dtremit

Also arguably a replacement for the old, unpublished Starwood VIP status.

SPG has had Ambassador since ~2013.

dtremit

Having asked myself that same question, I thought this recent review of the R-C Tokyo was interesting:

https://onemileatatime.com/ritz-carlton-tokyo-review/

It looks like a very nice lounge, but a $350/nt nice lounge?

MSPeconomist

JBord

Well, if you get it for free with the Cobalt status, then sure. It's not something I would pay for.

And just to point it out, many of the Marriott lounges in Asia are similar to the RC review you referenced.

Ripley62

That depends on what you're comparing them to. The RC Club Lounge might not dramatically better than lounges if you're use to the lounges at the properties in Asia, except in the drinks area, but compared to US properties its a pretty large difference. First of all, and likely the biggest difference is effectively an open bar all day, both self serve and much deeper selection by asking the staff. Except at breakfast time wine, beer and a selection of free pour alcohol is put out along with snacks all day. If your choice isn't available you can ask the staff and depending on the hotel it'll depends how far that will go without a change. I've actually only once had a CL concierge mention a charger for a drink, that was at the Chicago RC when I ask if there had a single malt scotch, they did have a Glenlivet but the lobby bar would deliver whatever I chose. Every other RC CL I've never had a issue, and normally they volunteer to mix whatever I want, I often have a Martini before going to dinner with small plate of their apps. After coming back to the hotel from dinner, if I'm back early enough, a Macallan 12 or two. That said its much more of benefit at a resort.

Breakfast might be less varied compared to some of the more recently remodeled Marriotts that have the lounge with a door access to the hot breakfast selections. But its a good breakfast buffet. The rest of the meals, or as RC calls them presentations, are more of a heavy appetizer - soup, salad, sandwich for lunch, a high tea in the afternoon and appetizers for dinner, then dessert later. It would be possible use the club lounge as a sort of all inclusive, it certainly seem on holiday weekend many family do use it that way esp at resorts but ts not intended that way

They're also set up to be more comfortable to spend time in than the average lounge and are fully staffed all day with at least a concierge and at least one or two attendants.

They up charge of the lounge is normally it seems in the $300 range but I've been offered it at check in for $75 a number times. Since breakfast for two at an RC can easily total $60 or more that discounted price is worth it. I wouldn't pay $300. I get CL access via the RC credit card an over a week at a resort its pretty nice savings.

WillBarrett_68

Such a person would not have trouble getting an appointment on the GM's calendar, secret status or not.

EuropeanPete

They have indeed, but Marriott has only has Ambassador status for a year. In any case, Cobalt has been discussed on Flyertalk since 2012, but it's presumably a fair bit older than that.

hhoope01

In the thread I linked to earlier in this thread, I do believe Cobalt level was being discussed in the mid-2012 timeframe. So I would guess Cobalt level would have had to have started sometime before that.

dimramon

Where are fruit and wine a standard gift? Is that the welcome amenity instead of points?
Just curious since I've only ever had anything waiting or brought to the room was at (some) Asian properties

dayone

It hurts me to link to him, but this article has some good info.

mrib1966

+1

I'm not Cobalt Elite but those are relationships I cherish.

cfabar1

SHLTP

I have always enjoyed RC lounges. I would definitely not pay the rates some of them charge. I find many lounges in Asia at a LC, where I do most of my travel, are almost at the same level/ at the same level. Until my recent history of not staying at Marriott because of technical issues, I would always skip a RC for a LC or STR because of the lounge access at LC and the free breakfast at STR. I don't care much about points earning -- I care about benefits and service given to my loyalty such as upgrades and free lounge access-- so there is no compelling reason for me to stay at a RC unless my friend is the owner etc. and I want to support them

vanderjas

Any ideas on actual spend needed for Cobalt?

I’m $55k in on personal spend for 120 nights so far with another $10k to come before year end...

knownothing

i just got made a bonvoy "cobalt. Did not say much but great invitation. Anybody here one? What to expect?