Originally Posted by
nexusCFX
The guaranteed 4PM checkout is extremely underrated. None of the other consortium programs have this, Hilton status doesn't provide it, and there is no status program at all for many nice hotels in the world including chains like FS. It's also contractually obligated with real enforcement mechanics from AMEX's side. Hyatt won't go to bat for you anymore if a property decides they don't want to honor Globalist late checkout; there's a whole thread about it.
Agreed. 4:00 PM checkout is great, and while some would disagree, I don't mind booking one night at an FHR property, and switching to another hotel to use certificates or other hotel credits.
Many also may not realize that FHR also provides early checkin when available.
There have been times where I'll show up at 12:00 PM and they'll already have a room ready. A one-night stay means I'm probably not going to unpack every item. By the time 4:00 PM rolls around, I would've had the room for 20 hours, and can checkout, knowing that the room at my next hotel is fully available.
Last year, I used Amex credits on 2 Platinum cards to book an FHR and THC stay back to back. Got great rates on both properties, checked out of my FHR hotel at 3:00 after having a late lunch, checked in immediately to the TLC hotel and hed a great dinner, earned points on both....Can't complain!