@Anonymous wrote:Looking to apply and was wondering if anyone has any experiences with using the card to get the stay credit? Just looking for some feedback on the process of using their travel agent, the pricing they give vs public, timeliness etc.
Also, any experience using corp rate?
I've made a few bookings through them for future stays.
Process:
Call or email concierge and give them info on destination, location, dates, price range, type of room. Concierge will forward to Carlson Wagonlit travel agent.
Concierge will email back results, usually in 24 hours or less. IME, on average 4-12 hours. Email info will include choices, prices w/ tax and the amount you will be reimbursed.
You can email questions, or ask them for other choices. Once you make a choice, you call concierge who will do a conference call with agent as you go through booking.
Reservation confirmation is sent via email.
Corporate, AAA, AARP discount codes cannot be used (that's what I was told by the agent).
They will quote you the lowest rate online from the hotel booking site.
Their version of the Virtuoso/FHR like program (free breakfast, upgrade, late checkout) cannot be used in conjunction with 4th night free benefit. You have to choose one benefit program.
You can only get credit for one room per booking / per hotel. You need to be an occupant of the room.
If you're part of that hotel's loyalty program, you will get credit for your stay and any benefits associated with your status with that chain.
Needless to say, you need to pay with your Prestige card - which thankfully has no FTF.
Reimbursement will be on the statement after stay is completed and paid.
It's a very painless process as long as you don't mind a little bit of back and forth and speaking with an agent directly. I would recommend that you do some research on your own first, the more specifics you give, the faster the process. In my case, I knew ahead of time which hotels, what type of room and online prices, refundable not prepay, etc. thatI wanted before I called.
The concierge I dealt with was very professional, extremely nice and very smart ( he understood exactly what I was asking and wanting even if the travel agent didn't quite get it at first). Overall, a very painless experience, even if it does involve a little back and forth and speaking to a travel agent.
I was able to get a great discount on a room I had previously booked on my own prior to calling about this benefit. I asked the agent a few questions, she called the hotel directly and was able to secure that hotel's special discount. The original booking was for $980/night, but the agent was able to get me a much lower rate at $650/night. and told me if the rate goes even lower online, to call back to rebook since it was still a refundable rate.
Hopefully, the reimbursement process will be fast and seamless like their $250 airline credit. But so far, I like this 4th night free benefit
