FHR rates competitive?
Jun 9, 2011, 6:35 pm
#31
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
I believe the words the poster actually used were, "Most often, they would match it and still give me FHR amenities"
That is a subtle, but important difference from your statement which seems to presume they absolutely will match it.
There have been many reports in this forum of rates being matched, particularly with Four Seasons properties, but there have also been reports of that not happening on occasion. It's not a given. Remember, the decision to match rests with the property, not Amex.
However, as the poster rightly implies, it's absolutely worth calling to ask.
Regards
That is a subtle, but important difference from your statement which seems to presume they absolutely will match it.
There have been many reports in this forum of rates being matched, particularly with Four Seasons properties, but there have also been reports of that not happening on occasion. It's not a given. Remember, the decision to match rests with the property, not Amex.
However, as the poster rightly implies, it's absolutely worth calling to ask.
Regards
Jun 9, 2011, 6:54 pm
#32
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Location: Calgary, Alberta
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I believe the words the poster actually used were, "Most often, they would match it and still give me FHR amenities"
That is a subtle, but important difference from your statement which seems to presume they absolutely will match it.
There have been many reports in this forum of rates being matched, particularly with Four Seasons properties, but there have also been reports of that not happening on occasion. It's not a given. Remember, the decision to match rests with the property, not Amex.
However, as the poster rightly implies, it's absolutely worth calling to ask.
Regards
That is a subtle, but important difference from your statement which seems to presume they absolutely will match it.
There have been many reports in this forum of rates being matched, particularly with Four Seasons properties, but there have also been reports of that not happening on occasion. It's not a given. Remember, the decision to match rests with the property, not Amex.
However, as the poster rightly implies, it's absolutely worth calling to ask.
Regards
No presumption of any frequency, or how often..
Jun 9, 2011, 8:48 pm
#33
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
So there are at least a couple viable possibilities:
1) My receiver is broken
2) Your transmitter is broken
Saying something such as, "It's good to know they'll match in some cases" would of course remove all ambiguity for anyone reading the post down the line (sometimes even a year or more down the line)
Regards
Jun 9, 2011, 8:55 pm
#34
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Actually, I "re-read" your post a couple times prior to replying and a couple times while actually composing the response. Yet I still drew the conclusion I did.
So there are at least a couple viable possibilities:
1) My receiver is broken
2) Your transmitter is broken
Saying something such as, "It's good to know they'll match in some cases" would of course remove all ambiguity for anyone reading the post down the line (sometimes even a year or more down the line)
Regards
So there are at least a couple viable possibilities:
1) My receiver is broken
2) Your transmitter is broken
Saying something such as, "It's good to know they'll match in some cases" would of course remove all ambiguity for anyone reading the post down the line (sometimes even a year or more down the line)
Regards
I think reading into a post and saying something is meant that isn't there sometimes happens..
Jun 9, 2011, 9:09 pm
#35
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: AUS
Programs: BAEC Gold, AA PPro, Hyatt Globalist, Amex Plat
Posts: 7,041
On that note, we can simply agree to disagree.
Enjoy your evening
Regards
Jun 9, 2011, 9:13 pm
#36
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Location: Calgary, Alberta
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Takes two to communicate.. and sometimes miscommunication happens.. with both sender and sometimes receiver.
Jun 10, 2011, 10:29 am
#37
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: RDU
Posts: 389
From that perspective, I've had better luck using Virtuoso - they seem to have better skills working the inside sales crews.
Jun 10, 2011, 11:34 am
#38
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I have noticed an increase recently in the number of my bookings where FHR is considerably higher than rack/promo rates. In these cases, I have called FHR (Platinum) to see what they can do for me. My success rate has been about 50% in getting FHR to match the rack/promo rate and still extend FHR benefits. My take is that FHR has to contact the hotel's inside reservations manager and work the deal, and that many factors (hotel capacity, knowledge and personality of the FHR rep, etc) make a difference.
From that perspective, I've had better luck using Virtuoso - they seem to have better skills working the inside sales crews.
From that perspective, I've had better luck using Virtuoso - they seem to have better skills working the inside sales crews.
For us, we have the AeroplanPlus Amex which doesn't offer FHR, rather AC travel.. so we'll have to see how those packages are like..
I have luck actually of all things with bookings on Visa Infinite concierge, which I received a lower than normal rate booking at the Fairmont Mayakoba, and receiving full benefts.
Even with these options it pays to check them all out before pulling the trigger..
Jun 10, 2011, 11:40 am
#39
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
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I have as well. For example, in the past, FHR rates at Ritz-Carlton properties were usually the same as the best available rates that could be booked directly from the RC website. This year, however, a number of RC properties are loading in FHR rates that are higher than the BARs.
Jun 11, 2011, 12:05 am
#40
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I have as well. For example, in the past, FHR rates at Ritz-Carlton properties were usually the same as the best available rates that could be booked directly from the RC website. This year, however, a number of RC properties are loading in FHR rates that are higher than the BARs.
Sounds like we aren't missing much..
That's pretty poor when rates are higher than the going retail rate.. Idea.. Visa Infinite Concierge provides best price match service.. so the lowest cancellable rate (packages, nonrefundable rates, special promos, etc.. do not qualify)..
Sounds like Amex FHR doesn't have this.. but they should.. since their competition has a price matching policy..
Jun 12, 2012, 5:21 pm
#41
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, AA Gold LT
Posts: 1,941
FHR rates competitive?
Just got my new card today and spent the afternoon researching FHR I was a little less then excited when I found the list of hotels and a good majority of them are hotels that although FINE are way overpriced. Maybe it is buyers remorse for paying $399 for the Canadian Amex Platinum.
After reading the thread Fine Hotel Resorts Upgrades (Not Vegas) and FHR Vegas upgrades I also started thinking that sure it is nice to get a $1200 room when you book a $600 per night room, but would I really feel that the $1200 room was even worth paying the $600 in the first place.
I agree all the FHR resorts are fine, so looking for value, which FHR resort is the least expensive?
Bellagio in Vegas at $140 - what others?
After reading the thread Fine Hotel Resorts Upgrades (Not Vegas) and FHR Vegas upgrades I also started thinking that sure it is nice to get a $1200 room when you book a $600 per night room, but would I really feel that the $1200 room was even worth paying the $600 in the first place.
I agree all the FHR resorts are fine, so looking for value, which FHR resort is the least expensive?
Bellagio in Vegas at $140 - what others?
Jun 12, 2012, 5:51 pm
#43
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Do you want to look for the cheapest rates or the best upgrade/best percentage upgrade? Remember that it's normally a one category upgrade, which might price out at as little as $10. Look also at the value of the other goodies in the FHR program, especially the value of the special amenity (lunch, spa, noon check in, etc.) if you will use it. A $100 F&B credit makes that $400 room rate for one night look much better.
Jun 12, 2012, 5:57 pm
#44
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Victoria, B.C.
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Posts: 1,941
Do you want to look for the cheapest rates or the best upgrade/best percentage upgrade? Remember that it's normally a one category upgrade, which might price out at as little as $10. Look also at the value of the other goodies in the FHR program, especially the value of the special amenity (lunch, spa, noon check in, etc.) if you will use it. A $100 F&B credit makes that $400 room rate for one night look much better.