I love credit cards so much! v4.0 - 2021 (see first page for add'l details)

[alryan]

Still catching up from our trip last week to Hyatt Zilara, Domincan Republic, Hyatt's all inclusive resort. We had gone to the family side with the kids over Thanksgiving and liked it so DH and went back with another couple to the Zilara adults side. The trip had a few hiccups, but it was amazing, and we can't wait to go back, or maybe try the one in Cancun.

How we paid for it-
Hyatt points-25K/night- 125K- Cash price for resort view was $2340
Southwest, changed DH's companion to me- 7500 points roundtrip, plus about $125 each for taxes. Used AmEx credits for those
Spent around $150 in tips, $60 for roundtrip transfer to and from the airport, $45 for airport parking, a few meals at our connecting airport, and that's it.

Southwest changed our flights in March, didn't even email me, so we had to extend our trip by one day. This was only the second time DH and I have taken a trip without the kids since our honeymoon 17 years ago. I was a little nervous about leaving the kids and being out of the country, but it went well. Except when my MIL locked herself out of the house and our neighbor and brother had to come over and break the doorknob to get in. But they did that and got a new doorknob on in about an hour. I just have a little paint touchup to the door that was just painted Covid testing for reentry into the US was quick and easy at the hotel. No cost and results in an hour. The Domincan Republic also had a free insurance program that would pay for lodging, flight changes, etc if you got Covid. Hyatt also offered $35/person where you could stay there for free if needed. Thankfully, neither was needed.

As Globalist we were upgraded to a ocean view room. Welcome bottle of wine and charcuterie in the room. 3 other nights received a bottle of wine, chocolate covered strawberries, or small dessert plate. We also had use of a butler, who was so nice. He would come around and find us and ask if we needed anything. We didn't need anything the first few days, but we wanted to eat at the hibachi restaurant and there is usually a wait for that, so he got us a reservation. The next day I inquired about how much a cabana cost to rent. He said normally $100, but for me, "It is my pleasure."

We were really just there for rest and relaxation, so our days were mainly eat, drink, and soak up the sun. It's definitely a more laid back resort. No big drunken groups. At times I wish there was a little more action, but it was good. The beach was nice and we did take out a kayak one day which was also included.

 

[afan]

I think I am gonna get some for myself! I wonder if you can wear them swimming

The one's I got say to avoid chemicals. I think the one's I got had similar reviews to earplanes but you could get more wears out of a pair.

I think when I looked on amazon there might have been something swimming related in the related products but I would search and see.

 

[StephPlum]

My flight is gone!! I’ve been looking for the change window on my July 28th flight on SW. I just looked tonight and my flight is not showing as an option anymore. No email yet and my account still shows that flight. Good news is they have a lot more options than they did when I first booked and good times. Bad news is the rental car situation and not sure if I get in later, they will still have my car. I don’t want to rebook my car at twice the cost of what I already have. Off to get this straightened out.

Has anyone dealt with this? I did actually get an email late last night on my flight being changed. I researched which one I want, made new car reservations (haven’t cancelled old yet) but I when go into the change screen the optimal flight says unavailable. Even though it show as available on the booking screen. Is there anyway to get around it? I might try calling to see if they will change over the phone. I don’t think they have gotten to my return flight a week later. Hopefully that doesn’t get too messed up.

 

[AndreaDM]

@alyran We stayed at the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun and LOVED it!! It's on our list to go back to and am thinking of opening a Hyatt card just for that reason.

 

[LilSweetPeaPhoto]

So they don’t have to stay in the entire flight?

They don't have to. I sometimes take mine out mid flight. When they give the notice you're about 20 minutes away, I pop them back in if I have them out. I should really ask my BF why sometimes the plane at "altitude" still hurts. I'm actually hoping to go in his plane soon and try flying without them. I'm actually scared to try without them, on a flight. Nothing like spending a flight from TN to LAS covered in your own puke. But if I really want to be a FA, I gotta try at some point, LOL.

But she should purchase for herself From what I've read they don't block all noise.

I wear them. They definitely lessen the noise. I can still talk to my kids, but the LOUD background plane noise is lessened.

 

[Haley R]

I know this might not be a popular opinion. DS flew first at 11 months (21 years ago). Doctor recommended Benadryl about an hour before take off. He slept through the entire flight. Check with your Doctor (not sure what all the new rules are) and if you do decide to do this - he recommended trying it at home first as with some kids it has the opposite affect and makes they more hyper. It made for a less stressful flight and DS was just fine.

I was wondering about Benadryl. I was planning to ask his pediatrician what she thought.

 

[Haley R]

They don't have to. I sometimes take mine out mid flight. When they give the notice you're about 20 minutes away, I pop them back in if I have them out. I should really ask my BF why sometimes the plane at "altitude" still hurts. I'm actually hoping to go in his plane soon and try flying without them. I'm actually scared to try without them, on a flight. Nothing like spending a flight from TN to LAS covered in your own puke. But if I really want to be a FA, I gotta try at some point, LOL.


I wear them. They definitely lessen the noise. I can still talk to my kids, but the LOUD background plane noise is lessened.

I’m gonna try them and hope they help both of us!

 

[Psychodisney]

Has anyone ordered from Goldbelly? There's an offer on the Amex Plat for $50 off $100 and I'm thinking of getting my mom something for Mothers Day. Do they charge one whole amount or do they charge separate amounts if you purchase from more than one store? Amex is one purchase of $100 or more, can do 3 times.

I bought birthday cakes for my DD and my DS's GF from Carlos Bakery and Duff Goldman. I did them together and it was charged as the full amount. BTW, they were awesome.

 

[Oscar Madison]

I’ve stayed at the Hyatt regency by the convention center Pre-COVID. It was very nice. It was for a conference so I didn’t pick it or pay for it! It is really close to the 16th street mall space. Close to shopping and food. It looks like there is a Hyatt house/place close by as well.
https://www.denver.org/things-to-do/denver-attractions/16th-street-mall/

The Hyatt Regency is nice and in a great location. Pretty sure there is a light rail station pick-up there that would take you close to Coors Field. We're planning to go to some games this summer. So happy they are having fans this year

Thank you both very much!
You answered my next question already. Was wondering about getting from the Hyatt Regency to the stadium. Thanks!
Do you know if the light rail runs from the airport to downtown area? Last time I was in Denver it was part of group and I didn't pay attention that much because someone else was planning.
I've also been checking rockies.com for ticket availability but June games aren't on sale yet.

 

[wendow]

Thank you both very much!
You answered my next question already. Was wondering about getting from the Hyatt Regency to the stadium. Thanks!
Do you know if the light rail runs from the airport to downtown area? Last time I was in Denver it was part of group and I didn't pay attention that much because someone else was planning.
I've also been checking rockies.com for ticket availability but June games aren't on sale yet.

It does run from the airport to downtown! You may have to change trains at Union station but I'm not 100% on that. The Hyatt Regency is at the convention center station and that is obviously a big destination for those coming from the airport so may not even need to change. Once you are at the Hyatt, as @StephPlum said, it's very walkable to a lot of restaurants (iirc, there is a Rock Bottom brewery and Bubba Gumps right there).

I noticed they've been releasing the dates for ticket sales really slowly! Makes it hard to plan I know lol!!

 

[platamama]

Thank you both very much!
You answered my next question already. Was wondering about getting from the Hyatt Regency to the stadium. Thanks!
Do you know if the light rail runs from the airport to downtown area? Last time I was in Denver it was part of group and I didn't pay attention that much because someone else was planning.
I've also been checking rockies.com for ticket availability but June games aren't on sale yet.

Here's info on the A line from the airport to downtown. From where it drops you off at Union Station (downtown Denver), you can then make your way to the free 16th St shuttle and get off on the streets by the Hyatt Regency (either California or Welton).
https://www.denver.org/about-denver/transportation/airport-rail/

 

[afan]

They don't have to. I sometimes take mine out mid flight. When they give the notice you're about 20 minutes away, I pop them back in if I have them out. I should really ask my BF why sometimes the plane at "altitude" still hurts. I'm actually hoping to go in his plane soon and try flying without them. I'm actually scared to try without them, on a flight. Nothing like spending a flight from TN to LAS covered in your own puke. But if I really want to be a FA, I gotta try at some point, LOL.


I wear them. They definitely lessen the noise. I can still talk to my kids, but the LOUD background plane noise is lessened.

Have you tried meclizine (non drowsy dramamine) to see if that helps at all? While I don't know the reason for the ear issues and altitude, I do know that it helps me when my ear crystals get loose and want to party. If I'm lucky and notice it coming on and take some I can avoid thr epley maneuver to get them back in place.

Also lets me ride tower of terror without getting an upset stomach cause I have issues with the up and down. Nothing like horseback riding and an uncooperative horse to teach me that.

 

[stitchfan18]

Has anyone dealt with this? I did actually get an email late last night on my flight being changed. I researched which one I want, made new car reservations (haven’t cancelled old yet) but I when go into the change screen the optimal flight says unavailable. Even though it show as available on the booking screen. Is there anyway to get around it? I might try calling to see if they will change over the phone. I don’t think they have gotten to my return flight a week later. Hopefully that doesn’t get too messed up.

Maybe not the exact same situation, SW cancelled our return flights for our June trip a few days ago and bumped us to a flight 2 days later. The website said there were no options that day, but when I looked at the individual segments of the trip home, we could have flown out super early with a 5 hour layover before getting home, or change to another airport. Since we had to return our rental car that day, we couldn't switch to another airport or day easily. We ended up changing our return flights to AA since changing our rental car would have been over $500 more and we'd have to switch from an SUV to a midsize car at that. Be prepared for them to mess with return flights too, our first flights going there got changed to a crazy late arrival time about a week and half ago, so we are just staying in our layover city the night before and flying in the next afternoon. I'm glad we've got a stash of lots of different travel points because the SW change window really messed up our plans, but flying from a small airport to another small airport probably complicates things too. Good luck getting things sorted out!

 

[IFlossU]

OK. I'm thinking of dipping in a toe to some previously untouched waters (for me) ...MDD.... Scenario is P2 (calling in would be a problem) want csp-csr...... if I reduced all CL on P1/P2 accounts today- is next Monday enough time to wait? What's the worst thing that can happen.... I get the 1st, if 2nd goes pending...and we just wait it out.... it might be a denial and we move on with our lives? (just re-read the tutorial) However I have some big bills where I can (finally) try this....

If P2 is the one applying for the cards then you just need to lower P2’s credit limits. Next Monday should be fine to apply. Apply for the card you want most on day 1. If you’re instantly approved check the credit limit. I immediately sent a SM to lower the limit on that card in order to have a better chance of instant approval for the 2nd card. If the 2nd card goes pending, and P2 won’t call, then yes, just wait it out. Worst case it’s denied and you move on.

 

[Killer Fish]

@alyran We stayed at the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun and LOVED it!! It's on our list to go back to and am thinking of opening a Hyatt card just for that reason.

I am booked for Hyatt Zilara next March. We did Hyatt Zilara Jamaica and loved it. I also want to hit Zilara Cap Cana in 2023! Give me all the all inclusives!!!

 

[IFlossU]

Still catching up from our trip last week to Hyatt Zilara, Domincan Republic, Hyatt's all inclusive resort. We had gone to the family side with the kids over Thanksgiving and liked it so DH and went back with another couple to the Zilara adults side. The trip had a few hiccups, but it was amazing, and we can't wait to go back, or maybe try the one in Cancun.

How we paid for it-
Hyatt points-25K/night- 125K- Cash price for resort view was $2340
Southwest, changed DH's companion to me- 7500 points roundtrip, plus about $125 each for taxes. Used AmEx credits for those
Spent around $150 in tips, $60 for roundtrip transfer to and from the airport, $45 for airport parking, a few meals at our connecting airport, and that's it.

Southwest changed our flights in March, didn't even email me, so we had to extend our trip by one day. This was only the second time DH and I have taken a trip without the kids since our honeymoon 17 years ago. I was a little nervous about leaving the kids and being out of the country, but it went well. Except when my MIL locked herself out of the house and our neighbor and brother had to come over and break the doorknob to get in. But they did that and got a new doorknob on in about an hour. I just have a little paint touchup to the door that was just painted Covid testing for reentry into the US was quick and easy at the hotel. No cost and results in an hour. The Domincan Republic also had a free insurance program that would pay for lodging, flight changes, etc if you got Covid. Hyatt also offered $35/person where you could stay there for free if needed. Thankfully, neither was needed.

As Globalist we were upgraded to a ocean view room. Welcome bottle of wine and charcuterie in the room. 3 other nights received a bottle of wine, chocolate covered strawberries, or small dessert plate. We also had use of a butler, who was so nice. He would come around and find us and ask if we needed anything. We didn't need anything the first few days, but we wanted to eat at the hibachi restaurant and there is usually a wait for that, so he got us a reservation. The next day I inquired about how much a cabana cost to rent. He said normally $100, but for me, "It is my pleasure."

We were really just there for rest and relaxation, so our days were mainly eat, drink, and soak up the sun. It's definitely a more laid back resort. No big drunken groups. At times I wish there was a little more action, but it was good. The beach was nice and we did take out a kayak one day which was also included.

@alyran We stayed at the Hyatt Zilara in Cancun and LOVED it!! It's on our list to go back to and am thinking of opening a Hyatt card just for that reason.

I am booked for Hyatt Zilara next March. We did Hyatt Zilara Jamaica and loved it. I also want to hit Zilara Cap Cana in 2023! Give me all the all inclusives!!!

Do you guys like these resorts with kids, or better for just adults? We’ve never done an all inclusive, but you’ve definitely got my attention. Would you recommend any of these resorts with teens?

 

[KPK02090]

I love NC, what are you traveling down. I'm partial to ENC

Not sure yet. Hoping to make it to Delaware the first night, then take our time with the rest of the trip. Any suggestions on a good route that would have some stuff to see along the way?

 

[CaliforniaGirl09]

I bought birthday cakes for my DD and my DS's GF from Carlos Bakery and Duff Goldman. I did them together and it was charged as the full amount. BTW, they were awesome.

Thanks for the DP on this. I was curious about this, too. I was eyeing the bouquet cupcakes that were featured on Oprah for Mother's Day, but they are "only" $89 so I'm trying to find something at another store to hit $100 or $200, but it wouldn't work if the stores were charged separately.

 

[alryan]

Do you guys like these resorts with kids, or better for just adults? We’ve never done an all inclusive, but you’ve definitely got my attention. Would you recommend any of these resorts with teens?

Since my kids have been a little ungrateful lately, I'd definitely say just adults ..lol. But seriously, I think it depends what your kids enjoy. Our kids did not do the kids club, so I can't comment on that. Cap Cana has a small waterpark so between that, the pool, and the ocean we had enough to keep us busy. We didn't do any off site excursions, but if we went again we probably would do one just for a little more excitement. I did see some groups of teens and they seemed to be enjoying themselves, but it's not an action packed kind of trip. My kids definitely enjoyed the all inclusive aspect. My daughter likes to try new foods, so just getting to go to a different restaurant each night was a big treat. Not to mention how many virgin pina colodas and Shirley Temples they drank.

 

[elgerber]

Thanks for the DP on this. I was curious about this, too. I was eyeing the bouquet cupcakes that were featured on Oprah for Mother's Day, but they are "only" $89 so I'm trying to find something at another store to hit $100 or $200, but it wouldn't work if the stores were charged separately.

now I wish I had a plat, I would order Ginos East pizza