The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii
#61
Join Date: Feb 2002
Location: Scottsdale, AZ
Posts: 350
Was at the Orchid last month. Had a standard king room garden view. Still very big by Hawaii hotel standards. I was staying at an ultra-low TA rate, so I can't complain. Upkeep of the hotel is great. About 1/5 of the hotel was blocked off for renovations.
According to the staff the Orchid was originally a Four Seasons property from the early 90's. Then went SPG, finally bought by Fairmont. It's been renovated at least twice since it was built. I think that's why it looks in really good shape despite being older that other properties near by.
At any rate, I applaud Fairmont for renovating rooms while wear and tear is still quite mild. Also for keeping pools and whirlpools open 24/7. It's nice to go down while kids aren't around.
According to the staff the Orchid was originally a Four Seasons property from the early 90's. Then went SPG, finally bought by Fairmont. It's been renovated at least twice since it was built. I think that's why it looks in really good shape despite being older that other properties near by.
At any rate, I applaud Fairmont for renovating rooms while wear and tear is still quite mild. Also for keeping pools and whirlpools open 24/7. It's nice to go down while kids aren't around.
I have stayed at the property many times over the past ten years and continue to be impressed.
#62
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: HK
Programs: PC Ambassador, UA , HH Gold
Posts: 163
Fairmont Orchid
Can anyone tell me if I can get the $200 resort credit if I book the 3rd free promotion? Besides, can I book 3 nights + 3 nights in different names staying together (i.e. me & my wife) to get $400 resort credit?
Appreciate your advice.
Appreciate your advice.
#63
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Lahaina, Hawai'i
Programs: HA Pua. Platinum WP, PR, QF, UA, AA, DL, NW Prince Preferred
Posts: 4,786
From reading the Fairmont Orchid website, it seems to me that yes, you may combine the $200 resort credit with the Third Night Free promotion: follow the special instructions to request it; and yes, you may break up a six night stay into two three night stays so both you and the Mrs. can take advantage of the double-dip!
That's my $0.02. Hope it helps!
#64
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Long Island, NY
Programs: United 1K, AA Plat Exec, DL Plat, Marriott Titanium Lifetime Elite, Hilton Gold, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,872
Virtuoso Orchid Upgrade Expectation?
I am planning on staying at the Fairmont Orchid in a couple weeks for 3 days, and I have my choice between paying $200/night plus taxes and getting an upgrade from Virtuoso by booking thru them, or I could pay $166 a night by booking with someone like Travelocity or Orbitz...My question is do people find that the Virtuoso upgrade is worth the extra $100?
#65
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC*SE, AA Plat, SPG Plat, HH Diamond, PC Plat Ambassador, Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Plat
Posts: 1,179
You are generally entitled to a single category upgrade with Virtuoso or Amex FHR, although some get lucky or charm their way into much better upgrades. If you have an Amex Plat card, check out the FHR rate since I believe they are currently running a third night free promo, plus the normal bennies (upgrade, breakfast, late check-out and an additional benefit such as a lunch). Even if the FHR rate was as high as $300, the benefits are probably worth it over an Expedia booking if one of the nights is free.
SG
SG
#66
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Leawood, KS
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 43
Upgrade Strategy--Fairmont Orchid?
I know its a long shot given Spring Break season, although at the moment it seems like every room type is wide open at the Fairmont Orchid (based on reservations inquiry)--no status with Fairmont although 1P with United (seem to frequently travel to locations where the Fairmont is not in preferred location). Any promos running or opportunities out there? Minimal stay history as FPC member--few nights in Bermuda the past year.
I'm currently booked into partial ocean view for a week with the family. Suite would be great, but realistically, moving even to deluxe ocean view or Gold would be a nice little upgrade. Thanks for any suggestions!
I'm currently booked into partial ocean view for a week with the family. Suite would be great, but realistically, moving even to deluxe ocean view or Gold would be a nice little upgrade. Thanks for any suggestions!
#67
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,764
Check out this post:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairm...ents-club.html
It may be worth doing a cheap matress run before your trip. In your case, it would probably be VERY worth it!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairm...ents-club.html
It may be worth doing a cheap matress run before your trip. In your case, it would probably be VERY worth it!
#68
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Leawood, KS
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 43
Wow...
Check out this post:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairm...ents-club.html
It may be worth doing a cheap matress run before your trip. In your case, it would probably be VERY worth it!
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/fairm...ents-club.html
It may be worth doing a cheap matress run before your trip. In your case, it would probably be VERY worth it!
#69
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: AA Exec Plat, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 191
Being a FPC member, you can pretty much count on getting some sort of an upgrade if the hotel is wide open. Enjoy the Orchid! The staff is wonderful and make sure you go on the petroglyph hike with Uncle Kalani!
#70
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Leawood, KS
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 43
Will do..
Thanks for the suggestion--it does appear they have some really cool programs there, including the hike. I have always wanted to try surfing, looks like that might be possible!!
#71
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: YYC
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Plat, IHG Spire, SPG Gold, WS Gold, Hertz PC, National E Elite,
Posts: 2,764
But Suite Upgrade cert's get you upgraded, in advance, to some SWEET suites. So if you can do a mattress run, it will be very worth it.
#72
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Leawood, KS
Programs: UA 1P
Posts: 43
Right...
Thanks for all the great comments!^
#73
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Ok, lets try to help this guy out.. sounds like he wants to be an FPCer for life.
Quickest way to Platinum if you're Canadian. Get the American Express Card, and charge 5 nights to the room. You get platinum status which gets you a free night and couple suite upgrades. Mattress run=5 nights NFAF, which is also a nice time for the family at a local hotel.
Second option, phone FPC loyalty, and ask (doesn't hurt) for a suite upgrade certificate that is good for 5 nights.
Third option, don't want to do the above.. roll the dice and request best room/suite at check in and see what happens. First couple times we stayed at Orchid, we got the suite we booked for, no upgrades. This last time, the management was different and treated us like royalty. We're going back for the fourth time, and not likely our last.
Quickest way to Platinum if you're Canadian. Get the American Express Card, and charge 5 nights to the room. You get platinum status which gets you a free night and couple suite upgrades. Mattress run=5 nights NFAF, which is also a nice time for the family at a local hotel.
Second option, phone FPC loyalty, and ask (doesn't hurt) for a suite upgrade certificate that is good for 5 nights.
Third option, don't want to do the above.. roll the dice and request best room/suite at check in and see what happens. First couple times we stayed at Orchid, we got the suite we booked for, no upgrades. This last time, the management was different and treated us like royalty. We're going back for the fourth time, and not likely our last.
#74
Join Date: Apr 2009
Programs: AA Exec Plat, HHonors Diamond, Marriott Gold
Posts: 191
You won't get much surfing done at the Orchid. You will have to go to others areas to accomplish that. Plan on some great snorkeling or diving though. If your trip takes you there on the first Saturday of the month, plan on going to the Mauna Lani that evening for "Story Time" with island elders at the cottage. Uncle Kalani can help you. Now I am missing the Orchid terribly.
#75
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Canada
Programs: Virtuoso TA, Four Seasons Pref Partner, Rosewood Elite TA, Ritz Carlton STARS TA
Posts: 4,733
I'm going to say 3rd option is to look into Virtuoso as a booking route for the stay. The OP will get 5% off the BAR for his room, buffet breakfast for 2 at the Orchid Court daily and a series of complimentary activites at the hotel (snorkling gear, tennis lessons etc). On top of this, there is an upgrade upon arrival via Virtuoso, which coupled with FPC membership might score him his oceanview.