The HfP chat thread – Sunday 25th April

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

• johnny_c-l says:

  25 Apr25 April 02:45

  A few people have commented on Amex cards with zero offers over the last year, and I have had the same with a Plat companion card. I assumed I had been blacklisted for abusing the Morrisons offer in 2019 but apparently this is not the case.

  I switched all spending to this card from November 2020 and now have 50+ offers. Granted 99% of them I have no interest in but it does prove the point that Amex’s algorithm for offers considers regular, consistant spend.

  Going forward I will be splitting spend across all Amex cards I hold to maximise the opportunity of offers. Hope this helps others who have had the same no-offers issue.

  • Chrisasaurus says:

    25 Apr25 April 07:21

    Correlation is not causation my friend.

    The fact it’s been two years is every bit as likely to be the reason…

  • Andrew says:

    25 Apr25 April 08:16

    Not the case, I have several supps that never get used and always have 50 or so offers on them. As previously discussed – there seems little logic to Amex offer allocation.

    • TGLoyalty says:

      25 Apr25 April 08:24

      Agree with this.

    • xcalx says:

      25 Apr25 April 08:37

      Same for me 68 offers on each of 2 free BA supp cards that only come out for shop small

    • Lord Doncaster says:

      25 Apr25 April 09:38

      I think the supp cards broadly follow the offers shown on the main card.

  • Lee says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:59

    My parents don’t use Amex often but have a couple of cards each to help me getting referral bonus. Surprisingly, they have all good offer that mentioned here.

• Benilyn says:

  25 Apr25 April 04:06

  I have 2 MR cards, across 2 logins. Anyone know if there is a way to see if the MR accounts are linked? I’m opening up a ICC card and want to make sure can transfer points from both cards.

  • Tarmohamed says:

    25 Apr25 April 04:08

    Does the MR balance on both logins match?

  • Louie says:

    25 Apr25 April 06:27

    Amex customer service can merge them, which you will need them to do if you want to transfer all the points as you can only make one transfer per 365 days to or from any card.

  • mark2 says:

    25 Apr25 April 07:29

    Look at the statements.
    On the page which tells you how many points you have earned just underneath it shows the MR account number.

    • Benilyn says:

      25 Apr25 April 10:23

      Thanks, no MR balances are different.
      Is it only one transfer to the ICC as well per year?

• John says:

  25 Apr25 April 07:36

  Has anyone stayed at the Waldorf Astoria Caledonian in Edinburgh? Am curious about the breakfast benefit provided to gold/diamond Honors members. Is it a full breakfast, or do they stick to the benefit language (“continental breakfast”) and try to do some alternative?
  I stayed in 2019 at the Waldorf in Boca and breakfast was decidedly not free, even as a diamond – they gave us breakfast vouchers that were just equivalent to a continental breakfast, and when we ordered anything else (coffee not from the pot, eggs from the buffet, etc) it bumped us into a “full” breakfast category. Nice or hotel or not, but $200 for breakfast for 4 (after a discount,) is ridiculous.

  • Alan says:

    25 Apr25 April 07:49

    Hi John

    Last time I stayed (August) breakfast as a diamond was full – I had steak and eggs!
    Staying this Friday night on a staycation deal but this one already includes breakfast.

    • John says:

      25 Apr25 April 07:50

      Thanks a lot!

    • David D says:

      25 Apr25 April 07:53

      Last time I stayed was a couple of years ago now, we decided not to have breakfast in the hotel though anything could have been ordered as per what we were told at check-in. Staying on Thursday night on a Scotland resident offer and will be ordering breakfast to the room I think.

  • The Savage Squirrel says:

    25 Apr25 April 08:52

    Never not had a full hot breakfast in any location ever. Of course in the days of breakfast buffets it was completely unenforceable anyway but has also held true in table service locations so far; will be interesting to see whether COVID and the change to universal table service brings in enforcement of this condition anywhere.

    • David D says:

      25 Apr25 April 09:42

      Strangely enough a limited menu via table or room service for breakfast was not enforced at anywhere I had stayed when travelling last year. If anything, we were consistently encouraged to order more.

    • Gormlesstraveller says:

      25 Apr25 April 13:49

      In USA they expect 20% tip on the value of what you have, even if it’s a free continental breakfast. Your server definitely notices what you take from the buffet because they want their cut if you’re having a full one.

  • Peggerz says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:48

    The Caley is opening an outside pop-up cocktail/oyster bar as of tomorrow. Just in time for a change in the weather ☔️.

  • Rob says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:44

    Stayed there, breakfast was ‘everything’ as far as I remember. We never reviewed the hotel though.

    Be aware it is an odd place. A lot of money has been spent on refurbishment but it is still a single-glazed Victorian building, with all that means for odd-shaped rooms, mysterious drops in floor level as you walk the meandering corridors etc.

    • TGLoyalty says:

      25 Apr25 April 10:48

      One mans odd is another’s charming 🙂

    • David D says:

      25 Apr25 April 11:56

      My best ever upgrade came during that refurbishment program. Long story short, I booked a Hotwire secret hotel rate for £99 knowing it was the then Hilton Caledonian Edinburgh, arrived and were invited to wait with a free drink each for the room to be ready, then another as it was a longer one than expected. After this we were upgraded to the Robert Louis Stevenson Suite as it was not ready. They added in breakfast and sent up some gifts for my partner’s birthday too. One of the reasons we do like to go back there.

      • Rob says:

        25 Apr25 April 12:21

        I think I had the Conan Doyle Suite but still wasn’t won over. It certainly isn’t terrible and I doubt you could ever get real luxury given the building layout.

        • David D says:

          25 Apr25 April 14:19

          If you have the three bedroom Caledonian suite or the Alexander Graham Bell suite it works very nicely. Though it is a “neo-classical” style hotel which means the luxury has to come from the service rather than the room amenities itself. A big loss for the hotel is the restaurant Pompadour having left in January 2020, as well as the Brasserie by Galvin, though that having been taken over with Grazing by Mark Greenaway has helped. Rumours are the space vacated by the Pompadour at the beginning of last year may be being filled in the near future by another known restaurant in Scotland.

    • John says:

      25 Apr25 April 17:30

      That’s useful feedback – the whole “old Victorian building” was something I was a bit concerned with on both the Caledonian as well as the Hilton Carlton.
      Any alternate suggestions that are a bit more modern? The Apex Grassmarket looked nice but still seems to be closed for the upcoming weekend.

      • David D says:

        25 Apr25 April 17:49

        @John, the Doubletree on Bread Street is a bit more modern, but the area is a touch salacious with the pubic (not a spelling mistake) triangle on the doorstep. The voco just up the road from Haymarket station is certainly modern as it is a new build, the premium rooms look pretty good as well, though rather petite. The Residence Inn is in a very modern glass building about 4 years old, I used to work a few buildings away from there, and the guys who used to come over from the US offices would prefer to stay there rather than the Sheraton. Lastly, and surprise option is getting a “The Works” room with a balcony at the Ibis Styles in St Andrew Square. Stayed there last January for a works night and was very pleasantly surprised.

      • Rob says:

        25 Apr25 April 17:58

        Nowhere I can personally recommend. We reviewed The Glasshouse as part of ‘My Favourite Hotel’ last year but this was written by a reader.

        Is the new IHG voco open? This will be brand new if open so at least should be in good shape, albeit new hotels often don’t have everything open or properly functioning.

        • David D says:

          25 Apr25 April 23:14

          Just rechecked the voco Haymarket on IHG, and is bookable on Friday for two nights for £81 per night minimum. May still be for key workers only even though regulations are changing in the morning.

      • John says:

        25 Apr25 April 19:48

        Thanks both!!

• Gill says:

  25 Apr25 April 08:50

  Has anyone any used Virgin points for flights to Cuba? The cash flights don’t appear to be bookable online. Researching possible destinations to use with a 241 voucher. Thanks

  • Memesweeper says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:05

    It’s not searchable in any online tool as Delta’s booking system doesn’t allow it as a destination. I’d WhatsApp the virgin team with your question. I’ve always found Caribbean reward availability to be very poor on Virgin so prepare for disappointment.

  • ChrisC says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:09

    You need to call to book flight only tickets whether that’s cash or miles.

  • Gill says:

    25 Apr25 April 17:42

    Thanks for the info.

• xcalx says:

  25 Apr25 April 08:55

  I have the free BA card and got mrsxcalx to refer me for the Paid BA card. At the end of the application it says ” It appears you already have the free card please click on the link to continue your upgrade ” When I click on the link the details they have show mrsxcalx as the card holder and me as a supp, which is wrong as she has the supp on my card and her mums. I have tried it three times now and always the same result.

  • Anna says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:09

    Which card is she referring you from, presumably not her supp card on your account (don’t think this is possible)?

    • xcalx says:

      25 Apr25 April 10:46

      From Business plat , through her referral link.

  • Andrew says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:10

    Guess it’s a phone call to Amex then to discuss.

    • xcalx says:

      25 Apr25 April 10:46

      yes was trying for a sneaky 18 referral bonus as opposed to the 6 k upgrade

      • TGLoyalty says:

        25 Apr25 April 10:49

        You won’t get it. You’re not going to be a new account. Your free BA will just be upgraded to a BAPP with the same account number etc.

        Get a nectar instead and cancel the free BA so you’re eligible for a sign up bonus in the future.

  • TGLoyalty says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:23

    I’m pretty sure You won’t get the referral bonus on a Free BA to BAPP “upgrade”

  • Steve says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:06

    Are you sure she’s logged out when you’re doing the application?

    • xcalx says:

      25 Apr25 April 10:47

      Will check and try again.

  • Jonathan says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:22

    I don’t think you can hold both BA cards simultaneously. If so you’ll need to cancel your free card in order to be referred for BAPP by your wife.

• The Savage Squirrel says:

  25 Apr25 April 08:56

  Struggling to get a direct Email to Hilton Garden Inn Snowdonia to answer a query about a booking (would prefer an answer in writing so phone not ideal). I know they’re not open yet but there must be one. Anyone got one?

  • Anna says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:07

    Hilton are REALLY bad at publicising their email addresses (but are often very good at responding once you get your hands on it). I’d normally suggest googling as someone else has usually asked the question, but Snowdonia is probably too new for this. Submitting an online contact form on the Hilton website and asking for your query to be passed to the relevant hotel usually works, though it can take a few days to get through the system.

    • The Savage Squ irrel says:

      25 Apr25 April 10:38

      Anna, yes that’s exactly what I’ve found in the past too. Hilton is determined to keep its properties Emails off its website :D. Once you’ve found the “secret” Email address for a property they’re generally very helpful.

      • Anna says:

        25 Apr25 April 13:10

        I wanted to speak to the front desk about a Hilton booking in Key Largo this summer – I messaged them on FB and got a response with the email addresses for the conference and wedding facilities! I emailed the conference people and asked them to pass it to the reservation desk which they did and I got a response the same day. I have no idea why they are so secretive, surely it’s more efficient to be answering emails than phone calls?

    • Dubliner says:

      25 Apr25 April 16:01

      Try Linkedin, I did a quick search which gives the GM’s name and if you know the format of Hilton email addresses , bingo

  • Jon says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:10

    You could try emailing Adventure Parc Snowdonia: info@adventureparcsnowdonia.com

  • Sandgrounder says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:12

    You could try emailing info@adventureparcsnowdonia.com, it’s listed on the website as the address to email re conferences, events etc at the hotel.

  • Harry T says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:35

    Just use chat on the Hilton website; they will give you the email address.

    • Chris Heyes says:

      25 Apr25 April 17:06

      Harry T I agree I’ve never had a problem getting the Hilton Hotel I’m going to stay at e-mail address ? mostly send it on my booking conformation with have I any requests.
      Because we always arrive late and leave early, I like to let them know rough times,
      helps them, helps us (upgrade) cheeky but don’t care as long as it works

• Anna says:

  25 Apr25 April 09:03

  On the subject of Edinburgh (above), has anyone got a recommendation for a traditional Sunday lunch? I’ve looked at a few places but they either seem decidedly non-traditional or still closed this week. I know it’s not very adventurous but it’s a really long time since we could go out for Sunday lunch!

  • David D says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:49

    The Chop House on Market Street or Bruntsfield do a really good Sunday Lunch. I prefer the Bruntsfield location as you could take a wander through the Meadows before and/or after the food.

  • Peggerz says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:00

    Hi Anna.
    I assume these places will be open;

    Scran & Scally, in lovely Stockbridge. Pub/Resto owned by Michelin* Tom Kitchin. 20 mins walk from Kimpton. Other resto’s/pubs in the area. Sunday market.
    Queens Arms pub in Frederick St (a short walk from Kimpton)
    Kyloe, Rutland Place (v short walk from Kimpton).

  • Chris Heyes says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:30

    Anna I Can recommend a traditional “Sunday Lunch ?
    Roast Beef, Carrots, Petits Pois, Roast Potato’s, Mash, or Boiled Potatoes Yorkshire Puds or you could sub for alternative Veg.
    sorry just couldn’t resist lol

    • Anna says:

      25 Apr25 April 11:31

      Has to be chicken for the teenager though!

      • David D says:

        25 Apr25 April 14:36

        Wherever you decide, get your booking in as there will be quite a large number of people considering the same idea.

        • Anna says:

          25 Apr25 April 17:16

          I know! The only place I can get a booking for that day which serves things my teenager is likely to eat is TGI Fridays 😔. Not exactly what I was looking for but at least I’ve got reservations at more sophisticated places on Friday and Saturday!

        • David D says:

          25 Apr25 April 18:09

          Best thing I can think is to look on Opentable or The Fork as they tend to have menus included too. TGI’s are only giving you the table for 1 hour 5 minutes at the moment from looking at their reservations which is a right pain in the neck. The main downside with hospitality up here is the difficulty of spacing still and the lack of serving alcohol indoors which makes the majority of restaurants impossible to open.

        • Anna says:

          25 Apr25 April 18:16

          Thanks David D – I’ve just checked and they’ve given us 1 hour 15 mins which will probably just be ok as long as they don’t drag their heels with the service. I need to check about where you can have a drink!

        • Anna says:

          25 Apr25 April 18:22

          There’s literally nothing on Opentable! Happily for the teenager though, both KFC and McD’s are within about a minute’s walk of the Kimpton 🤣

  • BP says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:57

    Always liked Chez Jules for lunch. Unpretentious little French place with good seafood. Lobster and chips for about £20 is a winner. Down the hill from the Intercontinental and walking distance to the Kimpton.

    The painted rooster is a winner for breakfast. Do book in advance.

  • Patrick Cold says:

    25 Apr25 April 14:07

    Probably not Sunday lunch but if you like seafood the Mussel Inn on Rose Street is terrific.

    • S says:

      25 Apr25 April 22:50

      @anna I’m also staying at Kimpton next weekend and struggling for dinner reservations. Hotel concierge got me a table at the hotel restaurant Baba, which looks fine.

• Magarathea says:

  25 Apr25 April 09:09

  10k Nectar bonus points just arrived today for Sainsburys Bank Nectar card applied for exactly 3 months ago.

  • Ja says:

    25 Apr25 April 09:14

    + 1

    • Linda says:

      25 Apr25 April 09:39

      +1

  • Craig says:

    25 Apr25 April 10:38

    Boom! +1.

  • KK says:

    25 Apr25 April 11:15

    +1

    • Billyk says:

      25 Apr25 April 11:17

      +1

      • IanM says:

        25 Apr25 April 13:54

        How long after you did the £400 spend??

        • Linda says:

          25 Apr25 April 15:55

          If I remember correctly it is about 60 days.

  • Ali M says:

    25 Apr25 April 16:44

    +1

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