People who travel frequently have to go through a lengthy procedure to ensure that they have found the right accommodations. This may involve exploring the web site of the property, reading guest reviews, and searching for the lowest available rates. This process is both time consuming and unreliable, as there is no way to guarantee what a traveler sees is what they get. American Express offers its Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) collection to its Platinum and Centurion card holders in order to guarantee the quality of the property and to bestow valuable benefits during their stay.
How This Program Works
Cardholders can book accommodations directly through American Express at over 700 hotels and resorts around the world that are part of the FHR program. In many instances, guests are eligible to receive a free night after a minimum stay, and customers are assured that these properties are among the finest in the world. In order to maximize the enjoyment of their stay, guests who book their room under this program are offered a host of exclusive amenities. First, their room is upgraded when available. Next they are offered a welcome gift and a $100 hotel credit towards dining or spa services. Guests will also receive a complimentary continental breakfast for two. Finally, travelers are guaranteed a 4:00 PM late checkout.
How This Works In Practice
On a recent trip to New York City, I had the opportunity to stay at the Peninsula hotel in an exclusive neighborhood on the corner of 55th and 5th Avenue. As a guest who made his reservation through the FHR program, I was greeted by the manager of the hotel. In my room was a tray full of cupcakes, fruit, and other snacks, compliments of the property. Each day, I was extended a $90 credit towards breakfast, which actually allowed me to sample the menu beyond the continental breakfast. To take advantage of our $100 dining credit, we enjoyed drinks at their rooftop bar, Salon Da Ning. With $22 Martinis and $12 bottles of beer, the credit was consumed faster than the beverages. Nevertheless, it was difficult to imagine I would have stayed as long had I not been extended this benefit. With an evening departure after a rainy day in New York, I was truly able to appreciate the luxury and convenience afforded by the 4:00 pm checkout by freshening up in my room rather than dodging raindrops on the street.
American Express’s Platinum card does have a $450 annual fee, but it offers an overwhelming slate of features and benefits. Yet the benefits afforded to card members during just one stay at one of their Fine Hotels and Resorts can easily justify the cost of this card.
Disclaimer: This content is not provided or commissioned by American Express. Opinions expressed here are author’s alone, not those of American Express, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by American Express. This site may be compensated through American Express Affiliate Program.
This article was accurate at time of posting. Please note that terms may have changed. This offer is not available at this current time on our site. Please visit our American Express issuer page to view other cards that may fit your needs.
