Originally Posted by
jimmychang
Ok. This is what I figured out.
Let's say as a diamond, I spend at least $2500 a year at Hyatt worldwide ( 25 nights) .
With a 5% annual discount rate, 5% - in 1 year; 10.25% - in 2 years; 15.76%- in 3 years
I should buy at least $2500 *3 = $7500 of this and save (NPV):
1st year $500- 2500*5%= $375
2nd year $500-$2500*10.25% = $244
3rd year $500-$2500*15.76%=$106
Total: $850
Good calculation - you must be in finance.
Originally Posted by
LilZeppelin
These gift certificates loos like a good investment, but there is a risk of loss, and you cannot register them like say Starbucks cards and get a refund if lost or stolen.
I agree which is why I'm considering buying perhaps about $2000 worth only. And we also need to keep in mind that we don't know what kind of promotions that Hyatt has coming down the line - like those tied to payment via a particular credit card (AMEX or MC like former FFNs) or bonus points for buying gift cards (like they did a few years ago).
Originally Posted by
srodr
It seems like everyone here is a Costco member. I am not. Is there any way to get a free short term membership (like BJ's is offering right now)?
This is probably the biggest hurdle for me since buying a Costco membership is $50 which eats up the savings on $250 of certs.
Also, there is the hassle factor in using these paper certs. I used to use some years ago and it usually created mass confusion at checkout (this was full service properties). I'm willing to bet that HP & SS properties won't have a clue how to work with these. So using these certs can cause checkout to take a lot longer.
OK - I think I've just talked myself out of taking advantage of these certs
