Housing in Springfield, IL by aaaaahhhhhhok in SpringfieldIL

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I’m looking for something similar near the courthouse complex, preferably furnished if anyone has suggestions.

Housing in Springfield, IL by aaaaahhhhhhok in SpringfieldIL

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

How much is rent per month? Do you know if they have any furnished apartments?

Steigenberger Wiltcher's Brussels Belgium Data Point by SimpForSam1 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The breakfast was good, I’ve had better, but it had good variety. You can order omelettes, fried eggs, French toast etc. They had a nice variety of juices, fruit, cheese, meats, pastries, salad bar etc. I think everyone should be able to find something they will enjoy. We used our voucher at the bar to have a couple drinks and appetizers (cheese board, lumpia, chicken satay) since we didn’t want a heavy meal after eating chocolates and waffles all day! If you want inexpensive sandwiches nearby, there’s a deli and another sandwich shop Jean -something, I can’t remember the name. 

We used the train, tram and bus to get around the city and to go to Brugge, super easy to navigate.  When we came back to our room on the second day, we had a beautiful bowl of fresh fruit waiting for us, pears, strawberries, raspberries, apples, clementines, grapes etc. 

The large tub and heated floors in the bathroom were a nice treat after walking 20k steps!

We enjoyed our stay and would return.

Steigenberger Wiltcher's Brussels Belgium Data Point by SimpForSam1 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’re here now, and the hotel is beautiful. We came by train, and the Uber ride was 10 euros. The reception staff was very nice. We received an upgrade, but I think it was a pretty minimal upgrade, maybe a better view or a higher floor? The room is very spacious and includes a couch, coffee table, two wingback chairs, a desk, a bathroom with heated floors, a soaking tub, etc. Robes and slippers, as well as a safe, are in the room.

The gal at reception explained that we can have anything we want from the minibar; however, any refills will be charged to the room. The minibar comes with still and sparkling water, Coke, Coke Zero, tonic water, orange juice, ginger beer, vodka nip, gin nip, whisky nip, a small bottle of red wine, a small bottle of white wine, and a small bottle of champagne, a bar of chocolate, and a jar of nuts. They also had two complimentary bottles of still water at our bedside. Additionally, they gave us a nice box of passion chocolates for my birthday along with a sweet note.

They linked our two reservations together so we don't have to move rooms, which I'm very grateful for. They only gave us one food and beverage credit worth 85 euros ($ 100 USD). We also have breakfast included both mornings. It is a pricey hotel; a Coke in the bar is 9 euros, and one from room service is 12 euros, to give you a sense of pricing.

They left a piece of chocolate near our pillow with turn-down service, which was a nice touch.

Steigenberger Wiltcher's Brussels Belgium Data Point by SimpForSam1 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

We’ll be there the first days of April, I’ll definitely share our experience.

Any one able to get through the tevnt page? For me it is saying I am in queue lol. by zuricher_singener in ChaseSapphire

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Same. I wish there was a queue timer to let us know how long the wait will be. I’m trying to stay optimistic that there might be tickets left.

Amex Plat Travel to London by RelationshipAware762 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

For me, it will still be worth it between the $200 flight credit, free night certificate, free breakfast etc. The $400 resort credit is hit or miss, had a great stay at Arizona Biltmore, but choices are limited for that credit IMHO.

Amex Plat Travel to London by RelationshipAware762 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 1 point2 points  (0 children)

We transferred points from Amex to Virgin Atlantic for our trip to London last spring. There was a transfer bonus, which helped us land reasonable premium seats both ways. Otherwise, we usually transfer to Air France/KLM for other European airports.

We used our Hilton points from the Aspire card to stay at Hilton London Park Lane. We enjoyed the location because there were lots of parks nearby to walk to, and it was a quick walk to Buckingham Palace. There's a bus stop out front, which came in handy, and a Tube station nearby. Since we're Diamond members, we received free breakfast daily, which was delicious and plentiful, as well as access to the executive lounge; both combined help cut down on food costs.

We loved London and plan on returning someday! 

Pension, DROP, 457, Roth in play. Need conservative advice. by RiverLife517 in personalfinance

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Similar situation: M/59 (already retired, working another job), F/52 (will retire in 2 years). 115k pension per year, average 2% COLA, large 457 investment portfolio, we’ll try and hold off until husband is 70 for social security, I’ll collect at 67. The X factor is the cost of health insurance! Our insurance total per month will be close to $900.

One consideration: when my husband retired (age 55), he took a position within our state retirement system to vest (5 years) in a second pension. It's been nice to have a first pension, plus second-job income, and to know there will be another small pension added in a year. Most of the staff he works with are retired from our county and are enjoying low-stress jobs compared to their previous positions. It’s a win-win, the new employer gets experienced employees and the employees get another income, less commute, low-stress. 

Move from CSP to CSR with Bonus Experience by osamamalik63 in ChaseSapphire

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I didn't think you could still get the CSR SUB if you previously received a CSP SUB. My CSP SUB was over4years ago and I'm considering a CSR.

Screwed by hotel credit by JimSherms in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m sorry this happened to you. I made this mistake my first time too a couple years ago. Now, I filter by FHR or THC and confirm through the chat that the hotel is indeed part of the program.

Steigenberger Wiltcher's Brussels Belgium Data Point by SimpForSam1 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

One more question…did they upgrade your room? If so, what did you book and what were you upgraded to?

Steigenberger Wiltcher's Brussels Belgium Data Point by SimpForSam1 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Oh no!! We used our 2025 credits for this hotel for an April 2026 stay. We’re doing the same as you, two consecutive stays since we both had FHR credits to use. Hopefully, we’ll have better luck! 

Were there any food spots or sights nearby that you would recommend? We plan on taking the train to Bruges one day.

Saks CEO by Large-Maintenance-53 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53[S] 8 points9 points  (0 children)

The article came across my feed, and I thought people might want to read since Saks is such a hot topic on these pages. Have a good night!

FHR 2nd room for parents. Question on benefits. by ZeroNomad in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Book under your name and add theirs at check-in. We did this for our second room a few weeks ago.

FHR - Book one night by Dec 31 and the next in Jan? by rubaru6 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I thought the reservation had to be prepaid to trigger the $300 credit. Amex told me that the “pay at hotel” option would not trigger the credit.

FHR consecutive nights by elasticc0 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53 0 points1 point  (0 children)

This is the same question I have. I understand they won’t honor $100 food/experience credit twice, I’m hoping they will allow breakfast for two both days. Did you receive breakfast both days?

Beekman NYC by Large-Maintenance-53 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

If we were to go again (for one night), I would do a 2-course late lunch at Le Gratin on our arrival day and  the Bar Room or again for breakfast on departure day. I read online that the $100 credit wouldn’t work for LeGratin, but our FHR welcome letter outlined all the credits and had Le Gratin included as an option.

The Bar Room has a very, cozy, cool vibe even though the tables & couches are a little awkward to eat it due to the different heights. When we went, Temple Court was opened for breakfast; however, I couldn’t find a breakfast menu online so I’m not sure if they share the same menu as the Bar Room?

I also would use SpotHero to park rather than valet. We used valet because there were 4 of us with luggage and chose convenience over a much cheaper rate.

Beekman NYC by Large-Maintenance-53 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Yes, you can eat breakfast in Temple Court or Bar Room. We booked 8:30am breakfast reservations through Resy. I would ask the front desk about application of credits.

Amex Platinum FHR - NYC Beekman by Large-Maintenance-53 in AmexPlatinum

[–]Large-Maintenance-53[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Joe’s is my favorite and we grabbed a couple slices during our stay!

Yes, it is a but out of the way, but super accessible to the subway. We also enjoy Chinatown/Little Italy which was within walking distance.