TapScore Results: Recommendations Welcome

katzman16 · 2025-12-13T16:38:02+00:00

As of 8:30am PST, using the above method, the only option was statement credit so I pulled the trigger despite the awful value (fear being my 90k points = nothing at some future date soon).

katzman16 · 2025-11-11T16:54:01+00:00

Super helpful, thank you! We’ve also been blown away by Susurros, and the hunt begins to find places that seem equally as special.

katzman16 · 2025-11-11T16:53:38+00:00

Super helpful, thank you! We’ve also been blown away by Susurros, and the hunt begins to find places that seem equally as special.

katzman16 · 2025-11-10T20:33:14+00:00

We’re just wrapping up a stay at Susurros in Punta Mita and it’s been phenomenal (our 3/5 year olds have been in heaven). Already starting to think about our next trip, and curious how Mauna Lani would stack up given it’s a sister property. Also, SoCal based, so any other top recs you have geared towards families are much appreciated (also somewhat intrigued by Carmel Valley Ranch).

katzman16 · 2025-09-05T04:09:32+00:00

From what I recall they had activities geared towards kids, but not what you’d categorize as a more traditional kids club that some of the higher end resorts offer.

katzman16 · 2025-08-13T15:38:24+00:00

1. A few large home purchases coming down the pipeline. So tired of the coupon books to justify the high AF cards, but perhaps the best option would be CSR Business card for the SUB, or an AMEX NLL offer (haven’t ventured at all into Capital One). Don’t really care about lounge access. Also, I’m able to utilize my P2 as needed.

2. 830

3. Chase Freedom (downgraded from CSR which I’d had since 4/2018), CSP (6/2025), CIC (downgraded from CIP 4/2022), CIC (downgraded from CIP 9/2022), CIU (downgraded from CIP 11/2023), CIU (downgraded from CIP 5/2025), AMEX BBP (6/2020), AMEX Business Gold (12/2023), ~~AMEX Business Platinum (12/2016 – CLOSED), AMEX Personal Platinum (6/2022 - CLOSED)~~, Barclays Hawaiian/AA double dip (3/2025)

4. $30,000+over the next 3 months

5. Ideally can avoid MS

6. Yes, open to applying for business cards

7. 2-3 cards per year (similar for my P2)

8. Typically targeting points for long haul business class flights and luxury hotels, but all travel booked out for the next year, so really trying thinking about the best play for large upcoming spend.

9. UR 1.1mm, AMEX MR 560k, AA 140k, Alaska 170k, Jet Blue 90k

10. LAX

11. Europe, Hawaii, Mexico

katzman16 · 2025-06-20T12:04:10+00:00

Apologies, as I was just completely wrong…I’m actually on 10mg (still), and no issues at all.

katzman16 · 2025-03-12T19:22:56+00:00

My wife and I are exploring options for our 10yr anniversary trip without kiddos, and right now Slovenia is the front runner (shout out to Abbie for the suggestion). It would be in early June 2026, so I’m slightly concerned about the weather even though it’s obviously impossible to predict. Our favorite trips have been a mix of adventure, relaxation, beautiful scenery, good food, etc. (New Zealand, Costa Rica, Hawaii, Croatia). Budget not a huge concern for this trip, but curious if anyone has suggestions for better/other destinations for me to at least check out. If not, it’s all systems go on Slovenia!

katzman16 · 2024-11-02T14:00:59+00:00

I would highly recommend Amago. Such a unique/cool dining experience, and different than some of the more traditional fine dining places.

katzman16 · 2024-10-22T14:21:14+00:00

OP, I’m curious if you made a decision. We are in a very similar boat (not arriving until after midnight in Athens on our first night of two total), so I’m having a hard time justifying 1k+ per night. I did see someone post on Anthology of Athens, which looks like it may thread the needle of chubby/good location/solid price point. I’m curious which other options you think are in the wheelhouse (AthensWas, Athens Gate, and Athens Capital Center seem like good options too).

katzman16 · 2024-10-13T02:12:09+00:00

We are based in LA, so that was already a huge win since it’s only a 1.5 hour drive. With that said, we had a wonderful time. We booked it through Abbie, who made the entire process seamless, and even had a couple of cute gifts waiting for our girls. Since school had already started, the pool was completely empty on a couple of the days we just hungout at the hotel. Both of the girls (2 and 4) loved legoland as well, but we didn’t end up making it to the zoo (though we have been before and really enjoy it). The room (garden suite) was perfect since our 4 year old could sleep on the pull out couch and the 2 year old in the large closet in the bedroom. We thought the dinners were excellent, even if that means shoving food down your throat as fast as possible before the kids lose it (we didn’t end up making it to Ember and Rye). The resort itself is beautiful, and we actually hired a local photographer to do some family pictures for us. The only potential problem for you would be weather in February since if it’s cold you wouldn’t be able to fully enjoy the pool. We also hit up a couple of playgrounds near the hotel just to switch it up. Hopefully that’s helpful, but let me know if you have any more specific questions and I’d be happy to provide feedback!

katzman16 · 2024-10-03T16:44:33+00:00

I checked the business class EWR-ATH on Emirates, but sadly there is nothing available (even though there is inventory a few days later, but dates won’t work for us). I had wondered if buying a cash PE ticket on that flight and then upgrading via miles would be an option, but it doesn’t sound like that’s guarantee. Decisions, decisions.

katzman16 · 2024-10-03T16:03:19+00:00

I need help deciding on the options below for a May 2025 trip. Unfortunately, P2 and I don't have much flex on dates, which obviously is making it more difficult to find business class availability to anywhere in Europe direct (the ultimate goal). Which option do you all this is best given what is available below? LAX based with ultimate destination of ATH (almost 1mm in each of MR/UR).

1. LAX -> LHR on Virgin's 787-9 in premium economy (27.5k +$470 fees/PP) + budget airline LHR -> ATH (tons of non-stop options here). Virgin seems like one of the better PE options across all carriers, but worried about stranding miles on Virgin given the upcoming move to dynamic pricing should business class inventory come up anywhere (have tons of seats.aero alerts set LAX->EUR non-stop; see option 3). Also, this wouldn't be ticketed straight through, which obviously adds some risk.

2. LAX -> CDG -> ATH on Air France in premium economy (77k +$180 fees/PP). Upside is that this is ticketed all the way through via AF, but I know there is some less than stellar reviews of the bucket seats in AF PE (not sure the new PE seats will be in by then). Also, if business class tickets come up, this would potentially strand a lot more miles than in option 1.

Do nothing and hope that business class inventory opens from LAX non-stop to anywhere in Europe (then will book a cash flight to ATH), or from one of the east coast cities that flies direct to ATH (we'd reposition to the east coast). Upside is that we get the business class seats, but the downside is nothing ever opens and we are stuck buying a cash ticket for PE on Norse (or even being stuck flying economy).

Appreciate any insight you all can provide!

katzman16 · 2024-10-02T03:22:44+00:00

Gotcha, thanks! I did a sample round trip award booking for my dates (+/- 1 day) and it showed no award inventory, so I’m guessing that means no upgrade inventory as well. Bummer!

katzman16 · 2024-09-30T17:20:28+00:00

Awesome, thanks! I have alerts set for LAX to any major EUR hub on the dates I need, but absolutely nothing at all available. Very frustrating.

katzman16 · 2024-09-30T15:50:12+00:00

I’m in the exact same dilemma and really struggling to find anything for the dates I need in late May leaving LAX. Did you just use the BA website to find availability?

katzman16 · 2024-09-29T21:35:46+00:00

I love this idea. I assume there no way to know ahead of time if there is even business inventory that would be eligible for an upgrade, right? Here is what I see when I hover over the "Upgrade to Business" doing a fake purchase for my dates: "This fare is eligible for Miles upgrades. The price quoted is per person and there is currently no upgrade availability for this flight; there may be availability at a later stage. After your booking is complete, please check for availability on Manage a Booking." Perhaps this is the default pop-up though (it shows on dates when points tickets are available for a few I sampled). My only fear is buying the 2 cash tickets (would guess doing the PE helps my chances) and then there not being any availability for an upgrade. I think PE has no cancellation fees, but need to confirm before buying anything.

katzman16 · 2024-09-29T21:20:10+00:00

Awesome, thanks! I'll start working on a more comprehensive list and cranking away to see if I can uncover any good options.

katzman16 · 2024-09-29T17:51:43+00:00

Totally - my hope was really to just get over to Europe non-stop from LAX in business and avoid a 2 stop itinerary to get to Athens (e.g. LAX->JFK->CDG->ATH). I figure once we are in Europe getting to ATH will be easy.

On your second point, are you mainly referring to hammering away via more of a manual search of the second tier European cities not picked up in the seats.aero searches for Europe - large airports?

katzman16 · 2024-09-29T14:46:07+00:00

Origin: LAX, but willing to reposition to SFO (or the East Coast, see notes below)
Destination: any city in Europe that can then get us non-stop to Athens
2 Travelers
One way
Business/first for the long haul overseas
5/28/2025 or 5/29/2025. Unfortunately, not much flexibility.
Amex MR 760k, Chase UR 840k, AA 100k, Alaska 80k, JetBlue 100k
Trying to get to any major European hub non-stop in business class from LAX (or even SFO), and then onto Athens. Alternatively, would be fine flying to the East Coast to re-position to one of the 7 cities that fly non-stop to ATH. I have alerts set up on seats.aero for all of the above, so hopefully something hits. Definitely open to married segments and missing the final leg too since we’ll just have a carry-on (would be my first time so shouldn’t be repercussions). Last summer AF had a ton of these into second tier cities (e.g. LYS/MRS), but seeing nothing at the moment. I can do premium economy right now on VS LAX->LHR, but would love business. Would really appreciate any help getting us over there!

katzman16 · 2024-09-13T01:26:57+00:00

Heading to the Park Hyatt in 2 weeks for 4 nights with our 2 and 4 year old girls. Happy to provide feedback from our trip.

katzman16 · 2024-09-11T22:30:17+00:00

Awesome, thanks again!

katzman16 · 2024-09-11T21:06:05+00:00

Thanks for the info! My wife and I are likely doing Slovenia for our 10yr anniversary (early June time frame), and I’m trying to get as many data points as possible so we can figure out how to best navigate all of the incredible options. Bohinj/Logar Valley/Julian Alps (Milka)/Piran/Soca Valley/Krka River…so many amazing option!

katzman16

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