American Express Membership Rewards - First FHR booking: impressed so far

I spent $399.00 Canadian for my new Amex Platinum, mostly just to get the FHR benefits.

This morning I made my first reservation, three nights in Las Vegas at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay.

The reservation was $200.00 less for the 3 nights than booking it on the hotel's website. Plus there is a free $100.00 spa credit. With the free breakfasts this card has paid for itself on the first use.

So far I am pretty impressed with this card.

I've had it for years myself ... overall I think the card definitely has its uses, especially if you like to travel. Like you pointed out - with a stay or two at nice hotels with FHR amenities it'll pretty much cover your annual fees.

The only thing that drives me nuts with it is Membership Rewards program in Canada - believe it or not, it is NOT the same one as it is in the USA (less choices as far as travel partners go)

As well, another unpleasant surprise - if you've heard about the "First Collection" (a special tier of Membership Rewards for Platinum/Centurion card members), it does not seem to be available to Canadian Platinum cardholders. In short, our membership rewards travel choices are much more limited then they are for our American counterparts. :)

I spent $399.00 Canadian for my new Amex Platinum, mostly just to get the FHR benefits.

This morning I made my first reservation, three nights in Las Vegas at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay.

The reservation was $200.00 less for the 3 nights than booking it on the hotel's website. Plus there is a free $100.00 spa credit. With the free breakfasts this card has paid for itself on the first use.

So far I am pretty impressed with this card.

FHR program is easily one of the easiest ways to make this card pay for itself. I think the Companion Airfare program is too hard, but if you can get it to work for you, you can save considerable money there as well. I have never used it successfully. I really enjoythe FHR program, however.

To be quite honest, if you do not travel, I really do not see the purpose of carrying an AMEX card of any variety.

I spent $399.00 Canadian for my new Amex Platinum, mostly just to get the FHR benefits.

This morning I made my first reservation, three nights in Las Vegas at The Hotel at Mandalay Bay.

The reservation was $200.00 less for the 3 nights than booking it on the hotel's website. Plus there is a free $100.00 spa credit. With the free breakfasts this card has paid for itself on the first use.

So far I am pretty impressed with this card.

It's great to hear that! I plan to make my first FHR booking in the coming weeks (just for a short trip; I've used Amex PTS recently to book a slew of other things and had no complaints whatsoever), and look forward to taking advantage of what is offered. If you've never stayed at TheHotel you're in for a real treat, it's a beautiful property; by far my favorite in Vegas (though to be fair I still have yet to check out the SkyLofts or Tower Suites at Wynn). Regardless, though, it's the closest thing you'll find to a W or similar chic hotel in Vegas. Be sure to let us know how it goes when you arrive!

OK just to clarify this post, I made a mistake, the cost for 3 nights is $100.00 below the website price not $200.00 below, it is still a big saving considering the amenity and the breakfasts.

OK just to clarify this post, I made a mistake, the cost for 3 nights is $100.00 below the website price not $200.00 below, it is still a big saving considering the amenity and the breakfasts.

Actually it sounds like a great deal. What price point did you enter in for the rooms. What level of room, pre upgrade.

What level of room, pre upgrade.

I just chose the cheapest available room type, which is a suite.