The HfP chat thread – Tuesday 12th October

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• Triath5 says:

  12 Oct12 October 20:28

  Random question, but has anyone successfully talked their way into an early (11am ish) check-in at a Marriott (Aloft) being a lowly Gold member?

  Airline has rescheduled a flight meaning we arrive much earlier than expected. Have repeatedly called the hotel to kindly request it but they say they can’t give a response until the actual day but have ‘put it on the notes’.

  Fun fact: I asked if they could even give me an indication of likelihood, i.e. is the hotel operating at full capacity? The receptionist said “yes”, but I just tried a dummy booking for 3 x rooms (same type as mine) the night before arrival and there’s availability so clearly not true.

  I’d rather not have to pay the previous night as cash rates have gone substantially up since I booked…any data points/experience/war stories appreciated!

  • Blair says:

    12 Oct12 October 20:40

    They do like to play tricks. I have SNAs applied to an upcoming Marriott London booking and can see they’ve removed the room from sale the nights I am booked in. Miraculously reappears directly before and after.

  • Nick says:

    12 Oct12 October 20:52

    I’ve learnt that getting grumpy or demanding or similar is the quickest route to disappointment in hotels (well in service functions generally really, but particularly hotels). I find just turning up, smiling and saying very nicely/cheekily “I wondered if you maybe had a room available now, or if not whether I could leave my bags for a bit” invariably yields success (90%+), whereas asking in advance almost invariably yields a no – presumably either because they sense a chance to take an upgrade fee at that point or because they don’t want to commit themselves in case previous guests don’t check out in time for it. YMMV of course.

    • Simon says:

      12 Oct12 October 21:02

      I totally agree that being friendly and polite goes a very long way. And gives the highest chance of success…..
      I think the reason advanced begging doesn’t work, is because the email/request is being answered by a bored person sat in a back office. It isn’t some cunning plan by a faceless corporation to earn an upgrade fee or any other reason….. Its just human nature.

    • TGLoyalty says:

      12 Oct12 October 21:04

      Used this approach no status or status. They might say sure cool or we will sort all the paperwork out now and ring you when it’s ready etc

  • Harry T says:

    12 Oct12 October 21:01

    I literally just turn up at whatever time and check in. Works 90% of the time if you’re pleasant and friendly. I do have titanium status though. Gold could help a bit too.

    • Harry T says:

      12 Oct12 October 21:01

      I agree – don’t bother asking in advance.

      • TGLoyalty says:

        12 Oct12 October 21:04

        You would agree with yourself though 🙃

        • Harry T says:

          12 Oct12 October 21:27

          I agree with TG, I would definitely agree with myself

        • Yorkieflyer says:

          12 Oct12 October 21:46

          I also find I’m usually right

        • Peter K says:

          12 Oct12 October 23:08

          😂

• Saiz says:

  12 Oct12 October 21:10

  Can anyone recommend a cheap but reliable antibody test provider? I can see some by Lloyds pharmacy and Superdrug. Any others? By post is fine too. Thanks

  • Ryan says:

    13 Oct13 October 01:39

    Collinson / Prenetics?

  • Tracey says:

    13 Oct13 October 07:44

    Don’t underestimate the faff in getting the blood sample if you do this at home. I was sent the(free) NHS one. It took 45 minutes to get sufficient blood into the tube.

• jimc says:

  12 Oct12 October 21:12

  Car hire excess insurance: I should really know this but does either of my Curve Metal or HSBC Premier/WE give me any extra coverage for car hire in Spain?

  • Harry T says:

    12 Oct12 October 21:27

    Curve metal does but check the T&Cs.

    • Jimc says:

      12 Oct12 October 22:53

      Thanks for your help Harry, mush appreciated.

  • Blenz101 says:

    12 Oct12 October 21:33

    3rd person today asking to crowd source their insurance coverage. New record.

    Sure, use either card and you can drive any car up to £300k in value and if you write it off your excess is capped at £18, if you are under 25 and bizarrely it’s free. Strange quirk.

    Alternatively check your actual policy and compare it to your personal circumstances

  • @mkcol says:

    13 Oct13 October 00:12

    Beware Curve: the vehicle value is limited to ~£24000

• Gormlesstraveller says:

  12 Oct12 October 21:47

  Someone said deep in another thread to not bother with car hire companies who charge excesses, and gave an example of who to go with in Spain.

  • Andrew H says:

    12 Oct12 October 22:29

    Pretty sure all hire car companies have excesses unless you pay them extra (always way more expensive than independent cover)

    It’s only something like £25 to £30 for a year long Europe policy – hardly worth worrying about whether credit cards have it included (it was a £25 supplement on my Staysure policy – can’t rely on card travel insurance due to a pre-existing condition)

• Nick says:

  13 Oct13 October 12:25

  Planning an all inclusive break in Dalaman for Oct half term.

  Any considerations? all looks ok re being vaxxed (and kids under 12)

  Just need a PCR test on return to UK.

• Anthony says:

  13 Oct13 October 15:22

  Does Airtime rewards work if you pay with a gift card?

  Does anyone have a referral code for me?

  • George says:

    13 Oct13 October 22:20

    Referral code: YJARXAJ6

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