Another
two dozen Postcard Cabins are now participating, including the one nearest to me in NOLA, so I went to check out rates and points.
The first thing I noticed is that there's now a $35 Destination Fee. That's included in the cash rates but an additional cash charge on redemptions. It includes:
- (3) Daily Firewood Bundles and Starter Kits
- Daily food and beverage credit of $15.
- S’mores Kit including graham crackers, chocolates, marshmallows, roasting sticks to be replenished daily.
- Pour-Over Coffee Packets, Tea Bags, Hot Chocolate Packets to be replenished daily.
Before Marriott, as part of the reservation process, you could order firewood ($9) or smores. Nothing was replenished daily. So the fee seems about right, if you use it all, though 3 bundles per day seems like a lot. I'm curious how to use the $15 food and beverage credit, since there's no restaurant or shop, or even front desk. Maybe you could pre-order extra smores?
In terms of redemption pricing, a night with a cash rate of $148 all-in charges 21.5K points plus $37.45. So you save $110 for the points, or just a hair over a half cent per point. Checking the calendar, there are some slight variations, but all the $148 nights were in the 20-23K range. At these rates, I'll enjoy the earnings side but pay cash instead of redeeming.
As far as elite benefits, checking the T&C:
Members may receive benefits at Postcard Cabins as defined in Section 1 and 4, except for the following: Complimentary Enhanced Internet Access, Gift Shop Discount, Guaranteed Lounge Access, and 48-Hour Guaranteed Availability. Not all Postcard Cabins offer Complimentary In-Room Internet Access, refer to the individual Participating Property for more information.
It's surprising to me that late checkout isn't excluded, but since there's no cash guarantee on that benefit, I suppose if they're fully booked the next night they'll just ignore the guarantee and deny it.
Also, there's a pretty uniform 14 day cancel policy for paid rates that also applies to award redemptions. That's reasonable, I assume so people don't cancel if it looks like it'll be rainy, but something to be aware of if you do choose to redeem.