Two exciting new benefits added to the SPG® Credit Card from American Express (U. S.)
Jul 31, 2010, 12:05 pm
#91
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
But Brendan made another assumption, too, regarding my survey. What was it, and why was it a poor assumption? And which rate would you have chosen, he-who-loves-to-debate-everything?
Jul 31, 2010, 12:17 pm
#92
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: On strike
Posts: 8,135
I'm thinking the thing to do is cycle between the personal card & business card (say, with anniversaries 6 months apart) to get recurring first-year-free benefits. The chief drawback, apart from the hassle of canceling/reapplying, would be the need to update card info for regular monthly charges such as wireless, etc.
Jul 31, 2010, 12:19 pm
#93
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
Because (a) your example didn't even mention the ZHA rate, and (b) if it is the same as Z3H, it is 100% worthless and not even worth talking about. It would not be worthless because it's non-refundable, but because it duplicates an existing rate that's open to everyone. It's only worth something if it's somehow different - either through terms or availability.
Since I'm a planner, I have no problem booking non-refundable rates. I'll try to delay that in case a rate drops or the help desk site opens up, but that's about it.
Without debate, FT serves no purpose.
Since I'm a planner, I have no problem booking non-refundable rates. I'll try to delay that in case a rate drops or the help desk site opens up, but that's about it.
Without debate, FT serves no purpose.
Last edited by mahasamatman; Jul 31, 2010 at 12:24 pm
Jul 31, 2010, 12:24 pm
#94
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: PA
Programs: Airtran A+ Elite, SPG Preferred Plus, Hilton HHonors Gold, AGR
Posts: 139
That' 's the issue with "deals" like this. It all equals out to the same in the end, but it makes it sound like you are getting some big benefit.
Jul 31, 2010, 12:31 pm
#95
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
Because (a) your example didn't include the ZHA rate, and (b) if it is the same as Z3H, it is 100% worthless and not even worth talking about. It would not be worthless because it's non-refundable, but because it duplicates an existing rate that's open to everyone. It's only worth something if it's somehow different - either through terms or availability.
ma91pmh,
According to the terms in the letter, ZHA/ZRA will be "based on Starwood's best available unrestricted retail rates." This is the exact same wording for Z3H/Z3R's terms.
Jul 31, 2010, 3:39 pm
#96
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: SJC, SFO, OAK
Programs: UA, QFF, AA, IHG Plat, Hilton Gold, Marriott Gold, Hertz Pres Circle.
Posts: 215
It's all over....
Looking at my card, I just realize that have I been with SPG Amex since 2001.
Next year when the time comes for the new policy to be in effect, I will be cancelling. It's been a good run for 10 years. It was the best card for its annual fee/benefits of all time, and the Freddie Awards proved it.
From 2011 onwards, it's just spiral down into an ordinary Amex themed card.
Next year when the time comes for the new policy to be in effect, I will be cancelling. It's been a good run for 10 years. It was the best card for its annual fee/benefits of all time, and the Freddie Awards proved it.
From 2011 onwards, it's just spiral down into an ordinary Amex themed card.
Jul 31, 2010, 4:04 pm
#97
Moderator: American AAdvantage & Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: American ExPlat; Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,116
Really?
While I see these two new 'exciting benefits' as a joke, I'm perplexed by all the hand-wringing over the increase in TWENTY DOLLARS a year. That's three Cokes from a minibar.
All the other benefits of this card are worth $45 -- but at $65, it's "I'm outa here"?
Seriously?
I see why some programs have such little interest in even trying to please much of the FlyerTalk crowd.
All the other benefits of this card are worth $45 -- but at $65, it's "I'm outa here"?
Seriously?
I see why some programs have such little interest in even trying to please much of the FlyerTalk crowd.
Jul 31, 2010, 4:07 pm
#98
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
The $20 difference isn't significant to me either, but I find this a ridiculous comparison. In this case, it's $20 for no additional benefit (as far as we can tell so far). I would never buy a Coke from anyone trying to rip me off like that, and I have to question the intelligence of anyone who would, but at least you get three Cokes for your money. (Though since you can get 80 Cokes or more from the supermarket for that price, why would you want that anyway?)
Jul 31, 2010, 4:25 pm
#99
Moderator: American AAdvantage & Marriott Bonvoy
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: PHX
Programs: American ExPlat; Marriott/SPG Lifetime Plat; Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 8,116
I'm shocked.
Good grief, let's be literal. The point is. . . we're talking about twenty bucks. Over a year. Take a look at what's happened to credit card and bank fees -- all over the market. This card still comes with considerable benefits -- what many consider the best in this points-earning business. And it's going to cost twenty bucks more -- for a grand total of $65.
I remain perplexed that twenty dollars is the break point. YMMV.
Good grief, let's be literal. The point is. . . we're talking about twenty bucks. Over a year. Take a look at what's happened to credit card and bank fees -- all over the market. This card still comes with considerable benefits -- what many consider the best in this points-earning business. And it's going to cost twenty bucks more -- for a grand total of $65.
I remain perplexed that twenty dollars is the break point. YMMV.
Jul 31, 2010, 4:30 pm
#100
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
Jul 31, 2010, 4:54 pm
#101
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: NYC
Programs: CO Plat, Starwood Plat, Hyatt Plat, Hilton Diamond, CO Pres. Plus, Hertz #1 Gold
Posts: 1,213
Have to add to the chorus of "no additional benefits here".
However, one thing I'm not clear on from what I've read here from those who've received their letters (I'm away from home till September, so won't be able to read it till I'm home or till the website shows it): it seems you can book a 6- or 9-night stay, so long as you arrive at the hotel Thurs-Sat, and you'd get 3 for 2 during that stay.
1 - Is this correct?
2 - If so, is this different than the ZH3's and such?
Thanks.
However, one thing I'm not clear on from what I've read here from those who've received their letters (I'm away from home till September, so won't be able to read it till I'm home or till the website shows it): it seems you can book a 6- or 9-night stay, so long as you arrive at the hotel Thurs-Sat, and you'd get 3 for 2 during that stay.
1 - Is this correct?
2 - If so, is this different than the ZH3's and such?
Thanks.
Jul 31, 2010, 5:45 pm
#102
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,133
Jul 31, 2010, 7:08 pm
#103
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: AUS
Posts: 690
This changed in the last two years; the rate terms read something like “consecutive reservations for this offer will not be honored” but now you often find a maximum stay length of 33 nights. Very technically you might not be able to book a 9–night Thursday–Saturday Z3H stay, and then check right back in for a separate Z3H reservation on Saturday.
Last edited by Moriens; Jul 31, 2010 at 7:19 pm Reason: example and details
Jul 31, 2010, 8:54 pm
#104
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Orlando, FL
Programs: AA 11MM/EXP/Aairpass, SPG Plat
Posts: 343
Wow, I'm shocked at how much people don't like this. I personally love these changes.
Jul 31, 2010, 9:02 pm
#105
Join Date: Sep 2005
Location: Lafayette, CO, USA
Programs: SPG Lifetime Plat, AA Gold, UA Gold, DL Silver, HH Gold, Vail Epic
Posts: 9,096
If Amex had just said, "We're raising the fee by $20 and will no longer give the SPG50 certificate," would the response have been the same? I'm more irritated by the appearance of a ZHA/ZHR ruse than the increase in the fee. I spend enough on the card to justify the fee, and I want the additional point per dollar when charging my SPG stays to the card.
(I never buy Cokes from the minibar. How about, "It's 2 Diet Cokes to rent a table on the roof of the Gritti Palace"?)