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Thread: CET Diamond Aspirations Level III Trip: How To Book?

  1. #1
    I recently put in a lot of video poker play in Atlantic City and went from 30,000 tier to 130,000 tier in 3 weeks and it seems I have qualified for an annual retreat to any CET property and a 4 night hotel stay. I do not have nor was ever assigned a host, don't really have a "home" property (I play at all 4 AC properties), and haven't received any mailers regarding this level.

    [From CET Total Rewards]

    Level III Diamond (80,000 Tier Credits): In addition to your complimentary stay, we’ll also take care of your flight (up to $750) You’ll receive several other benefits that can be used each day, including a companion card for your guest, transportation to and from the airport (within 50 miles), a more lucrative rate for redemptions of Reward Credits for free play, and waived fees for check cashing and credit card advances.

    I called a host on duty at Ballys AC and she has neither heard of this Diamond card benefit nor has booked any Diamond retreats (she kept asking me if I was referring to the Seven Star annual trip).

    Does anyone have any experience booking this Diamond Level III retreat? I would like to visit Lake Tahoe, flying from Philadelphia, Newark, or NYC. Who books the flight and hotel room (a home casino host or destination casino host)? How about ground transportation from Reno-Tahoe airport? Will my reward credits be affected (I have $3K in comps and would hate to see them deduct comps from my account)?

    Thanks in advance.
    Last edited by nerakil; 10-18-2013 at 08:29 AM.

  2. #2
    Hi nerakil and thanks for joining. Yes, I found what you quoted on the Caesars website:

    ASPIRATION Level 3: 80,000 Tier Credits
    Unlock an Annual Retreat to any Total Rewards destination with a $750 airfare credit, invitation to a NYE party, VIP round-trip airport transportation within 50 miles, Companion Card to share your priority service benefits with a friend, early check-in/late check-out, upgrade to best available room at check-in, as well as waived fees on check cashing and credit card advances.

    I think you need to talk to someone at Total Rewards. I find that hosts are not really up to speed on a lot of the program details.

    Your comps should not be deducted for the basics of a trip to Tahoe -- the hotel and airfare and limo should be covered by the promotion.

  3. #3
    You host books your trip-you can provide him/her with next details-name(s) of people travelling, date/time/airport you want to travel from/to (or you can give your host exact flights info and they usually try to accomodate it for you).
    This trip is also comes with 4 nights hotel accomodation...
    with your level of play just go to Ballys VP check in section and ask them who your host may be....with your level of play you will get one in NO Time...

  4. #4
    I did my Level III Diamond aspirations trip to Lake Tahoe in July. I called Lake Tahoe and they said that my home property needed to book it through Passport Travel. I got Lake Tahoe to get my room and limo transportation from Reno airport set up and had my local host book the flight with Passport Travel. He did not know how to do it so I gave him the number to Passport Travel and he called them and they walked him through the steps. I tried to book the flight directly with Passport Travel and they would not let me.

    I would try first to call Harrah's or Harvey's Lake Tahoe and ask to speak to a host on duty. Depending on the host, they may or not book everything for you. If they tell you that your home property needs to arrange it then--see below.

    Which property would you say that you have made the most points at - if Bally's, I would go to Bally's (or where you have the most points) and ask them to assign you a host. Make sure that you have the flight times and flight numbers so that your host can give that to Passport Travel. Anything over the $750 may come off of your reward credits.

    Be sure to have your host forward to you the email from Passport Travel with flight dates and times. Twice, they had wrong info on mine - First time, they had the wrong month and second time the most expensive flight (with the difference coming off of my comp points). Make sure you look over it very carefully.

    Good luck and enjoy Lake Tahoe. Have you been there before?

  5. #5
    Thank you for your replies.

    sassycat: everything seems to be in line with what you said.

    The Bally's host called me back today and asked for my departure and return dates (trip is to Harrah's Lake Tahoe, 1st time going there), and made sure my name and date of birth is correct; I told her the trip dates I wanted and also told her I preferred an early AM departure and return time from JFK or LaGuardia.

    The host said she would have to e-mail this info (I assume to Passport Travel or a higher-up), and that she would call and e-mail me when she gets a reply.

    I guess I'll wait until the flight has been confirmed before I worry about ground transportation and hotel rooms.

    Will give an update when I get a reply.

  6. #6
    If I were you, I would do a little searching at kayak.com or some other travel websites for prices. The one they sent back to me first was about $500-600 higher than other flights on same day. I was able to get flights for two to fit in that $750.

    Also, at Harrah's - make sure that you request a suite or at least an executive room - no deluxe room.

    We have a trip scheduled in December ourselves. You will love the limo transportation there. It is well stocked and be sure to have your camera out when you see the first view of the Lake. It is absolutely breathtaking!!! Been there over 50 times and still am in awe with that view.

  7. #7
    Also - don't know if you have used it yet - but upon reaching diamond- you get a $100 celebration dinner.

  8. #8
    Here is my advice I posted earlier regarding booking the Seven Stars trip, which is very similar to the Diamond Aspirations Level 3 trip, except you only get $750 in airfare (instead of $1200) and no food credit.

    The rest of the advice still applies. I have omitted the Seven Stars related stuff, so it's easier for you to use this advice.

    ---

    As a benefit of being a Diamond Level 3 member, you get an "annual trip" to any North American Caesar's-owned property, plus airfare.

    However, it is not easy or convenient to book this. Here are some tips on getting it done fastest:


    Hotel Portion

    You will probably run into a lot of frustration trying to book this, as hosts love to pass the buck to one another. Call your host, and unless you've been giving them a ton of action lately, they will probably tell you to just call the property you want to visit. Then you'll call your property you want to visit, and they will tell you that you should call your host! This is what computer scientists like me call "an endless loop"!

    In reality, it is best to secure the hotel directly with the property you're visiting. Your "home casino" host can also do it, but the process will be slower, they may balk at doing this in the first place, and you will typically get inferior rooms/treatment because your host does not know the other property well.

    If you call the casino you're visiting, they will be more excited to have you there, as you are a high Diamond member (i.e. a big gambler) and they want you there.

    Call the casino you're going to visit, ask for the host on duty, and explain that you want to book your Diamond aspirations trip. Do not let them pass the buck back to your home host. Tell them that you were told it's the destination property's responsibility to arrange this (which it is). Make sure you get an "Executive Casino Host", and not just some scrub.

    You will get 4 nights free.

    Also, try to ask for a suite. They will usually give this to Seven Stars members on their annual trips, unless you're visiting during a holiday or event where they are otherwise booked up. They might do it for Diamond Aspirations, as well.

    There are no blackout dates for the Aspirations Trip. Do not let them deny you the trip just because you want to go over New Year's, or whatever.

    Secure the room FIRST, before moving on to the flight stuff.



    Booking Your Flight

    Caesar's will cover your airfare, up to $375 per person, for two people. You do not get any kind of "change" from the $375, so if you book a cheap flight (like $200), you are just saving Caesar's money. You are only entitled to a coach/economy ticket on Caesar's dime. However, your host might be willing to give you permission to book first/business class or economy plus, provided it still stays under $600 per ticket.

    This process is a pain in the ass. DO NOT COUNT ON YOUR HOST TO DO EVERYTHING FOR YOU, as they will not likely do an efficient job with it, and you will get a terrible flight with all kinds of stops (or at a lousy time of day).

    1) Research your itinerary on the internet first. Go to kayak.com first, then to southwest.com because they aren't included in kayak's results. You are looking to keep each ticket under $375 (or $750 for one person). Try to find flights that are nonstop and most convenient for you without breaking over the $375 per person limit. Keep in mind that you can still book flights that cost more than $375, if you agree to pay the difference. If you barely go over, your host might choose to pay for the whole thing rather than force you to cover a difference under $50.

    2) Once you have found the flights you want, call Passport at 1-800-984-8004. Select "Total Rewards travel" on their menu. They are open Monday-Friday, 9:00am to 3:30pm Pacific time. Have them quickly verify that your flights can be booked through their system. They will almost always say yes. You will need your host to actually book it, though.

    3) E-mail your host your itinerary. The host needs to get involved at this point. Make sure to include the dates/times, flight numbers, airlines, and full passenger information, including first/middle/last names, dates of birth, and frequent flier #s. You should also state seating preferences, such as window/aisle/etc, as well as the fact that you don't want a non-reclining seat. Then call your host and ask him/her to e-mail it to Passport. If you don't want to call your host, you can also just wait for him/her to respond to their e-mail, if time isn't of the essence. However, don't wait too long, as airline prices can change (and move you past the $600 mark!)

    4) After your host agrees to e-mail passport, wait 24 hours. If you do not hear back from your host (with a forwarded e-mail from Passport, asking you to verify what they are going to book), call your host and ask if he/she has heard from Passport yet.

    5) Once you get the e-mail from Passport, go over it carefully and make sure everything is right. Make sure that you are assigned seats, and check where they are on the plane. If you don't like those seats, they can change them. If everything is fine, e-mail your host back and say that it's all fine.

    6) Within another 24 hours, you should get a confirmation that it's all booked. Call your host if you don't.

    Other useful flight-related info:

    Other useful info:

    - You can take your round trip through different airports. For example, if you want to fly to Atlantic City, but want to take your own little trip after that to Boston, you can do that without returning to Atlantic City for the flight home. Just find a flight that goes from your home airport to Atlantic City, and a return flight that goes from Boston back to your home. Provided the whole thing stays under $375 each, Passport Travel will not object, and will approve this itinerary. They also don't care what dates you fly (as long as your hotel stay falls somewhere in between).

    - If you want to take additional people, you have to pay. However, Passport will book the whole thing and make sure you get seats together (at your request).

    - The 30-day advance notice that they warn you about is BS. You can plan your annual trip much closer than 30 days. However, you should do it at least a few weeks in advance in order to keep the airfares under $375.



    Other Important General Info

    You already earned this trip. You are not required to play. Just relax and make a non-gambling vacation out of it, if you want. Since you will not be at your "home" property, this won't even affect your regular host.

    You will get a limo to and from the airport. This is free. They will NOT pay for any portion of a rental car, though. You need to call the property you're visiting to arrange the limo.

    Looking for a place to go? Not all Caesar's destinations are created equal! Check out this page: http://www.sevenstarsinsider.com/ ... Go down the left bar and click on the hotels that interest you, and you will get a great description of each property, aimed at Seven Stars members who are considering taking a trip there. Personally, I would recommend destinations with something to do, or ones that are close to other places you want to visit anyway. For example, last year I took my trip to Atlantic City, and then moved on to do a New York/New England trip, flying back from Boston. Don't waste this trip on some garbage like Kansas City (unless you have family there).

    If you hate traveling, don't waste this trip! You can use this for a free flight, even if you don't use the hotel part at all. Let's say you want to visit your mother in New York. Book your annual trip to Atlantic City, go through the above steps to book the flight, except make the filght in and out of JFK (this is allowed). Then after the flight is booked, call Atlantic City a few days before the trip and tell them you can't make it, and to give up your room to someone else. You can still take the flight, as that will already be booked and paid for!
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  9. #9
    Just an update...

    Host booked flight through "Passport Total Redemptions" via e-mail and gave me a 6 letter confirmation and a copy of the flight info. Flight came out to be $758, and I asked the remaining $8 to be charged to my Reward Credits.

    I then asked her if I should call Harrah's Lake Tahoe and talk to a host there to book the hotel and limo. My host said no, she would do it.

    Two days later, she gave me confirmation numbers for the room at Harrah's (5 digits), and limo service (two confirmation numbers of 5 digits each). She also forwarded my phone number to the limo company.

    Not exactly the process Druff and sassycat outlined exactly, but I hope everything goes smoothly.

    WSOPc ring one time?

    Thank you again for your replies.

  10. #10
    Good for you. Glad you got it taken care of.

    The main reason that I called Lake Tahoe myself to book the room and limo is because I also have a host there and they tend to give me a better room.

    The rooms at Harrah's are deluxe(standard), executive, and suites. The standard is really basic - no frig, kind of small and older with so-so view. The executive is much nicer with a bay type window, bar area, frig, and two baths.

    Make sure that you request an executive or suite. When you get to Harrah's, there may be a hospitality host that greets you or if not - go to the VIP check-in (not the front desk) and ask for an upgrade to a suite. They are usually pretty slow in December so they will probably do it.

    Check out Friday's Steak and Seafood for dinner. Beautiful views!!!! Their cold smoked ribeye is delish!!

  11. #11
    Another update...

    Flight from JFK to LAX, then to RNO was smooth and timely. Resisted the urge to gamble inside the Reno-Tahoe Airport.

    Limo driver (Harrah's owned limo company) was waiting with a name placard, and we shook hands and hit the road to South Lake Tahoe. Weather was fantastic (75 degrees and sunny).

    The hour drive was scenic and pleasant. Took plenty of video and drank lots of "water".

    Limo driver took my bags into Harrah's Lake Tahoe VIP check-in. I stuck $40 is his hand and he was on his way back to the airport.

    Checked into a jacuzzi suite for 4 nights, played a little video poker, lost a little bit, and currently watching the baseball World Series.

    A pleasant trip so far, will update later.

  12. #12
    Thanks for the update. Enjoy!

  13. #13
    Originally Posted by nerakil View Post
    Another update...

    Flight from JFK to LAX, then to RNO was smooth and timely. Resisted the urge to gamble inside the Reno-Tahoe Airport.

    Limo driver (Harrah's owned limo company) was waiting with a name placard, and we shook hands and hit the road to South Lake Tahoe. Weather was fantastic (75 degrees and sunny).

    The hour drive was scenic and pleasant. Took plenty of video and drank lots of "water".

    Limo driver took my bags into Harrah's Lake Tahoe VIP check-in. I stuck $40 is his hand and he was on his way back to the airport.

    Checked into a jacuzzi suite for 4 nights, played a little video poker, lost a little bit, and currently watching the baseball World Series.

    A pleasant trip so far, will update later.
    Glad things are going well.

    Serious question, though:

    What are you expected to tip the limo drivers?

    $40 sounds excessive.

    I realize that the ride is fairly long to Lake Tahoe from Reno (an hour, up winding roads), but that still sounds like a lot.

    I will be taking a Harrah's limo in another city in December, so I am curious about this.
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  14. #14
    In Vegas I tip $20 for a limo ride from the airport to the Strip when there is only me with hand carried bags. For two passengers with several bags of luggage $40 is OK. It really depends on the number of bags.

  15. #15
    Originally Posted by nerakil View Post
    Just an update...

    Host booked flight through "Passport Total Redemptions" via e-mail and gave me a 6 letter confirmation and a copy of the flight info. Flight came out to be $758, and I asked the remaining $8 to be charged to my Reward Credits.

    I then asked her if I should call Harrah's Lake Tahoe and talk to a host there to book the hotel and limo. My host said no, she would do it.

    Two days later, she gave me confirmation numbers for the room at Harrah's (5 digits), and limo service (two confirmation numbers of 5 digits each). She also forwarded my phone number to the limo company.

    Not exactly the process Druff and sassycat outlined exactly, but I hope everything goes smoothly.

    WSOPc ring one time?

    Thank you again for your replies.
    BTW your host probably would have comped off that $8 if asked.

    Just curious... did you find the flight, or did Passport find it?

    And was the $758 just for you, or for two people?

    I ran it on kayak.com for a random date in early December, and I see the round trip is like $526 per person.
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  16. #16
    Originally Posted by Alan Mendelson View Post
    In Vegas I tip $20 for a limo ride from the airport to the Strip when there is only me with hand carried bags. For two passengers with several bags of luggage $40 is OK. It really depends on the number of bags.
    Really? $40 sounds really excessive. I will be traveling with a good deal of luggage, but I would think $20 would be plenty. I mean, isn't the guy just loading it in and out of the car? How tough is that?
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  17. #17
    Rob Singer, how much should I tip the limo driver?
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

  18. #18
    Originally Posted by Dan Druff View Post
    BTW your host probably would have comped off that $8 if asked.

    Just curious... did you find the flight, or did Passport find it?

    And was the $758 just for you, or for two people?

    I ran it on kayak.com for a random date in early December, and I see the round trip is like $526 per person.
    Todd,

    Passport found the flight (for one person). I looked up the flight on Kayak right after my host e-mailed me and the $758 quoted was spot on.

    $40 tip was probably excessive for one person carrying one piece of luggage and a jacket, but oh well, it was my first limo ride in my life. Worth it I guess. On the way back to the airport perhaps I'll tip less.

  19. #19
    What a difference a day makes.



    View from my room Sunday 6PM PST (70 and sunny)



    Monday 8AM PST (40 and snowing)

    At least I hit this to start the trip off...



    9/5 Ultimate X DDB. Not a great game, but I only had $300 in the machine.



    More updates later.
    Last edited by nerakil; 10-28-2013 at 09:37 AM.

  20. #20
    Wow great pics! Did you take that first one knowing it would snow today?

    Regarding your flight, you actually (unintentionally) accomplished what one of my Caesars-hating
    buddies loves to do -- cost them the most! They ended up footing the entire $750, and they don't get any discount (or if they do, it's very small).

    But for future reference, especially if you want to take a 2nd person, never let Passport pick anything. Always go to kayak first, pick the flight, times, and price you want, and tell Passport to book it. For example, the flight I picked had other "versions", with stops, higher prices, 7am departure times (yuck), etc.

    Glad it worked fine for you, but for best results look up the flight in advance in the future.
    Check out my poker forum, and weekly internet radio show at http://pokerfraudalert.com

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