Am I the only one

[rie'smom]

who didn't know that if you join Loews First using an APH rate to book a room
doesn't count toward advancing your status? After 6 trips,I wondered why
we hadn't moved up to at least gold and that was the reason. AAA discounts do
enable an advance in status so we booked that rate for this trip.
Just FYI hoping that this will help someone!!

 

[goofie4goofy]

I think a "stay" requires 5 consecutive nights. If you don't it does not qualify as a stay to up your status.

 

[A Mickeyfan]

I have had it move me up to a gold status, but..... I have not been allowed my perks during some stays except for the free use of the gym

 

[yourgoingagain?]

I also found out the hard way after booking with the AP of FL resident rates that it did not count. Since then I have always used the AAA rate. It is often only 10 or so dollars more per night. Sometimes there is not even that much of a cost difference.

I am pretty sure you only need to have 3 qualified stays per year to achieve gold status. IMO the deluxe room upgrade as a gold member is worth paying the qualifiing rate. Were now platinum members and the suite upgrade is definitely worth the extra few dollars we have spent.

 

[dtuleya]

What qualifies as a stay?

 

[Motherfletcher]

From Loew's 1st:
A qualified stay or qualified night is at any published rate. Group, negotiated, third party and advanced purchase rates do not apply. Not valid with any other discount program, coupon, complimentary or promotional offer.

That said, I'm Loew's Platinum which takes 10 stays or 15 nights a year. I can only remember one stay where we used the published rate (bed & breakfast). So I've received credit for all of those APH and FLO stays. I've used Hotwire and HotelKingdom and I even used AARP at Loew's Don Cesar. When I call for ressies they tell me that I'm Plat, not me telling them.

 

[RyGuy]

I have also received credit for all of my stays regardless of the rate I have paid. Even the $119 APH/FLO rates at RPR have counted. You just have to make sure you get your LoewsFirst number on your ressie. I always get my American Airlines Advantage miles too! Most of my visits are just one night sometimes two. No matter how many nights you stay, it counts as a "stay". That's why sometimes I like to stay one night at two different hotels so I get two "stays" out of a weekend and double the Advantage miles.

 

[yourgoingagain?]

RyGuy, Do you still get the deluxe (gold) or suite (platinum) room upgrade if you only pay the AP or Fl resident rate?

 

[dandave]

When I called to add my LoewsFirst number to a ressie, I was told that my FLO rate made it a nonqualified stay.

When I emailed Loews First, this was their reply:

Ms. XXXXXX,

Thank you for your membership in our LoewsFirst Guest Rewards Program!
Unfortunately, Florida Residents' Rates are not considered qualifying under
the LoewsFirst Terms and Conditions. In order to honor the LoewsFirst
benefits, reservations must be made through Loews Hotels directly to
guarantee a qualifying rate.


The good news is that we do have our Loews Best Rate Pledge, whereby you
should not find a lower rate for the same room type on a third party website
such as Expedia or Hotels.com (excluding the auction sites such as
Priceline). If you do find a lower rate for the same room on a third party
site, you can contact our hotels and we match the rate that you found and
either adjust the rate you book on www.loewshotels.com or make the
reservations for you. Full details on the Loews Best Rate Pledge can be
found at the following page on our website:

http://www.loewshotels.com/aboutus/best_rate_pledge/

To see a full list of our LoewsFirst Terms and Conditions, please visit
http://www.loews-first.com/terms.asp.

Thank you for choosing LoewsFirst. We do look forward to welcoming you
soon!


I got this email from Hard Rock:

Dear Mrs. XXXXX,

We are very excited that you have chosen to stay with us! After
doing some research on your reservation it has been determined that as of
now you are booked with a Florida Resident Rate of $149 US dollars.
Unfortunately the Florida Resident Rate is a non qualifying rate for full
LoewsFirst benefits. Full LoewsFirst benefits are reserved for those
guests who are booked on a qualifying rate plan (typically published and
AAA rates or Loews Hotel package rates). These policies are outlined in
LoewsFirst collateral. Please be aware of benefits which are available to
our LoewsFirst Members whether on a qualifying rate plan or not at Loews
Hard Rock Hotel at Universal Orlando. These benefits are:


complimentary daily newspaper upon request
complimentary use of the workout room
bathrobe for daily use upon request
late checkout, based upon availability
evening turndown service


The amenity and upgrade benefits are reserved for those who book a
reservation with a qualifying rate plan. We hope that you will continue to
stay with us and enjoy our beautiful resort. Please keep my name as a
personal contact for any further questions or concerns and I would be happy
to assist you however I can. Thanks and have a great day!

Take it easy!”


The AAA rate for my stay is about $50 more per night. I'm thinking I won't be getting any milk and cookies...