I'm bummed **Update** See post #12 & #19

[allie&mattsmom]

We will be leaving Thursday for 4 nights at RPR. We went through Universal and got a package (tickets & room). Well, we are Loews members and when I called RPR yesterday they said we are not eligible for any Loews benefits/upgrades/free workout room, etc. b/c we went through Universal. I was not told this by anyone and it kind of makes me mad now. She said it is in very "fine print" but I didn't even see any print b/c my package was booked over the phone. Just wanted to share in case this could help anyone in the future.

 

[rie'smom]

Hi Nance,
We booked through Expedia and when we checked in I asked about the Loews goodies (we are Loews members too) and the receptionist @ RPR told me we weren't eligible.Then she went ahead and gave them to us anyway. So ask when you check-in---it can't hurt.

 

[JoAnnPan]

My trip for the end of October was also booked through Universal and I realized i was not eligible for the benefits; I called RPR and they put my Loew's number on my reservation "just in case"; so I am hoping they honor it; I think they can spare some milk and cookies!

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I called back and spoke with someone at RPR again today and expressed my disappointment and she said it has just recently been that they had to become "strict" about these Universal packages and there's no way around it. She said Universal has said they are going to start making sure they tell people up front about the ineligibility for Loews benefits. Frankly, if I'd known about this I would have purchased the room directly from RPR and gotten tickets seperately. Oh well, live & learn I guess. FYI - she did say we could check in to the resort using the Loews checkin line. So I guess that helps if the other line is real long.

 

[cdpa4d]

I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't be eligable for benefits. I mean...you are staying in the Lowe's Hotel. Why should they care what type of rate or package you got and who you booked it through. The bottom line is you chose their line of hotels. You should be credited and treated the same as anyone else. I hate to say it, but It is almost like discrimination. We are being treated differently because we found a good deal or chose to book through someone else.

Why even offer the program if you are going to restric it as heavily as they are. Sometimes, in today's society, common sense is just thrown out the window!

Sorry for the rant and soapbox! I just needed to get it off my chest.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I guess I don't understand why you wouldn't be eligable for benefits. I mean...you are staying in the Lowe's Hotel. Why should they care what type of rate or package you got and who you booked it through. The bottom line is you chose their line of hotels. You should be credited and treated the same as anyone else. I hate to say it, but It is almost like discrimination. We are being treated differently because we found a good deal or chose to book through someone else.

Why even offer the program if you are going to restric it as heavily as they are. Sometimes, in today's society, common sense is just thrown out the window!

Sorry for the rant and soapbox! I just needed to get it off my chest.

I know exactly what you're saying! That's why I'm so upset about it and I ended up calling RPR twice but unfortunately I got absolutely nowhere. It's kind of putting a sour taste in my mouth regarding our trip the day after tomorrow. It's making me second guess myself for cancelling our Disney trip and switching to Universal. I honestly just don't get it!

 

[gschmerl]

I booked through Universal last summer and didn't receive my Loews welcome gift, but the stay counted towards my Loews point, because I was upgrade to Loews gold after our stay.

 

[rie'smom]

The reservations clerk on the phone is not the same person who checks you into the hotel. I would still ask. It's like anything else-talk to 1000 different employees and 1000 different answers. Ultimately the decision will rest with the check-in receptionist all he/she can say is I'm sorry you are not eligible.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

The reservations clerk on the phone is not the same person who checks you into the hotel. I would still ask. It's like anything else-talk to 1000 different employees and 1000 different answers. Ultimately the decision will rest with the check-in receptionist all he/she can say is I'm sorry you are not eligible.

Exactly what I was thinking. That's why I called twice and asked two different people, unfortunately I got two same answers. But, I still will ask at check in too. What the heck, it certainly can't hurt.

 

[Cinderella822]

I'm confused now. I didn't book a package, but just the hotel room at PBH and I assumed I would get the Loews member benefits. I called an 888 number on the Universal website for booking rooms. Did I call Universal or Loews? I'm not sure now if I'll get the benefits or not. I did give the woman making the reservation my Loews number. I became a member in anticipation of my Universal trip. Any suggestions?

 

[Ronnadi]

I first called Loews, asking about a special that was offered through the Universal website. They said I had to book through Universal for that special and then proceeded to transfer me. If they have the specials listed and then can transfer you to the correct reservation line, it seems that they would still give you the benefits. I forgot to give my Loews number when I first made the reservation, but emailed it to the hotel. I also called directly to RPH and gave them the number over the phone. They did not say anything about not getting the benefits.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Wow! Talk about confusion! Okay, I called the Universal 1-800 # first thing this morning and the gentleman I spoke with assured me this can not be true. He took my Lowes number and said that the RPR would now have that information. He couldn't really give me an explanation for what I had been told through the RPR. He merely stated that Universal and Lowes are two different companies (well, I knew that) and that it should be no problem getting my Lowes benefits. I guess we'll find out tomorrow when we check in! Thanks for all of your feedback everyone!

 

[Cinderella822]

I sent a email to Loews inquiring about this and got this response back:

"Unfortunately, group, negotiated, third party, government, Universal
Passholder and Universal Florida residents' rates do not qualify. LoewsFirst
benefits are also not valid with any other discount program, coupon,
complimentary or promotional offer."


Since I booked through Universal directly and used AAA discount, I assume I'm not going to be receiving the Loews first benefits. At least, that's the way I interpret the above response.

 

[allie&mattsmom]

I sent a email to Loews inquiring about this and got this response back:

"Unfortunately, group, negotiated, third party, government, Universal
Passholder and Universal Florida residents' rates do not qualify. LoewsFirst
benefits are also not valid with any other discount program, coupon,
complimentary or promotional offer."


Since I booked through Universal directly and used AAA discount, I assume I'm not going to be receiving the Loews first benefits. At least, that's the way I interpret the above response.

I called the Universal 1-800 # again and got a different person. She said since I am on "negotiated" rate booked through Universal, the room upgrade wouln't apply but other Lowes benefits should, such as use of the fitness center for no charge, credit to our Lowes card, etc. So....yet another answer. I guess I'll just wait and find out at check in. Thanks again for all of your replies.

 

[hauntedmansion]

We have stayed ay RPR 3 times (4th this month) Every time we check in they tell us the same thing. NO gift because of the AAA discount. Their totally wrong!!! It's a Loews hotel. If they give you a hard time at check in call the phone # on the back of the LOEWS card, tell them you just checked in and the problem. Someone from LOEWS will call the front desk and you will get your treat. Get the persons name you speak with at LOEWS. We have to do this every year. The people at LOEWS always tell us They really have no idea whats going on at RPH.. and what I have experienced they don't!!

 

[allie&mattsmom]

We have stayed ay RPR 3 times (4th this month) Every time we check in they tell us the same thing. NO gift because of the AAA discount. Their totally wrong!!! It's a Loews hotel. If they give you a hard time at check in call the phone # on the back of the LOEWS card, tell them you just checked in and the problem. Someone from LOEWS will call the front desk and you will get your treat. Get the persons name you speak with at LOEWS. We have to do this every year. The people at LOEWS always tell us They really have no idea whats going on at RPH.. and what I have experienced they don't!!

Thanks for that info hauntedmansion. We check in this afternoon and if I have a problem, which I'm sure we will based on all of the different stories/answers I've gotten from RPR & Universal, I'll call Lowes. I'll check in with you all when we get back on Monday and let you know how it all went down. Thanks!

 

[robvia]

On our trip, we had our Loews number on the reservation, but used AAA for the discount. At checkin, the person asked us what gift we wanted. So I said cookies and milk. We got a smoking room by mistake, and had to change rooms. The cookies and milk didn't come the first night. Laurie called the front desk, and the next afternoon we got them. They said since we switched rooms, it caused a mixup. So it all depends on what happens when you check in. The person at the front desk may give you the free gift. And you may have to call the front desk a few times to ask where it is. We were told we wern't supposed to get it, but they brought it anyway after a couple calls.
As for the upgrades, who knows, you may not have gotten it anyway.
I wouldn't let this ruin your trip.

Most people are using the AAA rate for the better discount.

 

[rie'smom]

I just remembered when I switched reservations from RPH to PBH the other day the Universal clerk said that she saw we were Loews first members and asked what gift we wanted -fyi the fruit basket-. She asked me-I didn't even mention that we are Loews members.We 've been to RPH 6 six years in a row we love it but have decided to try PBH.
Julie

 

[allie&mattsmom]

Hey everyone. Just got back today. Well, no luck with the Loew's benefits. When we checked in they said no b/c we booked with Universal who would be considered a "third party". I called the Loew's # and was told the same thing. Even if we were eligible there were no upgrades to be had. The resort was sold out. Huge group of people from Best Buy, 1800 of them. Oh well, we tried. We had a great time though! I have no regrets switching our trip from Disney to Universal. The kids, 8 & 10 had a blast as did me and my DH. We may have trouble convincing the kids to go back to WDW now!

 

[cdpa4d]

Well, that's too bad! Sorry it didn't work out. I understand the two different company comment, but the logic still escapes me. I leave in about 12 days and I plan on showing the front desk staff my Lowes card when I check-in. I'm sure I will get the same answer, but you never know. If anything else, I will get credit for the stay and maybe an upgrade to Gold from Blue.