Originally Posted by
WasKnown
Very reasonable. Just a heads up, you can use the Amex hotel credit on Hotel Collection properties too. These are more reasonably priced but require a stay of 2 nights. Also, they only provide an upgrade and property credit (no late check-out, early check-in, breakfast, etc) and are strictly not elite qualifying. In addition to what someone else said about cheap Vegas FHR properties, there are many cheap FHR properties internationally as well.
I would not factor in the $100+ property credits into any AF calculations because you can get the same credits for free through preferred agent programs like Virtuoso, Four Season Preferred Partner, Rosewood Elite, Marriott STARS, Hyatt Prive, etc. Also, make sure the FHR rate is the same as the preferred agent rate (non member BAR). I would never book with FHR at a higher price.
There are several properties on FHR that are more flexible/give property credit when the preferred agent program does not. I don’t want to litigate every single one but some Hyatt Prive requires two nights and some Marriott Luminous rates do not give credit when FHR does and only requires one night.
Of course YMMV. And there has to be some value for the easier convenience booking through FHR as opposed to a partner program. Once again, YMMV. I like sticking with FHR for those reasons