American Express Membership Rewards - FHR worse in 2006

I called into PTS this evening to enquire about rates at some FHR properties. The news was not good. Not withstanding seasonal variations, it looks like the following negative changes have taken place:

Venetian (Las Vegas): Formerly a fixed rate of about $170-200 per night, it's now a fixed discount off the hotel's fluctuating rate. This is a real bummer, as it used to be a GREAT way to get a nice Vegas hotel room even at the last minute for a reasonable price.

Phoenician (Phoenix): Still a fixed rate, but up about $100 for the season as compared to last year. That eats up the $100 food/beverage credit. I'm hoping that the summer rates remain around $200 for the cheapest rooms...we'll see.

I'm afraid that this may be indicative of similar changes having taken place throughout the FHR program. FHR is awesome because you get good bennies for a price that's often less than the hotel's best rate. It would be a real shame if this changed.

I guess the rebounding US hotel market may have something to do with this. Anyone else have insights?

Each year the cost of doing business goes up. Surprise, surprise, the FHR amenities have to reflect this fact, as do all of the other AMEX amenities. Fact of life.

Each year the cost of doing business goes up. Surprise, surprise, the FHR amenities have to reflect this fact, as do all of the other AMEX amenities. Fact of life.

The amenities themselves have remained the same. ^

The prices, however, have not. My point is that, at least with the two hotels I mentioned, the prices have increased to the point where they're not necessarily worth the benefits.

Certainly, the price increase at the Venetian is way more than "the cost of doing business."

I was lookign forward to making a reservation for President's day weekend.

Ugh looks like thats out of the running now

I saw there are two new hotels joining the FHR in Vegas

Wynn: extra amenity is lunch for two. Does any body know which restaurant is included?

Skyloft @ MGM: my sister said they are very cool, but super expensive. Does anyone know what is the FHR rate for them? I don't want to pay 800$ per night if I can get by for less and 100$ spa credit :D .

I was checking rates for Dublin in Jan, PTS quoted me at least 30%-50% more that was available online through four seasons web site. A free lunch for two does not justify paying 30% - 50% more. Late check out in Dublin does not interest me as flights back to US are no later than 12.00PM.
Also the comp upgarde was not much use as PTS only had the better rooms available. I think the FHR program is going the same way as the International 2 for 1 program - useless.

PTS should have the most basic room available in their system for sale and then I can hope for the upgrade, but dont try and sell me the premium rooms with hardly no chance for the upgarde to the "SUPER ROOMS"
Kasop

Phoenician (Phoenix): Still a fixed rate, but up about $100 for the season as compared to last year. That eats up the $100 food/beverage credit. I'm hoping that the summer rates remain around $200 for the cheapest rooms...we'll see.


You can check the FHR rate at Starwood Hotels using SET/Coprorate account #267372 on the spg website. I checked a random summer date - best available rate was $295, my corporate rate was $265, and the FHR rate was $230 with all the perks.

You can check the FHR rate at Starwood Hotels using SET/Coprorate account #267372 on the spg website. I checked a random summer date - best available rate was $295, my corporate rate was $265, and the FHR rate was $230 with all the perks.

Wonderful!

I look at it as dinner at Mary Elaine's for $100 less with a beautiful room and resort amenities thrown in for $130. :D

Thanks for the tip, BTW.

:D I saw there are two new hotels joining the FHR in Vegas

Wynn: extra amenity is lunch for two. Does any body know which restaurant is included?

Skyloft @ MGM: my sister said they are very cool, but super expensive. Does anyone know what is the FHR rate for them? I don't want to pay 800$ per night if I can get by for less and 100$ spa credit :D .

They have both 1- and 2-bedrooms available. I'm not sure about the 1-bedrooms, but the 2-bedrooms go for $2800 a night.

That's a steal compared to a room in the Mansion at MGM Grand for $5000/night through Platinum Villas. :D