Originally Posted by
flyingeph12
Does anyone have any experience with redeeming AY+ points for hotel vouchers? I did a search and found nothing.
I'm looking at the Finnair Shop website, and for example, a voucher for a serenity room at the St. George can be purchased for 1,000 points + 151€. Similarly, a voucher for a deluxe room at the Hotel Kamp is 1,000 points + 156€. A comfort room at the Lilla Roberts is 1,000 points + 121€. These seem like they could potentially be good deals, depending on dates and season.
1. Are there any restrictions besides the few blackout dates listed on the website (3-5 Dec)?
2. Can the voucher be used as long as any room in the applicable category is available, or are there other restrictions?
3. Is it right to assume that to redeem the voucher you have to call the hotel?
4. Is it also correct to assume that any benefits (through Marriott or Hyatt) are not applicable when using these vouchers?
Thanks in advance.
To answer some of my own questions:
I decided to go with the Hotel St. George for 1,000 points + 151,53€ per night, which includes breakfast. As a point of comparison, the advance purchase rate, including breakfast, for my stay was 255€ per night—so not bad!
I had to call the hotel to make the reservation, and they asked for the voucher number on the phone (but no credit card needed). The reservation agent put my Marriott number in the reservation but said that I might not receive any Marriott benefits since it's a Finnair booking (makes sense).
I had no issues with availability on the dates I wanted (during the week, no weekends). The voucher does, however, state: "Availability may be limited depending on the reservation situation, as there are a limited number of rooms at award night prices. This award voucher is valid for six months from the date of issue."