Conrad Washington DC {US-DC}
Oct 21, 2019, 3:06 pm
#226
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
Never looked at the property thread as it is unlikely to feature in my travel plans but surely if Hilton want to make a lounge beyond normal lounge rules they should keep to the WA brand.
WA is the Hilton RC equivalent, Conrad is more akin to Westin
Oct 21, 2019, 6:46 pm
#227
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
No, Conrad is the JWM equivalent, right down to the naming convention (after the founders).
Few new properties have a lounge of any sort so I would say that the move to a premium model is actually on trend. I find myself visiting fewer and fewer lounges anyhow even internationally since they are usually packed and quality is often declining. Though free is always nicer than paid, Sakura Club definitely executes flawlessly and I found it to be worth every penny.
Few new properties have a lounge of any sort so I would say that the move to a premium model is actually on trend. I find myself visiting fewer and fewer lounges anyhow even internationally since they are usually packed and quality is often declining. Though free is always nicer than paid, Sakura Club definitely executes flawlessly and I found it to be worth every penny.
Oct 22, 2019, 3:40 pm
#228
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: MAN and LON
Programs: Mucci, BAEC LT Gold, HH Dia, MR LT Plat, IHG Diamond Amb, Amex Plat
Posts: 13,773
No, Conrad is the JWM equivalent, right down to the naming convention (after the founders).
Few new properties have a lounge of any sort so I would say that the move to a premium model is actually on trend. I find myself visiting fewer and fewer lounges anyhow even internationally since they are usually packed and quality is often declining. Though free is always nicer than paid, Sakura Club definitely executes flawlessly and I found it to be worth every penny.
Few new properties have a lounge of any sort so I would say that the move to a premium model is actually on trend. I find myself visiting fewer and fewer lounges anyhow even internationally since they are usually packed and quality is often declining. Though free is always nicer than paid, Sakura Club definitely executes flawlessly and I found it to be worth every penny.
Oct 26, 2019, 11:20 am
#229
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2012
Location: MCO
Programs: AA, B6, DL, EK, EY, QR, SQ, UA, Amex Plat, Marriott Tit, HHonors Gold
Posts: 12,809
Well yes I would rather have a decent lounge than the normal US hotel lounges (beyond the normally rather good IC clubs) but this isn't the case elsewhere in the world including at JWMs which always struck me as on a par with Westins which were a later addition to Marriott and on a par in the Starwood era.
Oct 29, 2019, 11:43 am
#230
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
I've finally gotten around to booking a staycation here. At the time of booking, for two people, the Sakura club differential was $130. Do you think we stand a chance of getting a better buy-up price through Nor1?
Oct 29, 2019, 1:23 pm
#231
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Is that for one night or two? I only ask because I've seen the rate differential at $70/night (that's what I've paid), so $65/night would be believable, but it would be a decent value at $130/night as well.
Oct 29, 2019, 3:17 pm
#232
Join Date: Apr 2017
Location: WAS
Programs: Free Agent
Posts: 1,757
Just one Saturday night, so it's not worth it to us at that point. $70 would be pretty decent though, I'll use that as my benchmark. Thanks!
Nov 22, 2019, 10:33 am
#234
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,838
Just received a welcoming email from Sakura Club manager. I made reservation through AMEX Fine Hotels to get better price (4th night free) and reservation is for four people in double queen Sakura room (2 parents, kids 24, 17). They are surcharging me $60 per night for a fourth person. Does that sound correct? Since when does a room that allows an occupancy of four have a surcharge for actually having four in the room? Not a huge deal, but seems incorrect.
Nov 22, 2019, 10:58 am
#235
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Just received a welcoming email from Sakura Club manager. I made reservation through AMEX Fine Hotels to get better price (4th night free) and reservation is for four people in double queen Sakura room (2 parents, kids 24, 17). They are surcharging me $60 per night for a fourth person. Does that sound correct? Since when does a room that allows an occupancy of four have a surcharge for actually having four in the room? Not a huge deal, but seems incorrect.
). Rate details state 4 adults and don't mention a surcharge.But since it was through FHR, maybe they have different terms?
I'd first review the written terms of your specific reservation through your FHR confirmation, and if nothing stands out, then just call the property and see what they say.
Nov 23, 2019, 2:45 pm
#236
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
Just received a welcoming email from Sakura Club manager. I made reservation through AMEX Fine Hotels to get better price (4th night free) and reservation is for four people in double queen Sakura room (2 parents, kids 24, 17). They are surcharging me $60 per night for a fourth person. Does that sound correct? Since when does a room that allows an occupancy of four have a surcharge for actually having four in the room? Not a huge deal, but seems incorrect.
I noticed there is a minor devaluation- afternoon tea is no longer served everyday. It has been changed to weekends/holidays only. This is pretty minor given that there were only 1-2 refreshment items offered at afternoon tea.
Last edited by iluvdoco; Nov 23, 2019 at 4:05 pm Reason: Clarify surcharge/additional cost issue
Nov 23, 2019, 3:00 pm
#237
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Agree 100% on the latter point. But that being said, disclosure of terms when executing a contract is, uh, kind of a thing. Have you seen this in writing anywhere? I don’t have a horse in this race, but just curious given the last few posts.
Nov 23, 2019, 4:02 pm
#238
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
I also have an upcoming FHR reservation for more than 2 adults so I can report back. So far I have not been assessed a surcharge post booking.
Last edited by iluvdoco; Nov 23, 2019 at 4:32 pm
Nov 23, 2019, 7:02 pm
#239
Join Date: Jan 2001
Posts: 2,838
Actually, it is added after booking in case of a minor over the age of 12. Only when you put an incremental adult in the booking does the room rate change. But if that minor child is older than 12, they will surcharge you after the reservation is made.
Nov 23, 2019, 8:34 pm
#240
Join Date: Aug 2014
Posts: 3,723
What did the hotel say?
Last edited by iluvdoco; Nov 23, 2019 at 9:00 pm