Originally Posted by DFWILE
We stayed at the Imperial for three nights on points back in April (our first anniversary). As I recall, we spent 14,500 for the Specialty Select award, which was a junior suite. The going rate was something like $900, so from my perspective, I'm glad we used the points to save $2700.
But it gets better...we got there at about 9 a.m. and asked if by chance we could check in (realizing we were early and being fully prepared to wait for our room). Our junior suite wasn't avalable, but they said "Since this is your anniversary, let's see what else we have available". We ended up in a 3 room, almost 1000 square foot room, overlooking the Ringstrasse (room 85)! It was amazing! The rate on that one was about $1500 a night, so again, I felt the points well worth it.
All in all, we loved the Imperial and would recommend it to anyone!
An interesting point. This will be our 20th anniversary and we will be arriving early in the AM on the overnight train from Venice (where the cruise ends). I'll be sure to mention it.
How do you go about obtaining a Specialty Select award?