2014 Pointbreaks discussion
May 28, 2014, 12:10 pm
#481
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Beautiful Atlantic Canada
Programs: Bonvoy Platinum & LFT Gold, Hilton Gold, IHG Silver, Airmiles Onyx, Aeroplan, Avis President's Club
Posts: 1,203
HIX Freeport-Brunswick, ME
Long, long gone.
Long, long gone.
May 28, 2014, 12:18 pm
#482
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 429
I have an interesting observation:
I booked this hotel last night (2 nights), and this morning, I cancelled it because I can't use it. I noticed the cancellation policy as being NONE (i.e. you lose your money). I went ahead and cancelled anyway. Then I checked my activities. I did not see any activities for the Montreal book nor cancellation. (I saw all my other booking/cancellations around the same time/dates) Since I don't keep count of my points that closely, I don't know if ICH kept my 10,000 points... I can see the cancelled reservations.
I booked this hotel last night (2 nights), and this morning, I cancelled it because I can't use it. I noticed the cancellation policy as being NONE (i.e. you lose your money). I went ahead and cancelled anyway. Then I checked my activities. I did not see any activities for the Montreal book nor cancellation. (I saw all my other booking/cancellations around the same time/dates) Since I don't keep count of my points that closely, I don't know if ICH kept my 10,000 points... I can see the cancelled reservations.
(Date) Reward Night stay reversal 5,000 pts.
on your activity. They don't keep it, full refund of the points.
May 28, 2014, 12:30 pm
#483
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DTW
Programs: Delta SM, ICH PLAT
Posts: 1,188
Yes, I know that. I'm saying that I don't see the points being taken away NOR reversed in the ACTIVITIES... Its like I never booked the Montreal PB. However, I know I'm not dreaming because I see the cancelled booking in my reservations... I also see booking (point deduction) and reversals (points refunded) from the same 2 days in my ACTIVITIES. It appears it is only the Montreal hotel PB booking that not showing up at all. It was also the only PB I booked that had an explicit no-cancellation policy.
May 28, 2014, 5:47 pm
#484
Join Date: Oct 2012
Posts: 140
chunky - I have also booked the HIX Montreal Downtown and can confirm they offer a full refund of points for rewards nights, as per standard for IHG hotels.
Perhaps unrelated, but I have had screwy experiences at this hotel, including confirmed qualifying stays booked through IHG not posting at all despite being listed in my account.
Taken directly from the reservation at HIX Montreal:
Rate Type:
Reward Nights
Modify or Cancel Policy:
Canceling your reservation before 6:00 PM (local hotel time) on (CHECK-IN DAY) will result in no charge. Canceling your reservation after 6:00 PM (local hotel time) on (CHECK-IN DAY), or failing to show, will result in a charge equal to the first night's stay per room to your credit card. Taxes may apply. Failing to call or show before check-out time after the first night of a reservation will result in cancellation of the remainder of your reservation.
Perhaps unrelated, but I have had screwy experiences at this hotel, including confirmed qualifying stays booked through IHG not posting at all despite being listed in my account.
Taken directly from the reservation at HIX Montreal:
Rate Type:
Reward Nights
Modify or Cancel Policy:
Canceling your reservation before 6:00 PM (local hotel time) on (CHECK-IN DAY) will result in no charge. Canceling your reservation after 6:00 PM (local hotel time) on (CHECK-IN DAY), or failing to show, will result in a charge equal to the first night's stay per room to your credit card. Taxes may apply. Failing to call or show before check-out time after the first night of a reservation will result in cancellation of the remainder of your reservation.
May 29, 2014, 3:45 am
#485
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 86
Any idea how horrible the Crown Plaza in Union City, CA is? Even when the list came out it was the only SF Bay Area hotel on the list (and just about the only Crown Plaza). Tripadvisor reviews seem below par. But for 5,000 points, I'm happy as long as the place is tolerable.
May 29, 2014, 4:13 am
#486
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DTW
Programs: Delta SM, ICH PLAT
Posts: 1,188
Any idea how horrible the Crown Plaza in Union City, CA is? Even when the list came out it was the only SF Bay Area hotel on the list (and just about the only Crown Plaza). Tripadvisor reviews seem below par. But for 5,000 points, I'm happy as long as the place is tolerable.
Tripadvisor review say it is 3 circles (out of 5.). That is above average. The location isn't bad. It is very close to highway and very short drive to Walmart and other conveniences. Parking is safe. Location is relatively quiet. I don't like the long walk to the other buildings from the lobby in the main building. The rooms are old, but clean and comfortable. I stayed there twice (2012, 2013), both times on PB. For me, the purpose of a hotel is to provide a comfortable bed, hot shower, and secure parking for my car during my stop. If you have the same view, this is a good hotel. If you want a sparkly lobby, new buildings, good restaurant, and a fast elevator, this is not the hotel for you.
Then again, putting things in perspective, $35 (5000pt) gets you a SF area hotel during peak tourist season.
May 29, 2014, 7:07 am
#487
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Earth. Residency:HKG formerly:YYZ
Programs: CX, DL, Nexus/GE, APEC
Posts: 10,689
In short: This is not any better than the average American HI/HIX. It is "tolerable".
Tripadvisor review say it is 3 circles (out of 5.). That is above average. The location isn't bad. It is very close to highway and very short drive to Walmart and other conveniences. Parking is safe. Location is relatively quiet. I don't like the long walk to the other buildings from the lobby in the main building. The rooms are old, but clean and comfortable. I stayed there twice (2012, 2013), both times on PB. For me, the purpose of a hotel is to provide a comfortable bed, hot shower, and secure parking for my car during my stop. If you have the same view, this is a good hotel. If you want a sparkly lobby, new buildings, good restaurant, and a fast elevator, this is not the hotel for you.
Then again, putting things in perspective, $35 (5000pt) gets you a SF area hotel during peak tourist season.
Tripadvisor review say it is 3 circles (out of 5.). That is above average. The location isn't bad. It is very close to highway and very short drive to Walmart and other conveniences. Parking is safe. Location is relatively quiet. I don't like the long walk to the other buildings from the lobby in the main building. The rooms are old, but clean and comfortable. I stayed there twice (2012, 2013), both times on PB. For me, the purpose of a hotel is to provide a comfortable bed, hot shower, and secure parking for my car during my stop. If you have the same view, this is a good hotel. If you want a sparkly lobby, new buildings, good restaurant, and a fast elevator, this is not the hotel for you.
Then again, putting things in perspective, $35 (5000pt) gets you a SF area hotel during peak tourist season.
I had to stay there a few times due to no other IHG available in South Bay. Not normal CP standard due to age but it is priced competitively for the area.
At 5000pts I have booked it for July 2014 visit to Bay Area.
May 29, 2014, 2:28 pm
#488
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: Brooklyn, NY, United States
Programs: AA, BA, UA, Spirit, Delta, PC Plat, SPG Gold, HHonors Diamond, Club Carlson Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 1,735
Well, hopefully better late than never. Here's a map of the properties, now fully color-coded markers based upon the property type (Crowne Plaza, HIX, etc...). To view the map, head here: IHG/PriorityClub PointBreaks List Through July 31, 2014. Hope you guys find it useful!
May 30, 2014, 7:21 am
#489
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Austin
Programs: AA P4L, WN, BA, DL, UA, HHonors, IHG
Posts: 3,485
Hooray for IHG PB Map!
Well, hopefully better late than never. Here's a map of the properties, now fully color-coded markers based upon the property type (Crowne Plaza, HIX, etc...). To view the map, head here: IHG/PriorityClub PointBreaks List Through July 31, 2014. Hope you guys find it useful![/URL]
May 30, 2014, 10:56 am
#490
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 371
Where is the "snazzy Indigo north of Chicago"? Thanks!
I also see four hotels in IL, no Indigo.
ILLINOIS
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL AND SUITES BOLINGBROOK
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HIGHLAND
CANDLEWOOD SUITES BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES JACKSONVILLE
I also see four hotels in IL, no Indigo.
ILLINOIS
HOLIDAY INN HOTEL AND SUITES BOLINGBROOK
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS HIGHLAND
CANDLEWOOD SUITES BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL
HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS AND SUITES JACKSONVILLE
After a few underwhelming lists, this one is terrific for the urban traveler in North America. Nice to finally see a broad selection of above-average properties near major urban centers.
Like many have reiterated on here, people need to have realistic expectations during peak travel season. The elimination of ICs - which really have no business being on PB - is perfectly fine by me, especially if it means more properties near dynamic living cities with actual attractions as opposed to remote mining and farming towns.
As for individual properties, while a bit worn, you can't beat HIX Downtown Montreal during the world-class Jazz Festival or F1 race weekend, the most expensive weeks of the year in Montreal with every hotel sold out. Laval's HI is pleasant and a solid backup option for a quieter retreat with the potential to avoid the highways and take the subway downtown from the nearby station.
Also a very attractive Staybridge Suites in Oakville and a decent CP in downtown Hamilton. But a rough ride into Toronto with the ever-congested Gardiner reduced to two lanes.
Shifting to the U.S., there's the gorgeous CP at the Milwaukee Airport, a snazzy Indigo north of Chicago and top-rated Staybridge in Eagan, MN, just south of the MSP airport, all with rates north of $120/night. This will be a fun midwestern baseball/microbrewery tour, thank you IHG.
Common sense would dictate that the representation of hotels by country should be directly proportionate to the actual number of IHG properties there, not the local population. Nice to finally see IHG clamp down on the hoarders and punish regions known for re-selling rooms. Keep it up!
Like many have reiterated on here, people need to have realistic expectations during peak travel season. The elimination of ICs - which really have no business being on PB - is perfectly fine by me, especially if it means more properties near dynamic living cities with actual attractions as opposed to remote mining and farming towns.
As for individual properties, while a bit worn, you can't beat HIX Downtown Montreal during the world-class Jazz Festival or F1 race weekend, the most expensive weeks of the year in Montreal with every hotel sold out. Laval's HI is pleasant and a solid backup option for a quieter retreat with the potential to avoid the highways and take the subway downtown from the nearby station.
Also a very attractive Staybridge Suites in Oakville and a decent CP in downtown Hamilton. But a rough ride into Toronto with the ever-congested Gardiner reduced to two lanes.
Shifting to the U.S., there's the gorgeous CP at the Milwaukee Airport, a snazzy Indigo north of Chicago and top-rated Staybridge in Eagan, MN, just south of the MSP airport, all with rates north of $120/night. This will be a fun midwestern baseball/microbrewery tour, thank you IHG.
Common sense would dictate that the representation of hotels by country should be directly proportionate to the actual number of IHG properties there, not the local population. Nice to finally see IHG clamp down on the hoarders and punish regions known for re-selling rooms. Keep it up!
May 30, 2014, 11:00 am
#491
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 371
very useful, million thanks.
Well, hopefully better late than never. Here's a map of the properties, now fully color-coded markers based upon the property type (Crowne Plaza, HIX, etc...). To view the map, head here: IHG/PriorityClub PointBreaks List Through July 31, 2014. Hope you guys find it useful!
Jun 1, 2014, 12:04 am
#492
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,687
Jun 1, 2014, 4:29 am
#493
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: a hotel room, somewhere...
Posts: 962
[QUOTE=jmgriffin;22935784]Well, hopefully better late than never. Here's a map of the properties, now fully color-coded markers based upon the property type (Crowne Plaza, HIX, etc...). To view the map, head here: IHG/PriorityClub PointBreaks List Through July 31, 2014. Hope you guys find it useful!
any chance you could overlay world population distribution on top of this and shoot a copy to IHG upper management... they seem geographically unaware.
cheers for taking the time to do this each list.
any chance you could overlay world population distribution on top of this and shoot a copy to IHG upper management... they seem geographically unaware.
cheers for taking the time to do this each list.
Jun 1, 2014, 7:48 am
#494
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: Canadia
Programs: A loyal Amerisuites customer... oh wait
Posts: 2,033
And that means you'll get a bunch of typically suburban and rural locations, not big Asian cities.
Last edited by jerry305; Jun 1, 2014 at 11:03 am Reason: Fix quote macro that was screwed up earlier in the thread
Jun 1, 2014, 8:25 am
#495
Join Date: Mar 2013
Location: All around the world
Programs: Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott
Posts: 607
[QUOTE=jerry305;22959297]
It's not IHG's job to try to provide cheap hotel room deals proportionately throughout the world. The properties that want to participate are those that feel they can get ahead by offering a low-rate points deal on a short term basis, for rooms they don't think they'll be able to fill at cash rates.
And that means you'll get a bunch of typically suburban and rural locations, not big Asian cities.
Are you sure the list is voluntary for the hotels? I've always been under the impression that it was IHG who choose who would be on the list and hotels would simply have to accept.
It's not IHG's job to try to provide cheap hotel room deals proportionately throughout the world. The properties that want to participate are those that feel they can get ahead by offering a low-rate points deal on a short term basis, for rooms they don't think they'll be able to fill at cash rates.
And that means you'll get a bunch of typically suburban and rural locations, not big Asian cities.