I took the plunge! Now some quesions...

[casole]

Hi,

I just bid and won my first auction (for the Madison in DC). Couple of questions:

I had only a few minutes left to bid and couldn't find my first time user promo code. If I contact customer service will they be able to apply it?

I submitted my dates - would love to go during Cherry Blossom, but the "fine print" says specail event times can be excluded, likelihood of being able to go during this time?

Finally, the package was for a king or two queen beds. I'm planning to go with my mom, I didn't see a way to select a preference when selecting dates, is this something I can work with the LL concierge on also?

I'm SO psyched! Thanks.

Casole

[jmbklj]

Welcome to the LL Lounge, casole and congratulations on winning! It's hard to say if the Cherry Blossom slot will be available until you or LL check with the hotel. If a particular date is very important to me, I'll contact the property before I bid.

In the past, at many other LL properties, I haven't had a problem getting the bed configuration I wanted. As soon as you hear back about your requested date, call the hotel to request 2 queen beds.

Re: your first time user promo code, call LL right away, even though it's the weekend. I've been able to talk to someone on the weekend when I needed to. They can usually put a code in the system manually if you call them soon. In fact while speaking with the LL concierge, ask them if they can request 2 queen beds.

I still get excited every time I win a LL auction!

[bonniejoy03]

Hi C....great choice and looks like a great price! We are considering staying there also. We are about 2 hours away and it would be a great weekend getaway. Please post when you return about your visit. Thanks.

ps-cherry blossom time might be coming sooner than later with our warm weather!!

[casole]

Hi,

Thank you both. I just tried to call but got the closed message, I will try first thing in the AM tomorrow. My first two preferences (during Cherry Blossom) came back as unavailable.

I will definitely report back. The price is certainly right esp when sharing! $100/night pp all in with breakfast?? Sweet!

Maybe I will try an earlier date in March, not during the "official" dates of the festival, since like you said Bonnie, this crazy warm winter has me nearly getting out to do yard work (I'm in Boston). It won't be the end of the world, was just a "nice to do". Sounds like my best bet is to call the concierge desk ASAP which I will do in the AM. Hope they are around on President's Day.

Thanks again, and yes, it was very exciting. Hopefully the first of many!

Casole

[jmbklj]

casole, I just hung up from speaking to a concierge at LL (on another matter). It's fairly recent that LL added limited customer service hours on Sunday, but remember they are based in CA so maybe you called too early today. If you call now, you should be able to reach someone.

[bonniejoy03]

Did you see this web site? National Cherry Blossom Festival: The Nation's Greatest Springtime Celebration Might help with the dates. Good luck with the dates and the trip....

[LL_Travelfan]

Casole,
Welcome to the Community. This is the 100 Anniversary of the National Blossem Festival and there are 5 weeks of celebrations. Here is an article that might help you. National Cherry Blossom Festival 2012 in Washington, DC

[casole]

Thanks for the links! I talked to the LL concierge and they were wonderful about applying my voucher. Now just awating to hear of my dates. I did put in for a couple of days before the festival actually starts, which is fine because we don't like too many crowds, then Easter weekend (thinking maybe people would be staying at home) and then the weekend after that. So we'll see! Will keep you posted...in any case it's a trip in my back pocket, which I love!!

[[email protected]]

Hi Casole,
I also bid and won the Madison auction - I am going the end of May. Send an email to the hotel and let them know you want the room with 2 queen beds and you can ask them if the dates you want are open. I always do this after I win an auction - I check with the hotel on the possible dates I am requesting and then I submit the dates to Luxury Link. Once I get my dates confirmed, I send an email to the hotel, tell the dates I have a reservation for and let them know any special requests that I have. I have always found the properties I have done via LL to be very accomodating to any requests.

[LL_Travelfan]

denise,
Good advise. I generally proceed the same way and it works well.