Planning a getaway and wondering how to get more bang for your buck? If you’ve got one of the premium American Express cards sitting in your wallet, you might be sleeping on a travel perk that can seriously elevate your next hotel stay — The Hotel Collection. It’s not as flashy as Amex’s Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR), but for the right kind of traveler, it’s a total game-changer.
Let’s break down what The Amex Hotel Collection actually offers, why it’s trending among savvy travelers, and how to squeeze every drop of value from this underrated benefit.
The Perks That Make You Feel Like a VIP (Without the VIP Price)
If you’re holding one of these cards:
- Amex Gold Card
- Amex Business Gold Card
- Amex Platinum Card
- Amex Business Platinum Card
- The Centurion Card (aka the black card)
You’ve unlocked access to The Hotel Collection — a curated list of premium hotels that hook you up with:
- A potential room upgrade at check-in (based on availability)
- Up to a $100 hotel credit for qualifying charges like spa treatments, dining, or resort activities
- Noon check-in and 4 p.m. late checkout when available
- Bonus Membership Rewards points (2x with Gold, 3x with Business Gold, 5x with Platinum)
- Option to pay with points (though we’ll talk about why you might want to skip that)
The catch? You need to stay at least two consecutive nights and book through American Express Travel.
The Reality Check: What You Need to Know Before Booking
Paying with Points Isn’t Always a Win
Sure, you can use your points, but don’t get too excited. You’ll only get about 0.7 cents per point — a pretty weak deal compared to the 2 cents per point value you could get on flights or business-class redemptions. If you’re aiming to maximize value, pay with your card and keep those points for something bigger.
Pricing Can Be Tricky
Don’t let that seemingly low nightly rate fool you. The price Amex shows usually excludes taxes and fees. That $59-per-night room in Vegas? It could jump to $117+ after all the extras. Always check the full breakdown before you commit.
Will You Still Earn Hotel Loyalty Perks?
Not always. Some hotel chains won’t honor loyalty perks if you book through third-party platforms like Amex Travel. But, it’s hit or miss — some guests report still earning elite nights and points, especially if they call ahead and add their loyalty number to the reservation.
Hot Spots Where The Hotel Collection Shines
New York City
There were 29 properties listed when we searched NYC for winter travel. The Moxy Lower East Side was the cheapest at $384 per night (before taxes).
Phoenix
You’ll find deals in the desert! The Canopy by Hilton in Tempe Downtown was going for $173.44 per night, a steal compared to big cities.
Rome, Italy
13 options popped up for Rome, ranging from The Hoxton Rome at $279 to the swanky Maalot Roma at $855 per night. Yep, there’s range — whether you’re a budget-conscious foodie or living that “Dolce Vita.”
Comparing The Hotel Collection vs. Fine Hotels + Resorts
If you’ve got the Amex Platinum or Centurion card, you might be tempted to stick with FHR bookings — and for good reason. With FHR, you’ll get:
- Daily breakfast for two
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
- Early noon check-in when available
- Free Wi-Fi
- $100 experience credit
But here’s the deal — FHR hotels tend to be ultra-luxe and ultra-pricey. The Hotel Collection focuses on high-end (but not wallet-shattering) hotels, giving you a taste of luxury without needing to remortgage your house.
Also, the two programs don’t really overlap. You won’t usually find the same properties listed in both.
Pro Tips to Make the Most of Your Booking
- Use the $100 credit wisely: This is your chance to indulge guilt-free. Go for the cocktails, order room service, or finally get that spa treatment.
- Business traveler? Even better. If your company is covering your room and meals, you can use the $100 credit for stuff the company won’t reimburse — like that overpriced resort massage or a glass of wine after a long day.
- Be strategic about upgrades: Hotels prioritize their own loyalty members, so your upgrade might depend on availability. Traveling during shoulder season or weekdays increases your chances.
- Call the hotel after booking: Want to stack your loyalty points? Give the hotel a ring and ask if they can add your membership number to the reservation.
Is The Amex Hotel Collection Worth It?
If you already have one of the eligible Amex cards, this perk is low-effort and high-reward. It’s perfect for travelers who don’t have elite hotel status but want to feel like they do. Sure, it doesn’t beat FHR in terms of luxury or benefits — but it’s not trying to. Think of it as the gateway drug to fancier stays.
As long as you’re booking at least two nights and you’re smart about when and where you stay, The Hotel Collection can be a clever way to travel better without blowing the budget.
