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Originally Posted by BigLar
Yeah, $110 is a little tight, but then again, Binghamton, NY is not LA. :)
As far as the tight market goes, my last negotiation took place in November 2005, so it's not that long ago. No; I checked for Baymonts, and there are none in the area. Plenty of Comfort Inns, Sleep Inns, Quality Inns, etc. All with 'net prices right in my range, too. What I wound up doing for the time being (I'll show 'em!!) is split my stays up. 2 nights in a dump at $30/night, and 2 nights at the FI in Corning at $60 (gov't rate). My average is then $45/night, and I can keep that up at least until the Megabonus is done (I have use for the points :)). Corning is a bit of a haul, but if I want I can get my 75 nights in to retain Platinum and then do the rest of the year in, say, less pretigious accomodations. There's always a way. |
Originally Posted by BigLar
My average is then $45/night, and I can keep that up at least until the Megabonus is done (I have use for the points :)). Corning is a bit of a haul, but if I want I can get my 75 nights in to retain Platinum and then do the rest of the year in, say, less pretigious accomodations.
I agree with your Megabonus reasoning, but why go for Platinum? If all you do is stay at FI what does Platinum get you that Gold doesn't? An extra 5% bonus on 75 nights x $45 x 10 points x 5% comes to 1688 extra points; hardly worth the effort, and time and money driving from Corning IMO. Yes, I know there are a few other benefits to Platinum; like if you take a vacation using points at a FS Marriott property then you will get the 500 bonus points; or if you pay for a FS property (which it doesn't sound like you do) then possibly an upgrade if you are going in the off season, but the chance for the upgrade is good as a Gold too. I don't see addded benefit of Platinum status over Gold in your situation. Actually I agree with your first plan to not stay at FI at all on this trip (except for Megabonus reasons). Take the opportunity to start in on another chain's FSP, and take the advice of previous poster(s) to ask other chains for an elite status match. |
Your questions are like my questions. Why bother with Platinum?
The only advantage to plat for me is when on award stays. I'm still good until Feb 2007 (or whenever they roll over), and I should be Gold beyond that for another year. My travel plans only extend two or three years into the future and then I'll be dead. There are enough Hamptons around that I can maintain my Diamond status with Hilton, and I don't think I want to bother with another chain; I'm certainly not going to be spending much time in Hyatt's or SPG properties.
Originally Posted by pinniped
How is that $60 FI? I'm guessing that in upstate NY, with a little discipline on your dining habits, you could do food + mileage + other incidentals for $50 or less. If it's a clean FI as opposed to a nasty one, might that be your long-term solution?
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