boxo

Radisson Midtown USC
Los Angeles, CA

Had a great stay. Fast, friendly check-in. The rate wasn't mentioned. Since the university is right across the street, there are plenty of restaurants, public bus options. I must say, I was a little nervous arriving by bus from Union Station. College kids walking around when I arrived 10 pm, plus LAPD officers strolling the streets.

My room faced the main street (Figueroa). The traffic noise didn't bother me at all, but I will say, there are hotel-provided ear plugs on the night stand! I wasn't there long enough to check out any of the hotel services or amenities. But I would highly recommend this place if the location suits you.

roubaolic

Does staying with the F&F rate count towards any points promo (stay 2 nights earn xxxx points)?

jms_uk

No, only if a hotel mistakenly gives you a credit [and the points] for the stay.

musicmanbc

Is there anyone who would like to be my 'friend' from the group? Would really like to be able to use this discount and provide a legitimate name. Could work out a deal if necessary. Please PM.

telabadmanwot

You cant ask that. Go and read the thread and it will become apparent what you need to do.

Or just become real friends with a rez employee, its not that hard being friendly.

msp2anywhere

Let's hope they were provided by the hotel.

jms_uk

Park Inn OSL Apt emailed asking for F&F details two and half months in advance, saying that if they don't receive them in 3 days, they'll change the booking to "actual daily rate" whatever that is.

gottaluvNW

I am surprised that a representative from Carlson / Radisson in corporate communications/marketing has not come on to this thread and given their authorization to use their name while making the bookings under the CARLSONF rate.

Its a viral marketing rate. I doubt there is a level of abuse - had this been the case, the rate would have been yanked off the site, a long time ago.

I suspect it is more to do with individual hotels not wanting to honor the rate whenever possible. I had this happen to me once at ZRH where they insisted on the employee details several weeks in advance (and insisted too that they would not honor this "employee" rate otherwise.) A bit irritated, I was happy to cancel the stay.

Regardless, I doubt that it is the intention of Carlson globally, to p#ss off prospective customers with these kind of irritations. So... I would have figured that they would have allowed people to use this rate using an employee pseudonym at the very least.

flightmedic

I made reservations almost 4 months ago for a hotel in Ireland. I do/did have a friend who was employed in NYC. Now that friend just told me that she is leaving for another job and will no longer be working for Carlson. I am looking for a suggestions as to what to do.

I guess one option is to keep the family and friends reservation and give my friends name and prior work location if they ask. Another option is to cancel the reservation and look elsewhere.

What do you suggest.

sario

Usually, at job we have some friend
Can't your friend simply ask to one of her friends to be your friend too?

RTW1

Please stop this nonsense... The rate being booked is clearly not something most of us are entitled to. Use it at your own risk, but stop blaming CC or the properties when they don't honor our potential abuse.

It's nice while it lasts, comments like yours will only get it revoked that much sooner.

HIDDY

From what I've seen not every hotel is obliged to release nights at the F&F rate if they do not wish to. If anything it's quite the opposite.They will only offer this rate when occupancy levels are forecast to be low. If they get it wrong then they've only themselves to blame.

What they shouldn't be doing is hounding customers into supplying information early when the rate clearly states needs only to be given at check-in.

RTW1

No, people should be grateful they can use a rate that they are not qualified for and that gets them a substantial saving .... and stop complaining. It's all the whining that will kill this rate eventually.

It's really a bit hard to swallow that people that are clearly violating the rate rules themselves are complain about a property not following the rules by asking for the information ahead of time, or blaming a property for offering low rates for f&f which nearly all posters here are not

It's not like they publicly advertise the rate.....

HIDDY

You're missing the point though.
Any hotel who sends an email demanding you send them F&F evidence contrary to what the rate conditions say needs to be questioned. As they don't know at that stage whether your F&F contact is legitimate or not, not only are they being very unprofessional they are most likely breaking some consumer protection law by threatening to change your booking to full rate if you don't comply with their wishes.

telabadmanwot

Chill winston, this isnt nazi germany. You will be grand. When you booked the rate your friend worked there, no problems.

By the way, many of the rad hotels in Ire are the same price as the F&F rate anyway. (if not a little cheaper)