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The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 23rd March

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Comments (289)

This article is closed to new posts. Discussion continues in the HfP Forums.

  • Mco says:
    23 Mar23 March 09:05

    Are tourist visas still valid? My friend works abroad and got married there. Can he come back home with her in June or is that not allowed? She has a tourist visa he has Uk passport.

    • Anna says:
      23 Mar23 March 09:08

      Presumably they would just be subject to whatever quarantine restrictions there are in place then.

    • Andrew says:
      23 Mar23 March 09:13

      If they are travelling from a Red List country, then only UK nationals and residents (not tourists) would be allowed to enter (via hotel quarantine); travelling from other countries should be fine.

    • The real John says:
      23 Mar23 March 09:19

      They would need to satisfy the immigration officer that they are just visiting. If the immigration officer believes (rightly or wrongly) that they are coming to set up life in the UK she will be denied entry.

      • Anna says:
        23 Mar23 March 09:50

        The friend is presumably a UK national so can’t be refused entry, I would have thought? Looking at it objectively if the wife is entering on a tourist visa and that’s still valid, how would immigration even know they were married?

        • The real John says:
          23 Mar23 March 11:29

          Yes, the British citizen can’t be refused, but he may not want to stay if the wife gets denied.

          Even if they go through immigration separately, immigration officers often ask “are you travelling on your own” (particularly young women) and these days there are PLFs and a lot more questioning.

          If they are really just coming for a short visit they will most likely be fine, but you can’t do an in-country switch from visitor to spouse status.

          • Mco says:
            23 Mar23 March 11:42

            Lol. They just want to visit and not seek asylum 🙂 She has a 5 year tourist visa as they have been coming 3-4 times a year for the last 20 years.

    • BuildBackBetter says:
      23 Mar23 March 09:23

      Most tourist visas are valid for short term. She might have to apply for a new visa.

      • Mr. AC says:
        23 Mar23 March 14:38

        UK does up to 10 year visas. Eye-watering £822, but cheapest if counting per visit… However you forfeit the money if you’re denied (and UK has one of the most stringent requirements, maybe only USA is worse), so in practice I’m scared to apply my parents for that even though they will probably be visiting for years to come.

        The standard (shortest) one is 6 months and £95.

        • Chris Heyes says:
          23 Mar23 March 15:33

          Mr AC in my lot younger days i had an USA Visa stamped in my passport
          (i was running Marathons at the time)
          It was unlimited access, access any time. in theory i could have stayed there
          was issued free as well
          Unfortunatly when my passport ran out the visa couldn’t be renewed on the same terms

          • RussellH says:
            23 Mar23 March 17:17

            I have a couple of those – a B-2 and a J-1. The J-1 did run out; but the passport also ran out over 40 years ago…

    • Lula says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:26

      She might be able to enter on a tourist visa, but won’t be able to apply for permanent settlement from within the UK. There’s no switching of immigration status from tourist to spouse. So she’ll have to leave the country and apply for entry clearance if they want to settle here.

      • pigeon says:
        23 Mar23 March 12:35

        There are waivers for Covid, OP should see if they qualify for this.

  • Christopher says:
    23 Mar23 March 09:31

    Re: VS credit card cash back at Morrisons over £30. Is this on just a single transaction or can it be used multiple times?

  • Rob says:
    23 Mar23 March 09:48

    Had an Email from Sainsbury’s offering 1k points for using scan and shop for first time.

    Is this offer targeted or can my other half use it and get bonus too?

    • Andrew says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:02

      I’ve not had an email, so probably targeted. But M&S has offered me a very generous 25% off on a food shop up to £45 for my first scan and shop, connected to the Sparks Card, so worth checking your Sparks app for this offer as they didn’t email about it, I just checked the app.

      • Hotelier says:
        23 Mar23 March 10:46

        Targeted. I did it last month and points posted quite quickly, 1 week IIRC. Waiting for OH to receive it at some point.

    • Alex says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:58

      Targeted and points post within 2 weeks after shop. For me, this was followed up with another 500 points for the next shop and 1000 for the shop after that.

      • TicknBash says:
        23 Mar23 March 11:34

        Got my email on Saturday.

        I can’t see any minimum spend which theoretically means I can buy a £2 sandwich and bag 1k nectar ?

        • Patrick Cold says:
          23 Mar23 March 11:56

          Are you sure? Mine were definitely £10 min. spend.

          • TicknBash says:
            23 Mar23 March 12:05

            Quite right Patrick – found the small print per below.
            A few sandwiches then.

            *Valid for one SmartShop shop between 20/03/21 – 02/04/21. Excludes the use of SmartShop within Sainsbury’s Local stores. Bonus Nectar points will be rewarded in 28 days. One offer per Nectar account. Minimum SmartShop spend of £10 in one transaction required. Excludes tobacco and tobacco products, spirits, liqueurs and first stage baby milk.

    • Travel Strong says:
      23 Mar23 March 12:20

      Targeted AND you will be targeted again if you just use it the once and then stay away from scan and go until you receive another offer.

    • Tariq says:
      23 Mar23 March 17:53

      Interestingly just been to Sainsburys and got a till spit for £5 off £20 on first ‘SmartShop’.

  • fivebobbill says:
    23 Mar23 March 09:52

    Morning folks, I posted a question on the chat yesterday afternoon asking some advice for Ritz Carlton Dubai, I was a little late catching up on the replies so thanks to everyone for the helpful tips.
    It has gotten me thinking though. We are hoping to be in the Dubai area for 3 weeks in Sept, hotel prices are very reasonable now compared to points, (you can get a room at the Conrad for £60!) so I thought it might be an opportunity for us to “live it up” in some of the more upmarket properties that I wouldn’t otherwise be able to justify the normally high prices for.
    I’m Hilton Diamond and Marriott Platinum, and would like to make the most of the benefits, Lounge access a must, and a decent upgrade if I book a cheaper room. However it seems it can all be a bit hit and miss, and I only found out last night for example that Ritz Carlton do not allow lounge access for Marriott Platinum.
    I know a lot of you guys stay at these nicer hotels, and would really appreciate any pointers.
    We will probably look to stay at 4 or 5 upmarket properties, some with beach, and don’t mind moving around.
    Happy to look at Emyr too Rob if I can shortlist a few nice properties.

    • fivebobbill says:
      23 Mar23 March 09:58

      Just to add, there are just the two of us travelling, no children.
      Thanks

    • Anna says:
      23 Mar23 March 09:59

      Had to cancel, sadly, but the Grosvenor House (a Marriott property) was doing excellent deals on half board packages. It’s not beach front but there’s a shuttle service to their sister property on the beach where you can use all the facilities, including the restaurants. Hopefully another time for us!

    • Bobri says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:59

      Was at some point in the past at Habtoor Grand Resort. The property was a bit dated, but nice upgrade, lounge access and enjoyed the beach

    • KBuffett says:
      23 Mar23 March 11:15

      LRM Beach & Spa is very nice and good value and you can use Grosvenor facilities and restaurants if on half board

    • BJ says:
      23 Mar23 March 11:31

      You need to get to grips with the schemes and status levels for yourself, the odd question and comments here will only get you so far. Hilton Diamond will get you lounge access regardless of which room you book provided the hotel has a lounge, and the lounge is open. Tbh, I think you are investing too much in lounges, the vast majority of hotels don’t have them, and the vast majority that do, have lounges that are not worth writing home about. That said, there are some good lounges out there but I would not make a habit of picking hotels primarily based on them.

      • blenz101 says:
        23 Mar23 March 12:34

        You don’t say when in September you are coming but remember Expo 2020 starts on October 1st which should give the city an extra buzz at that time.

        If you have specific questions about properties in Dubai let me know as I am based here but I agree with what BJ says, I wouldn’t pick anything based on the lounge.

        Lounges with self serve buffets are not going to be coming back anytime soon and all drinks must currently be served to the table (no approaching the bar) so free flowing hours run at the speed of the hotels choosing. If anything enforcement/restrictions will increase as Dubai will not want to be ‘red listed’ by other countries as it tries to make Expo a success and showcase itself.

        I believe the Hilton lounge at JBR is still closed last time I checked albeit a couple of months ago. There is a however a new Hilton opening facing onto West Beach on the Palm which looks substantially complete and should be open by September, that is listed as having a lounge. There is a Marriot next door also under construction which looks an identical design from the outside. West beach is nice (lots of bars and restaurants) and you will be able to get off the Palm easily given the location. May be a little too close to Palm V for some and the beach certainly isn’t private. The WA has had plenty of coverage from Rob already. Not sure if you are interested in Downtown areas as well but the hotel website can tell you what you need to know.

        If you are prepared to stay at an Accor property then the Sofitel, Palm does have a new lounge in a great spot with lovley outdoor area but it sounds like you will need to book a club room to access.

        Three weeks is a long time in Dubai so I would also consider the Northern Emirates if you are going to get a car and happy to drive, RAK being a favourite. They have a few Hiltons and the resort hotel sells rooms with an all-inclusive package.

        Pretty much any hotel in the UAE will sell you a pool and beach pass for the day, these are primarily used by residents. Costs are higher at the weekend (Fri and Sat) but very reasonable during the week. You may choose to stay somewhere slightly more reasonable on points / cash but spend the day at somewhere super fancy, e.g. 800AED for day access to the Burj Al Arab with 400AED back in food and drinks, most come in in closer to 150/200AED and often with all your spend back as food/drink credit (certainly during the week).

    • Martin Short says:
      23 Mar23 March 12:31

      Go to Waldorf Astoria, Ras Al Khaimah. Not Dubai, but a £40 taxi ride.
      Very classy and was very quiet in January.

      • Rob says:
        23 Mar23 March 12:51

        We have reviewed this, I’ve been a couple of times – also the Ritz-Carlton Maldives-style resort next door and the Ritz in the desert we reviewed last month.

      • blenz101 says:
        23 Mar23 March 14:33

        If RAK does end up on your list then the The Hilton Resort and Spa (the one I mentioned sells rooms on an all inclusive basis) is a bit further up the coast and has some very nice newly refurbished beach villas with private pools which may be worth checking out – considerably more pocket friendly than the RC Maldives style resort also in RAK. No lounge but obviously not required if you take a package. When booking the cheapest room type I have consistently ended up in at least an executive suite.

        Rixos is also a popular resort in RAK and has separate adults pool area and entertainment throughout the day and European style cabaret entertainment at night. It’s slightly tired but reasonably priced and the a la carte restaurants are excellent for an all-inclusive.

    • fivebobbill says:
      23 Mar23 March 15:29

      Folks, thanks to all of you once again for the invaluable advice, I have learned over the years that the hotel game can be an expensive learning curve without proper inside knowledge, something that resides in here in abundance!
      I appreciate the time each of you have taken in the replies, and given your local knowledge blenz101 I might take you up on some further advice when I have narrowed down what is fast becoming a very lengthy list!
      Here’s hoping we all get to enjoy something similar this year!
      Thanks again

  • xcalx says:
    23 Mar23 March 10:15

    Virgin shopaway question. 10 days since transaction at Morrisons the 6points per £ have not tracked. This morning I have tried the online claim form but keep getting the red message ” Enter valid order confirmation / receipt ” I have checked the format and the image is under 2mb. Any ideas please.

    • Joe says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:58

      I have same issue. Obviously don’t have receipts – the whole point is that it tracks the credit card spend, and I can provide a copy of the card statement!

      • xcalx says:
        23 Mar23 March 12:22

        I did send a photo and a scan of the receipt both under 2mb but still get the message.

    • Andrew says:
      23 Mar23 March 12:21

      You might have “Card Clash”.

      Collinson Lattitude run the Virgin Scheme, I believe that they also run the British Airways Scheme.

      So if you’ve registered your Card to collect points at Foot Locker and Q-Park on the BA site, your data might be toddling off to the BA Stream rather than the Virgin Stream – even though BA don’t offer points at the retailer you are shopping with.

  • Rui N. says:
    23 Mar23 March 10:29

    Poole or Bournemouth for a couple a days in June? Will have a 6 month old by then. Staying in the Holiday Inn (Express in case of Poole) in each case.

    • Rui N. says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:38

      Also, the quieter likely the better (given Covid and the aforementioned 6-month old).

    • Steve says:
      23 Mar23 March 10:43

      Will you have a car? Bournemouth HI walkable to the (likely very busy) beach. Poole HIX you probably need a car to get to (likely quieter) beaches.

      • Rui N. says:
        23 Mar23 March 10:50

        I would have a car indeed 🙂 concern with HIX Poole is that it looks a bit in the middle of “nowhere”. But also seems very close by by car to the town and other stuff?

        • Anna says:
          23 Mar23 March 11:05

          When in June? Don’t forget the first week falls into the school half term holiday so is likely to be heaving. You’ve another 4 years before you need to put yourself through this kind of pain!

        • pauldb says:
          23 Mar23 March 12:26

          You can walk into town from the HIX but it’s not very pleasant (bus station, shopping centre). The HI’s locale is more “ok”. But I would still suggest you stay in the HIX. Visit Poole Quay, Poole Park and Sandbanks and give Bournemouth town centre a miss. And take a long drive around the harbour / purbecks: the HIX is better placed to do that.

          • Rui N. says:
            23 Mar23 March 13:20

            Thanks a lot pauldb (and all others). 3 nights in Poole it is. Missing half term!

      • Rob says:
        23 Mar23 March 11:11

        We reviewed HI Bournemouth. You are heading down a fairly steep hill to get to the seafront. Hotels sits on a soulless main road but public areas had a full refurb recently. Bedrooms are OK. Hampton / Hilton vastly superior in terms of location and Hilton far superior in terms of quality.

  • Pete M says:
    23 Mar23 March 10:43

    So plenty of discussions of the SI and, of course, HfPers will know how to work with/around that. What I found more amusing was (from the BBC):

    “One of his ministers, Lord Bethell, said England might put “all our European neighbours” on the “red list” of countries. However, Mr Hancock told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme there were no plans to do this.”

    I think that would be the ultimate irony and would love to see the implementation. Praaaaise the Lord for Dublin, presumably!

    • Anna says:
      23 Mar23 March 11:13

      Travelling on holiday via Ireland is also banned under the new regulations, if that’s what you mean! Though if Irish people CAN travel abroad during this period, presumably that means people living in Northern Ireland could theoretically take advantage of this?

      • The real John says:
        23 Mar23 March 11:31

        Would depend on the regulations for NI. But I don’t think ROI immigration officers will enforce NI rules

      • Pete M says:
        23 Mar23 March 13:10

        You’d leave the UK to view a property in, say, Madeira and return via Dublin to avoid the hotel quarantine was my thinking.

    • pigeon says:
      23 Mar23 March 12:37

      We’ll all be super excited for our RyanAir flights! Who would have thought…

  • Sam says:
    23 Mar23 March 11:03

    My BA flight (Amex 2-4-1 Avios booking) in January was cancelled and I requested a refund. I received a ‘We’re processing your refund claim’ email on 17 January.

    I still haven’t received the Avios or cash back. Is this normal?

    Thanks

    • Anna says:
      23 Mar23 March 11:08

      No – you’ll need to call them to chase up the avios but you could open a dispute for the cash with the credit card you paid on if applicable. I got fed up with chasing 2 lots of cash/taxes refunds recently, opened disputes with the relevant Amex cards and had my £3k total back within 48 hours.

      • Jane says:
        23 Mar23 March 11:48

        That’s pretty good, I’m 2 weeks into opening a dispute with Amex and still nothing (except the credit from Amex)

        • Anna says:
          23 Mar23 March 14:45

          I’m really impressed. Got the money back but Amex called yesterday so say that BA is holding back £35 pp for flights THEY cancelled! Told Amex to tell BA to get stuffed.

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