Accommodations in guest suite?

[phiota]

I notice most of the Mystery Auctions is listed with "Accommodations in guest suite" or guest room. Is it usually the same room/suite as what is normally listed (if you can figure out which hotel it is) in the regular auction or is it different? Sometimes the room type (ocean view or garden view or bigger or smaller....) can make a price difference in what one is willing to bid.

thanks,

John

[jmbklj]

I notice most of the Mystery Auctions is listed with "Accommodations in guest suite" or guest room. Is it usually the same room/suite as what is normally listed (if you can figure out which hotel it is) in the regular auction or is it different? Sometimes the room type (ocean view or garden view or bigger or smaller....) can make a price difference in what one is willing to bid.

thanks,

John

Yes, usually it's the same.

[slstacey]

Yes, usually it's the same.

Hello. Jmbklj's opinion will be based on much wider experience than mine, but I thought it as well to note that the hotel would be under no obligation to provide any services itemised in packages other than the one you are actually bidding on. If you assume they will (& then bid accordingly) you may be left both disappointed and out of pocket.

I've only ever won one mystery auction (advertised as a Suite, suitable for 2 adults and up to 2 children). On arrival in France (sans enfants), we were assigned a lesser room -- either a Junior Suite or Deluxe room. It was an exceptionally nice room, on the whole, but in an outbuilding (chilly in the snow) and worth much less (maybe $1,500 US less) than the guide value advertised in the auction.

Had I wished to argue, I think the hotel would have found it difficult to justify the advertised details and value of the auction package based on the rack rate of the room we were assigned. I would have been on more tenuous ground, I think, had the package only offered "accommodation" or an unspecified classification of "room".

In my experience, the majority of hotels do not provide value much above the services listed in the specific packages (e.g. room upgrades, range of menu, etc) - of course, when they do, I go back! I have noticed a recent increase in the number of LL packages with general or unspecified services. My feeling is that this allows the hotel more flexibility in terms of what they offer -- probably based on the final hammer price, the season rates, the client, and the availability on the day -- and therefore it would be prudent to assume the minimum services will be provided.

I don't want to put you off - I have found many fabulous hotels and destinations through LL over the past few years - but I would urge caution and care before you bid.

[kyshel]

First, I always take a copy of the LL offering--terms and inclusions. Second, I would certainly have argued--not sure why you didn't.
Third, when I purchase a suite from LL (which includes jr suite) I expect and will get a suite. I have never been disappointed and, more often than not, upgraded to better than advertised.
If you can identify the Mystery Auction prior to purchase, print out the regular offer before you buy. Research that room type on the property website and note any oddities, like in annex bldg, or across the road from beach, tower, main bldg, etc.
I agree there ae many new offerings that only include taxes (Preferred Group in particular) that aslo have caveats like resort fees extra, parking not included, etc.
Just keep asking questions and you'll get lots of assistance--and a little lip now and then!! haha

[LL_Travelfan]

This is good advice. Always bring a copy of your package for yourself to the hotel, so you have something in writing of what to expect. It is customary to bring a copy of the auction to the hotel, but once you give the copy to the hotel, you are left with nothing. So do make that extra copy for yourself. We were not presented with the promised bottle of champagne, but when I showed the hotel to copy, the champagne was sent immediately with their apologies. If you are put into a Jr. Suite and you have auctioned the package for a Deluxe Suite, question the hotel as to why the change and ask to see the Deluxe Suite. Never take No for an answer. Request an upgrade, and often, if possible, the hotel will oblige. If you don't ask for anything, you will not get anything.....

[jmbklj]

Yes, I agree - I always bring copies with me of the LL package that I won and what it includes. Once I've won it, and before I go, I forward the LL email (with included extras) to the property to confirm our reservation and the dates. They respond back in writing and that gives me another hard copy confirmation of the included services - and one directly from the property.

Maybe I've been lucky, but I've not had a problem getting the type of room specified. In fact, on a recent LL Mystery Auction at Casa Palopo, I received a room upgrade above what the LL package included.

Due to the nature of Mystery Auctions, some of the details are initially vague. But once you win it, a confirming LL email will be sent that details all the specifics. That email typically specifies the type of room included.