SPG is my favorite program for low category hotel redemptions. They have the most such properties that are interesting throughout the world - even in Western Europe, as you'll see below. Here I list my top 10 - all in category 1 or 2 (2,000 - 4,000 points per night). For reference, here's the SPG award chart: The only difference between weekday and … [Read more...]
Amex Hilton ASCEND 75k Upgrade Offer – No Lifetime Clause
Some people, including myself, are seeing a 75k offer for upgrading their no-annual fee Amex Hilton Honors card to the $95 annual fee Ascend card (aka Surpass refresh). Importantly, our offers lack the "once in a lifetime" language, so we should be able to get the bonus even if we've had the Surpass card before. You'll want to make sure this is the case with your … [Read more...]
Data Point – Amex Gives You Extra Time to Complete Spending Requirements
I've now had 2 cases where I didn't complete a spending requirement on an Amex card until 15-20 days after the official deadline, but the bonus posted automatically anyway. I thought I'd let you guys know. The first case was for a minimum spend requirement on a Hilton card; I actually did complete MSR on time, but Amex stopped counting the source as eligible spend, and … [Read more...]
My Experience as Hilton Diamond – Meh
The "meh" is compared to the easy-to-obtain Gold status. I've been Hilton Diamond for 2 years. During this time, I've had the following stays booked from my Diamond account: 2 DoubleTrees in Southeast Asia 2 Hiltons in the US - both paid 1 Curio Collection in the US - paid 1 Hampton Inn in the US So, I had 6 stays, 5 of which were at full service 4-star … [Read more...]
Singapore Airlines – Meh
Singapore Airlines has a reputation as one of the best airlines in the world. I've flown them a few times over the years and have never been too impressed. A few days ago, I flew their long haul 777-300ER business class for the first time. I very much looked forward to experiencing something special, given the reputation associated with the airline. … [Read more...]
Cathay Pacific First Class: Bad Sleep, Good Everything Else
Ever since AA increased first class award price to Asia zone 2 from 67,500 to 110,000 miles, I've opted for business class across the Pacific. Today I was reunited with Cathay Pacific First Class for the first time in 2 years, thanks to my Alaska Airlines miles (which remains a 70,000 mile redemption). While I won't make a habit of it, I rediscovered just how much … [Read more...]
Arriving in HKG? Use the Priority Pass ARRIVAL Lounge
This is just a quick note that the Plaza Premium Arrival Lounge in Hong Kong International Airport Terminal 2 is now part of Priority Pass. That wasn't always the case - I know because I tried to enter a few years ago (and couldn't). It's conveniently located for arrival - just below the Octopus Card service desk and where the Airport Express train departs. If … [Read more...]
Le Meridien Chiang Rai Resort – the Ultimate Low Category Luxury
I've stayed at a lot of nice hotels. So when something stands out these days, it's saying something. Le Meridien ("LM") Chiang Rai is such a standout for me - a genuine 5 star resort with truly impeccable service, beautiful grounds, and spacious rooms. Best of all, it was a category 2 SPG hotel until last year, redeemable for 3-4k SPG points per night. … [Read more...]