Originally Posted by
HKG_Flyer1
When I reached the CTS rep and gave her the dates of my stay, she quoted me a minimum rate of $650 and started up from there. When I told her that I was presently looking at the hotel's own website and that they were showing rooms for $400, she paused for a couple of seconds, then said "oh yes, way down in the bottom of my screen, I do see they have a few other rooms at $400, but they aren't in the Centurion room inventory and don't come with the amenities."
If there is no FHR inventory in the cheaper rooms, you can't get those rates. If there is inventory, then you get the good rate plus the FHR benefits. It's not a scam. It's just an availability thing. If you get high prices and you don't think it is worth it, then book on the hotel website. I've done this many times at Mandarin Oriental hotels. Usually FHR gives me a good deal, plus you get the one night free at all MO hotels each year. But on occasion, the price doesn't work out and the MO website has a good deal and I book direct with them.