Originally Posted by
HKG_Flyer1
...!?! The only Centurion "amenities" are a space available room upgrade upon checkin, daily continental breakfast for two, late checkout, and a $100 spa services credit.
Gee.... let's see, something tells me that I could probably take the $750 (3 days @ $250/day plus substantial taxes & fees)... say another 20% (or $900 total and buy my own $100 spa service, pay 1/2 day late check out-fee if really unlucky (another $200), 3 days of continental breakfast (say $75 total) and I'm still left with $525 to give the front desk guy to find me a good room.
What a rip-off.
Actually, Centurion is supposed to get the upgrade at booking; platinums get it at check-in. And I'm not sure that the Park Hyatt is only going to charge $10/person for the breakfast buffet, but you never know. Otherwise, you're probably correct. The hotels program, much like everything else, is a matter of comparison shopping. If you just assume that they are giving you the best rate PLUS all the benefits then shame on you. Fortunately in this case you did your homework and realized that it isn't the right choice.
I've had plenty of situations where the negotiated rates are better than what is available publicly, and a few that were not. I book the ones via the Card when it makes sense and don't when it doesn't. Sounds like you will, too.
Of course, you could save $2,500 that you're spending on the annual fee and use that to just buy bigger rooms or whatever other benefits you are actually using from the card, so maybe that is a rip-off as well, no?