American Express Membership Rewards - FHR Rates - Paris

Hi everyone,
I haven't had too much experience with booking through Amex FHR (except to take advantage of the Wynn/Encore promotion). I've been looking at rates for the Paris hotels (specifically le George and le Meurice). The FHR rate I was quoted for le Meurice was 525 euros a night during that time. The le Meurice site, for the same amenities, was a bit cheaper online than through Amex. Is this usually the case? Any reason why the FHR rate is higher?

I'd be also curious to hear if people received upgrades recently for these two properties.

Thanks!

Once in a blue moon you might get a lower rate through FHR, but the CTS usually will quote you a refundable rate with the most flexibility...which means the rate will be higher. If you are certain you're going during the dates of travel, sometimes they can quote you an advance purchase rate that may be lower. Also, CTS can also check rates w/o the FHR amenities. I reserved a hotel in London and the lowest rate they gave me did not include FHR amenities. Not sure if you can request for those at check-in when you "Flash" your centurion card... can always try to renegotiate at check-in.

From what I've seen, properties price their FHR as:
* being equal to the Best <refundable> Available Rate (BAR);
* being a % off of BAR (Skylofts, for example, is 15% off BAR);
* being a flat/pre-determined amount regardless of what the BAR is.

Given that, hotels may be offering promotions with rates that are significantly different than their BAR rates, thus making the FHR rate less attractive for a given evening.

mad07,

Be an educated consumer. Do shop around and get the best deal that is good for you. FHR rates can be cheaper then BAR or sometimes more expensive. do calculate the cost of free breakfast and a special amenity when comparing rates.

FHR rates are usually agreed at the start of the year. If a hotel starts discounting later due to weak economic activity, FHR rates will be higher. FHR works best in years when rates hold.

FHR rates are usually agreed at the start of the year. If a hotel starts discounting later due to weak economic activity, FHR rates will be higher. FHR works best in years when rates hold.

Sometime a hotel will add a promotion like a 3rd night free to make FHR rate competitive with discounted rates. Just booked Park Hyatt property with 3rd night free and the total rate quoted was exactly as the lowest discounted rate using AAA, however, now I have a breakfast included plus $85 food credit.