I'm a bit peeved at United. I received a certificate that is supposedly good for 50% for a two-night weekend stay at a variety of hotels (Hilton, Crowne Plaza, Hyatt, etc.). I called the Waldorf-Astoria (it's a Hilton), and discovered that the rate for a room using the certificate is $535 per night (not the total for both nights, I checked). The rate for that same room on the same dates WITHOUT the certificate is $220. Not much of a discount! The reservations operator was surprised, to say the least.

So I called the Crowne Plaza-U.N. They don't even take the certificate. Called the Grand Hyatt. Rate with the certificate $220, rate without $309. At least I won't be paying a premium here, but it's still not 50% off!

Actually, I thought the Waldorf regular rate sounded pretty darn good, particularly for New York in May. Any yays or nays on the Waldorf?

Now hold on just a minute here, Jane.
You're peeved at UNITED??
The HOTELS set the rates and the 50% off is based on their rack rate (if they choose to apply the certificate as such) or, in some cases, based on a discounted rate, which would give you a better deal.
But that's up to the hotel, not United.
The seemingly willy nilly manner in which some hotels structure and shift their rates drives me crazy at times...they're the ones you should be peeved at.
As for the waldorf, I'd sum it up in a word: inconsistent (just like the entire Hilton chain). Some rooms are very small and most are a bit 'tired'. Others are quite acceptable size wise, but nothing special decor/furnishing wise. But you're right, $220 is cheap...but keep in mind that you won't be getting one of the larger, nicer rooms at that rate...it'll be small, no view, next to an elevator or some such.

Terry-thanks for the info on the Waldorf. I am still peeved at United, as they are the ones who set this thing up, and are crowing about "awarding" me this special deal.

So where would you stay in New York if you're going up for a special weekend? Anything $300 or less per night.

Jane, I don't know when you're traveling but I got a $199 rate at the Westin Essex House by booking online at the westin.com website. Ditto for the Omni Berkshire Place, www.omnihotels.com

Jane,
I think your peeve should be with the Hotels. I just used my United certificates for 4 nights at 50% off at the Hilton on the Big Island ($230 room for $115/night-I didn't think it was too bad). The Hotels may make using the certificates more difficult during busy times - I don't know. Good Luck.

Mms,

How did you get the $115 rate? I used the Hilton Honors award (50% off 3nights). We'll be there in May. They told us the rack rate is $400, so we paid $200 per night after the 50% discount. Did you call the hotel directly or the 800 number?

Mahalo,
Cathy

Hotels only offer discounts in the hope of filling unsold rooms. They are USUALLY unavailable so get used to it. If you get a discount, good for you!! The hotel is NOT reimbursed by the airline for this "deal" by the way.

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