Originally Posted by
bgriff
As far as I've been able to see, LHRC is a pale imitator of FHR in terms of the quantity and diversity of properties participating. I haven't been very impressed with LHRC, especially outside the US. Though I wouldn't attribute much cash value to either of them because at most hotels you can get many of the same features by booking through a Virtuoso travel agent, which doesn't require any special membership. (There are some specific nuances that I guess you could attribute value to though -- for example FHR 4pm late checkout is guaranteed, whereas through Virtuoso it's usually subject to availability.)
I did miss that 4pm checkout is not guaranteed with LHRC, only when available. I guess that is something. Do you have examples of hotels that are only in the FHR? I assume it must be pretty big if it worth the $550 AF to someone.
Also, in terms of protections, it depends what you're talking about. CSR has somewhat better travel insurance features, but Amex Plat has better protections on the purchase of merchandise (such as getting your money back if a purchase is lost or damaged within 90 days of purchase -- and I can say from personal experience, they actually do pay out on it and fairly easily so as long as you don't abuse it. It's not like you have to dedicate your whole life to claiming the benefits as you might with some similar types of offers).
Is anyone actually using a card for loss and damage protection within 90 days? And BTW, the CSR has that same coverage, but for 120 days.