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I Booked Capella Bangkok via Amex FHR since it was cheaper at the time and I could lock in a favourable exchange rate while GBP was at recent highs. On searching Flyertalk and other forums including this one, it seems that booking via FHR generally allows the status benefits to pass through, since you do add your loyalty number at the time of booking.
However on emailing the hotel, they say:
We would like to inform you that your reservation was made through a travel agent in <room category>, which unfortunately does not qualify for GHA benefits.
However, you will be able to enjoy the AMEX FHR benefits, including an upgrade to the next category, which is a <category> room, subject to availability upon arrival.
I guess there is nothing that can be done if this is their policy, but curious if anyone knows of any written policy or proof that they should honour GHA status that I can show them?
Not anymore, as far as I recall. It used to be the case, but now they do not. It is not a matter of policy but it is the terms and conditions which clearly stated
(1) third party online retailer rates, such as Expedia.com, Booking.com, Hotels.com, Orbitz.com, Priceline, Travelocity.com, etc. (“OTAs”) (2) tours series rates and charter rates (3) room rates for airline staff and crew where rooms are pre-booked and paid for by the airline or directly; (4) travel-industry staff rates; (5) other discounted rates; (6) any complimentary, free, traded or bartered night stays, or any stays in connection with gift certificates or other awards or vouchers…. Stays on Ineligible Rates are not eligible for tier benefits.
You are booking through OTAs and, hence, are not eligible for tier benefits.
FHR pay at hotel rates ARE eligible (they aren’t OTA booking) but sounds like you be prepaid, you mention locking in exchange rates, and generally these are not eligible.
Hyatt is the only exception I’m aware of that allow both pre paid and pay at hotel FHR rates.
@TGLoyalty – FHR bookings, and particularly but not exclusively prepaid ones, are in fact often OTA bookings made by Amex and they also source third party OTAs to fulfil these reservations. Amex purchased Egencia, the corporate travel arm of Expedia which remains one source of cheap rooms. Another reason that FHR is something of a con; the lure of an allegedly free breakfast, maybe upgrade and a few $ credit distracts from the reality.
Well aware I was very clear to say pay at hotel aren’t considered OTA and never come across a loyalty programme / hotel that treats them that way in over 10 years of booking them.
Prepaid is different. I know you think you can always do better but a con? You need to accept people like the benefits and hassle free nature of booking them and that not every hotel will match the deal directly no matter how hard you try, and frankly some people have other things to worry about than try hard. 1 night stays and 3 for 2, 4 for 3 etc being a few examples when they won’t.
It will vary by hotel. Before booking FHR rate I always check with the hotel. I had FHR bookings (both prepaid and pay at hotel) count at almost all of the chains (IHG, Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt, Accor), but some hotels did come back to say they won’t count, so I booked direct.
Thanks, I wasn’t aware of the pre-paid bookings being ineligible (don’t think I’ve ever seen a pay-at-hotel rate on FHR from the UK)
Definitely don’t think FHR is a ‘con’ or even that bothered by the lack of status, as I did get the booking cheaper via FHR than going direct to the hotel.
That said, I will monitor their prices and if it drops to FHR’s level I will book direct and cancel FHR.
All FHR are available as pay at hotel pre pay was only introduced a year or so ago, they still “pre auth” your card for pay at hotel but don’t actually take any payment. The two options are presented at the room type selection if I recall correctly.
Have another look and rebook your stay if it’s the same price in local currency.
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