Loew's card question

[mickey'sbud]

I signed up for it before I made reservations. Before I even started the process of making the reservation I told them I was a member and would they like to have my number. I was told to show my card at check-in time. If I can get an up-grade why would I wait till checkin...wouldn't they need to book the room that way or is it "when available"?

[damo]

If you have never stayed at a Loews hotel with your card, you are only a blue member and you can't get an automatic upgrade yet. When you are just a new member, there are no automatic upgrades. When you are a gold member, you get upgraded to a better room if there is availability when you book. When you are a platinum member, you get upgraded to a suite if there is availability when you book. You earn these levels by the number of qualifying stays that you have.

[FireandIce]

If you have never stayed at a Loews hotel with your card, you are only a blue member and you can't get an automatic upgrade yet. When you are just a new member, there are no automatic upgrades. When you are a gold member, you get upgraded to a better room if there is availability when you book. When you are a platinum member, you get upgraded to a suite if there is availability when you book. You earn these levels by the number of qualifying stays that you have.

Can you get any thing at all as a first time blue member ? For example, gift, newspaper, etc...:cool1:

[AlexandNessa]

As blue members, you can get an upgrade, if available, at check in. I am surprised, though, that they just wouldn't take your Loews First number over the phone and add it to your reservation. I would call back, play dumb, and ask them to add it to your ressie.

It will depend on whether your rate is qualifying or not though. Rack rates/AAA/seasonal specials that are available right off the Loews site count. APH and FLO rates, or any rates that would be from a 3rd party site like hotelkingdom or hotwire, etc, don't count. If you don't have a qualifying rate, don't expect an upgrade or welcome gift at all. Other things like newspapers and late check out (if available) are a bit easier to come by.

[FireandIce]

Thank you for the info AlexandNessa ! Does a stay 4 play free pkg count as a qualifying stay ? It was purchased from the Universal Orlando website. If so, I will call back. I'm really good at playing dumb. LOL

[sandshal]

Ive been having exactly the same problem, I felt almost intimidated when I mentioned the Loews number. I tried to call HRH today to upgrade but was told that as I had booked a vacation package I had to be transferred to a different department who frankly did not care if I had a Loews card or not and gave me the full rack rate to upgrade.

All I did was book 3 nights undiscounted accommodation at HRH through the official Universal website, so, why or why are official Universal staff just not interested?

[AlexandNessa]

There was some talk of vacation packages qualifying on the last page of the Loews Card sticky thread up top, so you might want to start there. I have never booked a vacation package, so I am unable to help. But, I would call the Loews Line directly and ask for some help sorting it out. They will most likely transfer you over the Universal reservations folks (loews handles Orlando resorts differently than their other resorts), but it's worth a shot.

Also, I would send an email here and see if you can any help:

customerservice@loewsfirstcs.com

good luck!

[keishashadow]

I too booked my upcoming res. (room only) @ rack rate thru the telephone number listed on the Univ. web-site.

When AAA rates were released, i called Loews. They told me the same thing, even it's a room only, if originally booked thru Universal; all communication must be handled by them.

I promptly, rebooked the room AAA rate thru Loews & cancelled the 1st; adding my loew's card #;)

Even though i booked (& paid for) and standard room @ RPR, i did request the elusive room facing the park (that was referenced here, the one w/the lover-ly view lol). The reservationist didn't flinch & was happy to add it, so I'm hoping for an upgrade:banana: .

BTW, didn't have a problem getting a pool view upgrade 1st time I used card @ HRH (but during slow Feb.). I did have to ask @ the desk though

[Michelina]

I have the Stay 4 Play Free package booked for 5/3-5/7 and was able to apply my Loews 1st benefits. They were able to confirm an upgrade from standard room to deluxe king, so if you're being told that Loews 1st doesn't apply I would call back or ask to speak to a supervisor!

[FireandIce]

I have the Stay 4 Play Free package booked for 5/3-5/7 and was able to apply my Loews 1st benefits. They were able to confirm an upgrade from standard room to deluxe king, so if you're being told that Loews 1st doesn't apply I would call back or ask to speak to a supervisor!

Thanks ! I take it, I should call universal vacations, not loews or the HRH.

[Michelina]

I called the Loews 1st number and when I told them that i wanted to book at HRH, they transferred me to another line. Hope that helps!

[bubba's mom]

BTW, didn't have a problem getting a pool view upgrade 1st time I used card @ HRH (but during slow Feb.). I did have to ask @ the desk though


How much extra was the upgrade or was it free?? We're staying at HRH next week and we're still blue......

[keishashadow]

How much extra was the upgrade or was it free?? We're staying at HRH next week and we're still blue......

if it's free...it's for me:banana:

We checked in before noon, room wasn't ready. I produced my Loews card (that was not tied into my ressie) and inquired as to the complimentary upgrade.

The very cool dude said "no problem" & off we went to the park.

When we returned in the late afternoon to collect luggage, it became apparent we didn't have a pool view. Again, i went to the desk & sweetly requested it while DH cringed.popcorn:: Had to wait a bit, but one was found!

Good luck, hope you snag it:thumbsup2

[bubba's mom]

thanks keishashadow....if it's FREE, it's for ME too :banana: :lmao:

will give it a shot.... we were originally booked at AAA rate and when APH rate released, i called and got it switched to APH. going to 'groan' that I was told LF benies still applied....will shoot for the upgrade, but if not available, that's okay w/ us....don't really matter!
thanks again....maybe meet u in the summer down there?!:thumbsup2

[FireandIce]

I called the Loews 1st number and when I told them that i wanted to book at HRH, they transferred me to another line. Hope that helps!

I booked my package first, and then acquired the loews card:confused3

[damo]

I booked my package first, and then acquired the loews card:confused3

That won't matter as long as your stay is a qualifying one and you have the card at check in. I've never heard of the stay and play being qualifying before though. However, I've gotten qualifying when I've stayed APH, you just just never know!!!

[FireandIce]

That won't matter as long as your stay is a qualifying one and you have the card at check in. I've never heard of the stay and play being qualifying before though. However, I've gotten qualifying when I've stayed APH, you just just never know!!!

I was hoping I would here from the wily veteran. Thanks Damo ! I feel better now.:yay:

[damo]

I was hoping I would here from the wily veteran. Thanks Damo ! I feel better now.:yay:

Wily veteran??? You calling me old???:rotfl2:

[FireandIce]

Wily veteran??? You calling me old???:rotfl2:

Never !!! A wily veteran is someone who has " been there done that ";)

[bubba's mom]

.......and damo has definatley "been there, done that" going back......ooops! wrong park! :rotfl2:

[keishashadow]

.......and damo has definatley "been there, done that" going back......ooops! wrong park! :rotfl2:
wow, your trip is right around the corner (lucky you!:banana:enjoy, don't forget to sniff around the BTF ride;) looking for http://www.ericshrader.com/images/mykindaguy.jpg )

there's several of us DISers who will be @ Univ. that week:cool1: .

[bubba's mom]

double post...... :badpc:

[bubba's mom]

wow, your trip is right around the corner (lucky you!:banana:enjoy, don't forget to sniff around the BTF ride;) looking for http://www.ericshrader.com/images/mykindaguy.jpg )

we'll do!:thumbsup2

there's several of us DISers who will be @ Univ. that week:cool1: .


:scratchin ....maybe a "mini DIS meet"????

[keishashadow]

sounds good to me!

[bubba's mom]

sounds good to me!


:thumbsup2 alrighty then! btw, did we totally hijack this thread or what?? :eek:

[keishashadow]

:thumbsup2 alrighty then! btw, did we totally hijack this thread or what?? :eek:

sad, but true:cool2: :rotfl: mea maxima culpa.

[tricky1]

I finally got my platinum card yesterday and I have always booked
aph or florida resident(ga residents get the fl rate also) my question
is what are the chances of getting the upgrade at the discounted rate?

would the portfino be the easiest to recieve a upgrade?

thanks in advance.

[mrsbballref]

Here is the link to the Loew's First Membership Benefits
page. Hope this helps.

http://www.loews-first.com/loewsfirst_benefits.asp

[calgarygary]

I finally got my platinum card yesterday and I have always booked
aph or florida resident(ga residents get the fl rate also) my question
is what are the chances of getting the upgrade at the discounted rate?

would the portfino be the easiest to recieve a upgrade?

thanks in advance.

I had no problem getting an upgrade on the AAA rate but couldn't get any benefits last year on the APH rate.

[goofy!]

I've never heard of the stay and play being qualifying before though.

Just FYI - Over Thanksgiving, I booked the stay 4, play free/kids free package (even though I had AP's) as it was the cheapest qualifying rate at the time.

I got my full Platinum benefits with the upgrade to the Villa suite at PBH.

Now I return you to the hijacked portion of the thread :banana:

[goofy!]

I finally got my platinum card yesterday and I have always booked
aph or florida resident(ga residents get the fl rate also) my question
is what are the chances of getting the upgrade at the discounted rate?

would the portfino be the easiest to recieve a upgrade?

thanks in advance.

I haven't been able to secure the Platinum upgrades with APH rates. They seem to be enforcing the qualifying rates only with more regularity now.

[mommybryant]

Also, have booked the Stay 4 days, Play Free and wondered if their are any better rates out there for the first week of June. THanks a bunch.

Also, is there a preferred room location that I might request?? We are a family of four, kids ages 9 and 13 and would like a quieter location as well.

:banana:

[damo]

I haven't been able to secure the Platinum upgrades with APH rates. They seem to be enforcing the qualifying rates only with more regularity now.


I've never been able to get an upgrade with APH rate. I thought that was always enforced.

[bubba's mom]

Also, have booked the Stay 4 days, Play Free and wondered if their are any better rates out there for the first week of June. THanks a bunch.

Also, is there a preferred room location that I might request?? We are a family of four, kids ages 9 and 13 and would like a quieter location as well.

:banana:

:welcome: to the DIS! APH is annual pass holder rate. you can also use AAA rate all over universal....hotel, tickets, shopping, restaurants....you didn't mention which hotel you were staying in? Be sure to check your dates using AAA discount as well.

[mommybryant]

Thanks for your reply. So unless I have the annual pass, I cant get the APH rate. ANd since I am only going once this year, then AAA is my best bet?? I am an AAA member. How can I use the AAA for tickets, shopping, etc?? Isnt the $85 tickets they are now offering the best deal?? Is there a discount on top of that?? This is our first trip to Universal and we are staying in RPR. Any other tips you care to offer are appreciated. Since we will most likely be taking the boat, I should request building 3?? Is that correct? I booked the Stay and Play offer, but am thinking of cancelling and rebooking under AAA and just getting the tickets. We are staying four days at US/IOA and going to Disney for six days, so this trip is expensive even before food costs are added. I appreicate all your help.

[bubba's mom]

Call RPR and book rate using AAA (just tell them you'd like the AAA rate). Then, be sure to take your AAA card with you everywhere! The hotel may want to see it upon check-in and everytime you go to eat or buy something, just show your AAA card and you'll get your discount. You can't get APH rate unless you have an AP, and they can ask to see your AP (they did mine). AAA usually saves you 20% on hotel and 10-15% everywhere else. Just be sure NOT to cancel any existing res you have until you've made other reservations first! If you're only going to UO once, AAA is usually your best bet, and there isn't an additional AAA discount on top of the $85 deal (which is a GREAT deal!) I can't help with what building to request for the boat, but the walk isn't far....about 5-7 minutes from RPR. They also have rickshaws that you can take...they don't charge, but do work for tips!

[mommybryant]

We are looking forward to the trip! We are going 1st week of June. Appreciate all your help. :banana: :banana: :banana:


Thanks for your reply. So unless I have the annual pass, I cant get the APH rate. ANd since I am only going once this year, then AAA is my best bet?? I am an AAA member. How can I use the AAA for tickets, shopping, etc?? Isnt the $85 tickets they are now offering the best deal?? Is there a discount on top of that?? This is our first trip to Universal and we are staying in RPR. Any other tips you care to offer are appreciated. Since we will most likely be taking the boat, I should request building 3?? Is that correct? I booked the Stay and Play offer, but am thinking of cancelling and rebooking under AAA and just getting the tickets. We are staying four days at US/IOA and going to Disney for six days, so this trip is expensive even before food costs are added. I appreicate all your help.

[bubba's mom]

Not a problem! Have a good time and be sure to report back to us what you thought! Don't forget...whip that AAA card out EVERYWHERE!!!!!! :thumbsup2

[micksterlee]

I booked my stay for June at HRH and then got a Loews card. When I got the card I filled out the info for what kinda of welcome gift I wanted and I emailed the guest service people at the HRH asking if they needed to add the number to my reservation . I received an email from them saying my card number had already been added to the reservation.

[bubba's mom]

they may have used your name to look up your number and preferences, but, take it with you anyway.