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The HfP chat thread – Monday 17th May

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General

Comments (459)

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

  • PK says:
    17 May17 May 12:16

    I don’t recall someone posting that they received 10k or 20k Avios for not cancelling a BAPP. Therefore, just to confirm the retention offers on BAPP are usually related to extra points on spending and not a lumpsum amount like they offer on Gold & Plat cards. Right?

    • Matthew says:
      17 May17 May 12:51

      I was offered yesterday:
      – 50k MR to retain Platinum
      – 1 extra Avios/£ spent to retain BAPP
      – nothing for SPG/Bonvoy

      I don’t know how typical that is….

      • Doog1000 says:
        17 May17 May 13:07

        Has anyone received a retention offer for the Business Platinum?

        • Ryan says:
          17 May17 May 13:33

          Only double points for 3 months…

          Instead downgraded to gold after the 10k spend

          • Doog1000 says:
            17 May17 May 15:34

            thanks – what was the fee rebate for the downgrade to gold?

          • Ryan says:
            17 May17 May 19:46

            Pro rata based on per day, I worked out it out to be 78 days of ownership

      • Sean says:
        17 May17 May 14:22

        Just been offered zilch (Fee just become payable) other than to use my MR points at 0.45p to pay off annual fee, which i kindly declined. Will call back in a couple of days and cancel or downgrade.

  • Tracy says:
    17 May17 May 12:48

    help please, booked for madeira for a week leaving on friday 21st may. just booked last minute… i have had covid in the past 90 days, am i right in assuming thats ok for entry to madeira? how do i prove this? i have an email from nhs with a positive result, will a printout of that be enough? i will also have to book tests for my return home? any suggestions as to where to book them bearing in mind i am leaving on friday 21st and returning friday 28th, i am travelling with tui if that makes a difference.. I will also need suitable travel insurance, any suggestions? tia

    • Tracey says:
      17 May17 May 12:51

      You will definitely need tests on return, no exemptions for those who’ve had covid or have been vaccinated.

      • Harrier25 says:
        17 May17 May 12:59

        This link will give you all the information you require for Madeira https://www.madeiraislandnews.com/2021/05/madeira-covid-testing-every-visitor-entitled-to-one-free-test.html

        • Tracy says:
          17 May17 May 13:10

          thanks harrier25, i have had a read through and no info on proof needed if had covid in past 90 days

          • Harrier25 says:
            17 May17 May 13:22

            Yes it does! You don’t need a test to enter Madeira if you have had Covid in the past 90 days or have had both vaccines. If you haven’t then you can either get a test here 48 hours before or get tested for free at the airport when you land.

            Madeira will give every visitor a free test. So if you don’t require one to enter, you can book one for free before you return. After the free test, any other tests required are charged at €90.

          • Harrier25 says:
            17 May17 May 13:25

            I see what you mean. They are quite relaxed in Madeira, so anything you have that proves you’ve had covid in the past 90 days should be fine.

          • Tracy says:
            17 May17 May 13:36

            so assuming i have proof of 90 days covid and am allowed into madeira, what do i need to return to uk? a lateral flow test and a pcr test on day 2? can i take any lateral flow test from uk with me and book a day 2 test online? sorry for all the questions i havent been keeping up to date with rules and booked last minute, probably stupid but hey ho done now lol

          • Harrier25 says:
            17 May17 May 13:45

            You can book a free pcr test at Funchal hospital for a few days prior to return and you need to book and pay for a pcr test for 48 hours after your return.

          • Tracy says:
            17 May17 May 13:49

            ok, so how do i book the free test at funchal hospital? is it a pcr test or lateral flow test? thanks harrier25

          • PaulW says:
            17 May17 May 17:34

            Once registered at Madeira safe (see below) site then once you are cleared and uploaded your recovery medical info then you can book on that site the lateral flow test for return. As I need a test on arrival it won’t be an option for me but have booked via quered for about £33 with BA discount. Take the kit with me then so a zoom calll within 72 hrs of return flight time

          • Tracy says:
            17 May17 May 18:03

            anyone card to share the discount codes for the day 2 test?

        • Tracy says:
          17 May17 May 13:58

          OMG just checked the randox website and they want £120 for just the day 2 test…..

    • PaulW says:
      17 May17 May 13:18

      http://www.visitmadeira.pt/en-gb/useful-info/corona-virus-(covid-19)/information-to-visitors-(covid-19)
      I plan to take the free arrival test.

    • Simon says:
      17 May17 May 14:10

      Same as me- I had COVID 2 weeks ago. Been advised to avoid LF tests as as they will throw up a positive for 90 days as apparently I am ‘shedding’ old COVID genetic material! PCR is more accurate and should show a negative- but it can also show a positive as well as we were virus positive until recently.

      • TGLoyalty says:
        17 May17 May 15:14

        Really don’t understand that advice because in reality It’s the complete opposite

        You are highly unlikely to be positive with a. LF and more likely for a highly sensitive PCR to pick up virus when shedding post virus.

        • PaulW says:
          17 May17 May 17:35

          And you can get a free nhs lateral flow test to check for. Negative before the private one

  • Steve says:
    17 May17 May 12:48

    Opinions on Central London Crowne Plazas? Looking at Kings Cross Vs Albert Embankment for later in the year.

    Would be a rewards night stay with hope of a Club Lounge upgrade (Spire Elite member), assuming Lounges are back open.

    Neither is really in the location I’d like to be (prefer to be closer to Soho/Covent Garden).

    Alternative is Kimpton Russell Sq, but that’s 50k Vs 30k (approx) on points and no possibility of a lounge upgrade (not guaranteed at CP of course), thinking a few Uber rides are worth it for that points differential.

    • Harrier25 says:
      17 May17 May 13:02

      Stayed at Kings Cross many times. Very nice and all Spire Elite members get free lounge access.

      • Steve says:
        17 May17 May 13:40

        Is Spire Elite = Lounge access a stated benefit at CP? Couldn’t find that written anywhere, or is it hotel dependant?

        • Harrier25 says:
          17 May17 May 13:48

          Its not written down anywhere but I’ve always received free lounge access at CP Stratford upon Avon, Kings Cross, Chester & Marlow

          • Steve says:
            17 May17 May 13:51

            Thanks Harrier25, reading over on FTalk it seems at the Albert Embankment club access is only given if room is upgraded. Whereas sounds like Kings X will give club access regardless of room upgrade. Decisions decisions!

        • Rob says:
          17 May17 May 14:22

          No, but most have been offering it, at least in Europe, for a couple of years.

      • Phil says:
        17 May17 May 15:12

        I’ve always got Lounge Access as a Spire at Kings Cross CP. When they ask you what you want as your welcome amenity, “free drink or points”, as for Lounge Access. Not all the CSA at reception freely offer it but never had it denied when asked for. Usually, they will also upgrade you to a Club room as well which used to have better toiletries and more space.

    • Sandra says:
      17 May17 May 13:13

      Kings X is generally always the cheapest because of location and is ok but area not great at night. Can walk into central London (about 25 mins) if dry. Rooms IME are small and Club lounge was not that great last time I was there (2019!). Personally I prefer the CP London City but that won’t be as cheap as Kings X. Always been given lounge access there with Spire Elite and is opposite Blackfriars station.

      • Steve says:
        17 May17 May 13:42

        Thanks, I did think the Kings X location was sketchy! The Albert Embankment one seems to have rave reviews (TripAdvisor) and probably the shortest Uber ride from West End, am leaning towards that

    • Memesweeper says:
      17 May17 May 14:00

      Kimpton has the nicest building and the best location. Rooms can be small.

      Not stayed at the Albert Embankment but the restaurant/bar upstairs is great.

      CP Kings Cross is perfectly fine, but not a leisure destination I’d seek out.

      • Yorkie Aid says:
        17 May17 May 14:39

        I have only good words about CP Kings X. Always granted lounge access (Spire). I’ve walked to Covent Garden no problem.

        • Harrier25 says:
          17 May17 May 15:28

          You don’t really need to walk anywhere. Just get the bus. 10 mins to City, but yes I agree, in my opinion its a super hotel.

      • Anthony Edwards says:
        17 May17 May 16:33

        It’s not a bad location at all – really at Mount Pleasant not Kings Cross. Exmouth Market, Leather Lane all close, Coram’s Fields and the Postal Museum for the kids, walk to Covent garden etc.

        • chabuddy geezy says:
          17 May17 May 19:44

          Quality chop House is a great restaurant nearby.

  • John says:
    17 May17 May 12:50

    Non-essential shops open again in ROI today. Hotels June 2 (although CTA probably not operating fully by then).

    Pretty amazing price for “luxury” DoubleTree. Admittedly good location, on north side of Liffey, a shirt walk across Ha’penny bridge to Temple Bar theme ghetto.

    Good news for hoteliers in UK/Ireland generally, or perhaps a harbinger of another mad Dublin property boom/bust, accompanied by mass migration?

    https://www.irishtimes.com/business/commercial-property/russian-billionaire-sells-morrison-hotel-to-uk-based-private-equity-firm-1.4566641?mode=amp

    • bafan says:
      17 May17 May 15:56

      As usual in Dublin, another boom/bust pattern. The prices of rents in Dublin are worse than London and lets be honest, Dublin is NOT London. I studied in Dublin and the price increases from when I started to when I left were unbelievable…€1000 for a room in Drumcondra and things like that. Also a hotel on the Northside is not where I would tell people to stay lol.

  • Tracey says:
    17 May17 May 12:54

    Airtime rewards code TIME2SHOP, reward of £2, shop by expires 24/5, no minimum spend as far as I can see.

  • HAK says:
    17 May17 May 12:56

    Has anyone got suggestions on a wilderness type retreat in either North America or Europe? Looking for hiking, rafting, etc.

    Cheers.

  • mark says:
    17 May17 May 12:58

    Does HSBC world elite come with Rental car insurance or am I getting confused with another card?
    Thanks

  • mark says:
    17 May17 May 13:11

    So my Curve metal card says it covers rental car insurance and iv just got a quote where I have to pay an £1800 deposit (Lisbon Airport) although the rental car comes with CDW insurance.
    Am I right in thinking that if the worst was to happen and I didn’t get my deposit back Curve would cover this or would they just pay money to the hire company?
    Thank you

    • Harry T says:
      17 May17 May 13:24

      Curve doesn’t handle deposits that are preauthorisations very well – they will probably process it as a charge. I would use a credit card for any preauthorisations to avoid this risk.

    • the_real_a says:
      17 May17 May 13:57

      Your maximum liability is likely to be £1800 in any event. So the car rental place would retain your deposit and you would need to make an insurance claim to Axa stating your curve policy number and provide documents and proofs in the way of police reports, photographs etc.

      Some rental firms exclude undercarriage damage and damage due to negligence (alcohol, parking on a place that gets flooded etc) and you would be liable for the full replacement value of the car.

      Curves policy if i remember correctly requires quite a low car value (purchase price) – so premium marques would not be covers.

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