Dec 29, 2018, 11:12 am
Last edit by: emofeng
Diamond benefit as of Dec 28, 2018
- $50 benefit ($25/pp; max 2) toward food, can be used on room service or at any food outlet. This can be used toward breakfast but there is no specific breakfast benefit.
- Noon checkout
- Space available upgrade; one category. Room to suite is ineligible, regardless of category booked (as of 09/2019)
Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills {US-CA}
May 24, 2021, 8:35 am
#256
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,446
Yes, hotels have discretion as to how many rooms in a category they make available at standard award rates. That's how this works. You tried to book after those rooms were booked. This is not a situation where non-ADA rooms are not *ever* available-- they are widely available at the standard rate until other people book them. Some in this thread just seem to think if a $900 room is not available at a low points rate when they book a room close in, that means shenanigans.
They allocate a certain number of regular superior rooms, and also of ADA rooms. The former get sold out more quickly. The hotel has no problem changing your room if you book the latter because the former is unavailable. Of all the hotel "practices" to get exorcised about, this seems a strange one.
They allocate a certain number of regular superior rooms, and also of ADA rooms. The former get sold out more quickly. The hotel has no problem changing your room if you book the latter because the former is unavailable. Of all the hotel "practices" to get exorcised about, this seems a strange one.
This property's practices fall at the aggressive end of the gaming scale. Not in the same category as Andaz Maui, to take probably the best (worst) example, but IMO definitely bad enough to qualify for a hall of shame nomination.
May 24, 2021, 8:38 am
#257
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,878
Honest question, what properties at a similar caliber, price point, desirability, etc of the WA BH that can be had a few months out with a free night cert/points?
May 27, 2021, 1:36 pm
#258
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: PDX
Programs: DL DM, AS MVP 100K, Amtrak peon, Colbert Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 4,534
I saw 95k space (the ADA room) open within a day or two of my arrival dates, but I had given up on this property and already booked at Oceana LXR.
The biggest issues I have with this property's award availability practices are (1) making the ADA room the primary 95k room, and (2) doing only limited, discretionary releases of the Superior room at 95k level.
The biggest issues I have with this property's award availability practices are (1) making the ADA room the primary 95k room, and (2) doing only limited, discretionary releases of the Superior room at 95k level.
Reviews of Oceana seem fairly uneven, though it makes more sense if you're trying to maximize your time by the coast.
May 27, 2021, 2:19 pm
#259
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,316
Just finished a phenomenal stay using a free night certificate. I booked approximately 10 weeks out, and there was availability at 95k for the base Two Queen room, and the ADA Queen room, and the ADA King room. The phone agent said she would put in the note that 1 king was preferred.
The app informed me I was upgraded to a deluxe King room. (I think the difference is just higher floors and thus views). At check in around 230, the room wasn't ready, but they were super apologetic, and offered to bring me the keys anywhere on the property. Was less than 30 minutes.
The room was stunning and immaculate, and the views of the Beverly Hills incredible-- particularly at sunset.
I had more interaction with staff than usual but all of it was extraordinarily pleasant. Gym requires reservations, available in one hour blocks. Both times I called, it was no problem. The gym, like the rest of the property, was immaculate. No one seemed to be monitoring Reservation compliance but the max capacity of 6 wasn't exceeded.
The pool is beautiful and friendly staff. No reservations required
limited F&b currently. Even though opentable had no reservations for JG Rooftop, the hotel staff got me one and it was a lovely albeit pricey dinner. The reservation had been for 2 so, as a diamond, I got $50 f&b credit that covered a good chunk of my dinner and was applied overnight no problem. For breakfast, walked 3 minutes to Starbucks.
Didn't use the courtesy car but it was there.
Late checkout was proactively offered, though 1pm was the latest.
Would put it in one of the top 5 hotels I've stayed at, particularly in the U.S.
The app informed me I was upgraded to a deluxe King room. (I think the difference is just higher floors and thus views). At check in around 230, the room wasn't ready, but they were super apologetic, and offered to bring me the keys anywhere on the property. Was less than 30 minutes.
The room was stunning and immaculate, and the views of the Beverly Hills incredible-- particularly at sunset.
I had more interaction with staff than usual but all of it was extraordinarily pleasant. Gym requires reservations, available in one hour blocks. Both times I called, it was no problem. The gym, like the rest of the property, was immaculate. No one seemed to be monitoring Reservation compliance but the max capacity of 6 wasn't exceeded.
The pool is beautiful and friendly staff. No reservations required
limited F&b currently. Even though opentable had no reservations for JG Rooftop, the hotel staff got me one and it was a lovely albeit pricey dinner. The reservation had been for 2 so, as a diamond, I got $50 f&b credit that covered a good chunk of my dinner and was applied overnight no problem. For breakfast, walked 3 minutes to Starbucks.
Didn't use the courtesy car but it was there.
Late checkout was proactively offered, though 1pm was the latest.
Would put it in one of the top 5 hotels I've stayed at, particularly in the U.S.
Jun 4, 2021, 6:14 pm
#260
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,218
I'm just rambling about a dilemma I'm having, maybe someone can tell me I'm right or wrong (I'm sure there is no one answer).
When we are in LA we are going to be spending time around Universal Studios, going to not only there, but also the Warner Bros. studios, Hollywood Museum...the whole old Hollywood touristy circuit.
The logical place to stay is the Hilton Universal on top of the hill. I'll be using a FNC.
My dilemma is...is that a waste? I could drive further and stay at the W-A BH for the same certificate. But given LA traffic it would be a slog. However, MUCH nicer hotel.
I guess I'm looking for opinions whether using your certificate for the "best use" or the "most best from a getting value standpoint use" makes the most sense.
There is nothing we care about in Beverly Hills, other than the hotel.
I'm just obsessed with FOMO right now.
When we are in LA we are going to be spending time around Universal Studios, going to not only there, but also the Warner Bros. studios, Hollywood Museum...the whole old Hollywood touristy circuit.
The logical place to stay is the Hilton Universal on top of the hill. I'll be using a FNC.
My dilemma is...is that a waste? I could drive further and stay at the W-A BH for the same certificate. But given LA traffic it would be a slog. However, MUCH nicer hotel.
I guess I'm looking for opinions whether using your certificate for the "best use" or the "most best from a getting value standpoint use" makes the most sense.
There is nothing we care about in Beverly Hills, other than the hotel.
I'm just obsessed with FOMO right now.
Jun 4, 2021, 7:08 pm
#261
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,316
I'm just rambling about a dilemma I'm having, maybe someone can tell me I'm right or wrong (I'm sure there is no one answer).
When we are in LA we are going to be spending time around Universal Studios, going to not only there, but also the Warner Bros. studios, Hollywood Museum...the whole old Hollywood touristy circuit.
The logical place to stay is the Hilton Universal on top of the hill. I'll be using a FNC.
My dilemma is...is that a waste? I could drive further and stay at the W-A BH for the same certificate. But given LA traffic it would be a slog. However, MUCH nicer hotel.
I guess I'm looking for opinions whether using your certificate for the "best use" or the "most best from a getting value standpoint use" makes the most sense.
There is nothing we care about in Beverly Hills, other than the hotel.
I'm just obsessed with FOMO right now.
When we are in LA we are going to be spending time around Universal Studios, going to not only there, but also the Warner Bros. studios, Hollywood Museum...the whole old Hollywood touristy circuit.
The logical place to stay is the Hilton Universal on top of the hill. I'll be using a FNC.
My dilemma is...is that a waste? I could drive further and stay at the W-A BH for the same certificate. But given LA traffic it would be a slog. However, MUCH nicer hotel.
I guess I'm looking for opinions whether using your certificate for the "best use" or the "most best from a getting value standpoint use" makes the most sense.
There is nothing we care about in Beverly Hills, other than the hotel.
I'm just obsessed with FOMO right now.
if you're doing all that in one day (or two) you'd spend such little time at the Waldorf , it wouldn't be worth the schlep.
Jun 4, 2021, 9:05 pm
#263
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PHX
Programs: AS 75K; UA 1MM; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott LTP; Hilton Diamond (Aspire)
Posts: 56,446
I think I'd look at it from the perspective of "what will make our stay most enjoyable." If staying at a 5* will tick that box, go with W/A. If you'll just wind up regretting the extra time spent fighting traffic, go with Hilton Universal.
Jun 4, 2021, 11:20 pm
#264
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: SFO
Posts: 3,878
A bit OT but if you’re not looking to burn a FNC, have you thought about visiting Magic Castle? Magic Castle has reopened and it’s very old Hollywood. I believe you can still gain access with a Hilton paid stay.
Jun 5, 2021, 2:20 am
#265
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,218
Jun 5, 2021, 2:23 am
#266
Join Date: May 2009
Location: EUG
Programs: AS MVP, AA MM, HH Diamond, MR Gold
Posts: 8,218
However, we won't be on a "paid stay" so probably not? But thanks for the tip.
Jun 5, 2021, 5:42 am
#267
Join Date: May 2011
Location: NYC (LGA, JFK), CT
Programs: Delta Platinum, American Gold, JetBlue Mosaic 4, Marriott Platinum, Hyatt Explorist, Hilton Diamond,
Posts: 4,893
Just finished a phenomenal stay using a free night certificate. I booked approximately 10 weeks out, and there was availability at 95k for the base Two Queen room, and the ADA Queen room, and the ADA King room. The phone agent said she would put in the note that 1 king was preferred.
The app informed me I was upgraded to a deluxe King room. (I think the difference is just higher floors and thus views). At check in around 230, the room wasn't ready, but they were super apologetic, and offered to bring me the keys anywhere on the property. Was less than 30 minutes.
The room was stunning and immaculate, and the views of the Beverly Hills incredible-- particularly at sunset.
I had more interaction with staff than usual but all of it was extraordinarily pleasant. Gym requires reservations, available in one hour blocks. Both times I called, it was no problem. The gym, like the rest of the property, was immaculate. No one seemed to be monitoring Reservation compliance but the max capacity of 6 wasn't exceeded.
The pool is beautiful and friendly staff. No reservations required
limited F&b currently. Even though opentable had no reservations for JG Rooftop, the hotel staff got me one and it was a lovely albeit pricey dinner. The reservation had been for 2 so, as a diamond, I got $50 f&b credit that covered a good chunk of my dinner and was applied overnight no problem. For breakfast, walked 3 minutes to Starbucks.
Didn't use the courtesy car but it was there.
Late checkout was proactively offered, though 1pm was the latest.
Would put it in one of the top 5 hotels I've stayed at, particularly in the U.S.
The app informed me I was upgraded to a deluxe King room. (I think the difference is just higher floors and thus views). At check in around 230, the room wasn't ready, but they were super apologetic, and offered to bring me the keys anywhere on the property. Was less than 30 minutes.
The room was stunning and immaculate, and the views of the Beverly Hills incredible-- particularly at sunset.
I had more interaction with staff than usual but all of it was extraordinarily pleasant. Gym requires reservations, available in one hour blocks. Both times I called, it was no problem. The gym, like the rest of the property, was immaculate. No one seemed to be monitoring Reservation compliance but the max capacity of 6 wasn't exceeded.
The pool is beautiful and friendly staff. No reservations required
limited F&b currently. Even though opentable had no reservations for JG Rooftop, the hotel staff got me one and it was a lovely albeit pricey dinner. The reservation had been for 2 so, as a diamond, I got $50 f&b credit that covered a good chunk of my dinner and was applied overnight no problem. For breakfast, walked 3 minutes to Starbucks.
Didn't use the courtesy car but it was there.
Late checkout was proactively offered, though 1pm was the latest.
Would put it in one of the top 5 hotels I've stayed at, particularly in the U.S.
Jun 14, 2021, 3:54 am
#269
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Washington, DC
Programs: DL PM; IHG PlatAmb; Hilton Dia; Marriott Plat; Hyatt Discoverist
Posts: 7,316
