Westin Golf Resort & Spa, Playa Conchal All-Inclusive, Costa Rica [Master Thread]
#136
Join Date: Jul 2004
Posts: 4,531
Now I am trying to make sense of the rate plans at this property......
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
#137
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
#138
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
Now I am trying to make sense of the rate plans at this property......
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
#139
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: YYZ
Programs: Marriott Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, AC Elite, Airmiles Gold, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards
Posts: 785
Now I am trying to make sense of the rate plans at this property......
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
We are a party of 4, and have booked in the RBC side. 2 Queens, all adults, so that's the easy part!
The cash rate starts at 1200+/night - which seems to be a rack rate? I lowered it to $650 using an spg50. But now I am being told there is a surcharge for each RBC guest over 2 persons. In my case, that's 2, and the surcharge as quoted was $300/person/night!
The so-called "surcharge" doubles the price of the room and makes this a much less attractive place to stay! Does anyone have experieince with this surcharge? Is it ever waived for Plat guests? Also, any success with Plat upgrades to the RBC side?
#140
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,608
I recently completed a paid 7 day stay here on a family trip (2 adults & 1 nine year old). It was perfect for a family holiday, even with it being rainy season. We had short rain (including thunder showers) 3 out of 7 days. Resort was maybe 30% occupied.
I found on SPG.com that if you enter the correct number of persons travelling (adults/children), the hotel reservations will quote the correct rate that is charged at check in. Even though SPG.com states a $120 up charge for additional child guests (on top of quoted rate)- the total rate shown on the final page was accurate. Note- the difference in adding a child did NOT match the posted up charge- in my case, the difference was about $68 USD. I took printouts but didn't need them.
Overall, this was a solid four diamond property. The food and beverage was better than expected. We certainly didn't arrive expecting salmon carpaccio, beef tenderloin, lamb shank or truffle risotto but that's what we got. It seems service has improved since earlier posters.
I found on SPG.com that if you enter the correct number of persons travelling (adults/children), the hotel reservations will quote the correct rate that is charged at check in. Even though SPG.com states a $120 up charge for additional child guests (on top of quoted rate)- the total rate shown on the final page was accurate. Note- the difference in adding a child did NOT match the posted up charge- in my case, the difference was about $68 USD. I took printouts but didn't need them.
Overall, this was a solid four diamond property. The food and beverage was better than expected. We certainly didn't arrive expecting salmon carpaccio, beef tenderloin, lamb shank or truffle risotto but that's what we got. It seems service has improved since earlier posters.
#141
Join Date: Feb 2002
Posts: 1,695
I don't know how busy the resort will be during that time, but while I was there, every gold member we met was upgraded to a normal RBC room and every platinum member was upgraded to a RBC suite. So if there are rooms available, this place seems to be very good about upgrades.
I am only a gold so I guess the best I can hope for is a RBC room. Would the Jr suite on the other side be nicer? If I decide to keep the Jr Suite would I get a RBC bracelet? If I end up with the non-RBC bracelet, what am I missing other than the better pool? Are their restaurants and bars I will not have access to?
#142
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,608
It seems that you have access to all restaurants regardless of room.
There may be a lunch area by the pool in the Royal Beach Club that may only be accessible to RBC guests during lunch time.
The bungalows (standard rooms) were fine as they were 4 to a floor, 8 to a building. The Royal Beach Clubs are in your standard low rise 4 - 5 story building with 30 rooms per floor.
Whether you prefer a more modern room like this, with the possibility of hearing neighbours, or a smaller bungalow style building where there is less likelihood of noise is up to you.
There may be a lunch area by the pool in the Royal Beach Club that may only be accessible to RBC guests during lunch time.
The bungalows (standard rooms) were fine as they were 4 to a floor, 8 to a building. The Royal Beach Clubs are in your standard low rise 4 - 5 story building with 30 rooms per floor.
Whether you prefer a more modern room like this, with the possibility of hearing neighbours, or a smaller bungalow style building where there is less likelihood of noise is up to you.
#143
Join Date: Feb 2010
Programs: MR-Amb, Hyatt-Globalist, AA-EXP
Posts: 1,744
They have a deal right now that if you pay with a MasterCard it is $216 a night for 2 people.
I am only a gold so I guess the best I can hope for is a RBC room. Would the Jr suite on the other side be nicer? If I decide to keep the Jr Suite would I get a RBC bracelet? If I end up with the non-RBC bracelet, what am I missing other than the better pool? Are their restaurants and bars I will not have access to?
I am only a gold so I guess the best I can hope for is a RBC room. Would the Jr suite on the other side be nicer? If I decide to keep the Jr Suite would I get a RBC bracelet? If I end up with the non-RBC bracelet, what am I missing other than the better pool? Are their restaurants and bars I will not have access to?
For me, I would accept the RBC upgrade every time because I like quiet adults only pools, poolside service, and premium alcohol, but if you need a slightly larger room instead I could understand declining the upgrade. I'm also not sure if they would give you the RBC band if you're staying in the other area, but my thought is that they would because we got a silver band for platinum and the gold members received gold bands and that's the only band you have the entire time. It's probably worth a call though if you want to know your options ahead of time.
#144
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: YVR - Vancouver, with most winter weekends in Whistler.
Programs: Aeroplan 35K, Alaska MVP, Marriott Titanium / Lifetime Platinum, Hertz President's Circle
Posts: 4,608
For those that are interested, I have posted a copy of a trip report reviewing the Westin Playa Conchal in the Trip report thread.
Image of the layout of the property below in the event you want to make pro-active reservation requests for specific buildings by the water / away from the water etc...
Image of the layout of the property below in the event you want to make pro-active reservation requests for specific buildings by the water / away from the water etc...
#145
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 783
I read through all of the thread, but I didn't encounter this question yet, I hope someone can help. The property charges for children 3+ years old. So i assume that if I show up with a 2 year old, they are not charged.
So, if I redeem SPG points (I know it may not be best value!) for 5 nights and stay in the room with Mrs. PedroNY our 2 year old, that would not incur extra charges, correct? I printed out the T&C and it states "Award category includes a maximum of 2 people per room." I assume that is standard language and in this case I won't have to pay additional charges for my 2 year old. Any one has any experience?
Much appreciated.
Thank you,
PedroNY
So, if I redeem SPG points (I know it may not be best value!) for 5 nights and stay in the room with Mrs. PedroNY our 2 year old, that would not incur extra charges, correct? I printed out the T&C and it states "Award category includes a maximum of 2 people per room." I assume that is standard language and in this case I won't have to pay additional charges for my 2 year old. Any one has any experience?
Much appreciated.
Thank you,
PedroNY
#146
Join Date: May 2012
Programs: Marriott Titanium (Lifetime Platinum), AA Platinum Pro
Posts: 309
Ok, so I just booked this hotel for 4 nights in May, at a rate of $450 for 3 adults in an RBC room.
From what I've seen and read this is a great deal.
I called in to SPG (I know, I know... I shouldn't have...) just to confirm that there was no up-charge later for the 3rd person. The SPG rep called the hotel, to which the hotel said that the rate I got did not exist and that it would be $800 per night.
When I did some searches while I was on hold with the corporate services office, I found the same room showing up for $445 for 1 adult, and $450 for either 2, 3, or 4 adults. Obviously this does not make sense being an all-inclusive property, but it was the rate that was advertised very clearly for 3 people, and I have a confirmation showing that.
As we've already booked flights, so I'm definitely not going to be happy if they don't honor this rate...
The lovely SPG corporate lady I spoke with said they are contacting the hotel about the issue and asking them to honor the rate. If they say they won't do it, then she said I have the right to file a "claim" or something of the sort and go from there.
From what I've seen and read this is a great deal.
I called in to SPG (I know, I know... I shouldn't have...) just to confirm that there was no up-charge later for the 3rd person. The SPG rep called the hotel, to which the hotel said that the rate I got did not exist and that it would be $800 per night.
When I did some searches while I was on hold with the corporate services office, I found the same room showing up for $445 for 1 adult, and $450 for either 2, 3, or 4 adults. Obviously this does not make sense being an all-inclusive property, but it was the rate that was advertised very clearly for 3 people, and I have a confirmation showing that.
As we've already booked flights, so I'm definitely not going to be happy if they don't honor this rate...
The lovely SPG corporate lady I spoke with said they are contacting the hotel about the issue and asking them to honor the rate. If they say they won't do it, then she said I have the right to file a "claim" or something of the sort and go from there.
#148
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: DFW,TX USA
Programs: Lifetime Platinum Marriott
Posts: 1,567
This has to be one of the most underwhelming properties I have stayed at.
Food is convention buffet quality - bland and underwhelming.
Could have been in Iowa city.
The dinner restaurants were nice and better.
Service is a crap shoot. They answer every request with a "right away" which could mean 10 minutes or 2 hours.
Our room AC never cooled below 77 degrees. Others had air but leaks from unit.
Room service seemed to always forget something. I believe I had to call everyday to ask them for something (They took everything but forgot to replace washcloths on days, only left half as many towels etc....)
Even little things like not having Lizano at breakfast (even the waiter was surprised).
Our stay here was second part of 10 days in Costa Rica so we knew what to expect from food to bugs.
No hotel can keep all the bugs out, but the others seems to be able to clean off the dead ants from the bed after cleaning room.
Pool is nice, staff is nice, SPA was nice. Nothing was exceptional.
Beach is nice but you have to go through a gauntlet of "Would you like a massage."
Not different than any other beach.
All and all "Meh"
Food is convention buffet quality - bland and underwhelming.
Could have been in Iowa city.
The dinner restaurants were nice and better.
Service is a crap shoot. They answer every request with a "right away" which could mean 10 minutes or 2 hours.
Our room AC never cooled below 77 degrees. Others had air but leaks from unit.
Room service seemed to always forget something. I believe I had to call everyday to ask them for something (They took everything but forgot to replace washcloths on days, only left half as many towels etc....)
Even little things like not having Lizano at breakfast (even the waiter was surprised).
Our stay here was second part of 10 days in Costa Rica so we knew what to expect from food to bugs.
No hotel can keep all the bugs out, but the others seems to be able to clean off the dead ants from the bed after cleaning room.
Pool is nice, staff is nice, SPA was nice. Nothing was exceptional.
Beach is nice but you have to go through a gauntlet of "Would you like a massage."
Not different than any other beach.
All and all "Meh"
#149
Join Date: Mar 2011
Posts: 189
Back in November I booked a 4 night stay at this property for 2 adults and 2 children arriving in early April. In February I called the Plat # and inquired about adding a rollaway bed to the reservation if there was no surcharge. I was told it could be added without any additional fee. 10 days before our arrival the total on our reservation went up $640. I could not figure out why. I called the Plat # and was told that was the rate when I booked the reservation. I was able to dig out the original e-mail and read it to the rep. She in turn called the property and was told a $160/night fee for the rollaway bed had been added. She then tried to remove the bed and hence the $640 fee and was told by the front desk that could not be done without cancelling the reservation and rebooking at a much higher rate. The rep apologized to me and said she had never encountered something like this and suggested opening a case in an attempt to resolve this, which she did. Two days later the $640 was removed from the reservation.
Not trusting what other fees I'd incur, I decided to stay at the JW Marriott Guanacaste and have no regrets. The room plus meals (eaten both on and off property) ended up being significantly less than I would've spent at the Westin.
Not trusting what other fees I'd incur, I decided to stay at the JW Marriott Guanacaste and have no regrets. The room plus meals (eaten both on and off property) ended up being significantly less than I would've spent at the Westin.
#150
Join Date: Jul 2001
Posts: 45
Family of four going to this property $227 per child surcharge?
I am looking at going to this property over Christmas. 7 nights on a points stay. The property does not let one book point stays online during that time, so I called SPG gold line to reserve. No problem with reserving the points and it was mentioned that each child would be charged $227 / per night since it was all inclusive. I don't have a problem with that, but at an extra $450 per night I figured it was better to go ahead and reserve two rooms with points. The rep told me that I would still be charged $227 for each child even if I reserved the two rooms with one child and one adult in each room. Is this correct or did I miss something?