I love credit cards so much! v3.0 (see first page for add'l details)

[georgina]

I'd be interested to see if gift cards work. I'm currently at a Marriott and am using DH's offer, but I'd like to use mine as well. I wonder if I can split the bill: $200 for DH, $100 on mine and then get a $100 gift card to triger my offer.

I have bought GC at my local Marriott location several times for the AmEx credit. It has always worked (well except the one time I used my AU card when the offer was on DH's only).

 

[Alexle2007]

Since our Christmas trip to HI is in jeopardy since it looks like the timeshare in Kona may not be opening, I am making back up plans for Aruba and the Caribbean. I have the Hilton booked 12/23-28 but have 12/18-1/3 to work with. Any suggestions? Any preference between the Hilton and the Hyatt Regency in Aruba? I was thinking maybe we could hop over to Curaçao but flights are ridiculous in price for 70 miles. I am Diamond with Hilton, Globalist with Hyatt and Platinum with Marriott.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Since our Christmas trip to HI is in jeopardy since it looks like the timeshare in Kona may not be opening, I am making back up plans for Aruba and the Caribbean. I have the Hilton booked 12/23-28 but have 12/18-1/3 to work with. Any suggestions? Any preference between the Hilton and the Hyatt Regency in Aruba? I was thinking maybe we could hop over to Curaçao but flights are ridiculous in price for 70 miles. I am Diamond with Hilton, Globalist with Hyatt and Platinum with Marriott.

I am not familiar with either property, but with Hilton Diamond you get free breakfast, so that would save you a fair bit of money while you are there. Plus with 17X points (when you use the Aspire to pay), you will rack up some pretty significant points. All things being equal I'd lean towards the Hilton!

See this discussion on TA for some help deciding!

 

[Judique]

I'd be interested to see if gift cards work. I'm currently at a Marriott and am using DH's offer, but I'd like to use mine as well. I wonder if I can split the bill: $200 for DH, $100 on mine and then get a $100 gift card to triger my offer.

I won't know until Monday or Tuesday because I'm going over when I know a manager with be at the hotel. The staff are usually clueless, can't find the cards, don't know how to process them, etc. I think this is my 4th time doing the offer at different spots, and where I'm going needed a manager last time, but they were good natured and friendly, so I'm going back. If it doesn't work I can use the card anyway as after we get through the next weekend (helping with a family move) we are going to the ocean and some Marriotts there are now much cheaper Sunday through Thursday. The Residence Inn also has a zero entry pool which the kids will enjoy.

 

[Alexle2007]

I won't know until Monday or Tuesday because I'm going over when I know a manager with be at the hotel. The staff are usually clueless, can't find the cards, don't know how to process them, etc. I think this is my 4th time doing the offer at different spots, and where I'm going needed a manager last time, but they were good natured and friendly, so I'm going back. If it doesn't work I can use the card anyway as after we get through the next weekend (helping with a family move) we are going to the ocean and some Marriotts there are now much cheaper Sunday through Thursday. The Residence Inn also has a zero entry pool which the kids will enjoy.

Which RI is that?

 

[punkin]

I won't know until Monday or Tuesday because I'm going over when I know a manager with be at the hotel. The staff are usually clueless, can't find the cards, don't know how to process them, etc. I think this is my 4th time doing the offer at different spots, and where I'm going needed a manager last time, but they were good natured and friendly, so I'm going back. If it doesn't work I can use the card anyway as after we get through the next weekend (helping with a family move) we are going to the ocean and some Marriotts there are now much cheaper Sunday through Thursday. The Residence Inn also has a zero entry pool which the kids will enjoy.

I'm at a Marriott now (checking out Sunday) so I will try it and let you know.

 

[Judique]

Which RI is that?

300 Seabay Lane in Ocean City.

It's the one right by Route 90 if you are coming in to OC on that bridge. The whole side of the hotel facing that highway is corridor and all the rooms face south, so no one looks at the road. You turn right onto Coastal Highway and next right (on 61st) takes you back to the hotel. It's actually quite nice, has a firepit back of the pool and barbecues for use. Rooms have balconies. 1st floor is not rooms as usual in OC. 3rd floor and up have decent views - desk, bar and breakfast lounge area are all 2nd floor. Indoor pool and exercise stuff is 7th floor..

I just looked at this hotel on GoogleMaps street view and I can tell you the picture is several years outdated as it's showing a construction mess. It's all finished - not under construction as google would lead you to believe. It also has canoes or maybe it was kayaks? and may have some bikes available as well and a pier to the Bay.

 

[Judique]

I'm at a Marriott now (checking out Sunday) so I will try it and let you know.

Thanks!

 

[georgina]

Watching Hercules on TV while I'm cleaning and feeling very nostalgic. I had to make Hercules Halloween costumes back in '97... (Barney was a hand-me-down from older siblings.)

 

[Hoosier John]

Is that Trader Joe's?

I don't really know ... I saw it on the Funny Memes thread here

 

[Judique]

I don't really know ... I saw it on the Funny Memes thread here

Ahh, it has a 2 buck chuck sign for 2.99 - but doesn't look like the right price for around here, lol!

 

[Judique]

Watching Hercules on TV while I'm cleaning and feeling very nostalgic. I had to make Hercules Halloween costumes back in '97... (Barney was a hand-me-down from older siblings.)

You did such an excellent job!

 

[Judique]

Son and girlfriend found a townhouse to move into. Have been shacking up during covid and got engaged in July. So, almost a success story!

Both have apartments they were paying for and will still have some extra months rents to pay for after the move. They'll come out ahead in a few months and are planning on marrying next fall. Meanwhile saving for a house as well.

I've looked at a lot of links son has sent me and I'm glad they didn't (weren't in a position to because of remainder on leases) jump into something too quickly. The one they found is gorgeous and within a $100 of some of the old and in my opinion, ugly stuff on the market (near Bethesda).

I almost wish they were just buying a house, but I'm smart enough not to push any ideas - I'm just the yes mom, lol.

 

[platamama]

Also going over to the local Marriott to buy a $200 gift card with the $50 off $200 offer, even though it says no gift cards. We will see what goes down on that.

I'd be interested to see if gift cards work. I'm currently at a Marriott and am using DH's offer, but I'd like to use mine as well. I wonder if I can split the bill: $200 for DH, $100 on mine and then get a $100 gift card to trigger my offer.

I have the $50 off $200 on both my and AU's Bonvoy. His gc purchase on 9/7 already got the $50 credit, and I got the email that I used my Amex offer when I bought a gc on 9/9. The $100 savings there covers the AF for me so I'll keep it and hope for another upgrade offer.

Also add your cc to your Eat Around Town wallet (Marriott's dining program, earn 6x at participating restaurants, 1000 bonus points on your first meal). I got take out yesterday and should be getting 16x by stacking the 10x restaurants + 6x dining program.

 

[georgina]

You did such an excellent job!

Well thank you. I used to sew a lot of costumes back then. Made Pocahontas, Esmeralda, cat, dinosaur, Star Wars when Episode 1 came out, Martha Washington dress for 5th grade colonial days. I've gotten lazy in my older years. Perhaps when grandchildren arrive I will be inspired?

 

[disneybirds]

Those with experience in Europe- I'm looking for some advice on planning a Europe trip with me, DH, DD21 and DD18. The cities we're most interested in are Paris, Venice, and Rome. Paris is for me I really really want to go to Disneyland Paris. Venice is on the list because of DD. It's a city she's wanted to see for as long as I can remember. And Rome is for DH. (DS wants Israel and that's a whole other trip for another time). Not sure if those cities are ideal to pair together, but it will likely be the only time the 4 of us go to Europe together as my kids are getting older and will be doing their own things soon, so we want to hit those cities. Here are my thoughts- I'm hoping for some advice as I have no experience in this area...
Planning to fly from US to Paris on Virgin Atlantic hopefully transferring UR/MR and finding Delta One flights for 50,000 miles per person. I'm seeing some availability for that now, so hopefully it'll be there when the time comes. We are looking to stay at Marriott's Village d'ile-de-France. I like that place because of the space we'll have with the 4 of us. Hoping to fly into Paris and take shuttle to hotel and get settled in. Looks like train into Pairs from the hotel isn't too long or too much $, so thinking we'd spend late afternoon/evening of first day and the full second day in the city. Then spending day 3 and 4 at DL Paris. Either that night or the next morning (which is better?) fly from Paris to Venice. Recommended airline? Take shuttle to hotel- looking at Crowne Plaza Venice East - Quarto d'Altino because it is bookable for a family of 4 on points with IHG. Location says it's right across from a train station and reviews seem to indicate it's an ok location for getting to the main areas of Venice. If we fly into Venice on night 4 we'll probably just spend all of day 5 in Venice and then morning of day 6 head to Rome. Is it better to go by train or to fly? Not sure yet where we'll stay in Rome. Having difficulty finding any place that will allow you to book a room for 4 with points, so wondering if we're going to need to book 2 rooms, or pay cash for a double or a suite. Advice on that would be great. Will likely fly home AA because we'll have a lot of points with them.
Points we'll need: Virgin Atlantic 200,000 (UR/MR)/ Marriot approx 120,000-160,000 depending on 3 or 4 nights/ IHG 15,000-30,000 depending on 1 or 2 nights/ AA not sure what we'll need. Also need to figure out flights Paris>Venice>Rome.
Other questions- is there any need for renting a car or will shuttles/trains be enough? Also, when you travel to multiple cities, where do you keep your luggage on those in-between days when you've checked out of one place but not into the next yet?
Appreciate any advice!! This is the best plan I've been able to come up with but if anyone with experience sees something that doesn't sound right or make sense I'm open to suggestions. Thanks in advance!

You have already gotten some great advice, but I will chime in on the accommodations in Rome. We had a trip booked to Italy this summer that was cancelled and I spent lots of time looking for places to stay for 4 people. I ended up booking a room with our Chase UR points. They had several places on there with more room and we even booked one with 2 bathrooms. I had booked ones that could be cancelled, so we had no issues getting our points back. We are hoping to go next May, but who knows at this point. Good luck planning!!!

 

[disneybirds]

Just received $5 Amex small biz credit for an Etsy purchase. I know someone on here was looking for ways to use them online. We have 6 of 40 credits left, but they are on the girl's cards with them at school. Should have been more diligent about spending the credits before they left for school!

 

[WinterAloe]

For any women looking for a soft, breathable mask, my sister got Tory Burch masks. They come in a five pack for $35 with free shipping. They are super soft and she says they are very breathable (she owns 24 masks so she's tried a variety of masks). I just ordered a set.

Thanks! I just ordered a set too.

 

[WinterAloe]

Son and girlfriend found a townhouse to move into. Have been shacking up during covid and got engaged in July. So, almost a success story!

Both have apartments they were paying for and will still have some extra months rents to pay for after the move. They'll come out ahead in a few months and are planning on marrying next fall. Meanwhile saving for a house as well.

I've looked at a lot of links son has sent me and I'm glad they didn't (weren't in a position to because of remainder on leases) jump into something too quickly. The one they found is gorgeous and within a $100 of some of the old and in my opinion, ugly stuff on the market (near Bethesda).

I almost wish they were just buying a house, but I'm smart enough not to push any ideas - I'm just the yes mom, lol.

Would you mind sharing the property name that they found? One of DH's co-workers is looking for an apartment to rent in the greater Bethesda area. He is currently renting an apartment in the Capitol area and wants to get out by November.

 

[Haley R]

Well thank you. I used to sew a lot of costumes back then. Made Pocahontas, Esmeralda, cat, dinosaur, Star Wars when Episode 1 came out, Martha Washington dress for 5th grade colonial days. I've gotten lazy in my older years. Perhaps when grandchildren arrive I will be inspired?

I’ve got a kid you can sew for (I’m totally joking lol)