Warning! Using Loews membership card during peak time..

[*Fantasia*]

I booked RPR for March 31-April 2 for $274 OUCH!!! I mentioned that I am a member of Loews. The lady said that she will put it in my reservation but will not give me any points and I will not be able to take advantage of being a platinum member. If I can remember correctly...she said it is due to peak season. Maybe she meant due to Easter week and they are almost completely sold out.

I guess this means no cookies/milk for us when we check in! No discount on renting a cabana (we never do anyways) nor an up grade (for a minimal cost I think). And..no points for me to add to my already plantinum card!! Too bad! And I am paying what?!? $274 per night!! No perks for being a platinum.

Anyways... Just thought I would share this with you just in case you are wondering why you're not getting your points to upgrade you to a higher level.

EDIT TO ADD: As much as I love staying at my favorite resort RPR and as much as I enjoy the Universal theme parks, I think I am going to pass on this one. I think I am going to cancel and just do Disney on this trip. Not only am NOT getting any discount...I am also NOT getting an points to stay there nor get a complimentary cookies/milk. There's going to be another "next time." So I am not fretting too much.

 

[muttngeff]

Unless you are utilizing a non -AAA discounted rate...is the $274 AP? We are staying at PBH 3/30-4/5 but friends are at RP with $274 and we are both getting full Lowe's EXCEPT guaranteed upgrade (which is really all I wanted anyway! )

 

[damo]

I think you should call back and double check with someone else. I can understand the no upgrades when the hotel is full part, but the points and other perks should be included.

 

[JessicaR]

I would call and speak to a Loews First agent. I would also make sure you give the information that was presented to you and the name of the individual that gave it to you. As far as I can tell from the "rules", they can limit (exclude) upgrade benefits as well as 24 hr advance reservation guarentees. There is nothing that states you wont get credit for the stay and nothing that says you dont get your welcome gift. You got bad information...seems that happens too often with these properties.



rules and regulations of LoewsFirst membership

4. Loews reserves the right to modify or limit availability, including imposing of blackout dates, of special offers, guaranteed availability, or upgrade benefits. Suite upgrades are applicable to certain suite types only and subject to availability of those suites. Guaranteed availability is subject to blackout dates. For complete list of blackout dates, click here.

Royal Pacific Resort at Universal Orlando,
A Loews Hotel 1/1-1/2, 1/13-1/15
2/18-2/21
3/18-4/2
5/27-5/29
7/1-7/4
9/2-9/4, 9/30
10/1, 10/7-10/8, 10/14-10/15, 10/21-10/22, 10/28-10/29, 10/31
11/24-11/26
12/23-1/1

 

[goNDmay9]

Just wanted to respond to the above posts. I am currently in the RPR with that ridiculous (IMO) rate and I was told by three different people that my points and benefits with loews first would not be applicable. I think it may be because they are completely sold out. Not only is it spring break, but there is some home and garden show AND there is a cheerleading competition.

BTW - Parks are packed too! No cookies, no late checkout, no point accumulation. I cam see not having the upgrades and such but I am not quite understanding why they would not count the rooms toward platinum and such. Anyway - this is my first post (I have been lurking forever) and I just wanted to confirm that what Fantasia commented above was told to me as well. Hope you guys have better luck!

 

[Kimberlyfamilyfv]

I have been told many times that my stays would not count as points to my platinium but guess what I eventually wind up with them anyway.

Kimberly

 

[CPM]

You know, what is Loew's problem? I have never heard of a hotel chain that doesn't count their hotel stays in their program because they are too busy. Just doesn't make business sense. This is really turning me away from Loews hotels. Why even have a program if it's too difficult to use?
Everyone should just start writing to Loews to protest.
So much for customer loyalty.

 

[gschmerl]

I have been told many times that my stays would not count as points to my platinium but guess what I eventually wind up with them anyway.

Kimberly

I agree. I have booked withthe Master Card Discount and FAN club discount and received my points whenever I've stayed.

 

[dgaston]

I was astonished today when a Loew's Gold card arrived in the mail. I've stayed at HRH for two nights on a ENT rate, RPR for two nights on ENT, and just last Feb at RPR at a AAA rate. I didn't think I'd ever get counted. I'm not complaining about the Gold card, just baffled.

 

[3for Me]

That is just toooo weird. I just booked through a conference code for June and specifically asked about points and Loews welcome gift and was told I would receive both. The only thing they could not guarantee was the upgrade to a suite for $35.00 more.

Weird - they should remain consisitant or members will start to become confused and upset IMO.

 

[damo]

We just received our Platinum card and we usually stay with the APH deal. It seems we are getting our points anyway.

 

[goNDmay9]

Back in atlanta (unfortunately )
Here is the last answer I received regarding the stays counting....

When I checked out of the hotel, I again inquired about gettting my points for my stay. THIS guy told me that my Loews First Number was on my reservation, but that not only were they sold out, but that it was a black out date for Loews First Members until April 02. I could not even do my late check out! For the record, I spoke to four people total - three told me no, and one told me maybe! LOL!!!

I think that he was implying that they give you all the upgrades and goodies anyway if they are not totally full, even if you are booked during a black out date. When I asked about my stays counting, he said they he was not sure about that b/c I did stay during the black out dates. He said he thought they would count but he really did not know. I guess we will see. I had a great time and loved the FOTL so I cannot complain. BTW - I did not have any discounts. Apparently I stayed under the seasonal rate? Whatever that is - I do not want it again! We are planning on going again in June or July for our annual family vaca and I am going to at least try and get something better!

 

[themepark]

I was told on each of my stays booked with a APH rate that I would NOT receive points for my stays. But I received a Platinum card anyway. The only time I did not receive my Loews welcome gift was the only time I booked rack rate. Go figure. I wish they would get their Loews first program together. I can understand them not being able to grant late checkouts during peak times, but it makes no sense at all to not offer benefits to someone paying rack rate.

 

[JessicaR]

I was told on each of my stays booked with a APH rate that I would NOT receive points for my stays. But I received a Platinum card anyway. The only time I did not receive my Loews welcome gift was the only time I booked rack rate. Go figure. I wish they would get their Loews first program together. I can understand them not being able to grant late checkouts during peak times, but it makes no sense at all to not offer benefits to someone paying rack rate.

I totally agree! I think lots of conflict and confusion is due to Universal being involved with Loews. Its just never cut and dry. I cant believe that full occupancy should have ANY bearing on a member paying rack rate and being told the stay doesnt count! Thats just crazy. On the other hand like many have stated here what they say is usually not what they do in the end. I too have been given benefits when using some form of discount and I have always been given the welcome gift as well.

 

[mousey]

This is one of the reasons I cancelled my 1 night (3/26) and stayed at the JW Marriott instead. For a priceline bid of $115, it was luxury. I love the Universal hotels, however, these spring break prices were way out of line. I missed the front of the line access, but having taken advantage of it in November at half the cost, I'm glad I stayed elsewhere.

 

[highlander447]

Lets be honest u may get the card but its more difficult to get the rewards from them its not a great loyalty scheme but its free to join so u get what u pay for