Amex $150 off $300 Spend by 31Jan2017

[Cynicor]

It seems to be the 'norm' in Australia now. Fiji is 3% which is outrageous when you then add your 3% 'currency conversion' fee plus the spread on the currency the bank will be making.
They charge it because they can in my opinion. When's the last time you showed up at a hotel with cash? Bet that would throw them if we all started to do that.

Off topic, but you need a bankwest or 28 degrees credit card, or a Citibank debit card. No spread or fees on FX.

 

[albyd]

I usually use my US Citi credit card. Also has very little spread on FX fees which is great.

 

[froggerADL]

It seems to be the 'norm' in Australia now. Fiji is 3% which is outrageous when you then add your 3% 'currency conversion' fee plus the spread on the currency the bank will be making.
They charge it because they can in my opinion. When's the last time you showed up at a hotel with cash? Bet that would throw them if we all started to do that.

There is no need to pay either the currency conversion fee or the spread if you use the right card.

 

[albyd]

Agreed. At the risk of labouring the point, I have the right cards to avoid currency spread and currency conversion fee but not the resort's opportunistic 3% charge for paying by "international payment cards" which by definition would include MC & Visa debit cards (which don't earn points).
Short of paying in cash (and incurring similar or higher fees to get foreign cash), I'll live with that cost and I'm sure the resorts are thinking the same thing.

 

[blackcat20]

Had success making a prepaid booking then calling the hotel to get them to put it through today. Email appeared in inbox immediately.

 

[LA10]

Had success making a prepaid booking then calling the hotel to get them to put it through today. Email appeared in inbox immediately.

I'm thinking of doing the same for the Conrad Seoul - booking the discount advance purchase and making sure they charge me now.

 

[TomVexille]

I'm thinking of doing the same for the Conrad Seoul - booking the discount advance purchase and making sure they charge me now.

Unfortunately the offer is only for hotels in Australia

 

[LA10]

Unfortunately the offer is only for hotels in Australia

Oh
Thank you so much for letting me know! Def saved me some money in booking it now.

 

[muppet]

Little concerned with this one. Made two $300+ payments at Hilton Sydney today with no emails... usually the emails are instant. Hope i didn't miss a T&C!

 

[albyd]

Mine all came through ok even though not had trigger email on all occasions. You should be fine. Having said that, my brother in law had a Hilton stay 2 weeks ago and no credit yet. He held a CBA Amex. All of mine on Amex direct.

 

[zig]

Had success making a prepaid booking then calling the hotel to get them to put it through today. Email appeared in inbox immediately.

I tried this last week with a prepaid booking at HSW and was told they wouldn't process it until closer to the date of the stay :evil: Not happy! I might try again tomorrow.

 

[blackcat20]

I tried this last week with a prepaid booking at HSW and was told they wouldn't process it until closer to the date of the stay :evil: Not happy! I might try again tomorrow.

Managed to get a second booking processed ahead of time by filling out an authorisation form.

 

[unfunkable]

Yes. A 2 bed suite at HSW is a very comfortable suite for 2A and 2C. It's regularly over $600/night without meals, so you did well. At $300 a night with meals, it's an absolute steal!

Quick tip, if the weather is ordinary, the movie deal works on both TVs. It used to be about $35 for 24 hours for as many movies as you can watch, which means kids can be in the lounge watching a movie and adults can be in the room watching a different movie. Makes it even better value.

EDIT: Whilst speaking of movies, there are adult movies in the selection, but you can request the hotel to lock them out. It may prevent an inquisitive look by the kids!

Just completed our stay and got back today. The rooms were awesome, kids loved it. The dinner was so-so meat and 3 veg....we got a bit sick of if on the third night lol...there was so much food - enough to feed 4 adults and 4 kids all up easily, we tossed out 1/2 of it.
Buffet breakfast was pretty ordinary. They didn't have coco pops, - the only time the kids are allowed to eat it is when we are away ...haha

I still had $150 room credit, as I used 6 cards @ $300 each and the total came to $1647. Ended up using it for a 1 way car hire to the airport @ $95 ( $47.5 after amex cashback). Taxi would of cost about the same. The rest of the credit went to wine and coffee.
Service was impeccable, had a minor tv issue, and the magic lady told me to choose the 24hr movie package for my 1 movie and they would waive the cost. Would def stay there again ( at 1/2 rates )

Going to ring the Hilton Sydney tmr to try and see what they can do to sleep 4 in Easter with my remaining cards

Managed to get a second booking processed ahead of time by filling out an authorisation form.

Yep to prepay my melb trip a month in advance I filled out 6 forms...1 for each card. I find most business's are more then happy to take your money in advance

 

[zig]

Managed to get a second booking processed ahead of time by filling out an authorisation form.

Thanks BC, I have an authorisation form from HSW, so will send it through tomorrow and hope they process it in time.

 

[unfunkable]

You got a fax or scan email? I would fax/email it, and call them up and ask them to process it asap...

 

[blackcat20]

Thanks BC, I have an authorisation form from HSW, so will send it through tomorrow and hope they process it in time.

I spoke to them on the phone first then reiterated in the email that I needed it processed by x date.

 

[zig]

I spoke to them on the phone first then reiterated in the email that I needed it processed by x date.

I didn't get far on the phone, just got stonewalled and told that it couldn't be processed any earlier (which is just ridiculous ). Will try again in the morning and send the authorisation form through to them.

 

[zig]

I spoke to them on the phone first then reiterated in the email that I needed it processed by x date.

BC, did you speak to accounts, or reservations?

 

[blackcat20]

BC, did you speak to accounts, or reservations?

Definitely not reservations; went through to some sort of service desk.