I love credit cards so much! v7.0 - 2025 (see first page for add'l details)

[speedyfishy]

We are going to be in Italy (and Switzerland) in May. I STILL cannot decide if I want to fly from Florence to Zurich or use trains and stay a night in Milan -- I was eyeing this hotel. Let me say we are NOT shoppers (let alone luxury shoppers). If we're just doing an afternoon/overnight in Milan before moving on -- I presume you would say the hotel and stop is worth it?

Our other option is flying to Zurich, taking a train to Lucerne for the night (before heading to the Jungfrau region). For whatever reason I just can't make this decision!

Definitely the hotel was amazing. The Park Hyatt Zurich is also on my list tho. So I can’t compare if it’s one or the other. In Milan, we saw the Duomo and Last Supper. We also did a touristy canal cruise. Which I would have just walked around if the weather was better. There is also some non boujee shopping. There was a department store next door and we went there to get some speciality Italian food items for friends. It’s a nice area to just window shop and look around. Or the Park Hyatt Milan has a nice looking spa I have been wanting to try. This was my original plan, but after a recent surgery I canceled. So I need another trip.

Also in Zurich, the Ambassador SLH is on my list if Hyatt points are running low.

 

[mmmears]

We are going to be in Italy (and Switzerland) in May. I STILL cannot decide if I want to fly from Florence to Zurich or use trains and stay a night in Milan -- I was eyeing this hotel. Let me say we are NOT shoppers (let alone luxury shoppers). If we're just doing an afternoon/overnight in Milan before moving on -- I presume you would say the hotel and stop is worth it?

Our other option is flying to Zurich, taking a train to Lucerne for the night (before heading to the Jungfrau region). For whatever reason I just can't make this decision!

Milan is on my list of places I would like to visit, but I've spent some time in Lucerne and I can say that I think it's gorgeous there.

 

[wisconsinmom]

My son is taking his girlfriend to Hawaii this spring. He's a recent college graduate. He got the SW card to help use points for the flight. He did the 40,000/$400 offer. He reached his MSR and all of a sudden his account has 30,000 more points than were expected. I'm trying to figure out what happened. I used his referral when I got the business card but it still doesn't add up.

My calculation is he should have gotten 60,000 (40,000 SUB + 20,000 referral) but they deposited 90,000 in his account.

Any clue on what could have happened?

 

[hsmamato2]

We just got back from Kimpton Seafire and were charged the resort fee each night. I booked an IHG stay in NYC for my DS and told him he was on the hook for the resort fee (which he was charged). IIRC, it's Hyatt that I've not had to pay a resort fee.

this is so strange- the holiday inn by Disney springs posts a resort fee but I've stayed there multiple times over the past few years and never been charged!

 

[ahself]

We are going to be in Italy (and Switzerland) in May. I STILL cannot decide if I want to fly from Florence to Zurich or use trains and stay a night in Milan -- I was eyeing this hotel. Let me say we are NOT shoppers (let alone luxury shoppers). If we're just doing an afternoon/overnight in Milan before moving on -- I presume you would say the hotel and stop is worth it?

Our other option is flying to Zurich, taking a train to Lucerne for the night (before heading to the Jungfrau region). For whatever reason I just can't make this decision!

We did Zurich for a few nights in September and it was great. We had a car, stayed at the HR Zurich Airport, and did day trips all over, including Lucerne, the Jungfrau region, e.g. Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, etc. The area is amazingly beautiful, and we were glad we did it. Happy to answer any questions.

 

[StephPlum]

We did Zurich for a few nights in September and it was great. We had a car, stayed at the HR Zurich Airport, and did day trips all over, including Lucerne, the Jungfrau region, e.g. Interlaken, Grindelwald, Lauterbrunnen, etc. The area is amazingly beautiful, and we were glad we did it. Happy to answer any questions.

That’s where I’m staying in Zurich. I’m staying club level. Did you eat breakfast there? Any good?

I won’t have a car. I am in analysis paralysis trying to decide which Swiss rail pass to buy. Did you get a rail pass?

 

[ahself]

That’s where I’m staying in Zurich. I’m staying club level. Did you eat breakfast there? Any good?

I won’t have a car. I am in analysis paralysis trying to decide which Swiss rail pass to buy. Did you get a rail pass?

We also stayed club level as a globalist, but we never ate in the club due to being out all day/night. We ate breakfast in the restaurant each morning (included) and it was really good...great/large buffet setup plus several cooked to order options.

Because we had a car, we didn't use the rail, but I've heard good things about it, e.g. easy to get into DT Zurich from the HR, easy to get to Lucerne, Interlaken, Grindelwald, etc.

BTW, for you, leeniewdw or anyone considering going up to Jungfrau using a rail pass - I would highly recommend going up from Grindelwald station and coming back down into Lauterbrunnen, and leaving yourself time to explore Lauterbrunnen. Grindelwald station is the typical departure point with the gondolas, and it's a quicker ride up/down, vs. the train to/from Lauterbrunnen. However, the town and setting of Lauterbrunnen is stunning, with the farms, waterfalls, sheer cliffs of the alps on each side of the town, etc.

 

[happ]

this is so strange- the holiday inn by Disney springs posts a resort fee but I've stayed there multiple times over the past few years and never been charged!

I'm fairly sure I wasn't charged there either in 2023. At the time I thought maybe they were just being nice because I had diamond elite status then through some promotion.

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Thought I'd add to the CIP refusal DPs. 'Dd' (me) applied for a CIP; reasons for denial: too many active accounts (1 CIP that will be cancelled in July), new Chase card recently opened (CIP in July, 2024) and no usage of existing credit (true since they're churned). Asked for reconsideration and was told that card wouldn't be granted since dd (me) isn't using her existing card.

I am nervous to cancel my CSR and re-apply. Are there any DPs of denials on personal cards? I use my CSR and don't want to lose it. Currently I have a CIU (opened April, 2024) and CIP (opened August, 2024) + the Hyatt personal card which I keep for the FNC (never charge anything on it) open, so I wouldn't be able to PC either biz card to a CSR. Have property tax payments coming up and would really like a SUB. Haven't hit a AmEx MSR SUB in a while, but I did get another HH biz and personal card in the summer.

If I do go ahead with cancelling and re-applying what happens to travel ressies made with the CSR? Would I be able to see them? I got dd and her BF 2 nights at a ryokan in Hakone in May as part of her grad gift using URs (also booked them 4 nights at the Hyatt Centric Ginza and 5 nights at the soon-to-open WA Osaka).

 

[palhockeymomof2]

My son is taking his girlfriend to Hawaii this spring. He's a recent college graduate. He got the SW card to help use points for the flight. He did the 40,000/$400 offer. He reached his MSR and all of a sudden his account has 30,000 more points than were expected. I'm trying to figure out what happened. I used his referral when I got the business card but it still doesn't add up.

My calculation is he should have gotten 60,000 (40,000 SUB + 20,000 referral) but they deposited 90,000 in his account.

Any clue on what could have happened?

That is odd…How are the points posted to his account ? Does it show the 20k support points and 70k posted or another combination

 

[palhockeymomof2]

Thought I'd add to the CIP refusal DPs. 'Dd' (me) applied for a CIP; reasons for denial: too many active accounts (1 CIP that will be cancelled in July), new Chase card recently opened (CIP in July, 2024) and no usage of existing credit (true since they're churned). Asked for reconsideration and was told that card wouldn't be granted since dd (me) isn't using her existing card.

I am nervous to cancel my CSR and re-apply. Are there any DPs of denials on personal cards? I use my CSR and don't want to lose it. Currently I have a CIU (opened April, 2024) and CIP (opened August, 2024) + the Hyatt personal card which I keep for the FNC (never charge anything on it) open, so I wouldn't be able to PC either biz card to a CSR. Have property tax payments coming up and would really like a SUB. Haven't hit a AmEx MSR SUB in a while, but I did get another HH biz and personal card in the summer.

If I do go ahead with cancelling and re-applying what happens to travel ressies made with the CSR? Would I be able to see them? I got dd and her BF 2 nights at a ryokan in Hakone in May as part of her grad gift using URs (also booked them 4 nights at the Hyatt Centric Ginza and 5 nights at the soon-to-open WA Osaka).

Maybe downgrade the CSR to a CF, this way you will still see the prior statements and reservation, then after 4 days apply for the CSR…if not approved you can always upgrade back to a CSR, not sure how long you would have to wait to do this from the same card.

 

[StephPlum]

We also stayed club level as a globalist, but we never ate in the club due to being out all day/night. We ate breakfast in the restaurant each morning (included) and it was really good...great/large buffet setup plus several cooked to order options.

Because we had a car, we didn't use the rail, but I've heard good things about it, e.g. easy to get into DT Zurich from the HR, easy to get to Lucerne, Interlaken, Grindelwald, etc.

BTW, for you, leeniewdw or anyone considering going up to Jungfrau using a rail pass - I would highly recommend going up from Grindelwald station and coming back down into Lauterbrunnen, and leaving yourself time to explore Lauterbrunnen. Grindelwald station is the typical departure point with the gondolas, and it's a quicker ride up/down, vs. the train to/from Lauterbrunnen. However, the town and setting of Lauterbrunnen is stunning, with the farms, waterfalls, sheer cliffs of the alps on each side of the town, etc.

Thanks. I am also staying in Interlaken for 3 nights/2 full days. One day will be Lauterbrunnen/Wengen/Murren and one day will be Grindelwald/Jungfraujoch.

 

[wabbott]

Thanks. I am also staying in Interlaken for 3 nights/2 full days. One day will be Lauterbrunnen/Wengen/Murren and one day will be Grindelwald/Jungfraujoch.

Been there, and going back later this Spring. Truly bucket list scenery. Take many, many, many pics.

 

[TheOneWithTheTriplets]

My son is taking his girlfriend to Hawaii this spring. He's a recent college graduate. He got the SW card to help use points for the flight. He did the 40,000/$400 offer. He reached his MSR and all of a sudden his account has 30,000 more points than were expected. I'm trying to figure out what happened. I used his referral when I got the business card but it still doesn't add up.

My calculation is he should have gotten 60,000 (40,000 SUB + 20,000 referral) but they deposited 90,000 in his account.

Any clue on what could have happened?

That is odd…How are the points posted to his account ? Does it show the 20k support points and 70k posted or another combination

I know the support was elevated to 25k for a while there. and, the 40k bonus will have at least the 3k spend as well. But, that only gets us to about 70k.

Is it possible your son actually opened it during a 60k bonus instead of a 40k with $400? Like, maybe he got the bus card at 60k instead of the personal card at 40k + $400?

I'd be curious to see how it's line itemed on the statement...

 

[lsutigers03]

DW denied for a CIC. She's at 4/24 and has 3 biz cards open IHG, SW, and CIP. All three with zero balance. I can close one in April so I'll do that and then try again.

 

[LynnTH]

I applied for INK Card yesterday. (Was denied last month). I cancelled a Biz Card so I only have 2 open. Credit extended is way below half. I got the 7-10 day notice. (not instant denial but we will see). I keep checking Chase to see if by chance a new account shows up, but nothing yet...

 

[*WDW*Groupie*]

Maybe downgrade the CSR to a CF, this way you will still see the prior statements and reservation, then after 4 days apply for the CSR…if not approved you can always upgrade back to a CSR, not sure how long you would have to wait to do this from the same card.

In prep for the downgrade I transferred my URs to an open CIP.

Can I SM to PC the CSR to a CF and get the AF refunded (already used the travel credit)?

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

When did you check out? We checked out Thursday afternoon. Were we both there at the same time?

The whales were incredible. I have never seen so many and they were everywhere. The place felt empty but the front desk told me they were full. DH and I heard the same about the GCs ending in 33 but we had a couple of those and they still worked. He had already added them all to ApplePay because we read about that workaround online a few weeks ago.

Ugh, we checked out Wednesday, so we were totally there at the same time! Would have been nice to get a drink and chat. Next time! I cannot wait to go back.

 

[palhockeymomof2]

In prep for the downgrade I transferred my URs to an open CIP.

Can I SM to PC the CSR to a CF and get the AF refunded (already used the travel credit)?

unfortunately can’t SM to to PC since they have to read you the terms and conditions….yes you will get the AF refunded…either whole or a prorated amount

 

[FreeDiningFanatic]

Just need to say a BIG THANKS for all the advice and sharing about this resort here in the forum. We LOVED our stay last week at Kimpton Seafire. We've decided we would really like to return next winter! Now to gather up the points before there is a devaluation for this lovely resort! I looked up the rate for our first night and it was over $900. I regret not buying the 100% bonus that ended 1/31, but we hadn't even left for our trip yet!

Just a quick recap. We decided to basically stay put other than where we could go by foot. We did walk to the Shop Rite each day (diet coke, a few beers, a few snacks) and went for lunch at the Pastrami place as well as had breakfast at the associated bakery (I think the bakery, pastrami place, steakhouse are all under Mykonos). The pastrami sandwich was SO good (we split one) as were the baked items.

We were there 4 nights, so we ate at Coccoloba, Bonny Moon, Pom Pom at Hotel Indigo, and then back to Coccoloba. All the food was good in our opinion (though we did just split a giant burger at Bonny Moon). Things are definitely a slow pace, but the service was v good except when we dined at Bonny Moon. I am glad they do not rush you but there were at least 20 minutes after we ate and he'd cleared out plates when we didn't even have water to drink. Maybe just a busy night for the server.

Pom Pom was fantastic. We got a table outside (used the concierge as you suggested) and it was just a breezy, lovely, evening watching the sunset. Had a rum cocktail that was lovely and delicious and had a bougie app (lol) and then shared 2 sets of skewers that were delicious. I think a reservation is key (with specific request) because the other side was crazy windy!

We did a Red Sail "breakfast with the Rays". This was very fun but the seas were *just* on the side of "okay we can let you get off the boat". I wouldn't have felt comfortable if I wasn't confident in my swimming and comfort in open water. Only a few of us got off at the 2nd stop to snorkel, but it was so fun. Our group was the only one at Stingray City which was nice, especially seeing the throngs after we went by later returning to the marina.

We used the paddle boards at the Kimpton a few times, my first time and was proud I was able to get up to standing pretty easily. We didn't snorkel at the resort and kind of regret that since the water was calm/flat as compared to what we snorkeled in!

We had an issue with our ATM card and couldn't withdraw Caymen dollars, so we ended up doing our tipping with USD. I'm never sure if we're under or over tipping, but we always figure it'll average out in the end.

Thank you again -- it's a stunning place.

I'm so glad you had a good time; it's nice when other people like what you like and it's sad when you recommend something and it turns out not to be their cup of tea!
I always buy points for this trip at the .005 sale. It comes around pretty often. Should be another sale in spring. I know a deval at this property is likely coming soon and it sort of has already- now you can only book into a North Sound view room instead of the oceanview rooms. That just happened in the last few weeks.
You're my SUP hero; maybe someday...
FYI, Cayman runs on USD. Even the staff get paid in USD. You can't even charge your cc in KYD. So tipping in USD is perfectly fine.

Thanks for the pastrami recommendation- we'll try that next trip, for sure!