First Timer--is this a good deal?

[damo]

My AAA rep told me I can't use that offer since I'm using the Buy 4 get 3 free nights one....would you know if this is true? or you're saying it's automatically free no matter what? even if we aren't on the meal plan?

I just checked your rates through www.loewshotels.com and it works out to $1240 including taxes room only. If you then add $300 for tickets you get about the same thing you were quoted.

What I would do is call Loews directly and ask about the kids eating free. From what I understand it is included with all rooms during value weeks. It is available for kids under 9 and they must eat off the kids menu at the hotel restaurants only.

You can book through Loews as well and then if there are any changes in pricing you deal directly through them. You really don't need to book through your AAA agent since you are not using a AAA deal.

Here is what the Loews website says -- Each child(ren) must be accompanied by an adult/legal guardian at all times and show/provide wristband per child(ren) and valid onsite hotel room key card per room member. Offer valid for 3 or more night stays during Extra Value Weeks only (1/4 - 2/11, 4/19-6/10, 8/16-9/30 & 11/29-12/17/09). Offer applies to select hotel restaurants only, days/hours of operation may vary. Not valid for room service. One free child meal with purchase of each adult entrée, valid for children up to and including age 9 dining from Kids Menu at lunch & dinner only.


That info is all on this page. It does not say anywhere that the two deals are mutually exclusive. It actually looks like they are part of the same package.

http://www.loewshotels.com/en/Hotel...avingsRoyalPacific-_-SuperSavingsRoyalPacific

 

[pixeegrl]

I would book your AAA rate through Loews so that if your rate lowers at any time you can change it. Let us know how the meal works out.

 

[damo]

I would book your AAA rate through Loews so that if your rate lowers at any time you can change it. Let us know how the meal works out.

I don't actually think she is getting the AAA rate, but instead the Super Saver rate (buy 4 get 3 free) so even more reason to deal directly with Loews. They know more of what they are talking about (however, sometimes we know more than they do, lol) than dealing with a AAA agent.

 

[ky07]

I don't actually think she is getting the AAA rate, but instead the Super Saver rate (buy 4 get 3 free) so even more reason to deal directly with Loews. They know more of what they are talking about (however, sometimes we know more than they do, lol) than dealing with a AAA agent.

your right damo cause the way it breaks down is booking thru loews room total $1135.20 and tickets are $305.96 for a total of 1441.16 and I know they might not think it too much cheaper but hey every dollar counts

 

[ribbot]

your right damo cause the way it breaks down is booking thru loews room total $1135.20 and tickets are $305.96 for a total of 1441.16 and I know they might not think it too much cheaper but hey every dollar counts

Actually...when I went into Loews and put my dates in...it gives me $1186.08 for the waterview room and the tickets are $284.97 from AAA, for a total of $1471.05...which is $113.61 cheaper than the package deal through AAA!

And yes, every dollar does count!! Thanks you guys!

 

[damo]

Actually...when I went into Loews and put my dates in...it gives me $1186.08 for the waterview room and the tickets are $284.97 from AAA, for a total of $1471.05...which is $113.61 cheaper than the package deal through AAA!

And yes, every dollar does count!! Thanks you guys!

Make sure you watch out for the taxes. When I plug in your dates I get $1270.10 after taxes for the waterview room. The rate you are quoting is the approximate rate without taxes -- not counting the rate change that happens on the weekends. You need to click on "rate details" to get the final cost. Add the 1270.10 plus the 284.97 and you get, voila, $1555.07

 

[ribbot]

Make sure you watch out for the taxes. When I plug in your dates I get $1270.10 after taxes for the waterview room. The rate you are quoting is the approximate rate without taxes -- not counting the rate change that happens on the weekends. You need to click on "rate details" to get the final cost. Add the 1270.10 plus the 284.97 and you get, voila, $1555.07

Ok gotcha! Thanks, went back in and got the $1555, which is $30 less than AAA.

I'm now at the very confused point of what to do (does this happen to everybody or just me? LOL) If I book by myself through Loewes, I doubt the room rate would lower since I'm getting 3 nights free, right? Is there any disadvantage to booking the rooms and tickets separately by yourself? I'm also kinda ticked at AAA----what's the sense in using them if I can get the same price (or even lower) by booking myself?

And is AAA's rate of $94.99 per ticket the best that's out there? I checked Sams and Costco.

 

[damo]

I would just book myself since it gives me control over any changes that ever need to be made. Unless AAA has some bonus offer to booking with them, I would just give them a call and have them make sure that is the lowest possible rate for you and that all your questions are answered. You can always cancel if you change your mind without any penalty as long as it is within the time constraints (5 days before check-in I do believe).

In many instances, it is cheaper to book online than through AAA. Hotels seem to offer great internet rates these days.

 

[d4est]

Ok gotcha! Thanks, went back in and got the $1555, which is $30 less than AAA.

I'm now at the very confused point of what to do (does this happen to everybody or just me? LOL) If I book by myself through Loewes, I doubt the room rate would lower since I'm getting 3 nights free, right? Is there any disadvantage to booking the rooms and tickets separately by yourself? I'm also kinda ticked at AAA----what's the sense in using them if I can get the same price (or even lower) by booking myself?

And is AAA's rate of $94.99 per ticket the best that's out there? I checked Sams and Costco.

Well, besides getting AAA rates, which you are not (cause you are actually booking a Uni special), you also get discounts at a lot of the restaurants and on merch. Really, though, AAA is designed to help with automotive issues (dead batteries, towing, keys locked in car etc.). The other stuff, well that's all perks, IMO.

Now if you meant "using them" as in using there TA services, YMMV. Some people like control and being in charge of their ressies. Other people like the security of having a TA (supposed to really know the ins and outs of travel/tourism) handle their vacays. I've done both. We are using a TA service, for example, on next year's cruise. We are cruise newbs and I just feel better having a TA's help. For a Uni vacation, I honestly don't think a TA is necessary.

Good luck with whatever you decide. Either way, Uni is a blast of a vacation...and yet somehow incredibly relaxing at the same time!

 

[ky07]

Still if you book it yourself and are a AAA memeber you can still take your card with you and use it to get the discounts in the shops a restaurants
so your still not losing either way and good luck on whichever way you decide cause either way you will have a great time