Originally Posted by
gilbertaue
What downgrade? There was really nothing given as part of being a RAP member. And it's not as though the Raffles brand is going to become the next ibis?
I am also certain that a guest who has stayed previously at a Raffles property will have the same level of attention given to them as previously given. Raffles is bigger than the RAP program or LCAH.
Invite only status at an elite Hotel with no fix benefits >> Platinum status at a mediocre program with fix (mediocre) benefits*.
*based on availability&you have to sometimes fight for.
I bet at the Raffles the invite only status was regarded higher in comparison to the now Accor Platinums, of which there are a lot more. Not to forget the prestige of an invite only program, in comparison to a platinum status that my 5yo sister would achieve with only one stay (if I had a 5yo sister that is).
At least that's how I see it.
Disclosure: I was never member of the Raffles Invite Only Club and only judge based on the (second hand) information that is available to me.