Thought I would complete a review since there's not a lot of details about recent stays on here. We arrived on a Monday, checking in for 2 nights to enjoy Legoland with 2 4-year olds.
Check-in was smooth but unless I pre-empted the agent before she had the chance to say or ask, I had to inquire about all of my elite benefits as a Platinum Elite leading me to think that they don't value their elites too much. First I asked if there was an upgrade available since we could really use the space of a larger room or suite. I don't think she would have checked had I not asked. She checked and said no, they were quite busy (although I never really saw too much activity around the hotel to back this up, not that that necessarily means anything). I've seen other comments here that upgrades at this hotel are hard to get. I always wonder if I get screwed on upgrades as I expect that even if I'm just getting a standard room at least it would have a view or something, but no, my room was 2nd floor in the rear of the hotel with a view of the embankment behind the hotel. Not a huge deal, I just would think that as Platinum Elite I would default to the other side of the hotel with the better view.
Late checkout: Was not offered late CO at CI, but was given 4pm when I asked.
Lounge? No lounge. I was not offered points or breakfast as required by T&Cs. I wasn't 100% confident on this so I researched this later and at checkout I asked for points compensation. The agent didn't know anything about this so she referred me to follow up with managers later. I did when I got home and was even given extra points! Still though, I would have expected the staff to be used to handing out points since they don't have lounge. but clearly not very many are making requests.
Welcome gift? Again as I sensed she was about to wrap up I told her I wanted the breakfast for the welcome gift, otherwise I think she would have defaulted to points. Breakfast is actually a $15 credit (for each person (2)) for the restaurant. At the (Mile 7) restaurant there is no self-serve, so there is no way to avoid tipping and of course tax. There is a menu item called "continental breakfast" that is $15 which is what the amount is based on I presume. The restaurant prices are a bit high. On the breakfast menu, getting a side of 1 egg is $4. Also offensive is the statement on the menu, "In support of the California minimum wage law, 3% will be added to your bill." This may not be 100% accurate but pretty close. "In support of?" As if it's optional! How about some honesty: "In lieu of raising prices to comply with the new minimum wage laws we're tacking on a 3% surcharge?" Please don't pretend to be doing something noble.
Legoland: The private entrance to LL was completely worth it. It opens into the back of the park and we were able to get right into the submarine ride and dragon roller coaster before the masses came in from the front entrance. Was super nice not having to drive and just walking over to the park.
There is a $20 resort fee and $18 self parking fee even for Platinum Elites. They gave us a tag to put on our dashboard for parking; however, I don't think anyone ever checks as we forgot to put our tag in the window and nothing happened. There were plenty of parking spaces (hence my assessment about not being busy). I think you could lie about parking and get away without paying for parking. Not that I advocate such a thing, but if they are going to charge a resort fee AND for parking and they have plenty of parking... not sure why they have to charge more for it other than they can.