Sydney Shangri-La Hotel

[greendr2]

Hi all,

I am visiting Sydney in March next year. I previously stayed in the Shangri-La hotel. Because of the stunning views, I want to stay there again. The room type I want is a Horizon Club, Grand Harbour View (view of both Sydney Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House).

I've looked on loads of hotel booking websites (inc. TripAdvisor) and cannot see this room offered by anyone. There are Horizon Club rooms offered, but with a different view.

The only place I can see this room offered is on the Hotel's own website, but at the rack rate.

I've also looked for vouchers/coupons for the Shangri-La, but nothing.

Anyone have an idea how I can find this room at a discounted rate?

[VillageVicar]

Let me see if I can explain this without being too verbose. First, it�s one of my favourite hotels. I also have a love for the Intercontinental, which was the old treasury building, because of the same views.

Hoteliers are extremely proud of their hotels and as such tend to be a bit protective of their finest assets. Historically, whilst they were always delighted to receive new guests in their vast inventory of room types, the Cr�me de la Cr�me of their clientele were people they took exceptionally good care of.

The advent of the internet was an epiphany for some, for others it was a frightening foray into the possibility of having a clientele they didn�t want. To this day there are some hotels you will never find directly selling their inventory on the internet.

The room type you want which are graded as �Horizon A�s in an internal inventory (as opposed to �Horizon B�s C�s etc.) Indeed, their views are spectacular and as such are among the most valuable assets of the hotel. But it is for these reasons that you will never see this inventory being offered at a discount. The hotel doesn�t need to offer it at a discount. Nor does the hotel ever want to offer their premier inventory with suppliers to sell. They simply don�t need to. Those rooms will sell and they will sell at their premium rate.

Now, interestingly, on the day of arrival, there becomes a shift in the marketing of the rooms. This practice is typical among the finest hotels in the world and is reflective of the professionalism of its management. At the morning front-office meeting, the staff and managers will review their arrivals list. They pay very close attention to the OSI�s (other service information) that accompanies the bookings. (which I should point out, doesn�t happen with discount on-line booking engines)

Continued:

[VillageVicar]

Part 2

They note, not necessarily in this order: The name of the guest � are they WKRP�s? (well known respected People), are they CIG�s (commercially Important Guests), are they celebrating any particular event? , etc. With this information, the hotel staff assign their best rooms. Then there is the price, which interestingly can be the deciding part of the equation: The hotel is accustomed to the cheap movie star who always books the cheapest room and expects to be upgraded just because they�re famous. They may get a �courtesy� upgrade to a nicer room, but they certainly won�t get a room that�s commensurate with their own self-obsession.

I should also share that there are hotels (the finest) who prefer their finest rooms to remain empty than offer them at a discount. The wear and tear and maintenance of the rooms is too high for them to consider offering the rooms at a discount.

The categories offered through sub-sellers are invariably sold at �run of house� status. They�re discounted, therefore the rooms provided, whilst certainly nice, will never be their most preferential rooms.

Continued:

[VillageVicar]

Part 3

I would suggest if you want the best room and you�d like a better rate, you are best to phone the hotel directly and speak with the reservation manager. Two to three days prior to your arrival, phone again and have a friendly word with either the rooms manager or the front-desk manager. And if you�ve communicated your desires (nudge nudge) professionally, politely, and with sufficient impression, you may find you get your room. And should that happen, it�s more than appropriate if not de rigueur to discretely leave a small gift. (If you require suggestions, write back and I�ll offer a few)
Have a wonderful stay in one of my favourite cities!
Fr Bill

[JK2]

Gosh - what are you like when being verbose then?

[greendr2]

Village Vicar, many thanks for your thorough reply.

I may have to pay the rack rate, as I don't want to chance it by leaving it too late to book this room type. I'd be gutted if I paid to stay in this hotel, only to be informed that all Grand Harbour View rooms were taken.

I did however see some info. on Australiatravelmall, where they state that Horizon Club can be bolted on to their discounted Grand Harbour View rooms for an extra $60 (Aus) per night, per room.

I'm waiting on an email back from them.

[VillageVicar]

Greendr: To ensure you receive exactly what you want AND to have the chance to develop rapport and place a human touch to your communications, I'd encourage you to actually speak with the hotel, rather than email. It can make a tremendous difference!

I escort private individuals, families, and very small groups on a regular basis. One of the most essential tools I use is in the already-developed relationships I have with key individuals within hotels, or with cruise lines, airlines, and particularly the local professional concierge.

I wish you every success Down Under!

Fr Bill