FlyingDoctorwu

Just got the new FHR benefits list today...
Listing noon check-in, though it's one of those if available things I think...

Nice new addition I think... With noon check-in and 4 PM checkout makes nice overnight getaways...

FDW

dw

I saw this "addition" as well, but I think it's really just more marketing than anything else. I'm not sure how noon check-in "if available" is that much different from the status quo as many hotels will let you check in early if your room is available.

yojimbo

I recently used FHR at theHotel in Las Vegas.

The noon check in was mentioned by the AMEX agent when I made the reservation. And my room was pre-assigned and ready when I did check in at noon.

joel67

I'm afraid I can't decipher the code. What kind of an AmEx card is FHR? Or is that some benefit program? Maybe we need a glossary.

Kagehitokiri

"if available" - doubt it adds anything at top properties, but at mid level properties, might help

some properties have had guaranteed noon checkin as amenity, for several years

usually "benefits" is used to refer to everything besides "amenity" which is usually a $ value item

Bucko

If you have the AmEx Platinum (and Centurion, I think) card, you have the ability to book hotels and resorts through American Express that are part of the Fine Hotels and Resorts Program. When booking one of these hotels, you are given add'l benefits when paying with any AmEx (doesn't have to be the card you reserved the stay with). Typical benefits include late checkout, free breakfast or spa credit, etc.

Depending on the property, rates can be very competitive and with the add'l benefits, a very good deal.

iol

I checked the FHR website but I dont find any differences between Centurion and Plt benefits, are there?

joel67

Thanks for the explanation. This is actually the one forum on FT where I don't feel particularly elite, being a mere Gold Card holder (since '77!). I actually did have a Platinum card back when they were as rare as the Centurion is today, but eventually realized that most of the benefits were simply not aligned with my own travel habits (like the wrong airline partners). Now that Platinum seems to be the new Gold, I'm starting to give it another look (although they still seem to have the wrong travel partners).

PlatDrew

I have a Platinum card... but when I did a Google search, there was a link to the electronic version of the 2012 Centurion FHR book (http://www.finehotelsresortsdigital..../2012?pg=5#pg3). I noticed that they have a 6th benefit that simply states "Additional Centurion Benefit" Anyone know what this benefit is?

iol

Check tris page http://www.finehotelsresortsdigital....158799000&pg=4

S.Bling

The noon check-in is really just a chance for a hotel to give something they would normally just waste (i.e. having a needlessly empty room just to "spite" you that it's not 1pm or 3pm or whenever their official check-in time has been set). Not a tangible benefit - especially if it's only "if available" which means they aren't required to give it to you unless they choose to.

Note that the 4pm checkout is also "if available".
I have been denied it (actually with Cent it's a 6pm checkout) in the past.

I have NEVER been denied an early check-in (without using a cent or plat or any other elite card) as long as I asked for it politely and if the hotel was not fully booked the night before (and guests hadn't checked out before).
I have even received a room key as early as 9 or 10am on more than one occasion, in various hotels and countries. = Ask nicely, and if the room is available you will likely get 12noon check-in: Platinum or no Platinum...

Centurion

Agree not much of perk at any high end hotel. Quite a few of the true Luxury hotels offered 24hr stays ie..check in at 9pm you get to check out at 9pm next day before the the economic crash. Even now one hotel still offers it as published perk. Please do not ask the name as I get way to much PR material.

beta1607

4PM checkout is guaranteed per the FHR website. If it was denied to you, you should have called AMEX.

superior2112

I used this option recently at the American Club in Kohler Wi. Also, we received an upgrade to the governor's suite plus a 4 PM check out! Love it.

mlad1101

The "if available" makes it not much of a benefit at all. If a hotel has the room available regardless of means of booking, I doubt they wouldn't accommodate the request.