Originally Posted by
moretimeoffguy
Has anyone escalated this to IHG execs? Probably the only way to get a definitive answer. But I wouldn't hold my breath on the basis of Internet access alone. I've got a 2 night Chase Free Night booking for late September; I make it in at the $60 resort fee, but that's $120 total; not including the 10% or whatever taxes they may try to levy. Rethinking my stay. On the other hand, the fee does cover a lot as others have mentioned.
It would be more palatable if I was renting a car since the resort fee covers valet parking. Driving a car on the left hand side in Ireland was a white-knuckled experience--never could get used to it. So I need other options. Anyone know how much a taxi costs from the airport to Seafire? Or if there's a public bus? I won't have much luggage.
I'm going in October using Chase free night plus Kimpton promo free night. Emailed hotel, was told there will be a $70 resort fee. Called IHG customer service (spoke with U.S. call center and was told I would need to "work it out" with the front desk upon arrival, even tho my confirmation says no additional fees. She stated she would send a note to (?) corporate that the confirmation incorrectly states no additional fees. As an aside my confirmation also (incorrectly I assume) states I'll earn 2000 IHG points on these unpaid nights.
I had planned to add a couple more nights, points and paid, but have changed my mind. Seafire rep never replied to my email about what room to book if I don't want a parking lot/construction site view and if Spire would have any benefit. My "free" nights are "resort view" he says.. Seafire website doesn't show this category. We have a 7 night vacation, so I've decided to move over to the Marriott for the paid nights. $50 resort fee (perks sound as good as Kimpton), all rooms have balconies, $50/nt food and beverage credit, much lower rate for booking a for-sure balcony ocean view (I have no status with Marriott). AI Marriott is
$250 a night less for a guaranteed balcony ocean view. I considered the HI Resort, price & points redemption is certainly tempting, but I'm wary of that one.
We are renting a car Hertz $106 for a week, plus the CI drivers permit for $20. I'm thinking that has to be the way to go even if we don't drive it for a few days. Have driven on the left all over New Zealand and it wasn't difficult (save for the roundabouts, which we're not used to in California). On my trip to Ireland I guessed renting a car there would not make for an enjoyable vacation, so passed on that idea. I can't image that driving in Grand Cayman (I've not been there) would be comparable to driving in Ireland.