FlyerTalk Forums

FlyerTalk Forums (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/index.php)
-   Other Hotel Chains (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-hotel-chains-431/)
-   -   Omni Hotels Select Guest program (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/other-hotel-chains/424766-omni-hotels-select-guest-program.html)

fanoftravel Feb 15, 2011 9:13 pm


Originally Posted by fanoftravel (Post 15743141)
So far, I am less than impressed with Omni Hotels as it pertains to their Select Guest program and their BRG.

First, the Omni BRG program offers a seemingly impressive rate match plus a further 25% discount off a competing public rate. They do require though that you have a reservation confirmed from the other website. So, if the competing rate is non-refundable or subject to penalties, you effectively can't take advantage of the program. Since many if not most of the deeply discounted rates are subject to penalties, what seems like a generous BRG program isn't generous at all. The second representative advised me that they won't accept screen shots or check on a (non-confirmed) rate on another website because rates change all the time. I mentioned that none of the major brands/chains such as Starwood, Marriott, Hilton or Hyatt require that you have a confirmed booking from the third-party site and do indeed research the rate on the third-party website.

I was also advised twice that Omni no longer offers status matches from other programs or a membership kit with room upgrade certificates or discount certificates (as mentioned in other posts). I have tried to reach Caryn since last week via private email but have yet to receive any response. If anyone has had a more pro-customer interaction in the recent past as it pertains to the BRG, status matching or new member certificates, please let me know. My current opinion is that Omni does little to pursue new business from the frequent guests of their competitors.

Has anyone had any luck reaching Caryn (the Omni FT rep)? I have yet to receive a response to my email. I would think that she would have seen my earlier post as well...very curious.

InsipidMonkey Feb 16, 2011 10:36 am


Originally Posted by fanoftravel (Post 15872747)
Has anyone had any luck reaching Caryn (the Omni FT rep)? I have yet to receive a response to my email. I would think that she would have seen my earlier post as well...very curious.

No response here.

cawhite Feb 16, 2011 3:24 pm


Originally Posted by fanoftravel (Post 15872747)
Has anyone had any luck reaching Caryn (the Omni FT rep)? I have yet to receive a response to my email. I would think that she would have seen my earlier post as well...very curious.

I haven't tried -- I just contact the Loyalty Ambassador I always work with for just about any Omni/SG need I have.

DuckyD77090 Apr 21, 2011 3:00 pm

Yeah, this sort of shady behavior is par for the course at Omni, in my experience. When you're *at* the property, everybody bends over backwards for you and the staff is wonderfully helpful.

But, when you talk to the corporate folks, they seem to forget where they work. Nobody seems to actually know anything about how things work. Everyone is super nice and professional and can help navigate some of the different offers regarding rooms (aka - they're good sales people). But details of program specifics - especially when you do things that are out of the norm - are sometimes... lacking. Ditto with the PR surrounding the SG program.

The only 3 things I learned about the program is: Airlines miles are per stay, not per night, discounted rates not gotten through they're own website do not count and everything takes days (weeks, sometimes) to show up on the account.

FlightNurse Jun 9, 2011 10:44 pm

I just stayed at the Omni in downtown Austin and have to say, was VERY impressive with the quality of service and attention to detal. Stayed on the club level was very much impressed with the food for Breakfast and the afternoon drinks and snacks. Much better then what I get at Sheraton. I need to start looking for a better chain of hotels when I travel.


Originally Posted by DuckyD77090 (Post 16258867)
Yeah, this sort of shady behavior is par for the course at Omni, in my experience. When you're *at* the property, everybody bends over backwards for you and the staff is wonderfully helpful.

But, when you talk to the corporate folks, they seem to forget where they work. Nobody seems to actually know anything about how things work. Everyone is super nice and professional and can help navigate some of the different offers regarding rooms (aka - they're good sales people). But details of program specifics - especially when you do things that are out of the norm - are sometimes... lacking. Ditto with the PR surrounding the SG program.

The only 3 things I learned about the program is: Airlines miles are per stay, not per night, discounted rates not gotten through they're own website do not count and everything takes days (weeks, sometimes) to show up on the account.


scraps Jun 17, 2011 10:24 am


Originally Posted by bsb21 (Post 15683414)
I know what the benefits are. I was wondering what is usually preseneted as the Local Market Welcome Amenity.

This is my first stay as Platinum.

In San Antonio at La Mansion it's a box of worry dolls and a plate of sugared pecans. The worry dolls are cute the first time; after 1 stay they are garbage to me. The pecans are awesome; I just do not prefer that much sugar on my teeth in one year, let alone one week.

After breaking up with Hilton Thelma and Louise style, I started staying at the Omni because La Mansion offers my company a rate equal to the government rate, which is the rate I cannot exceed. The staff are impeccable and they treat me like a superstarrrrrrrr. I get 1 night credit per night stayed (so no funky math for my reduced rate). Oddly, I stayed 2 nights at the Omni Austin Downtown-- 1 was a free night through the SG program, and the other I paid for, at $300+. I got 12 credits towards a free night (and towards my black status) from that one night. Odd....but I'll take it. That property in Austin is amazing by the way-- they really keep the riff raff out. No late night parties and dead hookers in your bathroom.

Frankly I think the SG benefits are nice. When I travel for business I don't want free drinks or lounges full of .........s or a $25 breakfast buffet of runny eggs. I just want plentiful bottled water (check!), friendly staff (check check!), and a simple breakfast in my room (at $4? check! check! check!). The unlimited ironing isn't bad, either.

Unfortunately, the management, at least at La Mansion, leaves a LOT to be desired. I have booked meetings there as well as stayed in the guest rooms; they are late with contracts (signing them 4 days before a meeting = not good), they nickel and dime you for EVERYTHING (to the tune of $4500 for internet for 30 people in a meeting. Holy cow!) Also, they have taken to contacting my company, rather than me, when there is an issue with my bill. I had an erroneous charge on my bill and requested it be removed, which the FD staff did without hesitation, and with a genuine apology for the mix up. But later, the manager saw that was removed, called my company and claimed that I was "expecting amenities from our corporate rate which weren't included in our negotiated package." ...? I guess rather than contacting me and risk the loss of my business (which is what he said when he talked to my company) he thought he could squeeze some bucks out of my company. He finally admitted it was a miscommunication and apologized to my company, but I have yet to hear a peep, and that is bothersome to me. So, I'm left wondering if I have to break up with yet another chain, or if I should give Omni one more chance.

JIMCHI Jun 18, 2011 9:23 am

Anyone have any idea how long it should take for the 500 miles for my stay to post at AA? It's been a month.

beltway Jun 18, 2011 9:58 am


Originally Posted by JIMCHI (Post 16583436)
Anyone have any idea how long it should take for the 500 miles for my stay to post at AA? It's been a month.

I had a January stay that took at least that long to generate airline miles. Omni is really slow; I'd give it at least 2 more weeks.

beltway Mar 19, 2012 3:33 pm

Omni program further un-enhanced
 
Well, at least we won't have to worry any more about how long it takes for airlines miles to post.:rolleyes:

Received today (my emphasis):

Dear Beltway,

Select Guest is centered on providing a heightened level of personalized service as well as a number of perks such as complimentary Wi-Fi, morning beverage delivery to your guest room and so much more. As a valued Select Guest member, I would like to inform you of an important update to our loyalty program. Effective April 30, 2012, airline miles will no longer be available as a Select Guest benefit. Your current accumulated miles will not be affected by this change, and can still be applied to future travel.

In lieu of earning airline miles, your stays after April 30th will earn free room night credits for every qualified night you stay with Omni Hotels & Resorts. Your Select Guest profile will automatically be set to reflect this update. If you have any questions, please email or call 877-440-6664. Thank you for your loyalty as a Select Guest member. We enjoy the opportunity to reward you!

Sincerely,

Jeffrey J. Smith
Vice President, Operations & Loyalty Services

777 global mile hound Mar 20, 2012 1:14 am


Originally Posted by beltway (Post 18232086)
Well, at least we won't have to worry any more about how long it takes for airlines miles to post.:rolleyes:

Received today (my emphasis):

These folks rank up there with Amtrak and other Hall Of Shame programs
Simply beyond stupid limiting choices in a hotel chain and program that already has such limited choices and opportunities for its guests
Pathetic
Thats as polite as I know how to say it :)

NA-Flyer May 1, 2013 11:06 am

Omni Mont Royal
 
Does anyone have a discount or promo code for OMNI Mont Royal in Montreal?

bluwater May 21, 2013 8:54 pm

Omni Hotels Select Guest program
 
I thoroughly enjoyed last night at the Omni Dallas convention area. My first stay at that property. As SG, I was greeted extremely courteously and professionally...and upgraded (without asking) to the Presidential suite. Wow! Too bad I was alone and it was just one night with a 6am departure. I did venture down to the lounge for dinner and received an equally impressive reception there from the bartender. When my order came out all at once, rather than soup first, she said my glass of wine was on here (I wasn't complaining about the soup, but she noticed it and made it right). The hotel is drop dead gorgeous and smells intoxicating - a hint of something wonderful wafts through the air. I stayed downstairs much too long chatting it up with other guests having a good time. My room was in perfect working order and spotless. Oh, how I wish I had more time there. Good news is that I have a 3 night stay booked for next month. I suspect even the regular guest rooms would be as enjoyable. Every staff member greeted me and asked me how my stay was going. Bravo!

bluwater May 21, 2013 8:55 pm

Omni Hotels Select Guest program
 
*on her....

coaldat6 Jul 24, 2013 10:32 am

Bad rewards program
 
I have had a string of disappointments with the Omni's Select Guest loyalty program.

I am a Black Level member (highest status level) and am entitled to room upgrades (to a suite), but of course it has not been "available" since I attained status.

Even worse, every time I try to redeem a free night I am told that there is no room available on the night I request, even though the hotel website still shows rooms available for regular booking. I called to complain, but despite being a top-tier member, they would not do anything for me.

On paper the Omni loyalty program sounds like it has great perks, but in reality it does not meet expectations.

777 global mile hound Jul 24, 2013 4:16 pm


Originally Posted by coaldat6 (Post 21150775)
I have had a string of disappointments with the Omni's Select Guest loyalty program.

I am a Black Level member (highest status level) and am entitled to room upgrades (to a suite), but of course it has not been "available" since I attained status.

Even worse, every time I try to redeem a free night I am told that there is no room available on the night I request, even though the hotel website still shows rooms available for regular booking. I called to complain, but despite being a top-tier member, they would not do anything for me.

On paper the Omni loyalty program sounds like it has great perks, but in reality it does not meet expectations.

Thanks Ill keep on avoiding them. They were better before the new program that's the crazy thing!
And they ended FF miles which is like walking the plank blind folded when FFlyers have about a zillion other choices
So Sad


All times are GMT -6. The time now is 1:28 am.


This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2026 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.