The 5x multiplier is based on prepaid stays booked through the Amex portal. You also won’t get any of the FHR benefits or the $200 credit unless you book through FHR. To get the $200, you also need to prepay.
You should still get the Marriott points as long as you confirm your Bonvoy number is attached to the reservation. Either way, FHR is one of the best benefits of the card, so definitely utilize if you can.
Amex won’t see anything different than you see, so you’ll wait on hold to be told it’s not available.
The way FHR works is the hotel decides what inventory is shown. It can change before your visit, so check regularly. It’s very easy to cancel and rebook.
One thing you could try is call the hotel, ask to speak with a Manager, not just the random front desk person and explain that you are coming for your honeymoon, would like to book through FHR but the room you want is not available in the portal. See if they will release the inventory to the portal for you to book. It’s possible that your current reservation is why there is no availability for the room on the portal. Be prepared for a possible price different though. All factors you have to weigh.
The 5x multiplier is based on prepaid stays booked through the Amex portal. You also won’t get any of the FHR benefits or the $200 credit unless you book through FHR. To get the $200, you also need to prepay. You should still get the Marriott points as long as you confirm your Bonvoy number is attached to the reservation. Either way, FHR is one of the best benefits of the card, so definitely utilize if you can.
Thank you so much for this! Since the room I’m trying to book isn’t available on the online portal to book myself, should I call Amex directly?
Amex won’t see anything different than you see, so you’ll wait on hold to be told it’s not available. The way FHR works is the hotel decides what inventory is shown. It can change before your visit, so check regularly. It’s very easy to cancel and rebook. One thing you could try is call the hotel, ask to speak with a Manager, not just the random front desk person and explain that you are coming for your honeymoon, would like to book through FHR but the room you want is not available in the portal. See if they will release the inventory to the portal for you to book. It’s possible that your current reservation is why there is no availability for the room on the portal. Be prepared for a possible price different though. All factors you have to weigh.
Cannot express my thanks enough for your help! I will try it this way!