Hey MilesBuzzers -

Entertainment books offer most hotels at 50% off the rack or 10% off the lowest promotional price.

This deal sounds good, although the prices will never be as cheap as PriceLine, yet Canadian residents get to use the book, and you get to choose your hotel.

They also give 15% off of some UA fares.

So my big burning question (and why I posted this in MilesBuzz), is:

Can we earn points on rooms booked at the Entertainment 50%/10% rates??

Thanks!

O

Only LaQuinta has ever denied me points/miles because the room was booked at an Entertainment rate. In approximately 15 years of asking for the Entertainment rate, I don't think I've ever been denied anywhere else.

Hilton doesn't give points for rooms booked at the Entertainment rate.

I think it is a hotel chain specific policy. I have heard that some hotels do give points.

Okay, cool. With that said, I'm looking at the Fairmont Hotel MacDonald or the Westin (both in Edmonton).

So, any news on Fairmont/Starwood hotels and whether they give points on Entertainment rates.

(Yes, if I don't get anything here, I'll post it in the Starwood forum )

O

I read recently in something from Starwood Lurker that the entertainment rate does not qualify - in practice, however, I don't know if it really is true. Often you can find better deals on SPG.com than the Entertainment rate.

I use these alot and this is the info that I have gleaned:

1). Marriott/Renaissance, et. al.-- You do earn points and stay credit.

2). Hilton and its family -- no points but perhaps stay credit.

3). Starwood and its family -- you do earn points and credit unless this is a very recent change.

4). Hyatt -- you do earn point and stay credit.

Of course, not all of the so named properties participate and there are blackout dates, and capacity controls on the rates offered.

Finally, often, but not always, the Ent rate is the best. However, there are exceptions, expecially in the UK. If you were to see a rate that included taxes, that could be much less than an Ent rate b/c the Ent rates do not include taxes. As many of you know, hotel taxes in the UK are 17.5% and that is a serious chunk of change!

Also, sometimes AAA or special promo rates = or are better than an Ent. rate, and that is most important when dealing with Hiltons, where no points are awarded on an Ent. rate but may be eligible on a promo rate offered by the chain/hotel.

As for Fairmont, I do not know, but you do not have to trouble yourself as there are very few that are listed that would accept the Ent. rate in any event!

[This message has been edited by DOC 2 BE (edited 10-15-2002).]

YYCOllie:


To be sure, jsut call the Starwood reservation line and ask. They will tell you.

I got points with Marriott on an Entertainment rate, but that was a while ago. I think it'll be chain-specific.