topic Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite? in Credit Cards

Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

damierFICO — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:46:48 GMT

I used the search tool and found an old thread that suggested I SM Chase and tswitched my 2 night compliemntary stay to 140,000 points. After it was approved I then called the reservation line to use my points to book a club level suite at Ritz Carlton SF (Tier 4). I was told that my points can only be redeemed for the "deluxe guest room or superior guest room." Can anyone chime in on their experiences if this is firm? Please and thanks.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:54:20 GMT

@damierFICO wrote:
I used the search tool and found an old thread that suggested I SM Chase and tswitched my 2 night compliemntary stay to 140,000 points. After it was approved I then called the reservation line to use my points to book a club level suite at Ritz Carlton SF (Tier 4). I was told that my points can only be redeemed for the "deluxe guest room or superior guest room." Can anyone chime in on their experiences if this is firm? Please and thanks.

Without specific knowledge of that hotel, it's very common for hotels to limit the rooms available for points redemption. I just checked some dates for that hotel using points and only the deluxe guest room showed under those available to pay with points.

With your approval, did you not receive the Club Level upgrades?

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

ojefferyo — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:55:30 GMT

@damierFICO wrote:
I used the search tool and found an old thread that suggested I SM Chase and tswitched my 2 night compliemntary stay to 140,000 points. After it was approved I then called the reservation line to use my points to book a club level suite at Ritz Carlton SF (Tier 4). I was told that my points can only be redeemed for the "deluxe guest room or superior guest room." Can anyone chime in on their experiences if this is firm? Please and thanks.

I've stayed at the SF Ritz many times and the "higher" levels have to be paid for from what they have told me also. You can't even use the points to book your room and use the club level upgrade.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

ojefferyo — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 19:57:13 GMT

He's looking for the suite level. Last stay I had the 1 bedroom suite club level, really nice. Food and drinks just about all day. Parellel 37 is also very good if you're in for some great food.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:01:05 GMT

@ojefferyo wrote:
He's looking for the suite level. Last stay I had the 1 bedroom suite club level, really nice. Food and drinks just about all day. Parellel 37 is also very good if you're in for some great food.

Sounds nice but I've never been to SF

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

ojefferyo — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:14:27 GMT

@Anonymous wrote:
@ojefferyo wrote:
He's looking for the suite level. Last stay I had the 1 bedroom suite club level, really nice. Food and drinks just about all day. Parellel 37 is also very good if you're in for some great food.
Sounds nice but I've never been to SF

Nice older hotel that was renovated not long ago. Sit on a hill so if you're gonna trek around be ready for some burnt out calves later lol. I'm only about 30-40 mins from SF so I come down here to relax at times. The spa is also nice but small.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

jsucool76 — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:40:31 GMT

Book the standard deluxe room with points, then call or email the hotel directly and ask how much it would be to upgrade to club level. This is going to cost you $$. Anywhere between probably $100-$300 a night (for 2 people) plus between $50 and $100 for each additional person over 2 people. Might be cheaper, in which case I'd hop on it. If you drink a lot it's worth it, cause free booze.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

jsucool76 — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 20:41:50 GMT

#DoublePost

Also check the cost for just using cash for the nights of your stay. Using the Z38 Corporate/Promo code will let you see the cash price for using one of your club level upgrade certificates, and you'd also receve the $100 hotel credit if your stay is 2+ nights.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

ojefferyo — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:06:52 GMT

@jsucool76 wrote:
Book the standard deluxe room with points, then call or email the hotel directly and ask how much it would be to upgrade to club level. This is going to cost you $$. Anywhere between probably $100-$300 a night (for 2 people) plus between $50 and $100 for each additional person over 2 people. Might be cheaper, in which case I'd hop on it. If you drink a lot it's worth it, cause free booze.

Per person at SF Ritz is $100

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

Anonymous — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:25:37 GMT

I understand that the rooms with Club Lounge access are a mix of both suites and "basic" rooms.

But do all (or nearly all) R-C suites necessarily come with Club access (assuming a given R-C has a Club level)?

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

ojefferyo — Thu, 15 Oct 2015 21:46:29 GMT

No, they have suites and club level suites

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

damierFICO — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:02:10 GMT

Thanks for your response. Have you had a good success rate with this? If so would this just be to upgrade the deluxe room to club level or to upgrade the room itself to a suite and also get club level?

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

jsucool76 — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:04:49 GMT

@damierFICO wrote:
Thanks for your response. Have you had a good success rate with this? If so would this just be to upgrade the deluxe room to club level or to upgrade the room itself to a suite and also get club level?

You'd have to upgrade to a suite, and to club level. Could end up costing you a pretty penny. Weigh the costs of doing this, vs the costs of just paying the rack rate for the suite and then using a club level upgrade to a club level suite. Sometimes when paying for an upgrade, the amount of cash you're gonna pay for the upgrade can really put a hamper on the value you get out of the points. If you spill your travel dates, I can get you a little more info.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

damierFICO — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:07:44 GMT

Thanks for your reply. I probably should've researched the restrictions on using points for rooms. I'm overall satisfied with the benefits of the card so far but it would be great if I could circumvent these restrictions and use my points toward a club level suite (with a high floor! lol)

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

jsucool76 — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:11:58 GMT

@damierFICO wrote:
Thanks for your reply. I probably should've researched the restrictions on using points for rooms. I'm overall satisfied with the benefits of the card so far but it would be great if I could circumvent these restrictions and use my points toward a club level suite (with a high floor! lol)

I'd say book the deluxe room with points (you can always cancel), and then call the hotel directly, and ask about your options. Ask about cost of upgrading to a club level suite. The staff will be very pleasant, and patient with you.

An alternative would be to look for full service marriott properties in the area. With the gold status you get from your ritz carlton credit card, you'll receive guaranteed lounge access at all marriott properties with a lounge. (Full service brands are Marriott, JW Marriott, Autograph Collection, and Rennassance). You can google "marriott lounge master thread" and the first result will be from another forum that will list the lounge policy of all hotels by state.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

damierFICO — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:15:34 GMT

I live locally in the bay area so it would actually just be a 24 hour stay to hang out before/after going to a club/lounge. In order to use the club level upgrades, does a minimum one night work or does it have to be two nights? My main goal is to book a suite but suite w/club level would be preferred.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

jsucool76 — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 01:21:18 GMT

club level upgrade certs are good for 1-7 nights each, you should have 3 of them. They require you to pay the rack rate (no discounts for AAA, AARP, Military, Govt). You can search for these rates usng the Z38 booking code but you'll need to book over the phone with ritz carlton reservations.

As much as I love RC club level though, I would still highly recommend looking into full service marriott properties. Can save you some big $ or points.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

damierFICO — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 02:59:46 GMT

@jsucool76 will try this (book with points then call hotel directly) and update thread afterwards. Maybe they'll be somewhat lenient since the occasion is for my birthday but I guess from the overall responses the upgrade would not be with additional points but with $.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

jsucool76 — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 03:04:31 GMT

Most likely with money, but points may be an option.

Repeat this on the phone after the pleasentries dispense. "I was wondering if it would be possible to upgrade to a club level suite, as this stay is for my birthday and I really want to make it a special experience."

Be sure to mention it's for your birthday. hotel employees in the RC brand normally have a discretionary spend (though limited) to make sure every guests stay is exceptional, especially when it comes to a stay for a special event. If the upgrades aren't possible, you'll probably still end up with cake or cupcakes, ice cream, maybe a bottle of wine too.

Re: Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

ojefferyo — Fri, 16 Oct 2015 17:12:36 GMT

@damierFICO wrote:
I live locally in the bay area so it would actually just be a 24 hour stay to hang out before/after going to a club/lounge. In order to use the club level upgrades, does a minimum one night work or does it have to be two nights? My main goal is to book a suite but suite w/club level would be preferred.

yes 1 night works also, I'm in the bay area also. Give them a call if you have any questions, they are very nice. One time a worker saw me walking down the hallway with the ice bucket and offered to go get the ice for me. That's customer service!!!