCN VW TOWNHOUSE.” Whew, that was a bit more work than I had imagined but no harm no foul I guess.


Check In:

FD agent was quite pleasant and indicated that “they had upgraded me to an ocean view townhouse, one of our best rooms.” For one fleeting moment I considered pointing out that the oceanview townhouse was a product of the Visa card, my Diamond status, Flyer Talk info and my own vigilance and not simply their irrepressible generosity. But it was a beautiful sunny day outside and I was in Carmel so I decided to let it slide. She then issued me two vouchers for $32 each to cover breakfast for us for the two days. I nicely mentioned that our children were with us and asked if I could have some additional vouchers to cover breakfast for them, both of us knowing full well that $32/day was not going to cover breakfast for 4 at the California Market, even if the kids only ordered off the kid’s menu. I gently asked (reminded) “doesn’t the Gold Passport program state that Diamonds receive breakfast for each registered guest, up to 4? We do have 4 of us registered.” She then said that they only give one $32 voucher per day, that was their policy but she would make an exception and she filled out one more $32 voucher. Feeling like a dentist working through a particularly nasty tooth extraction, I swallowed hard and tried to gently smile again. I asked “could I get one more to cover the second day?” She had a slight smile on her face, the kind that turn up at one corner of the mouth, (or was it a smirk?) and slowly she pulled one more voucher out, completed it and handed it over with a full smile that actually seemed genuine. I took the last voucher and felt a bit like Willy Wonka unwrapping the golden ticket, it was finally mine! Walking away from the counter I wasn’t sure who had had more fun: me in refusing to leave with less than I wanted, or her in forcing a Diamond to virtually beg for his benefits. I typically detest incidents where I feel I have to negotiate for or, worse yet, fight for benefits as I hate the thought that I’m one of those “Demanding Diamonds” but this occasion had seemed more like a game than anything else and, as I said, the sun was shining bright in Carmel that day so really what was there to be upset about?


Stay:

Our room, one of the best they have mind you, turned out to be Townhouse 505: jackpot! We loved the kitchenette, (small) living area and of course the pre-set fireplace and the remarkable views. The balcony overlooking the rugged coast and sun-lit ocean turned out to be the perfect place to enjoy our Diamond amenity- a very decent Talbott chardonnay (local winery) that retails for ~$20/bottle. It was quite a nice step up from the usual Canvas wine amenity offering to be sure. And downstairs in the large master bedroom and master bath my wife found her new best friend for at least a few days- the massive soaking tub with sliding wooden panels separating the rooms. Heaven to be sure.

Shortly after arriving in our room we were called by the Vacation Club folks who wanted to invite us to a complimentary wine tasting in the lounge hosted by none other than Talbott. The wines were very good and were poured copiously. Needless to say it was quite popular with all that attended, maybe 70 or so total. The Vacation Club people mingled and gave their (no pressure) spiel to whomever would welcome it. We actually enjoyed talking to the gentleman about the Club concept and Hyatt in general, though fortunately we never drank quite enough to consider signing anything.

Our two breakfasts and a lunch at California Market (who wants to leave the property?) were very pleasant. We had the same server all three times, per our request the second two. He was exceptional: quietly professional the first time we had him but immediately noticed and remembered our family’s preferences and warmly welcomed us back subsequently. He is truly an asset to the restaurant and by extension, to the hotel. The food itself was very acceptable if not especially memorable, but then it was just breakfast and lunch and not a dinner at Pacific’s Edge. And, thanks to our dear, sweet friend at the front desk, the price was right.

We also loved the outdoor hot tub that offered a peek of the ocean. Not a bad way to spend part of an evening: soaking in the hot water with the cool ocean air wafting in over you and the coastal vistas in the near distance. Turning in to our unit each night with a real wood fire crackling was icing on the cake. All in all we had a wonderful visit and considered it a remarkable value for the Visa night use.


Many sincere thanks to you FT’ers who have posted such useful information regarding the property and stoked our desire to visit through your postings. Perhaps more than any other previous experience as a first-time visitor I felt I had a good understanding of what to request and expect, particularly in regard to desirable units and in the breakfast voucher issue. Part of the reason I never became irritated with the FD agent when haggling over additional vouchers was because I kind of expected it going in. (Hopefully she wasn’t annoyed by me, but then she probably expects that from Diamonds too.) Forewarned is forearmed and it certainly proved true for me there. My apologies for the long-winded narrative but perhaps someone will benefit from some of my experience(s) also.