While not a FHR stay, a "Hotel Collection" at a no-longer-participating property:
Hotel: Aria
Room: Booked King Strip View
Check in: August 24-27
Upgrade: To the next category, which was a 1-Bedroom Corner Tower Suite
Late Checkout: Only to 12:30PM (I checked out on a Saturday, so I get it, I'm sure they had to turn the room fast)
Breakfast Credit: None specifically
Property Credit: $100 total (see line above)
Comments:
Wow, was blown away, in a good way. I booked the room a few months ago when Aria was still part of the Hotel Collection. I read some reports about problems with properties that have dropped from Amex's Hotel/FHR Collections. Not here. I basically sat back at check in and let her tell me what was up--I didn't need to grovel/beg/negotiate anything. She basically said, "Thanks for booking us via Amex. You'll have a $100 on-property credit to use at most dining outlets. And you're entitled to a 1-category upgrade, since you already booked a strip view, the next category is a 1BR. I do have to verify this with my manager." She disappeared off to the side for a few minutes, came back and said "We're happy to give you that suite!". (Corner Tower Suite, mid-level floor, waaaaaay at the end of the hallway--which I guess is the operative part for a 'corner' suite
). She also said I was entitled to use the VIP lounge, adjacent to check-in and the casino. Lounge wasn't what I'd call remarkable, 3-4 different soft drink options, a nice coffee machine and any time I stopped by they had croissants and maybe 1-2 other baked goods. It was crowded, and in my 2 visits there, never had a seat open...But was certainly a nice complimentary perk!
Wanted a 2PM checkout, best they could do was Noon. I did further negotiate/press back and they did give me an extra half hour.
Oh, and my 'plan' worked to perfection. I'd booked the highest non-suite, hoping for a suite. At the time I booked, the delta between the Strip View and the standard king was maybe $20/night. Later on as I re-checked my reservation, the difference had grown, at times, to over $50/night.
Remarkable stay. The room was fabulous. Large, clean, fresh. Amazing bathroom, nice living room and separate work area. 1 full bath with separate shower, large oval tub and a toilet with bidet, plus another 1/2 bath off of the living room. Too bad it was just me! I wish they still participated, because it was an amazing value...I loved almost everything about it!