We did not have enough SPG points to book our stay at The Nines Hotel in Portland. After all, we jumped on board for the trip last minute, so I was not able to accumulate SPG points prior to the trip. Remember, this game works best when you have a travel goal!
Originally I booked the stay through Amex Platinum Travel, as the Nines Hotel was a Fine Hotel and Resort and therefore came with additional amenities like free breakfast each day as well as a $100 food credit. But then I decided to try my friend Abby, who is an Elite Travel Specialist for Virtuoso properties (the Nines is also a Virtuoso property). Abby was able to get us all of the same benefits as Amex AND even got us an upgrade to the Club Level of the hotel, FOR THE SAME RATE THAT WE GOT THRU AMEX.
Rob and I actually did not know what to do with all of the free food between the breakfast, $100 food credit and the food that is offered in the Club throughout the day. The next time we need to pay for a hotel, I am starting with Abby. Amex, you need to up your game. 🙂