Hello all. I'm a longtime lurker but a first-time poster, usually because everything I've wanted to know has already been discussed in existing threads. That being said, I have a question I haven't been able to find a clear answer to.

For me, the VISA Signature and AMEX FHR deals are a great incentive to book a hotel through their websites/concierges. The benefit I'm "grappling" with is complimentary continental breakfast.

I'm a big fan of getting a free breakfast, especially at hotels, but most continental breakfasts, aside from the yogurt, are a little light on protein. The full buffets are usually more my speed, but generally, this is not covered by the complimentary continental deal, and you have to pay for it yourself. But in doing this, you waste the value of your continental breakfast deal.

In another thread, a user posted about his experience at the ARIA in Las Vegas, and indicated that he was able to convert his continental breakfast "voucher" into a credit he was able to put toward a full buffet breakfast (which is always only like $5 more).

That being said, is this typical? Has anyone else been able to put the value of their free continental breakfast towards a buffet with some meatier options?

-K