Is there an FT for high end hotels?
 

Hope this is the right place to post this. Is there a FlyerTalk-style site for higher end hotels such as Four Seasons and Ritz Carlton that don't have a points or rewards program? The feedback I get on FT is so valuable; I'd love to get some wonderful specific tips on hotels as well. I've tried IgoUgo.com and I find it very limited. I see the discussion threads for the Starwood and Marriott rewards programs below the airline links, but I would love to access more info about the hotels themselves and not just the points programs of the hotels.

Thanks!

I would love a Four Seasons, Ritz-Carlton and Fairmont forum as well.

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I can see for miles and miles...

Dorian's Flyers' Places http://flyersplaces.infopop.net/

Thanks RUDI! That site you mentioned is great! I hope more FTers go there. The only downside is that there aren't enough postings. So, I'll just throw this out there. I'm going to Bali in 2 wks and would love feedback on the Ritz in Jimbaran, the Four Seasons Sayan in Ubud and the Amankila. Any takers?

The Ritz Carlton in Jimbaran Bay is pretty nice, but I wouldn't consider it to be one of Bali's best hotels. The owner's ran a little short of cash prior to completion and if you look closely, you can tell.

As one would expect, the staff is all first rate. The spa has just undergone a major expansion, but I haven't seen the completed product. One thing about the property that surprises many people is its lack of a beach. Actually, there is a beach, but it about a 1/4 - 1/2 mile walk (the hotel will give you a lift). Once you get to the beach site, you have to descend an extremely long, steep stairway down a cliff, and I've seen some people having trouble making it back up at the end of the day. A new GM was brought in last year, and I believe he's making some positive changes.

Overall, it's an excellent property-- but a find it a notch below what I would normally expect from a Ritz Carlton. I have only seen the Four Seasons Sayan from the air (helicopter), but the property looks spectacular. I have heard nothing but good things from people who have stayed there.

AdamSmith55: The FlyerTalk Bulletin Board didn't look very different (only very few posts) in summer 98. For success in the beginning any Bulleting Board needs more contributors (more 'giving' participants) than 'just' takers.

Thank you for participating.

Couldn't have said it better Rudi! Thanks! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

All the "projects" that are out there need input not just output.

Look at The Global Lounge Project...we are almost at three hundred lounges listed!! But...of course there are many many more lounges and hopefully people will keep at it!

Dorian



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The Global Lounge Project - open source airline lounge listings - managed by Dorian
flyers'places - restaurant, bar & hotel tips - managed by Catman, Shareholder, Rudi & Dorian
The Star Alliance RTW Price Chart - by Dorian
The Star Alliance Gold Comparison Chart - by Blondebomber

Here's a general question. I wonder why chains like the Four Seasons and the Ritz Carlton haven't developed some sort of frequent stay program. Some thoughts:

1. I guess maybe there's a concern about it appearing "tacky" but I'm not sure it would be justified. After all, I suspect the bulk of their business comes from the same corporate types (as opposed to the super rich) who probably all belong to frequent flyer programs.

2. They clearly have a desire to provide loyalty. At locations where I stay frequently, I often receive upgraded accomodations. Why not make this more explicit in the form of a program. (Since there's no direct incremental benefit per stay, I will stay elsewhere for various reasons.)

3. They clearly try to solicit business through various means--why not use a loyalty program as part of that. E.g., they offer quite competitive negotiated rates to large corporations. They also sometimes offer gift certificates for staying at certain locations.

4. For the corporate types who stay there, a loyalty program can be a great incentive. Stay there on business on the company's dime to get free stays when traveling on leisure. This (untaxed) benefit is what has helped the airlines develop such loyal followings.

I know that 4 season's keeps extensive profiles on it's frequent return guests-but only in each individual property, to my knowledge this information isn't shared between their properties.

I would think that Ritz-Carlton would opt in to it's Parent Company Marriott Rewards program at least for it's top tier elite members but I guess they think it would de-value their product.

Thanks to everyone who's responded so far. I will definitely post again on Flyers' Places! As far as a Four Seasons or Ritz loyalty program, they should start one and fast. Maybe instead of a member card, if they think it's too tacky, they could at least correspond with clients. I have been to several Four Seasons properties that were at least 1/3 empty in the last year. I stayed in the new Scottsdale resort last month and the tv was broken, the plunge pool had tiles coming up and the sofa caved in the middle. The suite was $1200.00 a night. I had a nice conversation with the GM who apologized but took no action to make the situation better. Not even a comp meal! They can't keep getting by on their name forever. I'm staying at both properties in Bali in two weeks. Wish me luck!