Amb. Benefits Fineprints!!! *Rant*
Feb 16, 2005, 2:42 am
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Orange County, CA
Programs: Newbie in everything =p
Posts: 63
Amb. Benefits Fineprints!!! *Rant*
Wow... its funny how you don't get hit with all the fineprint until AFTER you purchase the upgrade. Apparently, on the NEW website for the Ambassador program and the NEW booklet (note the NEW being in CAPS because I guess this policy was not the same as when SCC was around), on the NEW documents you were gtd a room at time of booking.
I just got off the phone with a friendly front desk clerk (I think she was friendly cuz I was calling 2 in the morning), despite my request to be upgraded, she initially told me that the room upgrade is BASED ON AVAILABILITY, AT TIME OF CHECK IN. OHHH K... So after talking to her a bit more, I told her it would be my very first time in San Francisco and it wasnt until after that I guess that she then said she would "preblock" a Deluxe Room for me. Which still confuses me, why couldnt she just upgrade me right there and then? I'm arriving next Friday arent I? I know this seems really paranoid but I want my first trip to SF to be perfect. I don't want my vacation and perspective of the city ruined by a hotel which I hear from other IC travelers (including those exclusive Royal Ambs) isn't the best hotel in terms of staff personality.
As for the "gtd. late checkout at 4pm", the FD clerk also advised myself that P.M. checkout is based upon availability. *sigh*. This is interesting for a 4-star hotel to do this. I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Honolulu for 5 nites over a week that the hotel was booked solid and when I requested late check out, it was granted up to 4pm. No extra charges. No questions asked. And they don't even have a loyalty program!
Anyways, I guess im ranting out of frustration. Its like you dont see all the fineprint and the "buts" until after you send in the non refundable membership fee. Had I known, I would've just stayed at the Pan Pacific (which I stayed once, for a quick nite, cuz of a airport incident).
Hmm.
I just got off the phone with a friendly front desk clerk (I think she was friendly cuz I was calling 2 in the morning), despite my request to be upgraded, she initially told me that the room upgrade is BASED ON AVAILABILITY, AT TIME OF CHECK IN. OHHH K... So after talking to her a bit more, I told her it would be my very first time in San Francisco and it wasnt until after that I guess that she then said she would "preblock" a Deluxe Room for me. Which still confuses me, why couldnt she just upgrade me right there and then? I'm arriving next Friday arent I? I know this seems really paranoid but I want my first trip to SF to be perfect. I don't want my vacation and perspective of the city ruined by a hotel which I hear from other IC travelers (including those exclusive Royal Ambs) isn't the best hotel in terms of staff personality.
As for the "gtd. late checkout at 4pm", the FD clerk also advised myself that P.M. checkout is based upon availability. *sigh*. This is interesting for a 4-star hotel to do this. I stayed at the Mandarin Oriental in Honolulu for 5 nites over a week that the hotel was booked solid and when I requested late check out, it was granted up to 4pm. No extra charges. No questions asked. And they don't even have a loyalty program!
Anyways, I guess im ranting out of frustration. Its like you dont see all the fineprint and the "buts" until after you send in the non refundable membership fee. Had I known, I would've just stayed at the Pan Pacific (which I stayed once, for a quick nite, cuz of a airport incident).
Hmm.
Feb 16, 2005, 5:32 am
#2
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: UK
Programs: Platinum Royal Ambassador,GC Elite,HH Gold,DC Gold,*A Gold
Posts: 876
The 4pm checkout is guaranteed and not subject to availability, show them the ambassador book if they need reminding of this. I have never had a problem when requesting one.
Ambassador room upgrades have always been subject to availability since I joined, as to the question why dont they just pre book it, well if some one comes along and asks for the room you would be upgraded too then they would be losing money if it was pre booked for you, but if they cant fill it they will kindly let you have it for free. Again I never had a problem with upgrades they always found a room some where
Dino
Ambassador room upgrades have always been subject to availability since I joined, as to the question why dont they just pre book it, well if some one comes along and asks for the room you would be upgraded too then they would be losing money if it was pre booked for you, but if they cant fill it they will kindly let you have it for free. Again I never had a problem with upgrades they always found a room some where
Dino
Feb 16, 2005, 8:36 am
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
In decades as a member of the SCC, or of late as an AMBASSADOR, I have never had my room upgrade confirmed in advance of arrival [other than since becoming an RA, always having a suite ready for me at check-in, even at 9am]. I don't even recall this being stated in terms other than "entitled to a one-class room upgrade" or similar language.
I think you are being a bit supersilious about your dealings with IC and the Mark Hopkins. In other posts you talk about having called the hotel several times to "check out" their service. I find this most bizarre, and in 30-years of travel have had the occasion to call a hotel maybe once or twice prior to my arrival.
What are your expectations for AMBASSADOR? In the days of the SCC, we were escorted to our rooms by an assistant manager, but this seldom happens any more. Were you expecting this level of treatment?
ICs are the top end of the spectrum, and they maintain high standards of service. Of course, this will vary depending upon the part of the world they are located in. Afterall, the service we expect from any hotel in major Asian cities is a lot higher than anywhere else in the world.
So please, "curb your enthusiasm" [er, expectations], as I am beginning to suspect you will never be satisfied with the AMBASSADOR program or IC property standards of service and recognition.
I think you are being a bit supersilious about your dealings with IC and the Mark Hopkins. In other posts you talk about having called the hotel several times to "check out" their service. I find this most bizarre, and in 30-years of travel have had the occasion to call a hotel maybe once or twice prior to my arrival.
What are your expectations for AMBASSADOR? In the days of the SCC, we were escorted to our rooms by an assistant manager, but this seldom happens any more. Were you expecting this level of treatment?
ICs are the top end of the spectrum, and they maintain high standards of service. Of course, this will vary depending upon the part of the world they are located in. Afterall, the service we expect from any hotel in major Asian cities is a lot higher than anywhere else in the world.
So please, "curb your enthusiasm" [er, expectations], as I am beginning to suspect you will never be satisfied with the AMBASSADOR program or IC property standards of service and recognition.
Feb 16, 2005, 9:24 am
#4
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2000
Location: أمريكا
Posts: 26,761
Originally Posted by Shareholder
What are your expectations for AMBASSADOR? In the days of the SCC, we were escorted to our rooms by an assistant manager, but this seldom happens any more. Were you expecting this level of treatment?
Feb 16, 2005, 10:52 am
#5
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: KLM GD, DL PM, AA LT Plt, Hyatt Diamond, SPG LT Plat, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Interconti Amb/PC Spire, etc.
Posts: 593
Same experience as RA - regardless of country/continent. A suite has always been ready for me even when I showed up at 6 AM after a red-eye. When the pre-booked suite was still occupied, I was always upgraded to a Royal or Presidential suite.
Feb 16, 2005, 11:09 am
#6
Moderator: Flying Blue (Air France & KLM), France and TravelBuzz!
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Paris, France, AF F+ Rouge pour toujours, Flying Blue whatever, LH FTL, HHonors Gold, formerly proud SCC Executive, now IC Ambassador, BA down to nobody, Grand Voyageur Le Club
Posts: 12,400
Originally Posted by Doppy
I never had that happen as a SCC member. Maybe now as a RA they'll do it.
Feb 16, 2005, 11:40 am
#7
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Naples, Florida, USA
Programs: DL Diamond, 2MM; Hilton Diamond; IC Spire Ambassador
Posts: 791
Originally Posted by MoreMiles!
Same experience as RA - regardless of country/continent. A suite has always been ready for me even when I showed up at 6 AM after a red-eye. When the pre-booked suite was still occupied, I was always upgraded to a Royal or Presidential suite.
I have had a slightly different experience recently. In the last 6 months, I have shown up at 3 different IC's and my suite was either not ready, or they hadn't really noticed that I was a RA and therefore it was going to take a while to accommodate me in a suite. On all three occasions, the hotel offered me a room to relax in until the suite was ready, and the desk person who handled this then personally came to get me and escort me to my suite.
This is an example of fine service and, BTW, something the "fine print" says an IC will do if an RA's suite is not ready.
I agree (and stated this in another thread re: the same OP) that the OP needs to chill out a bit re: the Ambassador program. It is a fine program, generally well run. However, paying your $100.00 does not actually turn one into the US Ambassador to the Court of St. James!!!
Feb 16, 2005, 12:53 pm
#8
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Hilton*D, Marriott*LG, Hyatt*G
Posts: 6,268
The only IC hotels which have confirmed an upgrade in advance as a non-blue blood Ambassador member have been in SE Asia where I have sent e-mail's asking to what room I should book to be upgraded 1 category, upon availability, to the Club Floor.
In those instances some member of senior management, usually Director of Sales or Rooms, has written back to me with many details and have confirmed upgrades. When I check on-line the new room info is listed but at the old price. I am thinking that I was terribly fortunate in these instances.
Otherwise, knowing people at the hotel helps a lot too.....
In those instances some member of senior management, usually Director of Sales or Rooms, has written back to me with many details and have confirmed upgrades. When I check on-line the new room info is listed but at the old price. I am thinking that I was terribly fortunate in these instances.
Otherwise, knowing people at the hotel helps a lot too.....
Feb 16, 2005, 8:10 pm
#9
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: san antonio, tx
Posts: 141
I was told twice that I had been given a confirmed upgrade more than a month prior to arrival (SIN & RIO). Usually I'm told it's subject to availability, and the front desk would assign it on the day of arrival. I have always received an upgrade (one or two categories), along with the amenities. One front desk agent (HOU) said they do upgrade the room type shortly after the reservation is received, but they don't want to confirm it with the guest, just in case they are able to sell the room.
As for being escorted to the room, this happens most of the time while staying out of the country. The few times I've stayed in a stateside IC, I was just shown the elevator.
As for being escorted to the room, this happens most of the time while staying out of the country. The few times I've stayed in a stateside IC, I was just shown the elevator.
Feb 16, 2005, 11:59 pm
#10
Moderator: Hyatt Gold Passport & Star Alliance
Join Date: May 1998
Location: London, UK
Programs: UA-1K 3MM/HY- LT Globalist/BA-GGL/GfL
Posts: 12,079
My status has changed recently and I have emailed my upcoming stay hotels to note that I am now a Royal Ambassador. None of them has changed my reserved room type.
Feb 17, 2005, 7:35 am
#11
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 1999
Location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Programs: OWEmerald; STARGold; BonvoyPlat; IHGPlat/Amb; HiltonGold; A|ClubPat; AirMilesPlat
Posts: 38,186
Odd, I've never seen an upgrade posted in advance on any of my reservations. Nor have I been escorted to my room since the SCC ended...
Feb 17, 2005, 8:46 am
#12
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Living in SIN™
Programs: TK/SQ Gold, QR Plat, Marriott/Accor Plat, IC Dia Amb, HH Gold, Hertz PC
Posts: 6,704
As an Ambassador, these were my experiences at Asian ICs:
4pm checkout: Used this several times. Usually at checkin, I'm asked what time I will be checking out - I've replied "Is 4pm alright?" and the answer has always been "Certainly, sir".
Ambassador upgrade: The only hotel which has shown the upgraded room type in the online reservation a day or so after booking was the IC BKK. Incidentally, the last time I stayed there I was told at checkin they were fully booked that as I was an Ambassador, they had double-upgraded me to a Club room. At the IC SIN, I have seen on checkin that a folder had been prepared for my arrival and contained keys to an upgraded room type. Occassionally, they have changed the room (to a double upgrade) in front of me at checkin. At IC the Grand BOM, I usually ask for an airport pickup (which is included in the upgraded room type, but not in the type that I booked) and this has always been granted on a complimentary basis which meant that they processed the upgrade then.
Escorted to the room: At the IC BKK, when I was upgraded to the Club room, I was walked to my room by the lady who checked me in. At the IC BOM, the airport pickup driver usually sends an SMS to the hotel and a Guest Relations Officer/ Assistant Manager is usually there to walk me to my room.
4pm checkout: Used this several times. Usually at checkin, I'm asked what time I will be checking out - I've replied "Is 4pm alright?" and the answer has always been "Certainly, sir".
Ambassador upgrade: The only hotel which has shown the upgraded room type in the online reservation a day or so after booking was the IC BKK. Incidentally, the last time I stayed there I was told at checkin they were fully booked that as I was an Ambassador, they had double-upgraded me to a Club room. At the IC SIN, I have seen on checkin that a folder had been prepared for my arrival and contained keys to an upgraded room type. Occassionally, they have changed the room (to a double upgrade) in front of me at checkin. At IC the Grand BOM, I usually ask for an airport pickup (which is included in the upgraded room type, but not in the type that I booked) and this has always been granted on a complimentary basis which meant that they processed the upgrade then.
Escorted to the room: At the IC BKK, when I was upgraded to the Club room, I was walked to my room by the lady who checked me in. At the IC BOM, the airport pickup driver usually sends an SMS to the hotel and a Guest Relations Officer/ Assistant Manager is usually there to walk me to my room.
Feb 19, 2005, 2:27 am
#15
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: NRT/PDX
Programs: Willamette Valley Cropdusters Silver Elite, National Tent Frequent Stay program, Ed's Rent-a-tractor
Posts: 3,357
I've never seen any of my upgrades posted online before a stay. To be honest, I don't really look, and it may have happened and I just haven't noticed.
I recently called up an IC hotel I will be staying at concerning another matter, and during the dialogue, the CSR seemed to just then notice my Ambassador status, and said that she would input the upgrade then and there. Just checked and still haven't noticed any changes on my reservation. Maybe it takes time? Just for curiosity's sake, I'll keep an eye on this.
I recently called up an IC hotel I will be staying at concerning another matter, and during the dialogue, the CSR seemed to just then notice my Ambassador status, and said that she would input the upgrade then and there. Just checked and still haven't noticed any changes on my reservation. Maybe it takes time? Just for curiosity's sake, I'll keep an eye on this.