Is it worth $235? **UPDATE** Post 6

[IMGONNABE40!]

Right now I have a King Suite at RPR for 5 nights for a total of $1021. Now that the rates have dropped for APH, I can get a standard room for a total of $786 for the 5 nights. There are three of us traveling, me, my husband and 13 year old son.

Thanks for your input!

 

[Fan2CSkr]

If you stay with what you have you get almost double the space. You would have privacy since your king bedroom has a door. You would have 2 TV's and just more overall space to move around. I would spend the extra $235 for the five nights. I guess it really depends on the $ situation. But, since you booked it to begin with you can afford it!

 

[Motherfletcher]

I've never paid that much. But I've never reserved a king. Can't you get a standard with AAA and get the king upgrade? I haven't heard anything from my request to Ray a week and a half ago.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

Clarification: I booked a standard at the AAA rate of $183.20. I got the Plat upgrade to the King Suite. The AP rate for my dates has dropped to $159 for the first two nights, and $129 for the last three nights. The figures I quoted in my original post was the total for 5 nights including tax.

I have stayed RPR at the AP rate three times in the past. For two of my stays I was upgraded to the King Suite, even without the qualifying rate. I even got my welcome amenity! I think I'll take my chances. This way, I can tell my husband that the $$ saved can be used to renew our AP's!

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

I went ahead and booked at the lower rate. The savings will more then pay for renewing 2 of our 3 AP's which expire on 8/14--we don't check out until the 16th.

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

UPDATE

I called RPR today to inquire about an upgrade to a King Suite with my Loews Platinum. I asked for Yasmin, only to find she had transferred to the Miami location. I got her replacement--Kim. I told her how I had always worked with Yasmin in the past. Gave her my Loews Plat #--then I "went in for the kill"--can I get an upgrade for my upcoming trip? She looks at the reservation. And tells me---I am already assigned a King Suite!

Gotta love Loews!

DH is happy that we are saving the $235--I am happy we are still in a King Suite.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Good news! I wonder if Ray is still there since he hasn't returned my email in almost 5 weeks now. I canceled my ressies for October because I didn't hear back.
We are going to Loew's on South Beach in a couple of weeks and will have to look up Yasmin! I've been in email contact with Willy Castro their VIP Mgr. PBH's Brian said he would call down and put in a good word. It is nice being recognized and appreciated as a repeat customer.
I landed a PBH garden view for $159(APH) for Labor Day weekend and I wonder what I'll get? I'm taking a couple of girls (one is turning 13 that week).
Have fun! Stop by the US/IOA forum and say hi to Clare.

 

[FeeFeeWhite]

I just discovered Kim also. She says to just call her 1 week before your arrival and then she can see what she can do. She was very pleasant. I can tell you that you are wasting your time with anyone else.

When were you going IMGONNABE 40? I have an October trip planned.

 

[Lizziejane]

I'm a little confused. I thought the Loews membership # did nothing for you with regards to upgrades if you got a discounted rate (AAA or APH).

I'm just wondering, if I book an APH rate, and this is my first visit (but do have a Loews #), can I request an upgrade?

 

[Motherfletcher]

You can request an upgrade at any hotel. I've received some outstanding upgrades by simply asking if they are available. Another way to upgrade is to ask how much it would be to upgrade to a specific room or club level. You often get that upgrade for substantially less than the posted rack rate.
AAA is suppose to receive all of the Loew's 1st benefits but APH and FLO aren't. That said, I have always received credit for APH stays and have made it to the Platinum level so give them the number at check in and use the Loew's 1st check in desk and they know that you are a member from the start. As a first timer you could go from standard view to water view. You can ask how much a king suite upgrade would cost (around $35).

 

[IMGONNABE40!]

When were you going IMGONNABE 40? I have an October trip planned.

I will be there next month