HRH upgrade question

[Cinderella822]

I'm starting the process of planning for my next vacation in July 2009. I've stayed at PBH twice and loved it. My DD wants to try HRH the next time. I'm now at Loews Platinum and qualify for the suite upgrade. However, in looking at the room descriptions and layouts, I'm not sure I even would enjoy the king suite at HRH. There are 3 of us going, but looks like one of us would have to sleep on a sofabed in the suite. Is that correct? If I just upgrade to a deluxe room, I could get two queen beds. Can anyone tell me which room they prefer for a family of 3, the king suite or the deluxe room?

Also, does HRH have an outside bar area, similar to the Thirsty Fish at PBH? And how far in advance would you suggest reserving a cabana? It doesn't look like they have as many as PBH does. Thanks for the help!

 

[damo]

Yes, there are only King suites. I much prefer the deluxe room if you can get it.

Not sure if there is another outside bar area other than around the pool.

 

[Subi WRX]

It doesn't matter that you're platinum to HRH. No platinum upgrades there at all. They dropped out of You First. You only get loews upgrades at RPR and PBH for 2009. Also, if you haven't or won't stay between 7/15/08 - 12/31/08, you'll drop down to Gold for 2009 with new rules. See the New You First Upgrade thread on the first page of this board.

 

[Cinderella822]

It doesn't matter that you're platinum to HRH. No platinum upgrades there at all. They dropped out of You First. You only get loews upgrades at RPR and PBH for 2009. Also, if you haven't or won't stay between 7/15/08 - 12/31/08, you'll drop down to Gold for 2009 with new rules. See the New You First Upgrade thread on the first page of this board.

I knew about having to say before the end of the year to maintain the status, but not about HRH dropping out! Well, that may change my plans entirely. Why did they drop out? Where is this upgrade thread? I can't seem to find it. Thanks.

 

[Melanie230]

http://www.disboards.com/showthread.php?t=1890373

 

[damo]

They dropped out because the hotel is only operated by Loews not owned by Loews. They are going to have their own system.

 

[Cinderella822]

I'm sure glad everyone was able to help me out. I now have to rethink my vacation plans. I really wanted to stay at HRH this time, but I hate to give up my You First benefits and upgrade. I may head back to PBH again and see if I can get the suite. What are the chances of getting the suite upgrade if you book really far in advance?

Also, I want to make sure I understand this new You First thing correctly. As long as I stay at a Loews hotel for even one night at a qualifying rate before the end of 2008, I maintain my platinum status through 2009. Is that correct? If so, I'm making a trip to the Loews in Philly for a night as that's near family. As a side note, I used to work in that building in Philly when it was a bank - PSFS. It has since been converted to a hotel. Thanks for your help.

 

[damo]

I'm sure glad everyone was able to help me out. I now have to rethink my vacation plans. I really wanted to stay at HRH this time, but I hate to give up my You First benefits and upgrade. I may head back to PBH again and see if I can get the suite. What are the chances of getting the suite upgrade if you book really far in advance?

Also, I want to make sure I understand this new You First thing correctly. As long as I stay at a Loews hotel for even one night at a qualifying rate before the end of 2008, I maintain my platinum status through 2009. Is that correct? If so, I'm making a trip to the Loews in Philly for a night as that's near family. As a side note, I used to work in that building in Philly when it was a bank - PSFS. It has since been converted to a hotel. Thanks for your help.

That is right -- one stay maintains your status. We've always been able to get a suite up at PBH. Their suites are great with the two bathrooms.