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Originally Posted by chriswufgator
(Post 8718160)
Ya, I agree, you have to watch out for the properties that unilaterally redefine the word "upgrade". I have had that argument before as well.
Before booking through FHR, you should try and check the hotel's website to get the breakdown of what the different room categories are, and then book the exact category directly under the one you want to get upgraded to. You have to pay attention to distinctions like "bay-view" or "city-view" because they will sometimes argue with you that this minor difference equals an upgrade. To me, "upgrade" equals "bigger room" or "club floor", period. All that said, FHR is wonderful and I find that we get upgraded far more often than not, not to mention the real value in free breakfasts for the whole stay plus whatever amenity or resort credit you get in addition. I really don't think it's a 'scam'. |
Originally Posted by This Mortal Coil
(Post 8718603)
The CSR **DID** offer you the lowest Centurion Inventory rate. When you call the service, you are calling about their negotiated rates available to them. If you got a cheaper rate then good for you (of course that would be sans amenities).
You sound annoyed at something just a few months ago you were elated at. The FHR program DOES say - "where available" - not ALWAYS GUARANTEED AVAILABLE. Perhaps you missed that in the T&Cs becuase you were so inconvenienced by calling PTS this time. I'm sure you'll be luckier at another property once again soon. I ask the OP again, are you sure you have a Centurion and not a Platinum? |
Originally Posted by sbm12
(Post 8720059)
Every time I've booked a FHR room I've specifially asked about what the upgrade "path" is for the rooms to make sure that the upgrade would justify the FHR rate. At the Bellagio, for instance, it is only from non-lake to lakeview. If you just book the lakeview there is no upgrade. There is still the breakfast benefit which adds some "real" value. Still, you have to do your due dilligence to make sure you're getting a decent deal. Heck, the $1500 suite upgrade from the $650 room isn't that great a deal if there is a $400 that you can sleep comfortably in and that's what you'd buy without the FHR deal.
I still think FHR is a great deal overall, though. When using them, I will generally compare the FHR rate to the hotel's cheapest available rate on the website. Believe it or not, a lot of the time it's the same and in most cases it has actually been cheaper. The couple of times it wasn't, it was still close enough that I was saving money anyway when you calculate the value of the 2 free breakfasts every day plus the other amenity you get. This is especially true when they just give you the flat $75 or $100 account credit instead of spa services or something. The breakfast thing is more useful than it appears, too, since 95% of the time you can use it to get a free lunch instead. Most hotels' breakfasts go until 11 or 1130, and for awhile you can usually order off either the breakfast or lunch menus for a period of time if you ask for it. The restaraunt will generally let you apply the cost of the breakfast coupon (generally $18-$24) to whatever else you decide to order. Worst-case, if you don't want the continental, they will credit it towards other breakfast items. It has worked every single time I've asked. FHR is a phenomenal deal if you shop it right, but you can't be so intent on picking one specific property. When know I am going somewhere, I check the amex website to see who the different FHR partners are and what the amenities are. I try and stick with ones that are running a free-night promo, or offering flat "resort credits" or F&B credits, instead of spa treatments or golf merchandise or silly stuff like that. I also figure out what room I need to book to get a "real" upgrade. Then, I call in and get the rates for the ones I've zeroed in on, and usually go with the one that is the best deal. If you do it this way, you will find yourself saving several hundred dollars per stay in real money, and I don't even include the cost of the more expensive room I get upgraded to...I figure that's just gravy. In my experience, the FHR partner properties have been very very nice too, so it's not like you ever have to worry about staying in a dump. There are usually multiples in each city....LA has dozens, Las Vegas has 6 or 8, Boston has 5 or 6, south Florida has dozens, NYC has 16, etc. Even medium-sized cities have at least one or two. This gives you enough options to shop around, and you will find some extremely good deals. |
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