I love credit cards so much!

[kidsfirsttrip]

Hilton users - how do you see what certain properties reward redemption rates are? I have the app and an honors number but no points. I keep putting in bookings to see how much certain places “cost” in points and nothing comes up!

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

What bank bonuses is everyone working on these days? I did PNC and Fidelity for player 1 and 2 and already have Chase. DH has pretty straightforward offer for $300 on a new Chase Biz checking that I think he’ll go for. We have a $5k MSR for DH’s new Amex Plat, are there any banks that allow Amex funding and does Amex count that towards MSR?

So far for July I’m up $578 which is primarily due to the 2 Fidelity accounts plus some gift card deals.

For June I had the PNC bonus x2 for $600 and earned about $70 in URs buying gc for 5x at Staples. We had a big redemption of URs to pay off a cruise, $3600 for around 245k URs.

I think I’m going to do Discover for me and DH. $200 with 25k deposit but it can be cumulative.

 

[Albort]

Hilton users - how do you see what certain properties reward redemption rates are? I have the app and an honors number but no points. I keep putting in bookings to see how much certain places “cost” in points and nothing comes up!

gives u a general idea... http://www.awardmapper.com/

 

[miztressuz]

Hilton users - how do you see what certain properties reward redemption rates are? I have the app and an honors number but no points. I keep putting in bookings to see how much certain places “cost” in points and nothing comes up!

Go to Advanced Search, then Add a Special Rate code, then you can check off "Use Points". Now when you search it'll tell you the points needed rather than cash rates.

ETA: Actually I just pulled up my app and the "use points" check box is right above the Find Hotel button, don't have to go into the Special Rate code section. But otherwise when you get to the search results page you should be able to select "pay with points" too on the website.

 

[calypso726]

Aha, the Hilton Times Square! We stayed there 2 years ago on NYE. Nice hotel, but holy crap is it crazy. We stayed when Hilton was still doing a fixed point redemption, and as I recall it was 240,000 Hilton points for December 29 - January 1 (3 nights). Definitely one of the best CPP I've ever had if you're into that sort of thing. I won't do NYE there again or anywhere near Times Square though.

YOU SHOULD GO SEE HAMILTON. Think of your minimum spends! It's worth every single penny. We're going to see it again next Saturday! I do love New York. I recommend downloading the TodayTix app, you might find some discounted Broadway and Off-Broadway shows. Also, check out Broadway for Broke People (http://www.broadwayforbrokepeople.com/) for any information you could ever want about discounted shows. Some of our favorites are Hamilton (obvs), Kinky Boots, Stomp (Off Off Broadway, at the Orpheum Theater in the East Village), and Mean Girls.

Do you need food recommendations? Of course you do! For steamed buns and ramen, look up Real Kung Fu Little Steamed Buns Ramen at W 49th and 8th Ave. Ethiopian? Meske at W 47th and 10th Ave. Don't miss The Halal Guys at 53rd and 6th (bring cash!). I'll stop now.

I know it will be crazy but I’ve had NYE at Times Square on the bucket list forever. My birthday is on New Year’s Day so I don’t mind the craziness as a cool b-day experience at least once.

Ack! Could have used the food recommendations yesterday. Dang, I should’ve come here and asked first. Ah well. Next time, I will.

I’ve seen Hamilton. Got tickets at face value thanks to the Amex Plat during a presale when it was opening up in San Francisco. Have tickets to see it in Ft. Lauderdale this December. I’m planning to get tickets to see it in Puerto Rico with Lin Manuel back in the role of Hamilton. It replaced Rent as my favorite musical and replaced Phantom for DH’s favorite musical. DH and I have held entire conversations with each other using Hamilton lyrics. I’m obsessed with the show and I will see it in NY at some point.

That is a great website and DH qualified for TDF membership which we learned about from that site. I have the TodayTix app and do check it out periodically. I figure I have enough points to fly to New York whenever I want and get a room on points. So, when I do find a spectacular deal, I will totally go for it. Saw Kinky Boots and Stomp. Loved both! Mean Girls is on the list. This year we are getting Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen on our Broadway Across America show season.

Ok can I jus t say that I love that there are fellow travel hackers who also love Broadway shows!

We just left part one of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Part two is later this evening. We saw it in London last year and it was outstanding! I can honestly say the production is way better here in New York!

Just curious, how log did it take the credits to post? I made a purchase and split payment with 2 cards. It took 5 days for the charges to go from pending to posted, by then my GCs were delivered. It’s been 8 days since I ordered and no credit yet.

I wasn’t checking regularly but I noticed it within a couple of weeks and definitely before my statement closed.

Thanks for the pictures. DH and I lived in NYC for a little over a year when we were first married. I don't think I'd ever want to live there again but it might be time for a visit.

Is this the weekend you are seeing Cursed Child? I'm planning to start re-reading the series in the fall, in anticipation of our trip to Universal at Christmas. I noticed Scholastic has released the books with new cover art -- so far I am resisting, as we already have three full sets . . .

They absolutely have outdone themselves. The show was already great and the production team in New York kicked it up a notch. It’s also great to some of the original cast from London here too!

Heck, I can answer this one for @calypso726 lol. If you search this thread, you will see she has seen it already. She has regaled us with her adventures (I love reading about them) and is, I believe, planning to see it in Puerto Rico as well. I love calypso’s adventures. #travelgoals

Aawww. I’m glad to know some get a kick out of some of my adventures and points insanity. I really can’t wait for Hamilton in Puerto Rico!

 

[DisneyMandC]

Pretty sure the 14th floor is the top or next to top floor. Katella-facing will have you looking towards the parks, possibly with a view of the backside of Radiator Springs, and if you look further out you should be able to see the Matterhorn and our small, but beautiful Sleeping Beauty Castle.

I think it is the top floor. Most of the available rooms were facing towards the back side of the Hilton and then I spotted that one. I don’t see how it couldn’t be theme park view unless there’s some building blocking it.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

How is the best way to find these? Is it only Disney cruises?

ETA: Thanks for the info! @bernina and @disneymagicgirl

They are listed right on the website. When you click a room category it shows up as a restricted rate category and has all the language (no changes, cancellations, etc.)
We booked one in 2012 on the fantasy(2 rooms) and got connecting staterooms so hoping for the same this time. If not, it isn’t the end of the world. Dd19 will just get a room to herself.

 

[disneymagicgirl]

Hilton users - how do you see what certain properties reward redemption rates are? I have the app and an honors number but no points. I keep putting in bookings to see how much certain places “cost” in points and nothing comes up!

Do you have the points thing check marked on the left side of the screen?

 

[Psychodisney]

Sooo one more question...

Frontier flights are way cheaper than SW for Dec. Fri pm on frontier is $49 one way. Southwest is like 14k points...one way I am thinking of giving them a go. Anyone here a frontier flyer? I am a tad nervous though that there is only one flight a day. So if that is cancelled....well thats a problem.

I’d be nervous about the 1 flight per day. Denver is Fronteir’s hub so that might help. Can’t beat the price for a big family though!
You’ll love Summit County. Breckenridge is a great place for beginner skiers. You’re close to Keystone too. Altitude sickness is something to definitely be aware of. Depending on what time you get into DEN, it ight make sense to spend a night there, or at the very least, don’t ski the first day. Stay hydrated.
How many days are you planning on skiing? YOu might check out the price of the Epic pass and see if it makes sense. We also enjoy Copper Mountain (also not far from Breck...but not owned by VAIL) where the prices are a little easier to stomach. They frequently have a promo with Shell gas stations and the Entertainment book.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Sooooo if I let AMEX assign me a Hilton Honors number when I applied, how do i set up my online account?

UGG! I had to chat Hilton, they passed me to someone else on chat who asked me verification q’s including how was the account set up (by Amex) and how many points were in it (ROFL for an account I didn’t have access to, thankfully I remembered the info was on Amex). Nice I didn’t have to call in. Took about 5 mins.

 

[gottalovepluto]

Because that would have been the smart thing to do :

I looked through my emails because I thought I had one, but I didn't, so I figured whatever, they'll give me a number then! I figured it would be simple like it was with SPG and Marriott...

ROFL. Same thing I did & thought!

 

[Livelovedance]

I’ve seen Hamilton. Got tickets at face value thanks to the Amex Plat during a presale when it was opening up in San Francisco. Have tickets to see it in Ft. Lauderdale this December. I’m planning to get tickets to see it in Puerto Rico with Lin Manuel back in the role of Hamilton. It replaced Rent as my favorite musical and replaced Phantom for DH’s favorite musical. DH and I have held entire conversations with each other using Hamilton lyrics. I’m obsessed with the show and I will see it in NY at some point.

That is a great website and DH qualified for TDF membership which we learned about from that site. I have the TodayTix app and do check it out periodically. I figure I have enough points to fly to New York whenever I want and get a room on points. So, when I do find a spectacular deal, I will totally go for it. Saw Kinky Boots and Stomp. Loved both! Mean Girls is on the list. This year we are getting Hamilton and Dear Evan Hansen on our Broadway Across America show season.

Ok can I jus t say that I love that there are fellow travel hackers who also love Broadway shows!

We just left part one of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Part two is later this evening. We saw it in London last year and it was outstanding! I can honestly say the production is way better here in New York!

I am in awe of your plans to see Hamilton in Puerto Rico! It would be incredible to see him in his title role, and it’s for such a great cause! I hope you get tickets and post about your experience here on the DIS!

I want to see the Cursed Child, but I didn’t realize it’s separated into two parts! Are they two different sets of tickets that you have to purchase?

 

[gottalovepluto]

Sorry, that’s for 3 of us. One way. I should have been specific. $38-40 each for flight paid in miles. Have multiple cards that give us free bags. I would have gone Biz class if they had sAAver for those.

I would, but I love me some extra legroom even if it’s just a couple inches. My bro taught me a good estimate is approx $20/hour/person so I’d say that’s great value.

 

[kidsfirsttrip]

Do you have the points thing check marked on the left side of the screen?

Yes and I can’t get any rates for points to show. I wonder if it’s because my balance is 0?

 

[mmmears]

I’ve seen Hamilton. Got tickets at face value thanks to the Amex Plat during a presale when it was opening up in San Francisco.


We just left part one of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Part two is later this evening. We saw it in London last year and it was outstanding! I can honestly say the production is way better here in New York!

We saw Hamilton thanks to AMEX Platinum, too (same city, too). I was very happy with AMEX when their concierge dept got us tickets after DH had to hang up while in line on the phone for the presale seats.

Glad you are enjoying Cursed Child. We love Harry Potter (esp. the books) but didn't love the Cursed Child book so weren't sure the play would be something we would like. It's too late now to get tickets in London (plus we aren't there for long enough this time) but we do have tickets to the HP Studio Tour one afternoon. Have fun in NYC! I'm hoping to get there next year.

 

[miztressuz]

Yes and I can’t get any rates for points to show. I wonder if it’s because my balance is 0?

You can view points without even being signed in, so has nothing to do with your balance. Award nights might not available for the dates you're looking at. Have you tried the "Use Point" and flexible dates options? I think that's how I could see the list of available dates. Where are you looking, what city, maybe we can help?

 

[AmyAnne]

I am in awe of your plans to see Hamilton in Puerto Rico! It would be incredible to see him in his title role, and it’s for such a great cause! I hope you get tickets and post about your experience here on the DIS!

I want to see the Cursed Child, but I didn’t realize it’s separated into two parts! Are they two different sets of tickets that you have to purchase?

Yes, you purchase two tickets -- you have the option to purchase them together, so you you are guaranteed to see both parts the same day, or you can purchase them separately.

We saw Hamilton thanks to AMEX Platinum, too (same city, too). I was very happy with AMEX when their concierge dept got us tickets after DH had to hang up while in line on the phone for the presale seats.

Glad you are enjoying Cursed Child. We love Harry Potter (esp. the books) but didn't love the Cursed Child book so weren't sure the play would be something we would like. It's too late now to get tickets in London (plus we aren't there for long enough this time) but we do have tickets to the HP Studio Tour one afternoon. Have fun in NYC! I'm hoping to get there next year.

We love the "core" HP books too, and regard everything else (even the movies) as somewhat suspect and inferior. I'm not a fan of the Cursed Child plot but I did see the play in London, and the play is better than the book. It's actually a very good play if you just separate it from what we have decided in our family is the "HP canon."

 

[Livelovedance]

Yes, you purchase two tickets -- you have the option to purchase them together, so you you are guaranteed to see both parts the same day, or you can purchase them separately.



We love the "core" HP books too, and regard everything else (even the movies) as somewhat suspect and inferior. I'm not a fan of the Cursed Child plot but I did see the play in London, and the play is better than the book. It's actually a very good play if you just separate it from what we have decided in our family is the "HP canon."

That’s awesome, thanks! This play is more involved than I realized!

I’m glad to hear that the play is better than the book. I started reading it but never finished. The story line just didn’t keep my attention. I have to go back and read it again.

 

[amalone1013]

UGG! I had to chat Hilton, they passed me to someone else on chat who asked me verification q’s including how was the account set up (by Amex) and how many points were in it (ROFL for an account I didn’t have access to, thankfully I remembered the info was on Amex). Nice I didn’t have to call in. Took about 5 mins.

Where is this magical chat feature?

 

[gottalovepluto]

I'm in the game!!!! Yay!!!

Got instantly approved for both CSR and CSP after countless calls to credit bureaus to get my report all cleaned up. I'm so excited! Finally, something that went easy.

Thank you all so much for your help. Can't wait to get my new cards, new furniture and hopefully be able to afford some great trips coming up for myself and my two kids! Happy Friday y'all!!!

w00t!! Very happy for you!!