Dead Sea, Israel, Master Thread

[Knaper_Chuchem]

you aint getting 4 weeks for 3k a nt.

In fact, I called SPG and they were eager to book me for the 4 weeks with the standard awards rate 3k/2k per night, however there were 2 issues 1. Two Fridays weren't available with rewards. 2. I was short with 12k points, so she offered that I can book those 2 Fridays with money $288 per night and I can have my friend pay with his points for the remaining nights that I was short. And she'll combine everything in one reservation so only one check in will do.

On a side note, now I realize why Dan is such a fan of SPG, I'm actually getting $0.096 per point!! (Not exactly, cuz on the reward days I won't get breakfast, versus the paid days I'm entitled to breakfast)

[Chaikel]

(Not exactly, cuz on the reward days I won't get breakfast, versus the paid days I'm entitled to breakfast)

On a plat account award get breakfast as well

[Drago]

On a plat account award get breakfast as well

And the benefit of having it process as multiple reservations is that he would receive 250 points for each reservation if he's Gold. I think.

[Knaper_Chuchem]

And the benefit of having it process as multiple reservations is that he would receive 250 points for each reservation if he's Gold. I think.

I didn't have the time to search, but if my memory serves me right, as a gold I get the option to choose of the two, either I can earn points for each night or I get free wifi. I don't think that you ever benefit from separate reservations if they're consecutive nights. It won't count as multiple stays for status purposes even if it's paid nights. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

[Knaper_Chuchem]

On a Plat account award get breakfast as well

Don't rub it in please... I know that very well, hence I'm dying to become one. But how???

Was it ever confirmed that award nights won't count for a challenge?

I remember Dan had a long article on DD when SPG announced their new rules for 2012, I think it included info about this matter. If someone can post the link that would be great. 

[Dan]

Was it ever confirmed that award nights won't count for a challenge?

Yup.

[Knaper_Chuchem]

Yup.

Sad

What about C&P stays? Would they count?

[Dan]

Not for the challenge.

[Drago]

I didn't have the time to search, but if my memory serves me right, as a gold I get the option to choose of the two, either I can earn points for each night or I get free wifi. I don't think that you ever benefit from separate reservations if they're consecutive nights. It won't count as multiple stays for status purposes even if it's paid nights. Correct me if I'm wrong please.

I believe its 250 per reservation, and only for your room. If you booked multiple rooms, you don't receive points for each room.
They told me otherwise at the Dead Sea, so SPG ended up giving me another 250 points for the second room I had ordered. But it was still 250 points for each room, but not for each night.

[Knaper_Chuchem]

Since you were so adamant you tempted me to look it up, happens to be you're right!

However, I don't think it pays to break up reservations for a mere 250 points while having the slightest chance that you'll have to check out and check in again. Besides I'll opt for the 'complimentary in-room Internet access' welcome bonus.

Following is what SPG outlines for SPG Gold:

New! Your choice of a welcome gift with each stay. Choose from bonus Starpoints, complimentary in-room Internet access and a complimentary beverage.

Room & Suite Upgrades. Upgrade to a Specialty Room, where available, for as few as 1,000 Starpoints or a Suite for as few as 3,000 Starpoints.

I was wondering if these upgrades are offered for award nights customers, or it's just for paid nights? And if it is offered for award customers, did anybody have any success to do so at the LMDS?

[Knaper_Chuchem]

Take it to the next level. Go Gold.

As a Gold member, you'll receive all the benefits of Preferred, plus much more:

4 p.m. late checkout, so you can sleep in, relax by the pool or see more of the local area you're visiting.

Did anyone here with only Gold status stay at the LMDS and was allowed to stay till 4pm?

[Jkhein]

Did anyone here with only Gold status stay at the LMDS and was allowed to stay till 4pm?

This benefit is not offered at resort properties.

[Knaper_Chuchem]

This benefit is not offered at resort properties.

Well, Starwood says otherwise. Following is the footnote on the previous post:

1. Subject to availability at resort and conference center hotels.

[Drago]

Did anyone here with only Gold status stay at the LMDS and was allowed to stay till 4pm?

If they have availability, they will allow i believe
Last time
 I checked out at around 2

[shmooz]

anyone know about the separate beachs? I was told it may cost 70nis per person? is there any free option for separate, or an area that is private?

[shmooz]

anyone know about the separate beachs? I was told it may cost 70nis per person? is there any free option for separate, or an area that is private?

anyone know about this?

[PlatinumGuy]

If they have availability, they will allow i believe
Last time
 I checked out at around 2

Not IME. They are hard to deal with.

[Drago]

anyone know about the separate beachs? I was told it may cost 70nis per person? is there any free option for separate, or an area that is private?

According to this summary, one beach is 50 sh, and the second is free. Call to ensure.
http://www.avifine.com/sepbeach.htm

[Galitzyaner]

anyone know about the separate beachs? I was told it may cost 70nis per person? is there any free option for separate, or an area that is private?

I've been to the separate beach, never heard of it costing any money at all..

Though I recommend not to waste your time on the separate beach, its tiny and with nowhere to dress etc..

Your better off just going to a secluded area.

Here is a photo of the separate beach which i took a yr and a hf ago.

[Drago]

Depressing