V-Flyer

I've just booked LHR-MIA-LHR next March - paid PE S fare and upgraded to UC with miles. Does this entitle us to use the Clubhouse and Revivals at LHR? Never done a return trip in UC before - only one way, so really excited about it.

It's also my first visit to Florida. I'm busily researching hotels on South Beach and am trying to decide between the Betsy and Crowne Plaza Z Hotel - does anyone have experience of either of these. Both look good on Trip Advisor.

Thanks
T

Its a yes to your first question, and you can take one guest who is also flying Virgin into the Clubhouse too. Just ticket holders on the return though for Revivals.

Regards
R3dV

Yes you will get all the benefits of UC. It makes no difference that you are using miles to upgrade so that includes use of the private security channel at LHR, access to the CH and revivals at LHR, the lounge at MIA, the extra luggage allowance and if available (pre booked) use of DTCI on your outbound flight at LHR.

tontybear wrote:Yes you will get all the benefits of UC. It makes no difference that you are using miles to upgrade so that includes use of the private security channel at LHR, access to the CH and revivals at LHR, the lounge at MIA, the extra luggage allowance and if available (pre booked) use of DTCI on your outbound flight at LHR.

The OP would be able to use miles for a CDC and thus use the DTCI. However it isn't a really good use of miles and if they live outside of 75 miles to either LHR or LGW (or their local airport if connecting on a single PNR) they must pay extra

honey lamb wrote:

tontybear wrote:Yes you will get all the benefits of UC. It makes no difference that you are using miles to upgrade so that includes use of the private security channel at LHR, access to the CH and revivals at LHR, the lounge at MIA, the extra luggage allowance and if available (pre booked) use of DTCI on your outbound flight at LHR.

The OP would be able to use miles for a CDC and thus use the DTCI. However it isn't a really good use of miles and if they live outside of 75 miles to either LHR or LGW (or their local airport if connecting on a single PNR) they must pay extra

Ah yes but DTCI is now open to anyone flying UC to use even in private cars and taxis as per this

tontybear wrote:

honey lamb wrote:

tontybear wrote:Yes you will get all the benefits of UC. It makes no difference that you are using miles to upgrade so that includes use of the private security channel at LHR, access to the CH and revivals at LHR, the lounge at MIA, the extra luggage allowance and if available (pre booked) use of DTCI on your outbound flight at LHR.

The OP would be able to use miles for a CDC and thus use the DTCI. However it isn't a really good use of miles and if they live outside of 75 miles to either LHR or LGW (or their local airport if connecting on a single PNR) they must pay extra

Ah yes but DTCI is now open to anyone flying UC to use even in private cars and taxis as per this

I know, I know! Tonty, you should know me better. v(

I was just pointing out that it was an option which the OP might wish to use to get the full-on UC experience

I'm doing the same trip as the OP, but in April.

I have actually used miles for a CDC in both directions but I do have a fair few miles and am getting the most out of the 75 mile limit

I'm staying at The Tides South Beach which seems to get pretty good reviews (I think its no. 1 out of 200+ hotels in south beach) but it is pretty expensive. Managed to get a good rate though I think (I paid £265 a night incl tax - and I think its $400 or so incl tax now).

Hi Frenchy78

Interesting you got such a good rate at the Tides - I really wanted to stay there but it is just that little bit too expensive. Just looked at the rates and the cheapest they have at the moment is around 380. Could I ask who you booked it through and what type of room you have booked? PM me if you prefer.

Many thanks

Frenchy78 wrote:I'm staying at The Tides South Beach which seems to get pretty good reviews (I think its no. 1 out of 200+ hotels in south beach) but it is pretty expensive. Managed to get a good rate though I think (I paid £265 a night incl tax - and I think its $400 or so incl tax now).

Did you mean $265? £265 doesn't sound like a bargain

Regards
R3dV

RedVee wrote:

Frenchy78 wrote:I'm staying at The Tides South Beach which seems to get pretty good reviews (I think its no. 1 out of 200+ hotels in south beach) but it is pretty expensive. Managed to get a good rate though I think (I paid £265 a night incl tax - and I think its $400 or so incl tax now).

Did you mean $265? £265 doesn't sound like a bargain

Regards
R3dV

Nope - £265 a night. But I just realised I accidently said "...I think its $400 or so incl tax now" - that should have read £400! sorry ii)

£265p/n is definately NOT a "bargain" by any stretch of the imagination - but a pretty good rate for The Tides I think. Its an expensive - but apparently popular and well-liked hotel it seems.

Turquoise wrote:Hi Frenchy78

Interesting you got such a good rate at the Tides - I really wanted to stay there but it is just that little bit too expensive. Just looked at the rates and the cheapest they have at the moment is around 380. Could I ask who you booked it through and what type of room you have booked? PM me if you prefer.

Many thanks

HI Turquiose, it was actually booked through my works Staff Travel team - who managed to bag me a discount.

The room is only their regular Oceanfront Studio Suite.

I know that they were also offering an "early bird" [non-refundable] rate a few months ago but I can't see that being shown anywhere for March/April 2012 dates on the website now. You could try to call The Tides reservations line to see if they will still give you an early bird rate if you are happy to make a non-refundable reservation.

The girl in the Staff Travel team who I booked through had stayed there and highly recommended it!