yes thanks kiwibigdave. i will give them a call tomorrow..

Priority Privilege and advance bookings
 

I am looking at booking 3 nights in Syd, probably at the CP Darling harbour in Feb (19-22).

advance purchase rates are from $300 so it would obviously be cheaper to go the points and cash option, but I would like to actually get some points!

I have a PP card but the monthly newsletter with the specials don't usually come out until a few weeks before - do I just wait and take a chance there will be a better rate and availability when it is ready or would I be better getting the advance booking now?

The issue is that of course advance booking is non-cancellable - occasionally I have been able to get hotels to just change rates for a stay rather than act as though it was being cancelled. So I wonder if this is what I should hope for here and take the best rate I can get for now.

Also if anyone can tell me what I might expect at this hotel, CP darling harbour, as a Plat (Amb) in terms of an upgrade that would be much appreciated

thanks :)

Unless there's something on that weekend, I very much doubt youd encounter a booked out CP 3 weeks in advance. Personally I'd stay at the IC though, as there's not much in the way of price difference. I take it you've used all of your PP vouchers?

Mm, no - I was planning to save them for a longer stay later in the year! And thats the risk - i could take a chance and use one now hoping that when the newsletter comes out I will get to keep cert anyway. but it is just a chance.

Purely on location this time I was choosing the CP - have only ever stayed at IC in past and while its nice enough, its a bit ho hum and knowing what strictly one level upgrade we would get i was kind of hoping there might be potential for a more interesting upgrade at either CP or indeed HI Darling harbour.

If you dont mind having a few points in your account you could always book on points plus cash and cancel it if there is a good offer for PP members. Its a bit of an investment in advance but it would leave you with a fair few points which could then be used later in the year...

yep thanks - I have done this in the past but think its time to start earning some points again :)

Feb is not a big month for events in Syd, the specials are usually 2 for 1 or 25% OFF, so I dont think you will loose much by waiting, why not book best flex and get 10% off and see what happens, the advance purchase is only a 10% saving. There is also the possibility that another $179 IC sale might come along!

The voucher rates can be cancelled (i cant remember the exact time frame but i think it is until 6pm on the day of arrival.) you could use one of the stay two for the price of one vouchers to hold a room for now and reconsider your options once the specials for Feb come out.

what is the point in spending 300$ to earn "some points" instead of spending 150$ (equaling 25.000 points via points+cash+cancel) ?

You can still point+cash+cancel 25.000 points for your remaining money, I think this is much more of what you would ever earn.

Of course those are not qualifying for status but the year is long...

ah, good point!

I know but i already have another booking using points and cash and just dont want to keep doing it!

the December newsletter offers were valid for dec-jan, does this mean we will be waiting till feb for new offers? I am looking to book feb 19-21 for my mum's visit and the rates in Sydney are really pricey that weekend. even tempted to go to another chain and forget the points.. (horror of horrors!)

I am working on the assumption that Feb offers will be released in early Feb. I have a stay in Sydney booked but if nothing comes up i am going to use my BOGO at the IC. I have held this just in case the Feb offers are no good.

Priority Privilege and Ambassador and Reward Points
 

Hi all

Apologies if this has been answered elsewhere but I am interested to know how PP membership interacts with ambassador membership. Do you still get all your upgrades and benefits when using PP vouchers/discounts? Do you get treated any differently because you are using a voucher?

Also, do you still earn points at the same rate when making these discounted bookings?

Thanks

cdp88

Never had problems with points, had on eproblem with a hotel that was new and using the BOGO, seemed to think the program was like rewards night so no benefits, the matter was resolved very quickly and have been back since with no issues.