New Four Seasons by Invitation loyalty program
Jan 17, 2013 | 12:48 pm
#106
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 834
And I will concur, as well. It is a fairly worthless program ... almost like an afterthought.
Initially I was excited about it, but with my discovery of FT, FSPP, and the Luxury Travel forum, I've never once used these credits -- I'm sitting on a pile of them, and doubt I'll ever have a chance to use them.
The ONE tweak that would immediately cause me to change my stance, is if they would allow these to be both stackable and confirmable on booking.
I'd be quite the happy FS'er at that point.
Initially I was excited about it, but with my discovery of FT, FSPP, and the Luxury Travel forum, I've never once used these credits -- I'm sitting on a pile of them, and doubt I'll ever have a chance to use them.
The ONE tweak that would immediately cause me to change my stance, is if they would allow these to be both stackable and confirmable on booking.
I'd be quite the happy FS'er at that point.
Jan 17, 2013 | 2:29 pm
#107
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there you know how it goes.
Posts: 1,518
True, though I,would imagine they would exclude "Signature Suites"
Jan 20, 2013 | 12:36 pm
#108
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: Atlanta and the Big Island, Hawaii
Programs: DL Diamond, SPG Gold. I share these affiliations so that you can ask me questions about the programs
Posts: 834
Four Seasons has long been an innovator in providing luxury amenities and customer service, they have also long been behind the competition on providing a revenue generating and customer experience enhancing loyalty program. If they allowed stackable points to signature suites Four Seasons would leap frog the competition and turn many currently ocassional Four Seasons guests into dedicated Four Seasons guests. Like most on this forum, I'm eagerly awaiting the next step in FS's loyalty program.
Jan 20, 2013 | 12:51 pm
#109
Join Date: Jul 2009
Posts: 983
Four Seasons has long been an innovator in providing luxury amenities and customer service, they have also long been behind the competition on providing a revenue generating and customer experience enhancing loyalty program. If they allowed stackable points to signature suites Four Seasons would leap frog the competition and turn many currently ocassional Four Seasons guests into dedicated Four Seasons guests. Like most on this forum, I'm eagerly awaiting the next step in FS's loyalty program.
As it stands, I'd much prefer the system as it is now where I spend 100 nights a year at Four Seasons, always get an upgrade to a junior suite, and can call and ask when I'd really like a bigger suite. From people I've spoken with who have similar stay patterns, they get similar treatment. This is much more luxurious, if more cumbersome, than a points/credits program.
Jan 21, 2013 | 2:47 am
#110
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2005
Location: United Arab Emirates & Arizona, USA
Programs: UA MM/1P, EK Ag, Marriott Life Ti, Hilton Dia, IC Dia, Hyatt Glob, Accor Pt
Posts: 4,719
The problem is that Four Seasons already has something akin to this which is not formally on the books. Almost any frequent Four Seasons guest can call and politely but firmly request an upgrade on a stay for a given reason and get it. Four Seasons is much, much better at accommodating this than Ritz, St. Regis, and Park Hyatt, all of which have to contend with more formal "elite" members.
As it stands, I'd much prefer the system as it is now where I spend 100 nights a year at Four Seasons, always get an upgrade to a junior suite, and can call and ask when I'd really like a bigger suite. From people I've spoken with who have similar stay patterns, they get similar treatment. This is much more luxurious, if more cumbersome, than a points/credits program.
As it stands, I'd much prefer the system as it is now where I spend 100 nights a year at Four Seasons, always get an upgrade to a junior suite, and can call and ask when I'd really like a bigger suite. From people I've spoken with who have similar stay patterns, they get similar treatment. This is much more luxurious, if more cumbersome, than a points/credits program.
As it is, the program is half-hearted in its benefits, so maybe does more harm than good. I have recently decided not to upgrade at two properties, Hampshire and Las Vegas, that have such a dizzying array of room categories that I didn't see the point in upgrading from one low category to another. (For example, in Vegas the upgrade was to the same room type, but with a Las Vegas Strip view instead of a desert view -- I actually prefer the desert view, even for no cost, so saw no need to burn an upgrade.)
Like others, I have upgrade points piling up that I will likely never use. I agree that making them stackable would be a relatively low-cost fix that would significantly improve the program.
Jan 21, 2013 | 6:10 am
#111
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: BKK
Posts: 6,741
I agree, and that's why I believe that maybe Four Seasons should have stuck to its guns and not implemented a loyalty program. I guess they felt they had to, given the competition among the other brands you mention.
As it is, the program is half-hearted in its benefits, so maybe does more harm than good. I have recently decided not to upgrade at two properties, Hampshire and Las Vegas, that have such a dizzying array of room categories that I didn't see the point in upgrading from one low category to another. (For example, in Vegas the upgrade was to the same room type, but with a Las Vegas Strip view instead of a desert view -- I actually prefer the desert view, even for no cost, so saw no need to burn an upgrade.)
Like others, I have upgrade points piling up that I will likely never use. I agree that making them stackable would be a relatively low-cost fix that would significantly improve the program.
As it is, the program is half-hearted in its benefits, so maybe does more harm than good. I have recently decided not to upgrade at two properties, Hampshire and Las Vegas, that have such a dizzying array of room categories that I didn't see the point in upgrading from one low category to another. (For example, in Vegas the upgrade was to the same room type, but with a Las Vegas Strip view instead of a desert view -- I actually prefer the desert view, even for no cost, so saw no need to burn an upgrade.)
Like others, I have upgrade points piling up that I will likely never use. I agree that making them stackable would be a relatively low-cost fix that would significantly improve the program.
Jan 21, 2013 | 8:01 am
#112
Join Date: Mar 2012
Programs: Delta PM, AMEX Cent, Hertz Gold, Priority Pass, Delta AMEX Reserve
Posts: 58
New Four Seasons by Invitation loyalty program
For spring break, used points to confirm automatic upgrade at FS palm beach from premier ocean at $1,049 per night to 1 bedroom ocean front suite going for $2,500 per night. Last year, FS vail allowed me to stack points as well. I have had great luck using the points.
I am disappointed its now 1night for every 3.
I am disappointed its now 1night for every 3.
Dec 3, 2013 | 3:50 pm
#113
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Asheville, NC
Programs: Virtuoso, FSPP, STARS, MO FAN Club, PEN Club, Bellini Club, Dorchester Diamond Club, InternovaSelect
Posts: 1,862
By Invitation's upgrade credit program is ending on December 15th. Here is the full text of the announcement:
Our By Invitation promotion is ending on December 15, 2013 and it will no longer be possible to earn upgrade credits as of December 16, 2013.
From January 6 - December 14, 2014 you will be able to redeem your credits to upgrade your stay. You will also receive complimentary basic Internet, late check out, and exclusive offers in 2014.
Our Promotion Is Ending
Our By Invitation promotion is ending on December 15, 2013 and it will no longer be possible to earn upgrade credits as of December 16, 2013.
From January 6 - December 14, 2014 you will be able to redeem your credits to upgrade your stay. You will also receive complimentary basic Internet, late check out, and exclusive offers in 2014.
Dec 3, 2013 | 7:54 pm
#114
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 18,234
As if I was ever able to use any of the (non-stackable) upgrade credits anyway!
Dec 3, 2013 | 8:08 pm
#115
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: Calgary, Alberta
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, Fairmont Platinum, Aeroplan Diamond, HHonors Gold, SPG Gold
Posts: 18,686
Wow! That Loyalty program was shortlived.
Goes to show, Loyalty programs can be shut down anytime.
Goes to show, Loyalty programs can be shut down anytime.
Dec 3, 2013 | 8:41 pm
#116
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
Our By Invitation promotion is ending on December 15, 2013 and it will no longer be possible to earn upgrade credits as of December 16, 2013.
From January 6 - December 14, 2014 you will be able to redeem your credits to upgrade your stay. You will also receive complimentary basic Internet, late check out, and exclusive offers in 2014.
From January 6 - December 14, 2014 you will be able to redeem your credits to upgrade your stay. You will also receive complimentary basic Internet, late check out, and exclusive offers in 2014.
from jan 2012 FS docs >
The "By Invitation" promotion launched on November 1, 2011 and is scheduled to run through December 15, 2012. Enrolment progress has been good and is on schedule - over 8,000 enrolments to date. We will close enrolment at the end of January [2012] Results will start to be reviewed in February [2012] but the very earliest we expect to see any impact is summer 2012 and it may take until the end of the year. [2012] Using the results and feedback, recommendations will be made regarding a formal recognition/loyalty program. The recommendations may be made at the end of the year [2012] or early next year [2013] depending on when results from the promotion are available. Ensure strong recognition of "By Invitation" guests when they visit your property.
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Dec 3, 2013 at 8:50 pm
Mar 29, 2014 | 9:13 pm
#117
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: IAD/DCA
Posts: 31,871
http://loyaltylobby.com/2013/08/27/f...yalty-program/
Jan 21 2013 >
Aug 1 2012 >
May 27 2012 >
If an invited guest requests to be upgraded from a one (1) bedroom suite to a two (2) bedroom suite, the guest would need to redeem two (2) upgrade credits per night, although there would be no charge for the additional bedroom
Aug 1 2012 >
at FS Hualalai...I got a comp upgrade from Golf OV to OV and then asked At check-in to use my credits for a further upgrade to a room with an outdoor shower. After hems and haws from the agent, I managed to snag an O-Front room with outdoor shower and a private terrace with an outdoor lounger - one of the few on property! It gets better - they said, "the person who knows how to redeem the credits is not here, so save your [By Invitation] points for future stays."
The price differential [published] between what I booked golf OV and what I received OF is several hundred dollars
The price differential [published] between what I booked golf OV and what I received OF is several hundred dollars
Last edited by Kagehitokiri; Mar 29, 2014 at 9:33 pm
Mar 30, 2014 | 12:51 am
#118
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Here, there you know how it goes.
Posts: 1,518
Perhaps I'm missing it, but is there any new information here Kage?
Mar 30, 2014 | 8:19 am
#119
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 18,234
I agree. nothing new here and this program is over and long gone. Don't see any further need to have any posts in this thread, so I am closing it. If FS someday announces a new program, let's start a new thread.
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels
RichardInSF, moderator, luxury hotels