My new "friend" is coming down from NYC to Miami in September. We opted for the Mandarin Oriental. IMO it's significantly better than the Marriott or Hilton properties in the area, and more in-line with our plans for the weekend. When traveling alone, I will make it a point to exercise loyalty, but loyalty falls pretty far down the list on occasions like this.

I booked through the MO website a few days ago. On a whim, I looked up the lux properties in Miami at aa.rewardsnetwork.com this morning, and sure enough, the MO appeared. The rate was exactly the same as through MO, but I get 3000 "found miles" that otherwise would have been unattainable.

If only the miles were awarded on the final bill and not just the base room rate...

Anyway, don't forget this option is out there.

Sam