bgriff

What kind of myVegas Rewards are you looking to use? If it's things like "free buffet" or "$100 resort credit" I would expect it would be usable during an FHR stay but can't say firsthand. If it's a free night credit, then that isn't stackable, although you could do a free night credit one night followed by an FHR night the following night (or vice versa); you would only get the FHR breakfast and other benefits during the FHR portion of the stay.

mrakman

Was curious about the Buy 1 Get 1 Free buffet, for example, combined with the $100 F&B from FHR. Does their system allow you to subtract the "free" amount from the reward, and then the $100 F&B FHR credit takes care of the rest of it? I.e, If a buffet is $50pp, and its b1g1, you only pay $50 to enter, does the FHR then subtract the $50 you pay, or does it look at the full $100 that should have been charged, and subtracts that from the $100 F&B FHR credit?

rogbre

I have used the FHR F&B credit with MyVegas F&B rewards, such as BOGO drinks or meals. Just inform your server that you are going to use a MyVegas reward (which is subtracted from your bill) and then charge the rest of your bill back to the room. The room charge portion would be covered with the FHR F&B credit. In your example, as has been my experience, the FHR would only see the $50 charge and not the $100. I have done this at Wolfgang Puck in MGM Grand, NFI in NYNY, BOGO drinks at Mirage and other places, all while staying at a different FHR property. Whatever the bill is that you sign for as a room charge, is what the FHR will get as a charge (minus tip, so probably just the subtotal). Never had a problem with it.

macgeordi

We are going to COSMOPOLITAN via FHR booking/also Bonvoy Titanium. From past experience, what is the chance of getting upgraded from a basic room, two queens. to a Studio Terrace Fountain View? I know in between in a Studio Terrace no fountain view, but we are traveling mid-week.

We do NOT need two beds -- just least expensive booking.

Any advice/history of upgrades is appreciated. We could better ensure if I switch the booking to a Studio, 2 Queen Beds, Terrace, hopefully upgrade-able to a Studio Terrace Fountain View King. Net price difference with AMEX FHR spend $800, get $150 back would be about $80 total for four days.

Thanks all!

tpsmith82

Sounds like some others have been able to get this to work/ stack, but this was also my plan until I read the terms and conditions of the bogo mgm lunch buffet for instance. It says the purchased buffet can NOT be made as a room charge, must be paid cash or credit card. As any FHR credit needs to be through a room charge I figured this was not gonna be an option. Then I was going to redeem for $25 in free play, but those t&c's say must be staying at hotel with a minimum of 2 nights. We were only one. Might want to read through terms before redemption.

macgeordi

I had the FHR agent call Cosmo and have it pre-approved to F&B, citing COVID.

redstapler11

I tried the same but was told that it had to be done at check-in only.

kokopuffs405

Cosmo FHR - checked in , tried converting the spa credit - denied

tried again in the room , denied again haha

marconess

Thats very frustrating. I noticed Virtuoso says bookings can be either spa or F&B, might book via an agent and keep my FHR bookings to MGM properties.

https://www.virtuoso.com/travel/luxu...n-of-las-vegas

radonc1

To answer the underlines query, I just completed a FHR stay at the Conrad last weekend.
The F&B credit ($125 from FHR and $50/day from Hilton Diamond benefit) could only be redeemed at restaurants. Purchasing a snack at the gift shop was not included in this benefit, nor were any purchases at the spa.
I suspect that you may become very popular at the bar

tpsmith82

Just wrapped up our 4 nights stay in Vegas. We stayed at 4 separate hotels, yes check-in and out every day, and wanted to share our experience. Used the FHR benefit with each booking and in doing so saved tons of money.



Hotel: The Delano
Room: Delano King Suite
Check-in: Checked in around 4pm
Upgrade: Delano Scenic Suite. During check-in I asked specifically about the Scenic suite, so not sure if that’s why we got it or if we had already been upgraded to that suite, since typically you would only get a one category upgrade and this was at least a 3 category upgrade, 4 if counting the StayWell package.
Late Checkout: did not use, checked out around 11am
Breakfast Credit $30 pp good at 3940 coffee, Della’s or in room dining. We used at Della’s, had reservations, not sure if we really needed on a Sun at 10am. For most of our dining credits we would get the food to go to save on money, ie no tip. Able to get a salad, sandwich, and a juice for $59.
Credits: $100 to be used easily at over 120 MGM properties. Although I don’t believe it’s good at ALL MGM venues, do check the QR code and take a look as I remember at least a couple of things not on the list. Nonetheless more than enough choices. We decided to use the credit for the MGM buffet on Sunday morning, $80.18 for 2 people. The take-out food we got from Della’s we saved for a late lunch that same day. Also used $26 at Eataly at the Park MGM. The pizza by the slice counter was great, affordable, and filling, ate there 3 times over the course of a 4 night stay in Vegas.

Comment: Of our 4 nights stay in Vegas the Delano was probably our 2nd or 3rd favorite. We really loved the corner suite we were upgraded too, the bathroom tub was great, and able to easily use $100 credit. Couple of notes though, check-in was not great. No dedicated line for FHR or Elites that I could see, and a long line. I stopped in the “VIP” lounge to the left of check-in to see if we could check in there and was told no. Finally, I just waited by the mobile check-in area and grabbed an agent, he said this was the mobile check-in area, but would get me taken care of. Also, upon check-out our credit was not getting applied. Had to go downstairs and talk with agent. While they did get everything sorted and we only ended up paying the resort fee, the charges were still not correct and we should have owed more money, I wasn’t going to argue with the lady.



Hotel: The Palazzo
Room: Luxury King Suite
Check-in: Took advantage of noon check-in. Dedicated FHR line just to the left of main counters. No one there when we 1st walked up, around 11:45, possibly because FHR check-in doesn’t start until noon? Either way someone was there with-in 5-10 minutes.
Upgrade: Luxury King Select view. Our favorite room all around during our trip. Wonderful open layout and truly felt like a suite.
Late Checkout: Took advantage of 4pm check out as we laid by the pool all day.
Breakfast Credit: $30 pp for in room dining or Grand Lux Café. We used twice at the Grand Lux café. 1st time late night burger at the takeout GLC in the Venetian for $16.80. Then again, the next morning at the GLC for breakfast. $50.88. Very good breakfast, highly recommended!
Credits: $100 to use at “select venues”, which are not stated on the letter. Had to ask at front desk and they printed out a list for me…” Cocktail collective, Casino&Pool Bars, Mott 32, Matteo’s Ristorante, Go Greek, Canyon Ranch Spa, Starbucks & Chica, Majordomo” This is where things derailed slightly. We used at Starbucks ($11.70), Capri($31.59), Canyon Ranch Grille($60.69). Upon check-out only the Starbucks had been applied. The agent said the other two did not qualify.? Capri is a bar at the pool, possibly there is a bar Capri and a food Capri, we used it for food. He said he would credit this. However, the Canyon Ranch grille, which is located at the Canyon Ranch spa he would NOT credit. We argued for a bit, my take is every credit on the list they gave me was for food, the Canyon Rach grill is at the spa, it seems to me it would be obvious you could then use the credit there. Told him I was NOT paying the charge. He went to talk with manager, came back and still said he could not post the credit. I asked to speak to manager. The manager told me he could not and that if they submitted this charge to AMEX they would not credit the charge.? Finally, he went and made a phone call, to AMEX? Or Canyon Ranch Grill? Came back and said he could apply credit. Not a great way to end our stay, but glad it was handled.

Comment: We loved the Palazzo. Pool was great with very comfortable chairs. Room was fantastic. Breakfast was delicious. Check-in and out were both quick, minus our discussion about the credit, and in a dedicated line. We would likely stay here on a return visit to Vegas.



Hotel: NoMad
Room: Classic King
Check-in: We checked-in around 5pm. The check-in counter was extremely difficult for us to find. Came in from Eataly on the Strip. A security guard saw we were looking for counter and gave us directions, very nice gentleman. Ended up at the Park MGM priority check-in line. Again, wonderful agent then walked us the entire way to the correct NoMad desk. He even said not much signage for it. No one around and walked straight up to the counter. He even said if you’re looking for a peaceful place to get away this was it as it is usually very quiet?
Upgrade: Atelier
Late Checkout: We checked out around 11
Breakfast Credit : $30 pp only at Primrose. Wish you could use this credit at some other locations, but we did enjoy a nice but nothing special breakfast. 2 eggs benedict, coffee, cappuccino and a juice $66.01.
Credits: $100 again at a long list of MGM venues. We again used at Eataly for a pasta($41.18), Pizza($13.01) and 2 glasses of great wine($48.77). The pizza and wine were great, the pasta from La Pizza La Pasta restaurant not really worth the $. We got everything to go and sat in the middle. These credits were proactively applied at check-out, and were correct.

Comment: NoMad was an ok stay. Like others have said it certainly has that vampire lair feel, which in a way was kind of fun. It’s all tied together quite nice from fixtures, to lighting, furniture and the like. The counters are impossible to find, but very quick at check-in and out. The pool we did not check out, but my understanding is it is closed, and you are able to use the Park MGM pool, which at around 1pm was still in the shade. Not sure I would come back, but then again, we did get a fantastic deal. $100+40 for the room and we got $165 in credits so all in all a great value.



Hotel: Bellagio
Room: Resort King Room
Check-in: We checked-in at noon and our room was ready. There was also a clearly marked priority line.
Upgrade: Fountain View King (Possibly Tower Fountain View King). Asked during check-in for the fountain view. Again, not sure if I got the 4-class upgrade because I asked or if it was already applied. We were in the main tower, so I think we actually had the Tower Fountain View King on the 12th floor.
Late Checkout: We check out around 2pm.
Breakfast Credit: $30 pp good at only the Buffet, Sadelle’s, Palio or Café Gelato. We used at Café Gelato ($49.31, 2 ham n Cheese, Panini and danish), Palio($20.59, Fruit bowl and Muesli).
Credits: $100, once again very useful at most MGM venues. All credits proactively applied at check-out.

Comment: While I originally thought the Bellagio would be our favorite stay, I’m not sure I would return. Don’t get me wrong, the fountain view at night was great, but you do miss out on the sounds of the fountain show in your room and truly how many times can you watch it…it is super cool. The room was nice, and newly renovated from my understanding, but we much preferred the Palazzo and Delano room over this. It just felt a bit small. Also, while the tile, fixtures and the bathroom are great, there was no tub, all of our other rooms had one. And the shower is just not good. There is no door to the shower so all the good steam you enjoy in a shower just escapes and you are almost cold when showering together. Also, the shower head / flow is not great or luxurious, stupid I know, but it’s the Bellagio and I expect something different I guess.





Overall Vegas Trip – It was great as usual. We saved tons of money with the benefits of FHR saving over $640, got upgraded to some fabulous rooms and made lots of great memories. Looking back, it is a daunting task changing hotels every day. On one hand it was fun being able to see the different properties and rooms, on the other hand I felt like we lost a couple hours each day with the process of moving hotels. I guess we did save a bit of money by moving, but I think in the future I might just look for a “stay 3 night get 4th free” type of promo. While my wife enjoyed the 2 buffets we went to, MGM Grand Sunday Brunch and The Buffet at the Bellagio, I was unimpressed and remember a different experience from 2018 when we stayed at the Wynn. I suppose it could be because they are not doing Dinner buffet which is really frustrating, or possibly because like many other reviews the quality and variety of food has declined from a couple years ago. Either way, I think I would rather spend my money at a restaurant than a buffet at this point unless something were to significantly change. While Vegas is back, unfortunately it felt like there were still a number of things closed, namely pools and some restaurants. The Delano pool was not open, the Nomad pool was not open and there were a couple of restaurants on the FHR credit lists that were still closed. It will be nice when Vegas is truly back. Hope the report helps as I have found this thread to be quite useful.

bgriff

Glad you had a good trip and thanks for all the reports. I haven't stayed at Bellagio recently, but note that it used to be the case that there was a channel on the hotel TVs where you could play the fountain soundtrack from your room for full enjoyment

Seat 1F

Great review of all four properties (I can't believe you changed hotels each night)! Like you, I was also not too impressed with the NOMAD during my September FHR stay. I thought the room was nice. Breakfast at Primrose became problematic as there was a 40-minute wait to be seated one morning. Not acceptable in my book...yet there are no other options. The Pizza & Pasta restaurant is very mediocre (pasta uncooked).

I'm glad you liked the other properties though.

marconess

Thanks for amazing review.

I was thinking of hotel hoping as well when I go but I'll be with my parents (their birthday treat) and I'm not sure they will enjoy the swapping. Is it really that bad? We did 2 night swapping a couple years ago and there were barely any queues?

tpsmith82

Honestly its not terrible, but it does depend on the type of person you are. We are willing to put up with quite a bit to utilize a large savings. If you Are traveling light, it really wouldn't be difficult at all, especially since you have a 4pm check out and typically a noon check-in, making the process more or less seemless. If on the other hand you travel with a few bags, like we do, it can be a bit unpacking and packing everyday. And again, my wife and I find it fun seeing the different properties up close, seeing what kind of room we'll get upgraded too, and trying or at least seeing the different pools, casinos and the like.

In the future, for us, if the Palazzo room rate was close to the lowest room rate for all of our nights I would be quite tempted to stay there every night. Because the other main reason, other than the $100 credit, was each night we were there the best rate through FHR was at a different property. Its quite strange how one night the Delano can be 99, the next 300???

Not sure if it helps, but it is doable, we did it and had a blast!