redshift27

Sigh. Sorry I mentioned it again.

markdg

Hold out your hand - time for a slap!!

Goonerfish summed it up very nicely nicely methinks.
I received a great price for Paris from a virtuoso agent. There's no ruse behind me saying this, and I receive no favours/payments/anything else from saying it.

After discussions with the same agent, I didn't use the virtuoso rate for IC Park Lane or IC Bali, and didn't go to the Oberoi Bali as suggested, as it didn't work out best for me - and instead used F&F rate in IC Bali, and AP in London.

Virtuoso is great for some travel needs, and not for others. It happens that the rates for IC Paris are particularly keen - and have been significantly cheaper than adding on club whenever I've checked.

Obviously, they're not THE BEST price that's ever been gained by anyone, but for many people it seems to be that it offers good VFM at this particular property. Good for them I say, and long may it continue (at least until after I've had the chance to use it again!!!)

redshift27

Senior moment. AP?

markdg

Advance Purchase

redshift27

I don't know that scheme, how do I get membership?

ABG

As did you markdg.
To claim I am running a ruse on someone here, after my many years of FT posts and assistance really is out of line. Heck, at least I add something to most of the threads on the various forums I follow. Many TAs just chime in for any reason to promote their value add, without really knowing anything about anything.

markdg

It's not a scheme - it's the non-refundable rate you can book from the PC website up to 21 days (I believe) in advance of the booking.

andysiz

I was wondering: if I make an award booking on PC points for a Superior Room, would buying into Ambasssador status upgrade me to a better room? IC's pages show ostensibly conflicting information (one page says AMB status allows complimentary upgrade TO a Superior Room; another just says complimentary upgrades), and I have not found a definitive answer in this thread or elsewhere. Any help would be appreciated!

paulmoscow

It works the other way around: first you need to buy Ambassador membership, then make a reservation. Otherwise they could not bother to verify your actual status.

Recently they definitely went downhill with Ambassador benefits, but you still should get a one-level upgrade.

andysiz

Edit: Perhaps it's a YMMV situation, but dug up in the T&C: "...When staying on Reward Nights, all Ambassador and Royal Ambassador privileges apply with the exception of upgrades, free Pay TV film per stay, 24 hour guaranteed room availability, 8:00am early check-in and complimentary mini bar beverages. Ambassadors are charged Single Rate for Double Room Occupancy." Oh well.


Thanks @paulmoscow. So to precise: I will sign up for Ambassador status today, wait a few days for it to process, then book my reward room (designated as a Superior Room) and I *should* get a 1-level upgrade from Superior to whatever is considered 1 level higher.

Thanks again!

flylinda

Going to the Le Grand Thursday as Ambassador. Last visit 2 years ago I was RA. I know there are computers in the Club (have club privileges booked), but does anyone know if there is free wireless? I remember wired in our room, no recall of lobby etc. Thanks in advance.

stimpy

Sorry, no free wireless in the Club or lobby, unless things have changed recently which I doubt. I think if you buy internet in your room you can use those credentials on the club wifi though. Internet is free for RA's of course.

flylinda

Thanks Stimpy...I remember those RA days too well!!

pauleeepaul

IIRC there is no wifi in the sleeping rooms, and I don't recall "seeing" it in the lounge either.

paulmoscow

We just stayed in the Capucines wing (as always at Le Grand in a court facing room) and WiFi worked adequately near windows. It came either from the club lounge or ground floor lobby.