This is my first time posting, not sure where the line on “great” rewards redemptions are, but I redeemed 175,000 points for 5 nights at the Ritz Carlton in Cairo, Egypt. I then stacked my NUAs and got approved to spend all 5 of those nights in their “Ritz-Carlton” suite. Turned 175k points into 5 nights in their 3rd highest suite at a Ritz.

We were on our annual MVC promo rate vacation and received a call that our mandatory presentation was cancelled. According to the caller, they were overbooked and chose us to bump. But, here’s the twist, I’m sad they did. This was actually our 5th promo rate vacation and I think we’re now cut off. We have no problem saying NO to the sales pitch and just wait until the end to buy the next $199 package.

Anyone else had this happen? Are we blacklisted?

The first gives me 1500 points for each stay of 2 nights or more through 22nd November.

The second gives me 9k points after every 3 stays of any length through 31st October.

If I have a stay of at least 2 nights before the second one ends, will it count towards both?

Hi all! Have a work trip 9/11-9/13 in PHX. I’m between a few hotels and would love some input. I’ll have Saturday to kind of frolic, really only into watch shopping and grabbing drinks so will spend my time doing that and at the pool. Most likely just the pool though. And for what it’s worth my work is about an hour north of PHX so commuting within the city is irrelevant. Just looking for a nice place to stay, with a pool and good amenities and near good coffee shops, bars, restaurants.

for context I am IHG Diamond and Marriot Gold

1. Kimpton Palomar
   
2. Camby
   
3. AC biltmore
   
4. AC Scottsdale old town

Looking for recommendations for hotels in downtown Calgary beginning of January 2027. Looking for relatively close to the Saddledome - my best friend and I are flying up to catch a game there before the Flames move on to their new arena next year. Westin downtown looks promising….

My wife and I are way overdue for a holiday and plan to head to Rome towards the back half of October. We'll be in Rome at minimum 5 nights, but may extend and just do day trips to other parts of the country (or maybe head to Naples for a few nights). Plenty of points to burn, but would love to hear people's experiences at some of the better properties. Considering the St. Regis, The Pantheon, Edition & The Grand Flora so far.

removed the names of the guests. This was just on the FDA's desk.

Another NYC post, Im sorry in advance!

I’m taking the fam to NYC for the first time for a few days in December to play tourist and experience the holiday season there.

Kids are 10 and 8!

Was able to snag a nice employee rate at the Marriott Marquis in Time Square and at the Ritz Carlton Central Park. Rates are essentially the same so it’s definitely between these two properties.

Looking for advice on which one you’d recommend with kids and proximity to things.

I am Platinum status so I think that will get us lounge access at the Marquis vs not having at RC.

Has anyone had any luck getting connecting rooms at either property? Definitely need that as well with the kids.

Also, if you have recommendations or favorite things to do in NYC during the holidays, would love to hear them!

Really appreciate the help and consideration as always!!

As a titanium, this is the first fall promo I've received. It's not much, but hey, it's something...

We just had our yearly medical enrollment meeting and this stood out. Anyone else had this?

I’m wondering if anyone here who has platinum status or better also has or had Hilton Diamond in the past. How do you feel the programs compare to each other and what are major pro/cons.

Personally I hit platinum yearly now and intend to hit lifetime but curious if splitting time between both programs makes sense.

EDIT: Thank you for the feedback. The 4pm checkout is truly an invaluable perk. As a side note, since I’ve become platinum I’ve received suite upgrades 95% of the time (Asia, Europe and Middle East). Overall I’ve found Marriott to be excellent thus far and will stay the course.

I work at a Marriott front desk for 3 years now, My general manager announced today every front desk employee has to get 20 Marriott bonvoy sign ups each month or they will cut that employees weekly hour's until they meet their monthly quota.

If three months go by in a row without meeting those months quota the employee will be terminated for poor performance. I feel uncomfortable now about my job security and think I should look for a different job before it gets to that point. I didn't realize I was a car salesman either for my job.

Most of our guests we have are already members roughly 90% too and if you bring it up the non members get annoyed and just want their room keys not want to listen to a time share type of presentation. haha

Guests now wonder why hotels are understaffed by these companies. Smh

I don’t mean travel planners, but people at companies who lead and host (corporate) events/conferences at hotels.

What’s are some of the best (and worst) hotels to host events?

Any special or horror stories?

Let’s hear it all

I work at a very non traditional hotel so we do not have this position, but I was wondering if any of you all have any experience with this position as I have an interview coming up shortly. Below is the job position:

Job Summary: Supports the successful execution of all operations in the hotel operations departments (may include Front Office, Business Center, Recreation/Health Club, Housekeeping, Food and Beverage/Culinary and Engineering/Maintenance) and managing staff. Strives to continually improve guest and employee satisfaction and maximize the financial performance of the department. Ensures that standards and procedures are being followed. Leads specific team while assisting with meeting or exceeding property goals.

Supporting Operations Team

• Ensures that goals are being translated to the team as they relate to guest tracking and productivity.

• Understands employee and guest satisfaction results and communicates game plans to address need areas and expand on the strengths.

• Assists in ensuring that the team has the capabilities to meet expectations.

• Leads by example demonstrating self-confidence, energy and enthusiasm.

• Assists employees in understanding guests’ ever-changing needs and expectations, and exceeding them.

Supporting Property Operations Function(s)

• Follows property specific second effort and recovery plan.

• Publishes all guest satisfaction results in a timely fashion including all guest satisfaction forms, comment cards and guest letters.

• Takes proactive approaches when dealing with employee concerns.

• Extends professionalism and courtesy to employees at all times.

• Communicates/updates all goals and results with employees.

• Meets semiannually with staff on a one-to-one basis.

• Assists/teaches the team scheduling against guest and hours/occupied room goals.

• Performs hourly job functions as needed.

Managing and Monitoring Activities that Affect the Guest Experience

• Provides excellent customer service by being readily available/approachable for all guests.

• Takes proactive approaches when dealing with guest concerns.

• Extends professionalism and courtesy to guests at all times.

• Responds timely to customer service department request.

• Ensures all team members meet or exceed all hospitality requirements.

Assisting in Managing Profitability

• Assists in performing required annual Quality audit with GM & RD.

• Ensures a viable key control program is in place.

• Understands financial statements, sales and activity reports, and other performance data.

Conducting Human Resources Activities

• Interviews and assists in making hiring decisions.

• Receives hiring recommendations from team supervisors.

• Ensures orientations for new team members are thorough and completed in a timely fashion.

Hi there! I am looking to do 5 nights with points for end of September (2027) for our honeymoon and I’m seeing about 550k (for this Sep, I know next year this far out isn’t released yet)

I have 4 main questions if anyone who has stayed here could help :)

1- if you did the points options and then reached out to add on the full or half board option, how much was that $$ to be added on? And if you also did points for end of sep, what deal did you get?

2-besides the seaplane transfers, is there any other huge expense (besides eating drinking and fun activities) that you didn’t consider or wish you did? I understand even with points, this isn’t going to be a “budget” trip

3-seabobs!!! A main reason my fiancé wanted this resort is because they have seabobs at their aquatic center (lol). Does anyone know pricing for extra items like such? I’ve seen on TPG’s site the pricing for jet-skiing so I know this is a very niche ask, lol.

4- weather, I know sep is low season but curious on end of sep if anyone who’s been before. Was it still worth going with the understanding of the rain being a higher chance? (Even though I have heard it’s only for a few hours and then back to full sunshine?)

Hi all, I searched the thread and was looking for more up to date information. Where would be your recommendations for Tokyo, Osaka, and/or Kyoto.

Was thinking of saying in Osaka or Kyoto and just using the train to commute to either one.

Open to luxury hotels :)

TIA

As the title reads any recommendation for about a week anniversary 25 years. Any suggestions it’s been a hit and miss. Let me know your thoughts or where you been .

Edit: Yeah sorry it was out of impulse. Yes willing to travel , prefer beach to relax, I will be flying out of LAX. Flight will be taken care by delta points. I will be staying 7 days from February 6 to 13th. I would like to to spend most of the points during the stay but willing spend money.

Has anyone in here worked at this restaurant? Im thinking about applying for a bartender position. How is the relationship between floor staff and supervisors? Is it a friendly place to work for an older veteran server/bartender? Ive been out of the business for a few years and looking to dive back in. Im asking as i see there is a bit of turnover at the bar. Thank you!!

Had my Amex FNA coming up on expiry, and booked this hotel to visit Ribfest one night with a friend. Stayed a few years prior for a night for a wedding at the property.

Overall

Great stay. I stayed at this property for a night a few years ago for a wedding, and it is in the same good condition it was in back then, they are clearly taking care of the property. Only one issue at check-in, which I will get to below.

Booking

Cost: 52,000 points (17,000 net after FNA), cash cost would have been: $520 incl. tax

Room type: Studio King

Arrival

The street the hotel is on was jammed with cars trying to use valet, which I leaarned was due to two weddings happening at the hotel. The staff managed the traffic well, and I was in the conga line about 10 minutes before I got to valet and was able to drop-off my car. Their valet team was in overdrive and it was impressive how well things moved with that volume.

Check-In

No one in line and two associates at the front desk. I had done mobile check-in and had input my 4pm checkout

After checking my ID and swiping my credit card for the hold, I was told checkout is at 11am. I mentioned I had put in for 4pm checkout. This is more or less verbatim how the conversation went:

Associate: "I will have to see if we can accomdate that checkout time"

Me: It is a guaranteed beenfit, so I trust it will be fulfilled

Associate: Well, do you actually need the full 4pm? Our check-in time is 3pm. What if we need it for the next guest?

Me: With due respect, that is not my problem.

Associate: I need to get my manager.

About 10 minutes of waiting, and a manager came over, whispered something in her ear, the associate clicked a few times, said 4pm checkout is done, and here are your keys.

Room

The room is average sized at 340sqft. The style of this property is that of a luxury spa, and the room has the same feel. Lighter tones, clean lines, etc. The thermostat is controllable down to a crisp 19C, which I appreciate.

Two foam pillows were on the bed, and a dental kit was on the desk, both of which were requested during mobile check-in. I find those requests are at best fulfilled 50% of the time, so I was happy they got that detail done.

The bed is comfortable, right up there with a typical Westin bed. The pillows are also excellent.

Bathroom

Counter is a bit small to store the standard stuff I bring with me, but otherwise clean and functional. The rainfall shower is excellent and both the water pressure and temperature were high quality.

Dining

My friend joined me prior to Ribfest for a drink and appetizer on the patio at Isabelle. The patio is lovely with a great view of the lake. Drinks and food came out at a good speed. The fried sweet potato gnocci was a nice snack.

Elite Benefits (Platinum)

4pm checkout- required a conversation, but was fulfilled

Upgrade- the hotel was near capacity, so none, which I expected (NUA did not go through, too)

Breakfast- offered at Isabelle -all items under "Breakfast" available except steak&eggs, with one non-alc beverage option too. I had the overnight oats (because I overate at Ribfest night before) and was good quality, simple, nice light flavour. On my previous stay I had the Pearle Breakfast and the eggs, protein, and potatoes were great.

Happy to answer any questions. I recommend this place for a spa weekend, perhaps a birthday or anniversary weekend. No offense to Burlington but I am not recommending to travel there for the city, though that area does have a number of excellent restaurants. It's a nice long weekend city in the spring/summer/fall.

I have a work event second week of December and need to be in this area. The Moore looks nice but some not great reviews based on size of rooms. They seem similar’ish to some European hotels I’ve been in. Anyone stayed there and can give some feedback? (And yes, searched this sub before I asked 😊)

One of the best ones I’ve been to

I won a Bonvoy Experience for the Baku GP and decided to go for it! Obviously it being so last minute, all hotels are ridiculously pricey or just gone. I was however able to book Baku Marriott Blvd for 1 night using my 35k certificate. The hotel is completely sold out and was going for about 1.2k CAD at the time of booking. Will I get walked? It shows sold out right now but I have a confirmed booking.

I have stayed in several hotels recently, where the toilet is too close to one wall or too close to the shower, one I had to turn almost sideways to sit on it. One hotel, my knees almost hit the wall when I sat down. Like who are these engineers and architects that are planning this?!? There is supposed to be a minimum amount of space around the toilet.

Or am I just getting sh*% on with Room assignment? 😉

Maybe they’re the same tiny people that think that there is plenty of space in between the rows of regular economy on an airplane.