I had a one night stay at The Seabird Resort in Oceanside, CA. The lowest rate on the Hyatt site was $289+. I got this rate thru the FHR site. My additional benefit was a one level upgrade, breakfast for 2 at $40 each, and a $125 property experience credit that I could use for food. I went thru the effort to get my Hyatt number associated with the stay. The AMEX agent called the property to get this done. I was then able to see the booking on my Hyatt app. A day before the stay, I saw the upgrade from a city view room to an ocean view room. On arrival, I asked if a suite was available based on my globalist status. We had a bit of a dance but the very gracious agent went to the manager and got approval. We were then moved to an ocean view suite. There was no discussion of the resort fee and I was not charged it. I used the $125 credit at the Valle restaurant at the sister property. Be aware that this restaurant only offers 4 course menus at $95++; there is a 20% tip that is added.

My stay posted today. I got the stay credit and the credit for a brand I didn't already have. I got very few points. I can't quite figure out their calculation. I didn't get any points for the room itself; I think the credit was for the food.

My husband also has a plat AMEX with the $200 credit. We liked the hotel enough that we will return in December. We again have the $289+ rate though there is a $229 nonrefundable rate on the Hyatt site.