Chinatrvl

Good luck and let us know what they all have to say about this. Then we finally may have an official policy...

BA1A

I was told the mini-bar policy change only applied to reward nights. On a paid stay the manager told me all the alcohol would be free.

777 global mile hound

Obviously no Hyatt in AMS
I did outline in my above post the hotels I have currently considered instead happily
GP Diamond is a breeze to earn especially with low cost Hyatts and Hyatt Places
With double stay credit various times throught the year it is the easiest earned status ever IMO.
And exceptionally rewarding with superb treatment for award or revenue rooms globally.
In any program if you are value concious staying in any expensive city buy at low rates and redeem high
Never a problem for me.

GP points value have held up better then any program in history
Hyatt offered Next Big Thing for unlimited free nights in any category hotels last year.They are still letting members redeem through June
PC can't compare promotionally in my own experience.........

Unless a mini bar means the world to you.My own experience typically and with some exceptions there are a few waters and cokes and thats about all there is besides 2 small bottles of wine and miniatures.Its not like an amazing selection

Now with the change to bogos and award night reduced or removal of perks I can't think of a better time to be an Ambassador.Should I get another referral next year I will be happy to give it away.PC has lost its punch for me
Hopefully PBs will restore the faith if they aren't over with their enhancement program

BA038_Passenger

Hi

Is there free internet in the room, or wifi in a public area at this hotel?

I've looked here http://www.ichotelsgroup.com/interco..._-AMBEN-_-BMBM and the hotel isn't listed.

What is your experience here?

777 global mile hound

That they charge double or triple for anything on property that isn't a pre established program benefit or in rate plan.
Perhaps some can share all the complimentary amenities here

BA1A

It's not free unless you get a room with a leak and then most things becomes free

You do have to pay for internet access at the Amstel. Can't remember exactly how much it was, but it wasn't cheap, something like €20+ for 24 hours IIRC.

Chinatrvl

As far as I remember "the usual" 24.95 €/ day (iBahn). But I'm not absolutely sure...


Edit: Well, now I am sure

Loyalty Club

When I stayed last year, internet on the 2 PCs in the Business Centre (located behind their welcome desk just off the reception area) was completely free. I hope this is still available.

777 global mile hound

For those that are interested in SPG and the Pulitzer in Amsterdam it is interesting to note that the Starwood mangement personally posted here on Flyertalk that all SPG Platinum members will receive complimentary breakfast at every stay and free internet/wifi ^
When I add that I prefer the location I am treated the same on points or revenue for all benefits its a no brainer
Having stayed there for many years I was shocked when I heard this.I will be returning for certain now/Along with 4 PM checkout it is just about all I am seeking
Even though the IC Amstel rooms/bathrooms even not renovated still hold the edge.If they renovated I would probably lose the benefits and still return to the Amstel

stimpy

I have been staying at the Pulitzer for over a decade and I know it very well. It is NOT a luxury hotel. It is a weak business class hotel in terms of its services and many of the staff. At the Amstel, you won't find that you cannot use the concierge or ship anything during the 2 hour lunch window.

The Pulitzer has some very neat suites, but they stopped upgrading Platinum members to those suites a few years ago. The Amstel still upgrades RA's to excellent suites so for me it is a no-brainer IF the Amstel isn't priced out of range.

Free internet and breakfast is nice for some, but I don't eat breakfast (unless I am jet lagged) and work pays for the Internet regardless.

777 global mile hound

Thanks for the post and feedback I would like to speak with the Sheraton area manager about that perception or fact and ask a few other Platinum members if that has been the case for them as well

stimpy

You have only to scan the property thread in the SPG forum. Of course I would separate the people who have only stayed once or twice against the people who have many stays.

PatMike

I noticed that most of the comments are from RAs. I'm a PC Plat and SPG Gold, looking at the pros and cons of Amstel vs. Pulitzer.

Any info would be appreciated on what I can expect as a PC Plat on an award stay.

Also, any ideas on the Crowne Plaza ? There doesn't seem to be a link to that in the IC hotel master thread.

Exec lounge/breakfast is sort of important to me. I am also a Hilton Diamond and would rather be closer to town, even though I would get that benefit at the Hilton.

stimpy

If you search, there are probably over a hundred posts on the Crowne Plaza. It is the only one with a lounge, but the lounge really isn't that super. The best lounge in town, IMO, is at the airport Sheraton.

As for Pulitzer versus Amstel, to me they are in two different leagues. The Amstel is real luxury and hosts the top people in town. The Pulitzer is a level below and hosts a lot of American and other Euro tourists and some businesspeople. The Pulitzer is a fine hotel, especially if you book a suite. But nowhere near the level of the Amstel.

One alternative is the Sofitel. It is better than the Pulitzer, but not as good as the Amstel.

Sohan

What type of room is 107? I booked a 1 KING BED EXECUTIVE CITY VIEW, and they put me in 107 (no view of anything nice at all lol) and I don't know if I got an upgrade or not.

Got a welcome letter, which was addressed to another guest.

Multiple lights aren't working and blown. Won't be staying here again.