Using Ritz Carlton Points for a Club Level Suite?

[ojefferyo]

No, they have suites and club level suites

[damierFICO]

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?

[jsucool76]

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@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?

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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. 

[damierFICO]

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)

[jsucool76]

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@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)

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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. 

[damierFICO]

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.

[jsucool76]

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. 

[damierFICO]

@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 $.

[jsucool76]

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.

[ojefferyo]

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@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.

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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!!!