Las Vegas Hotels - FHR experience [2010 -2014]
Jan 10, 2011, 11:24 pm
#31
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP, Hhonors Gold, National Executive, Identity Gold, MLife Gold
Posts: 2,687
Even worse, the casino host said, "Why did you book through American Express, if you even called us and said you like to gamble, we would have beaten their rate without any verification." For the record, I am not a big time gambler. Just call a casino host and say you gamble at a nearby casino.
What property was this at?
Jan 11, 2011, 12:55 am
#32
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: NYC
Programs: SPG Plat, Emerald Exec., PC Plat, AA, CO, DL, UBS Charter Card, Palladium Card, Amex Plat
Posts: 1,694
Sure. On arrival we proceeded to the VIP check in, since we had arranged a penthouse suite through FHR and were told we were eligible to use it. We went in and were told rudely (yes, I know this is subjective) that we should sit down and wait until she had worked out some tickets for another couple. While we waited somebody came in and she started helping them ignoring that we had arrived first. At this point I headed out to the main check in area as it was empty. We were not told there was another check in desk we could have used where the VIP elevators are. When I asked about a fountain room I was told it wasn't possible even though we were there during a slow time of year and the check in clerk didn't even check to see if it was possible. No upgrade was offered (not that I'd expected one but a fountain view room would have been appreciated). We were not told about the vip elevators that would save us a walk through the jam packed casino. A phone message was left for us asking if everything was ok, which they do for everybody, and the tone of voice was clearly uninterested and the message rushed.
Apparently they no longer serve alcohol in the vip areas as before. There was a dingy bottle of merlot but that was it, and I was told later they did have a few bottles locked away of average quality if people specifically asked for them. The beverages/food available were sparse and actually less inviting than what my parents who were staying at Hotel 32 in the Monte Carlo were offered. Also, the agent had told them it was my wife's bday and a very stingy small box of chocolates was left although for my parents who were on their anniversary were given nice assortment of chocolate strawberries and some bubbly.
We were given exactly the number of buffet tickets, line pass and Olive's/Spa voucher as advertised.
I will confess that we spoke to a manager the day before we left about what we thought was a below par reception from a 5 star hotel for guests in a top line room and were given a nice credit. But it wasn't about the money.
Perhaps I've become spoiled at staying in smaller hotels around the world which do seem to have a personal touch and actually care about the customers, and shouldn't have expected anything but the bare minimum from Bellagio. I did find it interesting that my father in law who was staying there was given an upgrade and extra restaurant coupons when he checked in earlier the day so I'm sure he came away with a better feel for the hotel.
The room was nice enough except for the dirty q tip on the floor from a previous guest, the attitude was pretty clearly uninterested and I've read reports that other amex plats have been told they were essentially second class citizens at Bellagio, my experience would seem to confirm this.
Apparently they no longer serve alcohol in the vip areas as before. There was a dingy bottle of merlot but that was it, and I was told later they did have a few bottles locked away of average quality if people specifically asked for them. The beverages/food available were sparse and actually less inviting than what my parents who were staying at Hotel 32 in the Monte Carlo were offered. Also, the agent had told them it was my wife's bday and a very stingy small box of chocolates was left although for my parents who were on their anniversary were given nice assortment of chocolate strawberries and some bubbly.
We were given exactly the number of buffet tickets, line pass and Olive's/Spa voucher as advertised.
I will confess that we spoke to a manager the day before we left about what we thought was a below par reception from a 5 star hotel for guests in a top line room and were given a nice credit. But it wasn't about the money.
Perhaps I've become spoiled at staying in smaller hotels around the world which do seem to have a personal touch and actually care about the customers, and shouldn't have expected anything but the bare minimum from Bellagio. I did find it interesting that my father in law who was staying there was given an upgrade and extra restaurant coupons when he checked in earlier the day so I'm sure he came away with a better feel for the hotel.
The room was nice enough except for the dirty q tip on the floor from a previous guest, the attitude was pretty clearly uninterested and I've read reports that other amex plats have been told they were essentially second class citizens at Bellagio, my experience would seem to confirm this.
You booked a penthouse suite thru FHR but were asking for an "upgrade" to a "fountain room"? Sounds like a downgrade to me. What room type did you specifically pay for?
Last edited by mlad1101; Jan 11, 2011 at 1:03 am
Jan 11, 2011, 1:27 am
#33
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bellingham, WA
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Delta Gold, Alaska Air MVP Gold
Posts: 449
Even if you book a penthouse, a "fountain view" penthouse, is an upgrade! Trust me I've done it. Every time I've asked though I've been given one without problem.
Jan 11, 2011, 3:19 am
#34
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 563
One of the most touted benefits of FHR is free room upgrades if available. However, apparently this excludes upgrades from suites. It would have been classy if the Bellagio clerk at check in could have at least looked to see if a fountain view room was available during this slow period, since I asked, and given me the option to pay for the 'upgrade' if available. She couldn't be bothered.
My overall point is FHR Amex plat staying at Bellagio shouldn't expect anything more than the minimum required and, in our case, a bit of an attitude.
Jan 11, 2011, 8:09 am
#35
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP(.96MM), AMEX Platinum, United Premier Silver, Delta Gold, SPG Platinum 50, Hilton Gold VIP
Posts: 1,744
We paid for a penthouse suite.
One of the most touted benefits of FHR is free room upgrades if available. However, apparently this excludes upgrades from suites. It would have been classy if the Bellagio clerk at check in could have at least looked to see if a fountain view room was available during this slow period, since I asked, and given me the option to pay for the 'upgrade' if available. She couldn't be bothered.
My overall point is FHR Amex plat staying at Bellagio shouldn't expect anything more than the minimum required and, in our case, a bit of an attitude.
One of the most touted benefits of FHR is free room upgrades if available. However, apparently this excludes upgrades from suites. It would have been classy if the Bellagio clerk at check in could have at least looked to see if a fountain view room was available during this slow period, since I asked, and given me the option to pay for the 'upgrade' if available. She couldn't be bothered.
My overall point is FHR Amex plat staying at Bellagio shouldn't expect anything more than the minimum required and, in our case, a bit of an attitude.
Jan 11, 2011, 10:19 am
#37
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bellingham, WA
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Delta Gold, Alaska Air MVP Gold
Posts: 449
I've used the invited guest check-in for FHR reservations and never been told not to. Although I don't know if this is an actual benefit or if the invited guest employee was just polite and didn't say anything.
Jan 11, 2011, 10:25 am
#38
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: NJ/NYC
Programs: AA EXP/LT Plat, SPG Plat/LT Plat, HHonors Gold, Hyatt Plat, IHG Plat, MR Silver
Posts: 2,786
Jan 11, 2011, 10:30 am
#39
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bellingham, WA
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Delta Gold, Alaska Air MVP Gold
Posts: 449
I just stayed 2 nights at THE Hotel. Booked a V suite for $91 a night. I would very much recommend this place. The front desk staff was very pleasant and helpful. For $91 a night this place was a bargain
FHR benefits received:
- 4 pm checkout
- $40 per day for breakfast (actually got $80 the 2nd day because the front desk guy was nice and threw in 2 more $20 vouchers)
- $100 at spa
- Free Internet
- $18 a day resort fee waived
- Upgrade was not available, although a couple front desk employees said if a H suite became available I'd be eligible for it
Now I'm about to check-in at the Bellagio for 2 nights. Booked a penthouse for 2 nights ($323 + tax) a night.
I'd never stayed at THE Hotel before and thought it was a great value. I've stayed in almost every room type of the Bellagio before including a penthouse and really like it, but not sure it's as good of a value as THE Hotel. We shall see.
FHR benefits received:
- 4 pm checkout
- $40 per day for breakfast (actually got $80 the 2nd day because the front desk guy was nice and threw in 2 more $20 vouchers)
- $100 at spa
- Free Internet
- $18 a day resort fee waived
- Upgrade was not available, although a couple front desk employees said if a H suite became available I'd be eligible for it
Now I'm about to check-in at the Bellagio for 2 nights. Booked a penthouse for 2 nights ($323 + tax) a night.
I'd never stayed at THE Hotel before and thought it was a great value. I've stayed in almost every room type of the Bellagio before including a penthouse and really like it, but not sure it's as good of a value as THE Hotel. We shall see.
Jan 11, 2011, 12:57 pm
#40
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: PSM
Posts: 69,232
Jan 11, 2011, 4:23 pm
#41
Join Date: Jan 2009
Posts: 38
I suppose the line pass for the buffet is very useful, at times the regular line had at least 100 plus people waiting.
Jan 11, 2011, 8:08 pm
#42
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: SEA
Programs: AS MVP, Hhonors Gold, National Executive, Identity Gold, MLife Gold
Posts: 2,687
Does anyone know if this is standard for FHR reservations?
I know I shouldn't worry about a $20/night fee when I'm already getting a great price on the room, but the concept bugs me
Jan 12, 2011, 2:27 am
#43
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Bellingham, WA
Programs: AMEX Platinum, Delta Gold, Alaska Air MVP Gold
Posts: 449
Just to clarify, you don't need to be a high roller. If you're staying on a comp offer, you're allowed to use invited guest checkin. I'm a low-mid roller and have done this many times.
Does anyone know if this is standard for FHR reservations?
I know I shouldn't worry about a $20/night fee when I'm already getting a great price on the room, but the concept bugs me
Does anyone know if this is standard for FHR reservations?
I know I shouldn't worry about a $20/night fee when I'm already getting a great price on the room, but the concept bugs me
I booked the 1st night and my partner (an additional platinum card holder on my account) booked the 2nd night so we can get the $100 spa both days.
Both times the fees were waived and the explanation made it sound like it was an FHR benefit.
Jan 12, 2011, 4:54 am
#44
Join Date: Oct 2009
Posts: 563
Since we booked a penthouse suite we got a line pass. It also helped in getting good seats for the O show. As I mentioned in an earlier post, I'd give the VIP checkin desk, another benefit, a D -.
Jan 17, 2011, 1:41 am
#45
Join Date: Apr 2008
Posts: 5
I stayed last weekend at the Four Seasons using FHR. I got an $85 voucher for dinner at the Verandah restaurant, free breakfast (except tip) and I was upgraded to next category room. Verandah was closed for a private dinner and they let me choose going to Charlie Palmer steakhouse or room service. I used the voucher for room service and it covered everything including service charge. Overall great Four Seasons experience, very low key, very un-Vegas like, but you can slip right in and out of Mandalay Bay.