Got my PLATINUM card/Don Cesar upgrade ?

[Cinderella822]

Very excited!!

I wasn't planning on staying at a Loews Hotel on my next vacation, but now I'm tempted! I know this may be off subject a bit, as it's not really a question about Universal, but hoped you might be able to help.

I was planning a trip to the coast - Clearwater Beach area. I know Loews has the Don Cesar Hotel in St. Pete. So now I'm thinking of staying there instead to take advantage of my new status. I understand that I can ask to be upgraded to a suite when I call to reserve the room, but what room type do you have to book to do this? Does it matter? In other words, if I tell them I want the lowest price room they have and then ask for a suite upgrade, can I do that? Or do I have to book one of the more expensive rooms? I'm a bit confused about this aspect.

 

[rpbert1]

Just book the standard room and, being Platinium ask for suite upgrade.
Also watch for Triple A rates as well, makes it a bit cheaper

 

[AlexandNessa]

Yes, all you have to do is tell them that you're platinum and you want to see if a suite upgrade is available. If you have AAA, also tell them you're an AAA member. You would pay the AAA discounted rate for a standard room, and they'll upgrade you to a suite at time of reservation. I am not familiar with that resort, although I think some of our fellow dis plats have stayed there (try adding "Don Cesar Question" to your title to draw more attention to it). They may be able to tell you what you can expect for an upgrade.

 

[Cinderella822]

Thanks for the responses. I'm still trying to decide of I want to stay there, but the upgrade sure would be nice!

 

[Motherfletcher]

We stayed at the Pink Castle and booked a Bay View which was their cheapest and was LF Plat upgraded to a Jr. Suite when we made reservations. Our Jr. Suite was similar to the RPR King Suite set up but bigger, brighter, more attention to detail and a view of the Gulf. The local LoewsFirst amenity is salt water taffy and a nice calendar. Don't miss the Ice Cream Shop on the bottom floor on the roadside. The beach had enough shells to keep my daughter and I busy on a New year's Day morning. We drove the beach road to Clearwater Bch. and it was nice.

 

[Cinderella822]

We stayed at the Pink Castle and booked a Bay View which was their cheapest and was LF Plat upgraded to a Jr. Suite when we made reservations. Our Jr. Suite was similar to the RPR King Suite set up but bigger, brighter, more attention to detail and a view of the Gulf. The local LoewsFirst amenity is salt water taffy and a nice calendar. Don't miss the Ice Cream Shop on the bottom floor on the roadside. The beach had enough shells to keep my daughter and I busy on a New year's Day morning. We drove the beach road to Clearwater Bch. and it was nice.

Thanks for the comparison. I can't find anything on the set up of their suites. The rooms at the Don all look so tiny, which concerns me. Which is why I might consider a suite. Also, do any of the rooms have balconies? It sure would be nice to have one considering the beautiful views down there.

 

[Motherfletcher]

The hotel is very old (some say it's haunted) so the rooms are not identical in layout. Our room did not have a balcony but there were a few that did. We stayed NYE so it was full without much selection. Check in wasn't until 7 pm so they compensated with a free meal at their fine dining restaurant but we opted for room service. I think the standard rooms are small but the suite size was good and the bathroom was a different configuration but still oversized.

 

[Cinderella822]

Haunted!! Now you have my attention.

I guess the difference in room configuratioins makes it hard for them to really post a floor plan, which is why I can't find any. I know it's supposed to be a nice hotel, but I think my deluxe roooms at PBH have spoiled me for life! All other rooms seem small to me now.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Haunted!! Now you have my attention.

I guess the original owner died in the lobby. Next year the Don will be 80 years old and I hope that Loew's celebrates the history. When I took my daughter we also stayed at St. Pete's Renaissance Vinoy which is the other Great Gatsby-like 1920's built hotel in the area. Since New Year's Eve is a time to wax nostalgic I remember telling my daughter some of the Don's prior guest list and we could be staying in the same room as Babe Ruth, Robert Deniro, Britney Spears, Zsa Zsa Gabor, Al Capone, Hulk Hogan, Mickey Mantle, Tom Selleck, Sophia Loren, the Greatful Dead, Heidi Klum, Charlton Heston, Jimmy Buffet, James Taylor or Farrah Fawcett. I remember, as a kid, going to the Don which was a VA office in the 60's with my dad.
PBH has spoiled us as well. We have never been given a regular standard garden view room and the last 4 stays have Villa or Hospitality Suite stays. If you really want to taste Loew's Platinum luxury and pampering you should consider Miami Beach and a St. Moritz Suite.