Kinglobjaw's Blog

Archive for the ‘Hotel News’ Category

Can I refer you to join the Priority Club program? If you join with me as the person referring you, we will each get 5,000 bonus points. That’s actually enough for a free night if you’re staying at a Points Break hotel!

Here’s the link, but don’t join yet! You need my Priority Club member number to input so you and I can get 5,000 points each! Visit Kinglobjaw.com/contact to have me refer you. I think it’s Win-Win-Win!

One thing for you to keep in mind. You will get the 5,000 bonus points after your first stay at any Priority Club family of hotels within the next 90 days after joining. Please read the entire rules of the promotion at the promotion site. (Link provided above)

Over the past few years I’ve supported Marriott, but things like failed hotel projects and too much focus on the vacation club division has pushed me away. I find Priority Club very rewarding and it’s so easy to earn and redeem points. And when it comes to locations- they’re everywhere. Just what I like!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Currently staying at the JW Marriott Camelback Inn until Monday, before I leave for my Africa journey. In the hollywood world, one could say- this is a pre-party prior to the main event.

I’m on a $90 AAA rate which is a fantastic deal, even better than at the IC Montelucia.

We got upgraded to a room w/ a double balcony (one is actually so big’, it’s a patio/terrace).

One quirk was a resort fee which was unexplained during the booking process. A few weeks later, Marriott finally published what was included in the $25-per-night resort fee:

RATE PROGRAM FACTS **

Daily resort fee includes the following amenities ($150 value)

*High speed internet and wireless internet in guest rooms

*Unlimited local and domestic long distance calls

*Use of the resort’s recreational amenities including

-Unlimited range balls for driving range, chipping, putting

-Use of Callaway golf clubs while on the driving range

-Use of Callaway golf shoes while on the driving range

-50pct off Callaway golf club rental when buying round of golf

-$25 rounds of golf including greens fees, club and cart rental

(space available basis)

-Shuttle service from resort to golf course

-Use of 5 lighted tennis courts

-Complimentary two hour bicycle rental (upon availability)

*Complimentary breakfast, lunch or dinner for children 12 or

under with each adult ordering off the regular menu

*One complimentary dinner appetizer daily with purchase of equal

or greater value, per room, in either BLT Steak, Rita’s Kitchen

or R-Bar

*15pct off retail purchases in resort, spa and golf pro shops

Since I have my own  aircard for internet and a cell phone, I knew, I wouldn’t use the internet or calling. As for the other “offerings”, I knew point blank I would definitely NOT be using them. I just came for a little rest & relaxation and I was upset that aside from the room rate, it would cost me $25 extra per night to do that.

I was surprised how easily and without protest the front desk staff removed the resort fee and thanked me for returning to the property! Here I was, preparing a speech and a print out of how next-door brand-new competitor IC Montelucia waived resort fees, when it was a simple as asking the staff to have it removed!

A final comment! I have to say, the property looks great after the renovation! I’m heading to BLT Steak for dinner tonight- menu looks delicious. No dessert however, hehe! My only wish is for a second, larger pool.

Happy 4th of July!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Before we take a look at the goodies inside, I have to say that this is by far one of the nicest elite membership kits I’ve seen so far. Granted, I had to dish out $150 for Ambassador status ($100 is for renewing every year), but the benefits associated with this tier as well as the 5,000 points and free night certificate are definitely worth it. Since a majority of my stays this summer will be at InterContinenental hotels, I figured it made perfect sense to sign up now. Plus, the 5,000 points boost will help me get closer to re-qualifying for Platinum status for 2010 since all points earned part of this program qualify you for elite status. A very unique and refreshing characteristic to this program.

I was only expecting a letter with a plastic card in it, but never an actual boxed kit. I always thought of the IHG hotels family as the cheapest (I mean quality-wise, not price) of the major chain families since very few hotels have lounges and almost all phone agent positions are outsourced, albeit friendly. Still, I was pleasantly surprised when I received this today:

Luggage tag close up (notice that it’s not plastic, but heavy duty metal):

Free night certificate for one weekend night with the purchase of one additional weekend night (no blackout dates or restrictions, expires 1 year from date of issue):

For more information on the IC Ambassador program, click here. Another limited time benefit is free internet for Ambassador members at select InterContinental properties until July 31, 2009.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

With the good news of two Marriott properties in the Maldives, comes a reality check. JW Marriott Fiji Resort & Spa At Momi Bay will never happen. All plans have been abandoned. I don’t know the exact reasons, but I recall reading it had something to do with a 50/50 mix of financial problems and political troubles.

That’s all I have for you. Sorry I couldn’t dig up more.

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark

Just spoke to a PR contact overlooking the future Marriott property in the Maldives. Here’s what I found out:

• Will not be a Renaissance hotel, but a JW Marriott instead (will it still bear the name Gaakoshibee?)
• Scheduled opening is now third quarter of 2010 (but it’s safe to assume it will probably be pushed back, unless Marriott is truly up to speed to get it ready for the Winter 2010 season)
• No category mention yet (I’m going to guess 7 or 8 since it is the Maldives, people!)

I spoke to another rep who also mentioned that a Ritz-Carlton property is also being planned in the Maldives. No dates mentioned.

All sounds very enticing!

Have a nice clicK life,

-Mark