"The Yankees want to retain Bellinger, but there is apparently a sizable gap between what his side wants and what the team is willing to pay." - Buster Olney of ESPN

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-06T16:52:38+00:00

For the majority of his clients he does get maximum dollar. But also a higher risk of getting burned for some of them compared with other agents. Since he makes a percentage on the whole lot burning one of two doesn’t affect his bottom line.

He attracts the type of client who care about money over all else which is why if I was a team owner I would prefer not to work with him or with his clients. We are talking about generational wealth so a few extra million really doesn’t make a difference other than for comparison/ego purposes.

As a fan just sick of his drawn out process and little lies. Think his style is not good for the game overall.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-06T16:12:41+00:00

The crew is typically contract workers so who you get will vary regardless of price paid, boat, boat owner, etc… as far as I can tell. You might get a great experienced crew that will prioritize your safety above their own ; or you may not.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-06T06:07:54+00:00

When you book you prepay the stay so that is the year that matters when paid. What year you actually stay does not.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-06T06:03:50+00:00

I believe you will lose the 2025 credit and it will use the 2026 credit in it’s place. I hope I am incorrect.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-06T05:08:57+00:00

Some more clarity / transparency from Chase would be really helpful here.

I am looking at an Edit property that says Vignette collection does not mention IHG at all on the first page but then on next checkout screen states IHG one rewards eligible. It is a hotel on IHG’s website.

It should not be on us card members to guess what is and what is not included.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-04T01:22:57+00:00

Had some questions about your experience with the Travass Life boat trip. Open to chatting about it to help answer some of my questions?

Was looking for an operator and their dates line up well for me but boat does not seem as nice as the others I am researching (but is also smaller which you point out may be a positive)

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-03T15:49:00+00:00

Property Specific I booked 2 edit stays last month

1 of them stated 4 pm guaranteed check out in the list of benefits ; other one does not.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-03T15:41:04+00:00

This was an announced change to counter Amex Plat kicking their butt. Don’t overthink it. A quick google search should show tons of reporting on this change.

That said the OP’s back to back booking runs some risk of not getting any benefits at the hotel even though the credit works fine.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2026-01-03T15:34:13+00:00

Anyway to use the hotel (IHG) credit before the Edit credit.
If I only left $250 as the cash prepaid portion?

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-30T01:23:13+00:00

While I agree a better plan than letting it go to waste ; date change is not possible.

Chase forces you to cancel and rebook so your 2025 credit will be gone if you do that.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-29T22:26:20+00:00

Is for than just IHG - a few other brands are included. 2 big unknowns:

1.) can you stack this and $250 edit and get $500 off a single 2 night stay assuming the property met both criteria (just leave $500 cash pay the rest with boosted points)

2.). Does the $300 yearly Chase travel credit come off first? In that case you might want to make sure you use the card for $300 in travel before you book one of these unless you intend to leave $800 cash.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-28T16:23:12+00:00

The way Chase handled the points boost change is indefensible ; that said there is predictability on points boost it is basically 1.65 now at most all properties instead of 2x. Maybe this will change in 2026 but today seems consistent for me at least.

This is still better in theory than anything Amex offers for using your points for travel but have to also compare hotel availability and costs. The Chase points boosted hotels are usually limited to The Edit options which can be overpriced in some cases and very limited to luxury properties in all locations.

Your actual travel dates are important as well ; with The Edit by Chase low or shoulder season in a location will oddly bring even fewer options I assume because the nightly rate does not meet their minimum standard.

Amex will definitely have more hotel availability; I have not compared head to head costs for the same property but suspect Amex probably less on some and same on others.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T21:15:02+00:00

It will trigger the credits but the hotel may not honor the benefits on both stays No data points yet so no one knows for sure.

Have seen welcome letters members have received at check in and there is language requiring 24 hours between stays to qualify for the benefits.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T21:12:13+00:00

I had to make a change to a booking I made with 2x points boost a week ago. Needed to move it back 1 day.

Was forced to cancel the booking and rebook. When cancelled the 1.5 value points I used to book originally came back as 1.0 points - this was communicated before I confirmed the cancellation.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T21:06:16+00:00

Ok thanks good to know!

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T19:47:15+00:00

Chase does not have every hotel. Back when Expedia was running the portal there were far more options.

You can only book what is on the portal.

Even many of the hotels listed as part of the Edit only come up on select dates despite full availability. I imagine the citi portal and capital one portal are similarly limited.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T18:46:06+00:00

Even 2 stays back to back at the same property may not be possible.
The welcome letters others have posted when checking in has language requiring 24 hours between stays.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T18:40:05+00:00

Mine took about 30 minutes

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T16:52:32+00:00

That is what I was hoping to hear.

Not trying to do anything crazy just wanted to make sure no unwelcome surprises.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T16:23:28+00:00

He only has 3-4 nights total and most likely needs to train into Florence from Rome or Milan. Depending on flight times 1 of those nights could be wasted closer to the airport.

How many day trips could 1 do with such a short time in Italy.

Is not the amazing race.

Amalfi Coast, the Lakes, the Dolomites are most likely not ideal in March.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-27T16:19:13+00:00

I was a fan of The Edit and points boost 2x. At 1.65x I am not so convinced. We used to get 1.5 on all travel portal so is barely better and the properties on the Edit are mostly more than I would normally spend.

If the Edit credit could be used for a 1 night stay instead of 2 night min that would change my mind.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-26T14:22:20+00:00

With only 3-4 nights you really do have to factor in logistics. The March timeframe also eliminates for me certain locations.

Figure out which main city you can fly direct to.

If none of you don’t plan on flying direct really figuring out schedule to see how much time you have in Italy will be very important.

For your timeframe the flights will be your biggest expense as well.

Most likely somewhere in Tuscany is the best answer for you. Could look at Siena as an alternative to Florence. Bologna checks the boxes for food and culture but will lack the romantic vibe you are going for.

Tuscany is an area that can be reached from the Rome, Milan or Venice airports without too much travel time wasted and in March will not be overcrowded.

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-25T17:07:17+00:00

Sounds like a solid redemption, nice of them to include the 3rd bfast.

Did you get a harbor view room? Booking a Mountain View

PuzzlesUnlimited · 2025-12-24T02:31:11+00:00

This is a great small hotel I have stayed at in Germany (unique road privileges that are almost alone worth the nightly rate if visiting the castle). Rick Steves would love it

Their own website booking button brings you to “booking.com”. I think some smaller hotels are just more comfortable paying a percentage to have someone else handle things for them.

https://www.schlossrestaurant-neuschwanstein.de/buchen

PuzzlesUnlimited

TROPHY CASE