Tom Capone
Level 2 Member
I know at one point Matt posted or tweeted that he had made reservations for the Radisson Aruba in February 2016 prior to the devaluation. A few, including myself, responded that we had done the same. There was even a joke that the next Saverocity DO would be in Aruba in February.
Anyway the point of my post is two fold. First, rumors have been circulating for some time that the Radisson was being sold. I'd love to hear any experiences around "reflagging" of properties especially for Radisson and/or points based reservations. I know that Radisson sold their St Martin property to Riu recently. I'd also like to know if anyone has Aruba reservations closer than February and how they are treated.
Secondly, I'd like to know who will be at the Radisson in February. I'd love to meet up. I'll be there President's week, February 14th to the 20th.
Here's what I know (or think I know) about the sale
Radisson was in discussions with Hilton to sell the property. As negotiations were coming to a close, Riu came in and made a higher offer. Riu recently purchased the adjacent Westin and I believe has another Aruba location as well. Radisson accepted Riu's higher offer. Hilton filed a suit. The court date has been delayed several times in hopes that Hilton and Radisson can come to an agreement. Apparently the tourism board would prefer the Hilton over another all inclusive.
From what I've read, the selling hotel will generally make arrangement with the new hotel to honor existing reservations. If that is not possible, they will try to arrange comparable rooms. However, this is very YMMV. The Riu honored Radisson reservations when they took over the St. Martin property.
Then the next question is if your reservations are honored will this change be better or worse. Radisson Aruba has an executive lounge, but it is not included with gold status. You can pay to upgrade, but it is expensive. I went to the lounge several times on my last stay and gave my name and room number. On my last day they told me it wasn't included in my reservation
Riu is an all inclusive resort. When they took over the Radisson in St. Martin they didn't convert to all inclusive for ~6 months. If they acquire the Radisson, I assume by February they'll convert to all inclusive. That would be a nice perk if they honor our reservations.
The Hilton will likely honor any HHonors status even if your reservations were through Radisson. I assume they would continue to run the existing lounge which would be a nice perk for Diamond members.
I've already booked my airfare so I'm considering booking a refundable alternate, but hope its not needed.
Anyway the point of my post is two fold. First, rumors have been circulating for some time that the Radisson was being sold. I'd love to hear any experiences around "reflagging" of properties especially for Radisson and/or points based reservations. I know that Radisson sold their St Martin property to Riu recently. I'd also like to know if anyone has Aruba reservations closer than February and how they are treated.
Secondly, I'd like to know who will be at the Radisson in February. I'd love to meet up. I'll be there President's week, February 14th to the 20th.
Here's what I know (or think I know) about the sale
Radisson was in discussions with Hilton to sell the property. As negotiations were coming to a close, Riu came in and made a higher offer. Riu recently purchased the adjacent Westin and I believe has another Aruba location as well. Radisson accepted Riu's higher offer. Hilton filed a suit. The court date has been delayed several times in hopes that Hilton and Radisson can come to an agreement. Apparently the tourism board would prefer the Hilton over another all inclusive.
From what I've read, the selling hotel will generally make arrangement with the new hotel to honor existing reservations. If that is not possible, they will try to arrange comparable rooms. However, this is very YMMV. The Riu honored Radisson reservations when they took over the St. Martin property.
Then the next question is if your reservations are honored will this change be better or worse. Radisson Aruba has an executive lounge, but it is not included with gold status. You can pay to upgrade, but it is expensive. I went to the lounge several times on my last stay and gave my name and room number. On my last day they told me it wasn't included in my reservation
Riu is an all inclusive resort. When they took over the Radisson in St. Martin they didn't convert to all inclusive for ~6 months. If they acquire the Radisson, I assume by February they'll convert to all inclusive. That would be a nice perk if they honor our reservations.
The Hilton will likely honor any HHonors status even if your reservations were through Radisson. I assume they would continue to run the existing lounge which would be a nice perk for Diamond members.
I've already booked my airfare so I'm considering booking a refundable alternate, but hope its not needed.
