Upgrade Request/Timing & DD Birthday

[theterms]

We're staying at the RPR June 15-19 (APH rate) and are bringing our friends who booked the package through expedia. I emailed guest services requesting our rooms are connecting - I gave them both confirmation #'s. The reply was they called the front desk at the hotel and confirmed we will be at least close to each other. I also asked if there were any upgrades available for a king suite (it would be perfect - us in a king suite and them in the adjoining double queen because the kids would have a place to hang together) and they said there were no King suites available. However, when I check, they have suites available for every day we're there. I have to assume this is because I sent the email a month before we arrive.

Should I try again a few days before we leave? Upon check in?

Is there a direct phone # or email contact I can touch base with? Any help would be great - this is our friends' first time on-property (they love Universal!) and we want them to have a great experience.

Also, it is our DD 14th b-day on the 16th and the girl who took the reservation said she would note that on the ressie and ask the hotel to do something special. Has anyone ever had something like this? If so, what was done? Should I call beforehand and make sure it's been noted?

Every time we've come with one of our dogs, they've treated the dog like a king!
thanks for all your help!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Are you Loew's 1st? What level?
We've stayed in a few king suites but never one with an adjoining room.
Are you traveling with the dogs this stay? That would mean a lower floor of Tower 2.

 

[theterms]

I think Gold, maybe still Blue (more than likely).
The dog(s) will not be with us this year!

We stayed at PBH with my sister-in-law and her family and had a king suite with a connecting queen double. It was great!

It's been 3 years since we went at this time of year, and I can't remember if it (RPR) was filled to capacity or not. I guess it would depend on that if we can achieve an upgrade like this one. But, I also booked at an APH rate, so that probably nullifies a free upgrade - but if it's just $35 or $50 a night, I may consider it. Our daughter is 'babysitting' our friends kids when we hit City Walk, so connecting is a must, I think. I mentioned that in my email (& I faxed the hotel directly too).

Just wondering if I did it too soon, and if I should pursue it any further (and when).

Also - our flight comes in around 4:30 pm, so we should be at the hotel around 5:30-6:00.

 

[Motherfletcher]

Try a fax to Yasmin (front desk supervisor) about 4 days in advance or wait until you check in and try to check in early.

 

[theterms]

I love this board!

Now - if the rate for that time would drop again below the $179 I'd be super happy!

 

[AlexandNessa]

Blue upgrades are typically just standard view to water view. If you are Gold, you might score a suite upgrade at check-in for $35. You may want to consider switching to the AAA rate (if you have AAA). It's only $3 more per night, and the AAA qualifies for all your Loews First perks, whereas AP rates do not. Some people have had luck getting their Loews First bennies with an AP rate, but we have only ever ONCE received them at the RPR, and we've been there about 5 times in the past year and a half. We are Loews Gold.

As to your other question, I can tell you that for special occasions, we have received a gift to our room, even though we have typically booked at the APH rate. I know your daughter is only 14, but, for example, 3x now, we have received champagne and tuxedo'd strawberries. They might do some cookies and milk, or perhaps something along that line for your DD's birthday. Perhaps some trinkets that they typically give during turn-down service at club level --leis, magnets, etc. That is just TOTALLY a guess on my part.

 

[minijaffacake]

AlexandNessa, I love the sound of the champage and tuxedo stawberries. What occasion was it that you received those for? I have had it noted on my reservation that we will be celebrating my boyfriends birthday whilst we are at PBH and would love something like this. In fact I might see if I can actually order this to be delivered to our room.

Thanks
x

 

[AlexandNessa]

Hi there. We got them for our engagement, our honeymoon, and as a welcome back (for coming back so often -- I swear, we've spent a full month there in a year and a half ). I am sure you can arrange for something like that ahead of time. Just contact the concierge staff at the PBH.

Have fun!

 

[theterms]

I had the AAA rate, then changed it to APH. The difference was only $4/night, but I figured the rates may still go down. I've gotten my perks I think every time we've stayed on-site and booked at the APH rate. I guess it's hit or miss!

My DD would absolutely LOVE the strawberries! And, we'd let her have a 'sip' of champagne, since it's her birthday. Plus, she starts High School in the fall and just made the JV Cheer squad and also the Varsity competition team, so all are major milestones that warrent a little celebration!

An upgrade isn't so important. The birthday treat is, to me. Three years ago on her 11th birthday we spent it in WDW and she was treated like a queen!

 

[AlexandNessa]

Woops, I was just using us as an example. I in no way meant to imply that the hotel would send your underage daughter champange -- I meant that they "might" send milk and cookies, or something similar. Also, we always stay club, and most of the time, our gifts have come directly from the club staff since we know them so well. (I honestly meant what I said about staying there a month's time over a year and a half. We stay 5-6 days at a clip, and we've stayed there 5 different times.)

If you want to guarantee that your daughter gets something for her birthday, I would definitely arrange it ahead of time and expect to pay for it. I don't mean that at all snippety; I just don't want you to be disappointed if they forget to do anything. They really aren't obligated to do anything, and I would hate for your daughter to be disappointed.

 

[theterms]

I really appreciate the feedback.

When I made the reservation, the reservationist "Miranda" said she would note it on the ressie for the staff. I'll still call ahead and have them do something - complimentary or not!

Cookies and milk are still great - we've had them before. Maybe we'll order a little room service cake or something later that night. I just have to figure out how to sneak her presents into my suitcase without her seeing!

 

[minijaffacake]

AlexandNessa, do you have any contact details for the PBH Concierge?

Thanks

Jo
x

 

[theterms]

I just called to check my Loews First status level and was told I am Blue - however last year's stay (6 nights) was not credited to our account. They gave me the # to call for the bill, they faxed it to me, and I faxed it back to Loews First. I believe she told me that put me up to Gold level! So, if available, I can get upgraded to a Suite for $35 per night, correct?

Do I ask for this ahead of time or wait until check in?

 

[RUDisney]

We celebrated our DS's 11th birthday at PBH in March. I had called ahead to the concierge and ordered a cake to be delivered to the room on the afternoon of his birthday. A small cake that they said would serve 6, but really provided 8 pieces of cake was $50. It had raspberries in the center and whipped cream frosting and came with candles. You have your choice of cake, icing and filling. It was quite possibly the best cake I've ever tasted.

We told the front desk that it was his birthday at checkin. They upgraded us from a standard to a deluxe room (@ 11:30 p.m.) and sent 2 desserts to the room the next day with a birthday card from the front desk staff. That was unexpected and appreciated by all of us, especially our 2 kids who got to gobble them down.

I packed his presents in our checked luggage. I also packed beads and masks for Mardi Gras, as it was being held then. He had no idea until we woke him up with presents that we had anything for him. He asked, "was this trip not present enough?" We surprised him later that night with the Mardi Gras things.

It can be done! Much to the kids' delight!

 

[RUDisney]

The concierge number at PBH is 407-503-1200. If you order something, they'll take your credit card number over the phone. I wouldn't send it via email as that is your other option. The email address for inquiries is pbhconcierge@loewshotels.com

The cakes, from the email they sent me, are as follows: (a delivery fee also applies but was not listed on the email they sent me, hence the $50 fee for the cake that says its $40.

Cake Flavors:
-vanilla
-choclate
-lemon
-marble

Cake Fillings:
-vanilla
-chocolate
-strawberry
-raspberry
-tiramisu

Cake Frostings:
-whipped cream
-butter cream
-chocolate
-vanilla

We would take your information and a credit card and the cake would be ready when you request it. The prices are as follows:
7' round cake (servces up to 6 guests) $40.00
9" round cake (serves up to 14 guests) $55.00
12" round cake (serves up to 20 guests) $70.00
18" round cake (serves up to 30 guests) $130.00

Please give us a call at your convenience and we will complete the order for you. They require at least 72 hours in advance.
Grazie!

 

[theterms]

Good to know - thanks a lot!

 

[AlexandNessa]

AlexandNessa, do you have any contact details for the PBH Concierge?

Thanks

Jo
x

Jo, so sorry I am just seeing this now.... I know the PBH's main # is 407-503-1000. I am sure they can direct you.

This is totally a guess on my part, but since the RPR's concierge e-mail addy is rprconcierge@loewshotels.com, I would venture a guess that the PBH's is pbhconcierge@loewshotels.com.

Have a great trip! Jodie


ETA: woops, talk about nellie come lately, I see RUDisney has already given you the info!

 

[Motherfletcher]

Since it's getting close I wanted to let you know my experiences with birthdays. We have stayed on-site for every family member's birthday and have noted it on ressies and have never received anything. Your chances of an upgrade are way better. If you want a surprize for the birthday its best to arrange it and pay for it in advance.
I just went home for lunch and there was an APH invitation for the preview ride on the Seuss Trolly Train Ride for June 16, 17, and 18 from 7am-9am. APHs are to receive a commemorative gift as well. That might be something fun to do.

 

[RUDisney]

Since it's getting close I wanted to let you know my experiences with birthdays. We have stayed on-site for every family member's birthday and have noted it on ressies and have never received anything.

That is just wrong. You seem to be one of their best customers.

I agree with what you said, though, about ordering something in advance. That way you won't be disappointed yet you'd be pleasantly surprised if something extra is done for hte birthcay girl.

 

[theterms]

I've been throwing around some ideas in my head on what to do. l'm going to order a cake, but I'm not sure when to do it - first thing in the a.m.? late at night? When they were little, it seemed so much easier, but 13 (going to be 14) is so stressful. You don't want to embarass her (is it possible NOT to at this age?), but you want to make it special all the same.

I guess it's time to get some suggestions from DH...