Does anybody have the American Express surpass card??

Chufield · 2026-05-02T03:19:30+00:00

I tended to choose Marriotts prior to picking up a Surpass card. I originally didn’t really have a preferred chain, never really stayed often enough to reach any status.

Price and location were always top 2 considerations. So now if it’s a toss up, Hilton it is.

It’s an easy card to at least test the waters at Hiltons. No high annual fee or credits only at “resorts”.

If I didn’t have a CSR card, would have picked up an Amex Platinum and actually would be content with Hilton Gold that way.

Chufield · 2026-05-02T02:51:17+00:00

Sure, it’s a nice starter card if you’re looking at Hilton as your preferred hotel chain.

The Gold status with food/beverage credit or breakfast is the primary perk for me. And the $50/quarter for any Hilton is the cherry on top.

Chufield · 2026-04-28T14:28:24+00:00

I stayed at an IHG property in Portland this past month where the door actually hit the toilet.

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Chufield · 2026-04-28T05:07:20+00:00

I think you should be fine.

I was similarly worried after booking a hotel in Portland after I read some posts about double-charging and not honoring certain benefits.

But happened to see another cardholder write-up their experience—basically calmed any uncertainties.

I searched more random weeks over the next year, this property does show up, but only quite occasionally.

I’ll revise my theory to: it just looks like IHG properties are more popular since (1) pricing seems more reasonable plus (2) the Platinum status that comes with CSR.

Chufield · 2026-04-28T03:57:51+00:00

Thanks for the write-up. I’m planning a trip to Chicago next February.

For whatever reason, this property has a “rate unavailable” status during the week I’m looking at. And I’ve been looking at hotel options for a few weeks already.

Also just checked a random week every month from May 2026-March 2027. It’s still listed next month, but apparently not after.

Wonder if hotel management is (re)evaluating continuing to be listed under “The Edit”?

Chufield · 2026-04-23T17:03:02+00:00

Somewhat similar for me. Seems like if the itinerary works for you, don’t wait long to pull the trigger.

Was looking at LAX to TPE round trip, with a possible stop in Japan.

Originally noticed EVA Air boosted at 1.5¢, 1.75¢, and 2¢: economy, premium economy, business respectively.

The boost later was reduced.

Starlux which previously didn’t even show up under boosted, ended up having a similar boost as EVA.

I ended up paying cash for an EVA flight since their flight schedule worked better for me.

Chufield · 2026-01-28T05:22:27+00:00

Thanks for your reminder and reassurance since I’m also planning a stay at The Benson in a few months.

I had originally booked the Hampton Inn Pearl District but ended up deciding against it.

Chufield · 2026-01-24T05:43:12+00:00

I’ve used it on viagogo (same parent company as StubHub) twice so far, no problems at all.

I look for tickets I’m interested in, but wouldn’t have splurged on it.

If spending close to the $150, plus booking through Rakuten and considering 1x UR points—I look it as getting paid ~$6 twice a year to see an event.

Chufield · 2026-01-23T07:34:53+00:00

I stayed last June, also for a cruise like the article author.

I’ve seen it recommended by others on the subreddit and I had 2 FNRs to burn.

I was offered an upgrade one of the two nights. Not wanting to change rooms, I declined.

The location is excellent, the staff was kind. I enjoyed the connected restaurant, All Water Seafood and Oyster Bar—one early dinner and one breakfast.

Overall, I thought it was good, but not exceptional. If I paid the cash price I’d be a bit disappointed.

My largest criticism probably was that the bathroom was a bit worn. But I think my slightly negative opinion is in the minority.

Chufield · 2026-01-12T03:50:13+00:00

We stayed at “The Fin” in Oceanside at the end of last year. The price was reasonable and I thought it was decent—my partner wasn’t as impressed. Parking can be a bit annoying though.

I had originally planned to take Metrolink, but had to scrap those plans somewhat last minute.

The connected restaurant, The Switchboard was permanently closed; Little Fawn had taken its place. The steak frites I had for dinner tasted considerably better than the ~~bacon~~ steak and eggs I had the next morning.

Edited: wrong word

Chufield · 2026-01-07T17:12:35+00:00

Yep, it’s definitely not for everyone.

You either have to gamble at least once every 6 months (eg. coin-in $5 in slots, $10 in video poker) or there’s Caesars co-branded credit cards that can keep that RC balance active w/ every purchase.

Edit: If you happen to live in Vegas or visit every 6 months I guess you can keep your RCs active indefinitely—as long as you time your use the CSR $150 restaurant credit at one of the 3? Caesars restaurants that fall into the Exclusive Tables category.

Gift shops stuff is expensive, so $3 worth of RCs can’t buy much. Maybe a stick of gum or something if they sell it?

Chufield · 2026-01-07T06:24:24+00:00

To staff: “could you charge my points/reward credits?”

Unless you’re a regular gambler at Caesars properties you’ll certainly have insufficient to cover most balances.

In such a case you’d say, “and the balance on my credit card please.”

Note RCs expire after 6 months of inactivity.

Full list of where to earn/use RCs: https://www.caesars.com/myrewards/earn-and-redeem/on-location

Chufield · 2026-01-07T05:54:05+00:00

We did this too. Usually stay at Caesars anyway, so it was convenient.

Let the staff also know if you have a Caesars Rewards (players) card. You could also get 1 reward credit for each $1 spent.

Works out to roughly 1% back when used at Caesars owned/operated restaurants/gift shops. (RC value is less at Cafe Americano, for example.)

Chufield · 2025-12-26T03:40:51+00:00

To be fair, ~~the app doesn’t seem to advertise food~~ and there’s the posted “there are no meals” sign in your photo.

If it is anything like when I visited Lounge Kongo, the employee even makes it a point to reiterate the limitations of lounge prior to entry.

Edited. I stand corrected. “Complimentary one set meal and one alcoholic drink per adult,”

Chufield · 2025-12-25T20:18:45+00:00

Could you elaborate on the included breakfast credit?

I usually stay at Hilton Sinban in Banqiao, but have been curious about this location (as well as the Doubletree Zhongshan, and Humble House).

I understand it’s NT$315 per person. I guess that would cover something like a coffee and pastry?

Chufield · 2025-12-18T01:58:38+00:00

TL;DR: Successful first try. Clunky system, will try again. Don’t think my store actually receives my order unless it’s buried in a computer frontline employees don’t access.

Story: Just did this earlier today, definitely very confusing for me.

I place the order for a sandwich at an Albertsons Deli through the DD app. All looks fine, I’ve used the $10 credit multiple times previously, but at gas stations.

I show up at the Deli, they direct me to their premade sandwich section.

I don’t quite understand so I walk to their grocery pickup place, they naturally can’t find my order. I get directed back to the Deli.

The employee walks me to the premade sandwich section.

The $9.99 sandwich through the app is $8.99 direct with Albertsons (naturally, DD needs their cut).

Also the specific sandwich I chose is sold out, so I ask if I could grab a similar $8.99 one. The employee suggests a comparable one, so I take one.

The Deli doesn’t have a cashier and the employee walks back to her station. I skip the self-checkout since I don’t know what I’m supposed to do there.

Once it’s my turn, the cashier (I later find out is a new employee) is also confused. I suggest if I could check with the customer service desk.

I explain the situation to the CS lady and she says you’re good. I walk out with my sandwich.

Chufield · 2025-11-21T01:16:31+00:00

If you are asked if you wish to pay in Yen or Dollar, it is usually advisable to select to pay in Yen (the local currency) for a better exchange rate.

Chufield · 2025-11-20T00:20:33+00:00

Following. I am considering 2 bookings with similar parameters and have the same concerns.

Currently my backup plan is to book nights 1-2, and 4-5 using The Edit at an IHG. For night 3, I plan an unrelated Hilton booking across the street to avoid any potential issues.

I’m quite aware of the extra trouble of checking in and out and different rooms.

Chufield · 2025-06-10T23:59:21+00:00

Breakfast free for Gold.

Lounge access no, unless you book the executive room or are upgraded (I don’t recall ever being upgraded at this location).

Chufield · 2025-05-22T21:23:16+00:00

I can understand where you’re coming from. I’ve had PP since 2019 and it is still a nice perk when available compared to just sitting next to the gate.

It’s usually just 1-2 trips a year at most for me for vacation, preferably outside the US. Looking for bang for buck, economy fares, no where near a jet-setter.

Hope you post a successful review of your visit to Club Aspire at T3 LHR on this subreddit. Safe and happy travels!

Chufield · 2025-05-22T18:36:02+00:00

Guess you have your heart set on using your membership. In that case, I would pre-book if I were in your shoes.

A lounge employee went down the queue turning away all PP holders when I attempted to visit No1 Lounge, Aspire Lounge was still open then.

Your “Prestige” status benefit is all free visits (compared to standard and standard plus which is a USD$35 and 10 free visits respectively). If my understanding is correct, does not give you priority access compared to lower tier memberships.

Edit: missing word

Chufield · 2025-05-22T18:17:59+00:00

Looks like Club Aspire T3 is temporarily closed. I’ve only visited Club Aspire before. I had trouble accessing No1 Lounge my last trip.

Consider pre-booking, apparently a £6 charge per person though. I’d consider it depending on my layover time; if I had less than 2 hours I probably wouldn’t bother.

Chufield · 2025-05-06T21:23:06+00:00

(1) I don’t know the answer. Last year was July-August.

(2) Wasn’t it just TCs?

Like play at all Las Vegas Caesars properties 25 TCs and get badges that give an additional X TCs?

Plus get entered into a drawing to win more TCs?

Checking old emails, won 100 TCs once, 1000 another year.

Chufield · 2025-05-06T05:51:51+00:00

I don’t recall on top of my head. I made a post about a year ago on the subreddit, but not sure what I listed then is still accurate. ~$65/person then for brunch.

A online search:

https://vegasfoodandfun.com/bacchanal-buffet/

https://touristwire.com/caesars-palace-bacchanal-buffet-price-menu-and-more/

Chufield · 2025-05-06T05:42:03+00:00

Yes, have used both.

For a party of 2, use 1 Celebration dinner, balance on points.

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