The two people I know of who were referred to RA in the past year each did not get a referral cert.

I was referred to RA, and i GOT a referral cert in my RA welcome package..
luck of the draw i suppose?

Yes.

mxm135 :)

I thought we were going to talk about the devaluing of the program. My view has been that Ambassador status got better and RA went down. I recall spectacular suites whereas lately you get a few categories upgrade which I generally print out to take to hotel as their view of Executive Room differs from mine. Also seems more lower category rooms added to so harder to jump into suites. In addition, what about the games with the mini bar? Some properties are allowed to limit one refill, others a credit like $100, in a two fridge suite one will be empty and in others they clean out the mini bar and make you call to get drinks....two at a time.

That is a a lack of standardization and consistency which goes further. Some properties you never see the mini bar/movie charges whereas others you have to fight for over check out or get billed later on. And you always have to do it with the hotel directly, calling Ambassador Services never seemed to get anywhere other than to log a customer complaint, make an award booking or recite information verbatim as found on online.

If I want to be a top level bad @ss with a hotel program, I would hope there is a concierge type service who would go to bat for me if there is a problem. Just my opinion!

I guess it must be. There seemed to be a run where EVERYONE got a referral cert and now there seem to be reports that people (non-earned RAs) are NOT getting them again.

I wonder if this is really luck of the draw of if there is something else going on? For example maybe the FIRST time you send in a referral cert they send you the whole package hoping that you will be so impressed with your and your friend's, or whoever you referred's) new status that you both become loyal customers and earn RA renewal but if by your second+ time you send in a referral cert they now think that you won't become a "true" (earned) RA so they don't value your ability to refer people as much.

Don't know, though. Pure speculation....

I agree that these are significant issues and that, even with confirmation from Amb Services, there seem to be loopholes where the individual properties get around the rules. Example: IHG says "minibar to be fully restocked daily" hotels says "Ok, take out the hard alcohol before customer gets there and restock the remaining crap daily." IHG says "free minibar to include alcohol" so property says "Big bottles of alcohol are not part of minibar".

To bring this back to what I was asking/speculating about, I wonder if this is a result of so many RAs, particularly non-earned (no offence to those who were referred), being in the system?

If you were THE top user of IHG products I would dare say they would really look after you and they would make SURE you got the best upgrades, FULL minibars, etc. However, if you are one of 2 MILLION top users then you may be treated as "just another" frequent user....

I see your point about top tier relative to number of elites, but let me draw a parallel. I have found Hyatt to be wonderful and they have contacted hotels on my behalf. In fact, if they did not receive a reasonable solution, they would step in with their own. That being said, there are multiples of Hyatt Diamonds compared to IC RAs yet when I call, Hyatt makes me feel like I'm part of a smaller elite group.

Another way to improve RA, provide breakfast/lounge access as written policy. I have gotten denied lounge because have to book higher rate or I got room upgrade instead, etc. Any Hyatt or Starwood I've been to, I've gotten lounge as a given.

Lastly, what about extending benefits to award stays. Seems PC is one of few programs that outlines no benefits as a written policy. What if one is paying $400/night on business and decides to extend into weekend as mini vacation by adding award night, are they still not the same loyal customer as the night before?!

Couldn't agree more, I moved from IC to Hilton last night as I knew full benefits would be awarded at Hilton on award stay for SO Birthday. In fact it's the award stays that are usually my private/family stays that I most care about upgrades and perks. I also hate having to keep track of individual property's current rules in regards to upgrades for RAs. IC Sydney, Australia is good example of where I'm never sure how I will be treated based on what room I've booked or even what rate code I've used.

I agree that those things would be great, but at what cost? Does the Hyatt or Starwood give free minibars and a free movie as a matter of course? If not would you be willing to give those up in order to secure the free breakfast and/or lounge access?

From what I can see, each program has it's good and bad things. I'm not sure, though. I've only ever been a member of Accor and IHG. Started out with Accor as my primary and IHG as my secondary. Now I pretty much only use IHG.

The ONE major thing that I would ask of IHG is a firm but fair ruling on what is/is not to be expected by the client. IE Yes, Club access will ALWAYS be given for free or Club access will NEVER be comped or even an official "suite or Club, it's up to you" would be better.

I partly agree. When I stay in Asia I almost always get some kind of Plat benefit, usually a room upgrade to something like the club floor or a suite. I quite often get this in the US too, even in HIX.

I occasionally get an upgrade in continental Europe - I guess around 50% of the time.

I rarely get any kind of recognition in the UK, maybe someone at reception will comment on check in, but I hardly ever get any kind of room upgrade.

Slightly OT - I have an RA referral certificate. Would prefer to avoid eBay. But can't see Coupon Connection here. :confused:

Can someone post a direct link to this forum section I can't seem to see, please?

You need to come up with more posts (>200?) in order to obtain access to CC.

I think Coupon Connection is not accessible until you have 180 posts.
If I am wrong, someone please correct me.

Damn. I would prefer not to post for the sake of posting, but seems to be the only way to access it so i will probably go via eBay then.