American Express Membership Rewards - Question/Confusion re Centurion Mandarin Oriental Program

Just tried to book two nights (one night free) at the MO in Washington, DC. I've only done this once back when NY was in the program. Back then, I got the free night along with all of the other FHR amenities like Continental Bkfst, late checkout and a special amenity of $50 towards lunch.

The AMEX agent told me thqt FHR and the Centurion program are two separate programs. With the Centurion, I get the free night and no other amenities except late checkout. He said if I want free breakfast, I have to book the much more expensive FHR rate.

Has anyone else had this experience? I'm astounded.

He's full of sh**. They book under two different rate codes, I think, but the Centurion rate includes all FHR benefits if the rate is available. You get the b'fast, late checkout, etc.

Got the confirmation from AMEX and it did not even list the room type I had arranged to be upgraded to!

I called the hotel to confirm that we are registered for an Executive City View Suite. When I asked what amenities were included, the listed all of the FHR amenities.

Scary, isn't it? You really have to know what you're doing in this business.

Hi all,

stevens397,
As pod said, I think Centurion program includes all FHR benefits.
So FHR and Centurion programs must be the same rates.

I think that a BIG difference between FHR and Centurion programs are 1 night free and upgrade to next room category when time of booking.

And, there is a blind spot in this program.

We thinking that 1 night free is only once per year.
However, we can earn one more free night at same property if you book with your Supplementary Centurion card name if you　issued the Supplementary Centurion card.:)

thanks,
masahiro

Hi all,

And, there is a blind spot in this program.

We thinking that 1 night free is only once per year.
However, we can earn one more free night at same property if you book with your Supplementary Centurion card name if you　issued the Supplementary Centurion card.:)

thanks,
masahiro

That doesn't necessarily work. The program is limited to the primary Centurion cardholder only, at least as of the last I've heard. You can certainly try to use supplementary cards but be prepared in case they catch onto you :)

Can we get some clarification on this? I thought the $1500 you spend on the extra card gets the additional card holder the full benefits as a primary card holder.

That doesn't necessarily work. The program is limited to the primary Centurion cardholder only, at least as of the last I've heard. You can certainly try to use supplementary cards but be prepared in case they catch onto you :)

brosnan6,

No, Centurion program is NOT limited to the primary Centurion cardholder only.

Centurion Service Rep. told me that Centurion programs and benefits are for primary and Supplementary Centurion holders.
Actually, we got Priority Pass, all FFPs/FSPs programs or all Centurion benefits.:)
If you booking at MO properties with Supplementary Centurion cardholder's name, we can get one more free night.

So... 1 night free for primary Centurion holder and 1 night free for Supplementary Centurion holder.

LynchMob,

I think that the Supplementary Centurion card holder get the full benefits as a Primary Centurion cardholder.

You sure about that? Last time I used the MO benefit (Dec 2005) and they said it was for primary only. I'll dig up one of the benefit books if I still have them around and confirm for sure; but I'm mostly positive it's primary only, unelss it changed i the past year.