Community Feedback and Suggestions

[connieylee]

Hi - I'm thinking of booking 4 nights at a Holiday Inn Sunspree in Maine. I've heard there are several buildings, some of which are very old and that there are certain buildings more ideal than others.  Anyone have suggestions on how to book a good room using reward nights? 

Is it better to pay for the first night?  If so, then do you just add on reward nights to that reservation?  Also, since you often can find bonus points for booking online, can you book online first and then call to have them switch your room?

Thanks so much!

[iristina]

I have never had better success when I pay for the first night, although I have read posts from others who seem to think that is the best way to go. I have had success getting the best room with points when I contact the GM first. I either send an email or call, and have sometimes received an upgrade before my travel date.

Good luck!

[connieylee]

So you email the manager first and then book the reward nights online?  Or book the night online first and then contact the manager with your reservation number?  Details would be wonderful!

Thanks for the reply!

[iristina]

I have always booked the reward night first, and then I send an email with the confirmation number and whatever comments I want to say. I try to write comments in the box when making the reservation too, although the boxes do not accept very many letters, and my experience with IHG has been that the comment boxes are not always read, which is why I started sending the emails a couple years ago.

Two recent properties where I received an upgrade using points were in Aruba and at the HI & Suites in Asheville, NC. It doesn't always work out; however, it's great when it does!

[connieylee]

How do you get the manager's email versus a normal staff member's email?  Is it usually listed on their website?

Thanks again so much!

[iristina]

I just use the email that is listed on the hotel page (it is not always there, and then that is when I need to call, but I prefer using the email). Every time I have used the email I found on the hotel website, it has gone to the manager. I think one time it went to a reservation desk, and that person forwarded it to the manager of the hotel.