Sep 30, 2018, 9:23 am
Le Meridien Barcelona, Spain [Master Thread]
Jul 13, 2015, 7:49 am
#361
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Jul 13, 2015, 8:08 am
#362
Join Date: Jan 2011
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Jul 13, 2015, 8:14 am
#363
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Jul 13, 2015, 9:08 am
#364
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FYI; Rates change. I am paying 56500~ points for 3 nights in the Jr. Suite in September (something like 18k a night). The Prestige is 30k/nt during that stay. My SNA's are applied, so I hope to get the Prestige rooms really. But I do agree that it seems like a great value for these suites. I thank SPG for offering this reasonable choice.
Would love to hear back after your trip or from others who have booked the Jr. Suite on points and then applied SNAs.
I believe this is what we'll be doing. I would love to somehow end up in the Mediterranean Suite, though I know that is technically out of reach of the SNAs. I would be willing to apply the SNAs and then also pay a reasonable cash or points fee to further move into the Med Suite. I simply cannot justify the 600 EUR/night cash rate that room books for outright...
Jul 13, 2015, 1:45 pm
#366
Join Date: Apr 2008
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I've been upgraded to a Prestige Suite a couple of times (pre-Suite Night Awards) as SPG Platinum, one time when booked on points and one time when booked on a cheap rate (less than 200 euros per night). I've also not been upgraded, so if you really want that suite, don't count on it. Just sharing my experience FWIW.
Jul 13, 2015, 4:48 pm
#367
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I've been upgraded to a Prestige Suite a couple of times (pre-Suite Night Awards) as SPG Platinum, one time when booked on points and one time when booked on a cheap rate (less than 200 euros per night). I've also not been upgraded, so if you really want that suite, don't count on it. Just sharing my experience FWIW.
It does sound like the Prestige Suite is a pretty solid ceiling for either Plat upgrades or SNAs, and that's fine, I was just curious if anyone had lucked out and gotten upgraded beyond that.
Jul 13, 2015, 10:41 pm
#368
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Instead of "wasting" SNAs to go just from the junior suite to the Prestige suite, why not ask the hotel how many points (or how much cash) it would cost to confirm an upgrade to the room you want?
BTW, the Med Suite is really a junior suite (one large room with a sitting area and absolutely no wall or partition, plus a large desk in the entry) with a large terrace on the side street.
BTW, the Med Suite is really a junior suite (one large room with a sitting area and absolutely no wall or partition, plus a large desk in the entry) with a large terrace on the side street.
Jul 14, 2015, 5:49 am
#369
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Instead of "wasting" SNAs to go just from the junior suite to the Prestige suite, why not ask the hotel how many points (or how much cash) it would cost to confirm an upgrade to the room you want?
BTW, the Med Suite is really a junior suite (one large room with a sitting area and absolutely no wall or partition, plus a large desk in the entry) with a large terrace on the side street.
BTW, the Med Suite is really a junior suite (one large room with a sitting area and absolutely no wall or partition, plus a large desk in the entry) with a large terrace on the side street.
This is not "wasting" SNAs. I believe I'm getting good value out of my SNAs by using them this way. I've known the price of the Prestige Suite for quite some time: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...l#post24468152
I long ago decided I did not want to pay the extra 28.5k points for it, preferring instead to save those points for another 4 or 5 nights at a nice Cat 3 somewhere.
And yes, I know exactly what the Med Suite is. Which is why it would be the room I'd want, if at all possible. If not, then Prestige or Junior Suite are fine by me. I do have the ability to distinguish between my needs and wants, and value each differently.
Jul 15, 2015, 3:46 am
#370
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Austin, TX
Programs: American Plat, Starwood Plat
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I'm not claiming this is the cheapest way to travel to the hotel. As I hadn't ever been to Spain, don't really speak much Spanish, and had a family full of luggage, it was an option that I chose to use to remove a potential problem from my family vacation. My room was free (points), breakfasts were free (plat), and this was not a huge cost barrier for me. YMMV, but the option was on-time, clean, and helpful for me.
Sep 3, 2015, 5:45 am
#371
Join Date: Mar 2010
Posts: 54
Just checked out from hotel.
As platinum, I didn't receive any upgraded room. Despite showing availability online I was told the hotel is sold out. I went to the front desk following days and same story.
I did see a bottle of wine upon entering the room. Breakfast was great!
Checkout took over 20 mins. Guests were lining up at the gold/platinum desk regardless of status. I think staff should have asked if there any guests with status so priority can be given.
As platinum, I didn't receive any upgraded room. Despite showing availability online I was told the hotel is sold out. I went to the front desk following days and same story.
I did see a bottle of wine upon entering the room. Breakfast was great!
Checkout took over 20 mins. Guests were lining up at the gold/platinum desk regardless of status. I think staff should have asked if there any guests with status so priority can be given.
Sep 3, 2015, 6:38 am
#372
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Just checked out from hotel.
As platinum, I didn't receive any upgraded room. Despite showing availability online I was told the hotel is sold out. I went to the front desk following days and same story.
I did see a bottle of wine upon entering the room. Breakfast was great!
Checkout took over 20 mins. Guests were lining up at the gold/platinum desk regardless of status. I think staff should have asked if there any guests with status so priority can be given.
As platinum, I didn't receive any upgraded room. Despite showing availability online I was told the hotel is sold out. I went to the front desk following days and same story.
I did see a bottle of wine upon entering the room. Breakfast was great!
Checkout took over 20 mins. Guests were lining up at the gold/platinum desk regardless of status. I think staff should have asked if there any guests with status so priority can be given.
Dec 1, 2015, 9:39 am
#373
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 241
transfer from Barcelona airport to Le Meridien
The SPG website shows a ludicrous rate for using Le Meridien's transportation to/from the airport. How honest / safe is it taking a cab? (you always read about tourists being ripped off, and especially if you don't speak Spanish). Any other realistic options?
Dec 1, 2015, 9:52 am
#374
Join Date: Mar 2001
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Cab is safe. Also, Airport bus runs to Pl. Catalunya (with only 2-3 stops beforehand), which is across the plaza and ~2 blocks walk down Las Ramblas to Le Meridien.
Dec 1, 2015, 9:54 am
#375
formerly known as felinaar
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: SEA
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I've never had any problems with the taxis in Barcelona, and no problems in any city if I've asked the driver to use the meter.
The fare from the airport is about 30 euros to Le Meridien.
The fare from the airport is about 30 euros to Le Meridien.