I love credit cards so much! v5.0 - 2022 (see first page for add'l details)

[Terp03]

Is it worthwhile cashing in 240K Marriott points I’ve earned over the years for the Swolphin (five night stay) or just paying cash for a onsite property? I’m finding it hard to part with that many Marriott points for an overrated Cat 6 when those points could go further elsewhere.

 

[DisneyDadBod]

So I made a reso with AirBnB on my CSR to get the 1.5 PYB bonus. My host cancelled the booking and I had already paid it with points. How long goes it typically take for the points to get back into my UR account?

 

[reliev]

Is it worthwhile cashing in 240K Marriott points I’ve earned over the years for the Swolphin (five night stay) or just paying cash for a onsite property? I’m finding it hard to part with that many Marriott points for an overrated Cat 6 when those points could go further elsewhere.

For Marriott I'd say the points are worth 0.6-0.7 cents maybe less what's the cash price what are your other options?

 

[CyndiLouWho]

Is it worthwhile cashing in 240K Marriott points I’ve earned over the years for the Swolphin (five night stay) or just paying cash for a onsite property? I’m finding it hard to part with that many Marriott points for an overrated Cat 6 when those points could go further elsewhere.

Points wise it's a little steep but I've done it. That's Disney Deluxe level location and I love access to 2 parks. Downside is the crappy Mears bus. Solution is to walk to BW or BC/YC and catch a park bus there for AK or MK.
Depends on what concrete plans you have, because Marriott is about to raise prices on everything.

 

[DL1WDW2]

I am way overthinking this one night stay, but I was hoping some of you might have experience with the different Hilton's in Orlando. We are flying in for Princess weekend from the West Coast and land after midnight (12:35 am). I suspect we won't get to our room until at least 1:30 or 2 am. I didn't want to burn DVC points on that first night so I planned to just add a night somewhere. I'm now kind of regretting that decision since this is already a split stay, but I digress ...

Anyway, it looks like my cheapest Disney option is about $200 for All Star Movies. Not a bad option, but then I realized I had Hilton points and could use those for a stay either near the airport (just to get to bed sooner and leave first thing in the morning) or stay near Disney and maybe get free breakfast, an upgrade, and a late checkout with my Diamond perks. We don't have any real plans on Thursday except to go to the Expo and hit a park later, so hanging around and enjoying a lazy breakfast and being able to come back to our room after the expo would be great with a potential late check out.

I found a standard award for 50,000 at the Beuna Vista Palace Disney Springs Area and thought that would be great, but then I read some pretty negative TripAdvisor reviews, including that Diamond perks at that property were very limited.

There was a standard award at the Waldorf but it was pretty steep (I want to say 80k), which seemed silly for such a short stay and getting there so late.

So what would you guys recommend? Any good Hiltons either at the airport or at Disney Springs that have great Diamond perks? Any favorite Hilton properties? There are too many to choose from, LOL.

The Hilton Signia is my favorite and is connected to the Waldorf.
Love this resort so much and think you should stay just so you will learn just how nice it is for next visit…when you can really relax and enjoy .
I think the only upgrade was a nicer pool view . It was nice. !

 

[wanderlust7]

So I made a reso with AirBnB on my CSR to get the 1.5 PYB bonus. My host cancelled the booking and I had already paid it with points. How long goes it typically take for the points to get back into my UR account?

I don't think you'll get the points back. Nor would your PYB credit be taken back.

Congratulations. You have just cashed out.

 

[Terp03]

For Marriott I'd say the points are worth 0.6-0.7 cents maybe less what's the cash price what are your other options?

Cash price would be $1835 before taxes and fees so that is substantial savings. Was looking at Port Orleans ($1900) or Pop Century ($1480) but could cash in UR with PYB for Disney GC at 1.25 rate, so PC would come out to 118.5K UR.

 

[Terp03]

Points wise it's a little steep but I've done it. That's Disney Deluxe level location and I love access to 2 parks. Downside is the crappy Mears bus. Solution is to walk to BW or BC/YC and catch a park bus there for AK or MK.
Depends on what concrete plans you have, because Marriott is about to raise prices on everything.

Thanks! I locked in the Swan for now - it is hard to beat since we’d be hitting up all four parks during our five night stay. The JW Bonnett Creek is the same redemption but doesn’t have the location nor the early entry perks.

 

[elgerber]

That's awesome that you have those FNC- maybe the 20% will get you in a better hotel than the 40k would have! I didn't click through any link just when straight to IHG, and I'm already logged in (desktop). When I'm searching, I'm selecting "reward nights" in the rate section and then this is how the rates appear.

View attachment 642344

Wouldn’t matter. I am using them for hotels that aren’t even 40000 value. I have no other use for them this year and I need to stay in specific locations. It’s all better than paying cash

 

[elgerber]

That's awesome that you have those FNC- maybe the 20% will get you in a better hotel than the 40k would have! I didn't click through any link just when straight to IHG, and I'm already logged in (desktop). When I'm searching, I'm selecting "reward nights" in the rate section and then this is how the rates appear.

View attachment 642344

I did just look at points options too and I have no discounted rates.

 

[Killer Fish]

Does anyone know if I can add my P2s card to my United account to buy the Travel Bank $100 credits for the Amex credit? Or should I just buy them on her account and not try to get too complicated. I had to add mine to my United wallet in order for the transaction to go through in the first place.

 

[happ]

I am way overthinking this one night stay, but I was hoping some of you might have experience with the different Hilton's in Orlando. We are flying in for Princess weekend from the West Coast and land after midnight (12:35 am). I suspect we won't get to our room until at least 1:30 or 2 am. I didn't want to burn DVC points on that first night so I planned to just add a night somewhere. I'm now kind of regretting that decision since this is already a split stay, but I digress ...

Anyway, it looks like my cheapest Disney option is about $200 for All Star Movies. Not a bad option, but then I realized I had Hilton points and could use those for a stay either near the airport (just to get to bed sooner and leave first thing in the morning) or stay near Disney and maybe get free breakfast, an upgrade, and a late checkout with my Diamond perks. We don't have any real plans on Thursday except to go to the Expo and hit a park later, so hanging around and enjoying a lazy breakfast and being able to come back to our room after the expo would be great with a potential late check out.

I found a standard award for 50,000 at the Beuna Vista Palace Disney Springs Area and thought that would be great, but then I read some pretty negative TripAdvisor reviews, including that Diamond perks at that property were very limited.

There was a standard award at the Waldorf but it was pretty steep (I want to say 80k), which seemed silly for such a short stay and getting there so late.

So what would you guys recommend? Any good Hiltons either at the airport or at Disney Springs that have great Diamond perks? Any favorite Hilton properties? There are too many to choose from, LOL.

I did something similar for marathon weekend except it was because of a storm. I changed my flight to a night earlier and needed to add a night somewhere. I didn't want to pay $200 for All Stars either. I had a Marriot FNC to burn, and after far too long playing out different scenarios, I chose an airport hotel. It worked out well. Clean, comfortable, free shuttle, and free breakfast. I don't know what you're doing for transportation. That was a factor for me. I was traveling solo and using Mears Connect, and their Marriot options were limited. The airport hotel was the easiest and least stressful option for me, even if it wasn't the best use of a FNC.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

Applied for second CIC for DH last night, and got the 30 days message. Then got an email within 8 hours that they need proof of business. This is a side hustle, so we don't have what they're requesting. He already has a CIC and CIU. Are they tightening up on business card apps?
So then I went ahead and applied for a CIC for myself this morning. I don't have any biz cards at all, this would be the first, so that's why I wanted to avoid trying for myself cuz I thought his chances were better since he's an established biz client. But I do have an EIN for my business, so if they need verification, I can provide that. Just hoping this second app is approved. I also got the 30 day message
If not, I think we'll have to hold off on any new cards til later this year, as we need some of the inquiries to fall off (and no new ones) for some other financing we're trying to do.

 

[hsmamato2]

Inspired by the “out West” recommendations…

Anyone have advice for where to spend a week in the AZ + broader area?

Found out we’ll be traveling to Phoenix for a wedding in early April. I’ve spent time in CO and lived in CA, but I haven’t seen a lot between. I’d like to explore some natural parks that I may never get to otherwise (and I’m open to camping, if that’s the best way to experience something - although it’s not my preference).

I’ve never seen the Grand Canyon. Worth it?

What else does anyone recommend? We’ll be renting a car, and I’m willing to drive a pretty solid distance (I’d say around 6 hours one-way max) from Phoenix. I love hiking, nature, and unique experience. Don’t really enjoy overly-touristy things or beach/spa/etc.

Yes....the Grand Canyon is WORTH IT (sorry that made me laugh) When we did a road trip starting in Phoenix, we drove to Oak Creek Canyon..... it was amazing and beautiful. Walnut Creek Canyon, also a great stop. The red kettle rocks (Sedona maybe?) also a great stop. SO much to see out there I can't wait to go back again!

 

[becauseimnew]

Applied for second CIC for DH last night, and got the 30 days message. Then got an email within 8 hours that they need proof of business. This is a side hustle, so we don't have what they're requesting. He already has a CIC and CIU. Are they tightening up on business card apps?
So then I went ahead and applied for a CIC for myself this morning. I don't have any biz cards at all, this would be the first, so that's why I wanted to avoid trying for myself cuz I thought his chances were better since he's an established biz client. But I do have an EIN for my business, so if they need verification, I can provide that. Just hoping this second app is approved. I also got the 30 day message
If not, I think we'll have to hold off on any new cards til later this year, as we need some of the inquiries to fall off (and no new ones) for some other financing we're trying to do.

I think all you have to send in for proof of business is a utility bill with his name and address.

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

I think all you have to send in for proof of business is a utility bill with his name and address.

Yup, but we don't even have that. Literally, all the utility bills are in my name because I'm the one who set everything up when we bought the house. I was between jobs at the time, so I just took care of everything while DH was working. Silly me, never thought I'd need his name on it for proof of something down the line.

 

[becauseimnew]

Yup, but we don't even have that. Literally, all the utility bills are in my name because I'm the one who set everything up when we bought the house. I was between jobs at the time, so I just took care of everything while DH was working. Silly me, never thought I'd need his name on it for proof of something down the line.

oh no, can you use your mortgage?

 

[Crazed4DisneyinSC]

oh no, can you use your mortgage?

We don't have one.

 

[becauseimnew]

I'm thinking about transferring DH's SW RR to my account, for the sole purpose of helping with MSR. He was 20,000 RR, which would cost $200 to transfer using my Biz Performance which then would get credited. Does it count towards MSR?

 

[becauseimnew]

We don't have one.

Yay for no mortgage. But that sucks about not having a single bill with his name on it.