Please post your Royal Ambassador experiences (Archive Thread 2012)
Jan 12, 2012, 2:08 am
#61
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: Dubai, UAE
Programs: EK Gold; IHG RA Platinum
Posts: 16
LoWu is easy to get to from metro, only prob is I did have a ton of luggage as I was on a 2 week trip. IC's in China are great overall. Because of the high standard there, I was extremely disappointed with Huizhou "Resort".... what a terribly run place....
Jan 12, 2012, 8:45 am
#62
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: SFO/SJC
Programs: AMEX PLT, AA PPro, Spire AMB
Posts: 1,617
My mom's hometown is there. There is a new CP but its built in the outskirts of town. We stayed at the Kande for 7 nights instead - after reviews and such about the IC Huizhou, I decided not to stay there.
Jan 12, 2012, 5:08 pm
#63
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: San Francisco, CA
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, Hyatt Globalist, Aeroplan 75K
Posts: 275
IC O'Hare Chicago
IC O'Hare Chicago
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely yes!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest($149/nt but weekends are cheaper at $90/nt, and sometimes this hotel is offered at points break for 5000 points), got 2-level upgrade to Executive Suite.
How are the rooms?
Very large, separate bedroom and living room. 2 flatscreen TVs, guest bathroom, and master bathroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
Executive lounge closed. You can ask the front desk for free breakfast vouchers in lieu of lounge access.
What was good and what was bad?
+ Very good RA recognition (early 8am checkin, late checkout, free movie, etc.)
+ Received bowl of fruit (2 apples, pear, orange, banana, 2 water, and bag of bacon caramel popcorn)
+ Free full breakfast voucher.
+ Excellent service and staff
+ Nice picture gallery in the lobby and decent workout room.
+ Very nice free shuttle between hotel/ORD (leather seats with bench in back)
- No Spa (understandable since it's an airport hotel)
Would you return?
Certainly!
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely yes!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest($149/nt but weekends are cheaper at $90/nt, and sometimes this hotel is offered at points break for 5000 points), got 2-level upgrade to Executive Suite.
How are the rooms?
Very large, separate bedroom and living room. 2 flatscreen TVs, guest bathroom, and master bathroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
Executive lounge closed. You can ask the front desk for free breakfast vouchers in lieu of lounge access.
What was good and what was bad?
+ Very good RA recognition (early 8am checkin, late checkout, free movie, etc.)
+ Received bowl of fruit (2 apples, pear, orange, banana, 2 water, and bag of bacon caramel popcorn)
+ Free full breakfast voucher.
+ Excellent service and staff
+ Nice picture gallery in the lobby and decent workout room.
+ Very nice free shuttle between hotel/ORD (leather seats with bench in back)
- No Spa (understandable since it's an airport hotel)
Would you return?
Certainly!
Jan 13, 2012, 2:48 am
#64
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: GLA
Programs: BAEC Gold, VS Gold, IHG Plat, HH Gold.
Posts: 646
IC London Park Lane
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
40k points Superior Room booked. After a lot of computer action at reception "trying to find me a nice room" I received a Superior Room!
How are the rooms?
More than adequate.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent lounge and staff. £95+VAT entry fee but £65+VAT for RA's.
What was good and what was bad?
Good - A lovely hotel that I always look forward to staying at.
Bad - For the first time zero RA recognition. No upgrade, no fruit, no water, no gift. Very odd.
Would you return?
Yes.
Platinum Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
40k points Superior Room booked. After a lot of computer action at reception "trying to find me a nice room" I received a Superior Room!
How are the rooms?
More than adequate.
How is the exec. lounge?
Excellent lounge and staff. £95+VAT entry fee but £65+VAT for RA's.
What was good and what was bad?
Good - A lovely hotel that I always look forward to staying at.
Bad - For the first time zero RA recognition. No upgrade, no fruit, no water, no gift. Very odd.
Would you return?
Yes.
Jan 13, 2012, 10:10 am
#65
Moderator, Hertz; FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2005
Location: KRK
Programs: UA 1MM, BA GGL, Hyatt Glob, Hilton Diamond and others
Posts: 12,690
IC O'Hare Chicago
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely yes!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest($149/nt but weekends are cheaper at $90/nt, and sometimes this hotel is offered at points break for 5000 points), got 2-level upgrade to Executive Suite.
How are the rooms?
Very large, separate bedroom and living room. 2 flatscreen TVs, guest bathroom, and master bathroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
Executive lounge closed. You can ask the front desk for free breakfast vouchers in lieu of lounge access.
What was good and what was bad?
+ Very good RA recognition (early 8am checkin, late checkout, free movie, etc.)
+ Received bowl of fruit (2 apples, pear, orange, banana, 2 water, and bag of bacon caramel popcorn)
+ Free full breakfast voucher.
+ Excellent service and staff
+ Nice picture gallery in the lobby and decent workout room.
+ Very nice free shuttle between hotel/ORD (leather seats with bench in back)
- No Spa (understandable since it's an airport hotel)
Would you return?
Certainly!
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador.
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Absolutely yes!
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Cheapest($149/nt but weekends are cheaper at $90/nt, and sometimes this hotel is offered at points break for 5000 points), got 2-level upgrade to Executive Suite.
How are the rooms?
Very large, separate bedroom and living room. 2 flatscreen TVs, guest bathroom, and master bathroom.
How is the exec. lounge?
Executive lounge closed. You can ask the front desk for free breakfast vouchers in lieu of lounge access.
What was good and what was bad?
+ Very good RA recognition (early 8am checkin, late checkout, free movie, etc.)
+ Received bowl of fruit (2 apples, pear, orange, banana, 2 water, and bag of bacon caramel popcorn)
+ Free full breakfast voucher.
+ Excellent service and staff
+ Nice picture gallery in the lobby and decent workout room.
+ Very nice free shuttle between hotel/ORD (leather seats with bench in back)
- No Spa (understandable since it's an airport hotel)
Would you return?
Certainly!
Jan 13, 2012, 10:55 am
#66
Join Date: Oct 2011
Programs: ICHotels, Qantas FF, Enrich
Posts: 24
IC - Kuala Lumpur - Minibar
I am currently staying at the IC in KL and have just found out that they have removed items from my minibar.
Items that I know have been removed are:
Both the white and red wine
Ferero Rochet chocolates
M&M's
Also think that there has been 2 beers removed, there is only one beer of each type offered left and think that there were 2 cans of each previously.
When I checked in all of the above were available in the minibar.
Not exactly "Sporting" of the IC in KL.
Think it is time to highlight this to our friends at Ambassador.
Also, I asked for the local reservation team to help me out with a few bookings today and the rates they gave me were at least MYR60 higher than what the ICH website was offering. Not a happy camper, especially as I went out of my way to get IC KL listed as one of my company's preferred hotels.
Loyalty seems to be becoming a one way street with ICH.
Items that I know have been removed are:
Both the white and red wine
Ferero Rochet chocolates
M&M's
Also think that there has been 2 beers removed, there is only one beer of each type offered left and think that there were 2 cans of each previously.
When I checked in all of the above were available in the minibar.
Not exactly "Sporting" of the IC in KL.
Think it is time to highlight this to our friends at Ambassador.
Also, I asked for the local reservation team to help me out with a few bookings today and the rates they gave me were at least MYR60 higher than what the ICH website was offering. Not a happy camper, especially as I went out of my way to get IC KL listed as one of my company's preferred hotels.
Loyalty seems to be becoming a one way street with ICH.
Jan 13, 2012, 1:40 pm
#67
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
IC Athens
What is your Priority Club status?
Royal Ambassador (PC Plat)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
So far, so good. Just arrived this evening and was escorted to the Club level for check-in after going to the front desk.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked the lowest category king room available under the BOGO rates. Was upgraded to a suite on the Club floor with a spectacular view of the Acropolis.
(Rate was Euro175 for the first night.)
How are the rooms?
Pretty standard for European ICs of this age. A bit dated but not in a negative way. Flat screen TV in both rooms. Good size. Has a full length outdoor balcony for staring up at the hilltop ruins...
Minibar was unspectacular. Wish they'd stock more cans of local beer than they do of Heinniken! Mumms and the usual array of liquors. No red wine, local white.
Welcome gift was a collection of Greek soaps...complementing the Turkish soaps I received yesterday at the IC Istanbul.
Korres cosmetics in the bathroom, not the usual IC Elemis brand.
How is the Club Lounge?
I had originally been upgraded to a suite according to my retrieved booking but I emailed the hotel and asked that I be given a regular room on the Club floor with Club access, preferring Club access as an upgrade over a suite (since I am alone on this trip). However, received both suite and Club access...Club is just down the hall. Again, very traditional in the European style, much like the Frankfurt IC Club in decor. Balcony out to the same view as my room. Not an extensive range of evening food (salad, two hot items, hors d'oeuvres and pastries) but enough to satisfy my appetite. Open until 9p which was good because I didn't check in until after 8p, my plane delayed at IST for over an hour sitting on the conga line waiting for 12 others to take off ahead of us!
What was good and what was bad?
So far, mostly good. Very attentive lounge receptionist who outlined all the benefits I was entitled to as an RA.
RAs also get free wifi, selected from the normal offering on the sign-in page, as well as gym access. Could add up to two more devices to wifi connection, very useful in these days of iPads/Pods/Phones in addition to one's laptop/Air.
Worst aspect was the bathroom. It was fairly old fashioned design with just a tub and one of those glass "protection" half doors to keep shower water in. This worked better than most but the tub was designed with a very deep but no so wide bottom making standing for a shower a balancing act since there was not enough width to contain both feet next to one another...had to put one foot ahead of the other and use a bar on the wall to keep my balance. Noticed they had a sting alarm system to pull if one fell in the tub...otherwise no complaints about the other "facilities".
Location is not exactly in the fanciest district but there are two metro stations about a 10-minute walk in either direction. I took the metro from the airport and got off at FIX and walked over at night. No fears of being mugged. This will be my base for two days to explore the Acropolis and other sites in this part of the city. More convenient is the #4 tram which is a block from the hotel and there are ticket machines at the platform to get to the city centre or one of three metro lines.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Given what I've received thus far I certainly would.
Royal Ambassador (PC Plat)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
So far, so good. Just arrived this evening and was escorted to the Club level for check-in after going to the front desk.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked the lowest category king room available under the BOGO rates. Was upgraded to a suite on the Club floor with a spectacular view of the Acropolis.
(Rate was Euro175 for the first night.)
How are the rooms?
Pretty standard for European ICs of this age. A bit dated but not in a negative way. Flat screen TV in both rooms. Good size. Has a full length outdoor balcony for staring up at the hilltop ruins...
Minibar was unspectacular. Wish they'd stock more cans of local beer than they do of Heinniken! Mumms and the usual array of liquors. No red wine, local white.
Welcome gift was a collection of Greek soaps...complementing the Turkish soaps I received yesterday at the IC Istanbul.
Korres cosmetics in the bathroom, not the usual IC Elemis brand.
How is the Club Lounge?
I had originally been upgraded to a suite according to my retrieved booking but I emailed the hotel and asked that I be given a regular room on the Club floor with Club access, preferring Club access as an upgrade over a suite (since I am alone on this trip). However, received both suite and Club access...Club is just down the hall. Again, very traditional in the European style, much like the Frankfurt IC Club in decor. Balcony out to the same view as my room. Not an extensive range of evening food (salad, two hot items, hors d'oeuvres and pastries) but enough to satisfy my appetite. Open until 9p which was good because I didn't check in until after 8p, my plane delayed at IST for over an hour sitting on the conga line waiting for 12 others to take off ahead of us!
What was good and what was bad?
So far, mostly good. Very attentive lounge receptionist who outlined all the benefits I was entitled to as an RA.
RAs also get free wifi, selected from the normal offering on the sign-in page, as well as gym access. Could add up to two more devices to wifi connection, very useful in these days of iPads/Pods/Phones in addition to one's laptop/Air.
Worst aspect was the bathroom. It was fairly old fashioned design with just a tub and one of those glass "protection" half doors to keep shower water in. This worked better than most but the tub was designed with a very deep but no so wide bottom making standing for a shower a balancing act since there was not enough width to contain both feet next to one another...had to put one foot ahead of the other and use a bar on the wall to keep my balance. Noticed they had a sting alarm system to pull if one fell in the tub...otherwise no complaints about the other "facilities".
Location is not exactly in the fanciest district but there are two metro stations about a 10-minute walk in either direction. I took the metro from the airport and got off at FIX and walked over at night. No fears of being mugged. This will be my base for two days to explore the Acropolis and other sites in this part of the city. More convenient is the #4 tram which is a block from the hotel and there are ticket machines at the platform to get to the city centre or one of three metro lines.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
Given what I've received thus far I certainly would.
Last edited by Shareholder; Jan 15, 2012 at 7:08 am
Jan 13, 2012, 1:55 pm
#68
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
IC Istanbul
What is your Priority Club status?
Royal Ambassador (PC Plat)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very, as usual. One of my favourite ICs and among the best in the world for its treatment of RAs.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked the lowest category king room available. Was upgraded to a suite with Club access and a view of Taksim square and the Golden Horn/old city mosques in the distance. (Rate was Euro120.)
How are the rooms?
Modern and large. Same type I've received on my previous two visits (XX20).
Welcome gift was Turkish soaps, along with a selection of sweets and waters, fruit.
How is the Club Lounge?
They have just finished a remodelling of the Club, moving the dining area to the opposite end. Still a good view of the Bosphorous but at night the lighting is far too dark. One of the better selections of food at both the evening and breakfast buffets. Didn't make it to the late afternoon pastries. There used to be beer and wine set out in the evening, but now one must request it from one of the staff.
What was good and what was bad?
Staff is always friendly though might appear to be over attentive. Location is good for getting from/to the airport as it is right on Taksim Square where two bus lines now offer half-hourly shuttles to IST for E10: Havas and Havatas. Other than that, it is not close to the main tourist sites in the Golden Horn though one can take the funicular down to the coast and a tram across to the area where the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi are located.
RAs get free wifi, selected from the normal offering on the sign-in page.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I have returned based on previous stays. My rate was very good for what I received. Previously I had stayed on promotional awards and still received full RA benefits, Club level suite upgrade, etc. This property is very generous to RAs.
Royal Ambassador (PC Plat)
Were you (or for multi-stayers are you generally) happy with the hotel/stay?
Very, as usual. One of my favourite ICs and among the best in the world for its treatment of RAs.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked the lowest category king room available. Was upgraded to a suite with Club access and a view of Taksim square and the Golden Horn/old city mosques in the distance. (Rate was Euro120.)
How are the rooms?
Modern and large. Same type I've received on my previous two visits (XX20).
Welcome gift was Turkish soaps, along with a selection of sweets and waters, fruit.
How is the Club Lounge?
They have just finished a remodelling of the Club, moving the dining area to the opposite end. Still a good view of the Bosphorous but at night the lighting is far too dark. One of the better selections of food at both the evening and breakfast buffets. Didn't make it to the late afternoon pastries. There used to be beer and wine set out in the evening, but now one must request it from one of the staff.
What was good and what was bad?
Staff is always friendly though might appear to be over attentive. Location is good for getting from/to the airport as it is right on Taksim Square where two bus lines now offer half-hourly shuttles to IST for E10: Havas and Havatas. Other than that, it is not close to the main tourist sites in the Golden Horn though one can take the funicular down to the coast and a tram across to the area where the Blue Mosque and the Topkapi are located.
RAs get free wifi, selected from the normal offering on the sign-in page.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
I have returned based on previous stays. My rate was very good for what I received. Previously I had stayed on promotional awards and still received full RA benefits, Club level suite upgrade, etc. This property is very generous to RAs.
Jan 13, 2012, 3:17 pm
#69
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,963
Jan 14, 2012, 6:00 am
#70
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,963
After three nights at the IC I moved to Versailles for one night. The Trianon Palace (Waldorf Collection) was miles ahead of the IC in terms of layout, style, room, service, F&B, price and value. Also, HHonors Gold gave me more benefits than RA. At least this makes it easier for me to accept losing this status
Jan 14, 2012, 6:16 am
#71
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,963
Intercontinental Paris - Le Grand
AMB Weekend rate stay over NYE
How is the exec. lounge?
I seemed to recall positive comments from FT readers about the lounge at le grand so we decided to pay for club access for the last day of our stay. I was not really impressed. To be honest I would think it's one of the least impressive lounges I've been in across IC as well as SPG and RC properties. Champagne was Nicholas Feuillette(sp?) which is hardly high-end and while there was caviar available in the evening there was no hot food whatsoever, only a single white and red wine were available (no choices) and these were always a single bottle, which wasn't kept full/open either resulting in gaps of 15-20 minutes when there was no wine available...
Food was a pretty good selection, and the macaroons and afternoon-tea pastries were great, but the breakfast offering wasn't great.
In summary, if I hadn't paid,I'd have said it was "nothing to write home about" but I would not feel it's good value for EUR90 per day.
AMB Weekend rate stay over NYE
How is the exec. lounge?
I seemed to recall positive comments from FT readers about the lounge at le grand so we decided to pay for club access for the last day of our stay. I was not really impressed. To be honest I would think it's one of the least impressive lounges I've been in across IC as well as SPG and RC properties. Champagne was Nicholas Feuillette(sp?) which is hardly high-end and while there was caviar available in the evening there was no hot food whatsoever, only a single white and red wine were available (no choices) and these were always a single bottle, which wasn't kept full/open either resulting in gaps of 15-20 minutes when there was no wine available...
Food was a pretty good selection, and the macaroons and afternoon-tea pastries were great, but the breakfast offering wasn't great.
In summary, if I hadn't paid,I'd have said it was "nothing to write home about" but I would not feel it's good value for EUR90 per day.
A previous reviewer made comment about the club not having hot food during this period. In fact, they did a great spread on NYE including 4 hot dishes in the evening. Extra staffing was on hand to keep everything (including wine and ice) filled. We were there last NYE and they didn't do this, so it was a nice surprise/treat.
It is true that the club staff don't seem to keep the food and beverage offerings stocked up very well, but then again, while we were there, there were a few quite (obnoxious) families making a day out of sitting in the club and emptying everything into purses, etc.
All in all I was happy with the stay.
It is true that the club staff don't seem to keep the food and beverage offerings stocked up very well, but then again, while we were there, there were a few quite (obnoxious) families making a day out of sitting in the club and emptying everything into purses, etc.
All in all I was happy with the stay.
Certainly the reason why club access is not free for some guests (but not for all).
Jan 14, 2012, 6:50 am
#72
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
It is clear that some guests may behave very rudely at Club lounge Paris, speaking loudly, eating all they can as if there were a war in Paris, and thinking that they can have binge drinking parties and so on.
Certainly the reason why club access is not free for some guests (but not for all).
Certainly the reason why club access is not free for some guests (but not for all).
Jan 14, 2012, 12:27 pm
#73
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: PARIS (France)
Programs: AF/KLM Club 2000 | InterContinental Diamond RA |AMEX Plat | Visa Infinite |Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 10,963
It is clear that some guests may behave very rudely at Club lounge Paris, speaking loudly, eating all they can as if there were a war in Paris, and thinking that they can have binge drinking parties and so on.
Certainly the reason why club access is not free for some guests (but not for all).
Certainly the reason why club access is not free for some guests (but not for all).
I am currently in the club lounge of IC Vienna.
Just arrived an amazing German/Austrian(?) family.
The lady is literally screaming instead of speaking
The girl - less than 5 - is crying.
The boy - around 9 - is running here and there in the club lounge, and seating on the window edge.
They have just switched on the tv, and watching - very loudly - the German equivalent of American Idol.
SIMPLY AMAZING
Jan 14, 2012, 1:35 pm
#74
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Germany
Programs: Some
Posts: 11,522
Jan 14, 2012, 9:54 pm
#75
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA/CO, IC RA
Posts: 24
Palazzo, Las Vegas
Palazzo, Las Vegas
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, though the price gouging during CES is really horrible.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a Prestige Bella Suite (with strip view) and received the same. I turned down an upgrade to a Fortuna Suite with a mountain view.
How are the rooms?
The Palazzo Bella suite is about normal size for a typical Vegas suite. Speaking only for the Prestige-level room, it was in very nice condition. The beds (two queens beds in the Bella Suite) were fantastic. The sunken living room was quite comfortable, as was the desk/work area. The workspace includes a multifunction printer/fax, which could probably save insane amounts of business center charges for the right visitor, though I did not use it. The bathroom was also typical size for Vegas, but I must say that everything was in perfect condition. I had a view across to Treasure Island, and north to the Trump Hotel. The Palazzo is on the north end of the strip, so a south-facing strip view would be much more exciting than what I had. The minibar was typical for Vegas as well, with a small bottle of champagne, plus some wine, vodka, tequila and other liquor.
How is the exec. lounge?
RAs get free use of the VIP lounge near the check-in desk. This is a small lounge with maybe only 10 or so places to sit, but it is comfortable, quiet, open 24 hours a day, and quickly accessible from the lobby. It was a perfect way to escape the din of the casino for a quick conversation with a client, or to grab a quick beverage while waiting in the lobby to meet someone.
The Prestige Lounge is separate, and located on the 23rd floor. It's included in the rate for Prestige-level rooms, though there might be a way to buy access for lower-level reservations. This lounge is expansive, with an excellent view of the strip, and an upscale feel. If you bring visitors they charge you $50 per person, per visit, but that includes access to the food (relatively simple buffets, three times a day), cocktails, coffee etc.
What was your welcome gift?
Bowl of fruit with two bottles of water.
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes.
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
The Palazzo is a cross between a typical Vegas casino hotel and the newer, non-gaming hotels like THEhotel and Signature at MGM. Like a non-gaming hotel, there is a lobby that is quick to access from the street (or the taxi stand), there is less overall noise, the walk from the room to various areas of the hotel is shorter (as compared to MGM, for instance), and there is no smoking in many areas. However, there is a casino. But it seems more subdued, and the walk through the casino from the entrance/check-in is very short.
Bad:
As an RA who travels on business 99% of the time, I truly appreciate being able to discuss my needs with a hotel and receive clear answers as to what they can or can't provide (as it relates to meetings with customers). The Palazzo is a giant Vegas complex, so quick, clear answers are difficult to come by. But my frustration with miscommunication soon faded to the background during my pleasant stay.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
During CES, the price gouging is beyond criminal. Throughout the rest of the year I think the Palazzo is an excellent hotel option for Vegas, and I would stay again. I would probably choose THEhotel or Signature at MGM over the Palazzo just because a non-gaming hotel in Vegas is such a great way to balance the crazy days with peaceful mornings and nightcaps, but the Palazzo is my favorite of the casino hotels I have tried, and I've stayed at Bellagio, Bally's, Paris, MGM, Hard Rock, Rio, Mandalay Bay, Luxor and the Flamingo.
What is your Priority Club status?
Platinum Royal Ambassador
Were you happy with the hotel/stay?
Yes, though the price gouging during CES is really horrible.
Which room did you book and which upgrade did you receive?
Booked a Prestige Bella Suite (with strip view) and received the same. I turned down an upgrade to a Fortuna Suite with a mountain view.
How are the rooms?
The Palazzo Bella suite is about normal size for a typical Vegas suite. Speaking only for the Prestige-level room, it was in very nice condition. The beds (two queens beds in the Bella Suite) were fantastic. The sunken living room was quite comfortable, as was the desk/work area. The workspace includes a multifunction printer/fax, which could probably save insane amounts of business center charges for the right visitor, though I did not use it. The bathroom was also typical size for Vegas, but I must say that everything was in perfect condition. I had a view across to Treasure Island, and north to the Trump Hotel. The Palazzo is on the north end of the strip, so a south-facing strip view would be much more exciting than what I had. The minibar was typical for Vegas as well, with a small bottle of champagne, plus some wine, vodka, tequila and other liquor.
How is the exec. lounge?
RAs get free use of the VIP lounge near the check-in desk. This is a small lounge with maybe only 10 or so places to sit, but it is comfortable, quiet, open 24 hours a day, and quickly accessible from the lobby. It was a perfect way to escape the din of the casino for a quick conversation with a client, or to grab a quick beverage while waiting in the lobby to meet someone.
The Prestige Lounge is separate, and located on the 23rd floor. It's included in the rate for Prestige-level rooms, though there might be a way to buy access for lower-level reservations. This lounge is expansive, with an excellent view of the strip, and an upscale feel. If you bring visitors they charge you $50 per person, per visit, but that includes access to the food (relatively simple buffets, three times a day), cocktails, coffee etc.
What was your welcome gift?
Bowl of fruit with two bottles of water.
Did you receive fruit in the room?
Yes.
What was good and what was bad?
Good:
The Palazzo is a cross between a typical Vegas casino hotel and the newer, non-gaming hotels like THEhotel and Signature at MGM. Like a non-gaming hotel, there is a lobby that is quick to access from the street (or the taxi stand), there is less overall noise, the walk from the room to various areas of the hotel is shorter (as compared to MGM, for instance), and there is no smoking in many areas. However, there is a casino. But it seems more subdued, and the walk through the casino from the entrance/check-in is very short.
Bad:
As an RA who travels on business 99% of the time, I truly appreciate being able to discuss my needs with a hotel and receive clear answers as to what they can or can't provide (as it relates to meetings with customers). The Palazzo is a giant Vegas complex, so quick, clear answers are difficult to come by. But my frustration with miscommunication soon faded to the background during my pleasant stay.
Value for $ or Priority Club Points? Would you return?
During CES, the price gouging is beyond criminal. Throughout the rest of the year I think the Palazzo is an excellent hotel option for Vegas, and I would stay again. I would probably choose THEhotel or Signature at MGM over the Palazzo just because a non-gaming hotel in Vegas is such a great way to balance the crazy days with peaceful mornings and nightcaps, but the Palazzo is my favorite of the casino hotels I have tried, and I've stayed at Bellagio, Bally's, Paris, MGM, Hard Rock, Rio, Mandalay Bay, Luxor and the Flamingo.