This is a really long thread so forgive me if this has been asked, but what about Canadians specifically? When those fees get returned to your cards, are you also refunded the foreign transaction fee? Because it would be really annoying to lose a percentage ( I think ours is 2.5%) several times over. I know many Canadians use gift cards to avoid fees on their cards. So what I am understanding so far is they would need to go to the front desk by day 5 to make sure a gift card was added? Could they use a gift card when they check in to pay any room charges before they hit the credit card? I have friends leaving next Friday and would like to warn them.
Sorry for all the questions.. I'm finding this all a little confusing.
ETA) some quick googling says that no, you don't get the FTF returned with most Canadian cards. So say you owed $2000 at check in for a RO reservation.. you are going to lose $50 just to pay on a credit card. Nevermind the $740 in exchange you are already paying on that.