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How to Maximize the AmEx Platinum Hotel Credit

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As the COVID-19 pandemic rocked the world in 2020, many credit card issuers rolled out new temporary benefits to help boost value to cardholders.

American Express was no exception, and offered a particularly generous perk: a $200 hotel credit for some holders of The Platinum Card® from American Express . They also extended the amount of time that new cardholders had to meet the minimum spending requirements by three months, then went on to add a bevvy of new incentives , like limited-time bonus rewards, streaming credits, wireless credits and a host of juicy AmEx offers .

Since I’m a travel enthusiast and credit card junkie (admittedly), I found myself flush with newfound perks and growing balances of bonus points from everyday shopping. The problem was, like many people, I wasn’t really traveling.

Here’s how I was able to make use of — and maximize — the $200 travel credit.

» Learn more: How credit card issuers are responding to COVID-19

About the $200 American Express travel credit

Some cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express who renewed their card became eligible for a credit up to $200 for travel booked through American Express Travel. Terms apply.

I didn’t give the credit much thought at first. Due to COVID-19 considerations, I had canceled all of my travel for the foreseeable future. Even when I do travel frequently in “normal” times, I rarely book through American Express. I generally prefer to transfer my Membership Rewards points to travel partners to get outsize value.

Still, $200 is a generous credit that I didn’t want to waste. And when my family was starting to go stir-crazy after months of quasi-lockdown, I set out to plan a safe “staycation” using the bonus AmEx travel credit.

How the booking portal, American Express Travel, works

American Express Travel is a booking portal available to cardholders to book flights, hotels, cruises, tours and flight + hotel package deals. When you log into your AmEx account, just click into your Rewards page and you can find the AmEx Travel portal.

When you make a booking through American Express Travel, you can choose to pay with either your Membership Rewards points or with cash.

If you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express or The Business Platinum Card® from American Express , you’ll earn 5x points when you use your card to charge travel in the AmEx travel. All other Membership Rewards-earning cards will earn 2x points on AmEx travel bookings. Terms apply.

If you choose to pay with points, they’ll be worth 1 cent each. This isn’t a great redemption value, since you can easily get more value for your points by transferring to AmEx’s travel partners . But when you consider that you will earn airline miles (and sometimes hotel points) when you book your trip through AmEx travel, the value jumps up a bit. That’s because the airline or hotel sees this as a “cash” booking rather than an “award” booking, even when you’re using your Membership Rewards.

» Learn more: Best American Express credit cards

How I got out-sized value from my travel credit

Since my family was staying grounded during the pandemic, we decided to take a “staycation” in a nearby hotel. And since we had missed most of our planned travel in 2020, we decided to use the $200 credit toward a splurge for luxury.

When I started hunting for hotel options in the American Express Travel portal, the first several hotels that appeared in my search were designated as being part of the Fine Hotels & Resorts program.

Available only to cardholders of The Platinum Card® from American Express , The Business Platinum Card® from American Express and the Centurion Card from American Express, the FHR program offers extra benefits, including:

Early check-in.

4 p.m. checkout.

Room upgrade (based on availability).

Daily breakfast for two.

$100 property credit (varies by hotel, but dining and spa credits are common).

Since my $200 AmEx credit would cover anything booked through AmEx Travel — including a hotel in the FHR program — I knew I could pack even more value when I combined the benefits.

We decided on a “staycation” night at the luxurious St. Regis close to where we live.

When booked through AmEx travel, the room was going for $349 a night. To be clear, booking a hotel through FHR doesn't always give you the lowest rate. If booked directly, a room at this same hotel could have cost $308 for that same night.

But the added benefits from booking through FHR can usually outweigh the added cost.

Here’s how my AmEx travel booking broke down. The room rate was $349, but by booking a FHR property through AmEx travel I got:

The Platinum Card® from American Express credit: $200.

Property credit: $100.

Breakfast credit: $60.

My family got the red-carpet treatment at the St. Regis. We were able to check in early at 11 a.m. to kick off our staycation, and we were upgraded to a larger room with a prime view.

The $100 property credit at this hotel was good for a food and beverage credit, so we used it to splurge on a fancy, socially-distanced tea party, to the sheer delight of our two young kids.

Photo courtesy of Erin Hurd

In the morning, we were informed that we would be given $60 in breakfast credits from our booking. Even at St. Regis prices, that credit was enough for all four of us to enjoy a light breakfast.

At checkout, we had a few incidental charges, including valet parking, that we needed to pay for out of pocket. Since St. Regis is a Marriott brand, I used my Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card for those charges. The card comes with up to $300 in credits for eligible purchases at Marriott hotels. In September, the $300 Marriott credit will be replaced with a new benefit of up to $300 in statement credits per calendar year (up to $25 per month) for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide. Terms apply.

The bottom line

This staycation was certainly not free, since I pay a hefty $695 annual fee to hold The Platinum Card® from American Express . But by booking a room through American Express’ Fine Hotels & Resorts program, I was able to get even more value from the extra $200 travel credit. Terms apply.

Though earning hotel points can sometimes be hit-or-miss with FHR bookings, I was pleasantly surprised a few days after checkout to see that I had earned Marriott Bonvoy points and an elite night credit on this booking.

If you have The Platinum Card® from American Express and are eligible, make sure you remember to use your extra $200 AmEx travel credit whenever you’re ready to travel again. The credit is good for travel through the end of 2021. Check your AmEx account to see if you have the offer, or contact customer service through online chat or over the phone to confirm your eligibility.

To view rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, see this page .

How to maximize your rewards

You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are our picks for the best travel credit cards of 2024 , including those best for:

Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card

No annual fee: Bank of America® Travel Rewards credit card

Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card

Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®

Luxury perks: The Platinum Card® from American Express

Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card

On a similar note...

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How To Use & Maximize $200 Hotel Credit With American Express Platinum Card For Fine Hotels & Resorts

One of the new benefits of the American Express Platinum Card is the annual $200 hotel statement credits on prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings made through the Amex Travel website. 

In this post, I will explain how the Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit benefit works and answer some commonly asked questions about using the credit. Finally, I’ll provide some ideas on maximizing the credit, specifically for  Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR). 

Table of Contents

How Does Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit Work?

If you are used to  Amex Offers , Amex Saks Fifth Avenue Statement Credits , or  Amex Walmart+ Membership Statement Credits  benefits on the Platinum Card, the Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit works pretty much the same. 

• When using your Platinum Card to book the Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection through Amex Travel, you can receive up to $200 back in statement credits . 
• You do not have to spend $200 at once in  one transaction,  and you receive the statement credit each time you spend in combined eligible hotel bookings on your Platinum Card. 
• The benefit goes by the calendar year from  January 1 through December 31  each year. 
• The bookings must be  “prepaid,”  referred to as  “Pay Now”  on the American Express Platinum Travel site. 
• Enrollment for this benefit is  not required . 

Is the Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit benefit based on the calendar or Card membership year?

The benefit goes by the calendar year, so be sure to use it before  December 31  each year. The Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit benefit resets on  January 1  each year. 

Do you need to spend $200 in one transaction to get the Platinum Hotel credit?

No. You receive  “up to” $200  back in statement credits. 

Each time you spend on an eligible Amex FHR booking made through  Amex Travel , you will receive a statement credit for that amount. If the amount is less than $200, you will have unused credit for the future eligible booking until the benefit’s end date, December 31 of that year. 

Is there a minimum night required to get Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits?

No. Unlike  The Hotel Collection , there is no minimum number of nights required to receive the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts statement credit. In addition, you can get all the FHR benefits mentioned above on a one-night stay . 

Can multiple Platinum Cards be used for back-to-back stays to get additional Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits?

Understandably, you may have multiple Amex Platinum Cards in your household, and you want to maximize the $200 hotel statement credits to get multiple FHR perks on consecutive night stays at an FRH hotel. 

One real-world example is if there are two of you, each with an American Express Platinum Card. You want to book a one-night stay at an FHR property, and each receives all the Amex FHR perks, including the $100 on-property credit per night, plus a $200 hotel statement credit for each Amex account for a luxurious two-night stay somewhere in the world. 

Unfortunately, while each of you can book a 1-night stay at the same FHR property for consecutive night stays and gets the Amex $200 hotel statement credit for each Platinum account, Amex has updated the terms regarding  back-to-back stays ineligible for multiple FHR benefits :

Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party  within a 24-hour period at the same property are  considered one stay  and are  ineligible for additional FHR benefits  (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits.

Maximizing Amex Platinum Card $200 Hotel Statement Credits

Use the $200 hotel credit and enjoy amex fine hotels & resorts elite benefits..

When you book each Fine Hotels & Resorts property stay through the  Amex Travel  site, you receive exclusive benefits in addition to your Amex Platinum $200 hotel statement credit. 

These benefits are typically available to  hotel rewards program members with elite status . However, by booking with the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts program, you can enjoy all these perks without having any elite level with the hotel: 

• Noon check-in, when available
• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Daily breakfast for two people
• Guaranteed 4 pm late check-out
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Special amenities unique to each property include on-property credits valued at least $100 for spa or food and beverage. 

Use the $200 Hotel Credit and Earn 5x Points on Travel With American Express Platinum Card.

Remember that as an American Express Platinum Card member, you get  5x   American Express Membership Rewards (MR)  points per $1 spent on all prepaid hotel bookings, including the Fine Hotels & Resorts on  Amex Travel . 

Check Amex Offers For Fine Hotels and Resorts

From time to time, American Express may have an offer for Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings that you can add that offer to your  American Express Platinum Card . 

For example, there used to be the following Amex Offer on Fine Hotels + Resorts that has expired now:

• Get a one-time $150 statement credit by using your enrolled Card to spend a minimum of $800 in one or more transactions on prepaid hotel bookings with Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection properties with American Express Travel by xx date.

I do not know when the Fine Hotels + Resorts Amex Offer returns, so check your Amex account regularly, especially if you have any upcoming FHR bookings. Alternatively,  subscribe to our blog posts below  to be notified when that offer returns.

Recommended Post:

• Full List of Amex Offers

Check American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts Promotions and Special Offers

The Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts program has dedicated promotions and offers pages that you can check for exclusive benefits with each participating property. In addition to the elite benefits you receive with Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings, you can also receive a complimentary night, additional property credit, etc., that vary by each Fine Hotels and Resorts property. 

• Direct Link to the Amex Fine Hotel + Resorts Offers by Property .

Use Up the $200 Hotel Credit Before Closing Your Platinum Card

If you decide to close your  American Express Platinum Card , consider using up your Card’s $200 hotel credit before making that final decision. 

Technically, you were still the card member when you used that Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit benefit. American Express will not claw back that credit once used for an eligible transaction. The good news is that this benefit requires the transaction to be  prepaid , so you do not have to wait until your check-out date to receive the statement credits, which is an ideal way to maximize that credit by saving on the Card’s annual fee because this credit is a calendar year’s benefit.

What I mean by that, for example:

• You applied for the  American Express Platinum Card  in July 2024 and can enjoy all its benefits, including the $200 hotel credit, until the end of December 2024. 
• Starting January 1, 2025, the $200 hotel credit benefit resets. 
• You have until July 2025 to spend that $200 hotel credit again before your Card’s annual fee is charged and posted to your account. 
• If you decide to close your Platinum Card, you will already have a total of $400 hotel statement credits. 

Can I Use the $200 Hotel Credit For Future Reservations Next Calendar Year?

Yes. Moreover, you can now change the date on an Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts booking. See below. 

Changing the Date on Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts For Future Reservations Next Calendar Year

American Express travel platform allows you to change the date on Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts bookings. The process can all be done online by viewing your reservation and clicking the blue  Change Dates  button. You do not have to cancel and rebook if the price drops or you want to change the stay date for the next calendar year to use the $200 hotel credit for  this calendar year  plus another $200 hotel credit for  the next calendar year . 

However, you need to know one crucial piece of information regarding Amex FHR booking. If you cancel the 2024 “modified” reservation in  2025 and are still in the free cancellation window, Amex will refund you, but they will also claw back the $200 hotel credit issued to you in  2024 . 

The bottom line is, subject to the hotel’s cancellation policy on your booking’s terms:

• If you cancel an FHR booking in the  next calendar year  using the previous year’s hotel credit and receive a refund, Amex will claw back the hotel credit issued to you in the previous year, and you will lose the $200 hotel credit for that year. 
• If you cancel an FHR booking in the  current year  that you made the reservation and receive a refund, Amex will claw back the hotel credit but will reissue the credit for any future eligible FHR bookings through the end of that year. 

I’ll talk more below on cancellation and refunds with the Amex $200 Hotel Credit. 

Can I Use the $200 Hotel Credit For Someone Else?

Yes. American Express Travel platform now allows you to modify the guest name information before finalizing a booking.

What are the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts like?

If you are new to Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR), they are worldwide luxury properties hand-picked by American Express. You can expect those properties to be  “the world’s most luxurious hotels and resorts,”  as American Express describes. 

Luxury comes with high costs, so the $200 hotel credit can help. Moreover, by booking Fine Hotels & Resorts through the  Amex Travel  site, you will also receive on-property benefits ranging from complimentary daily breakfast, room upgrades, and hotel credits that vary based on the property and availability.

Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Directory List

If you go straight to the  Amex Travel  site and start searching, the site will display all hotels and resorts, but you can filter through which property falls under the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts program. But there’s another easy way to find the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts list based on the destination:

• Direct Link to the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Directory

How to Find the Cheapest Fine Hotels and Resorts Properties to Use Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit?

“Cheap” and “Luxury” don’t go together often. However, if you are flexible in your dates and you don’t really care which property you’re staying at,  here’s a tip for finding a cheap Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts property:

Perform the following steps using the computer desktop’s web browser:

• Go to the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Directory
• Enter the destination that you are interested in.  Do not click on Explore Benefits
• A list of Fine Hotels + Resorts properties is displayed.
• Go through the list and find the property you may be interested in. 
• Next, go to  Google Hotels
• Enter the hotel name that you saw from the list above. 
• Click the  View Prices  button on the next page, and Google will launch a new page.
• Click on the “ Check in”  field to bring up a calendar, and go through each date on that calendar to find the lowest rate for that particular property. See the screenshot below. 
• Once you find the date you want, go to the Platinum travel site to start searching, compare the rates you found, and book! See the step-by-step guide below:  How to Use Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit?

How to Use Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit?

Using the Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit benefit is relatively straightforward, and the challenging part is to find an FHR property that offers a reasonable rate. If you have not, you should read the above section:  How to Find the Cheapest Fine Hotels and Resorts Properties to Use Amex Platinum $200 Hotel Credit?

• Please note that the above Link will only show Fine Hotels and Resorts properties. You must go directly to the  Amex Travel  site to see  The Hotel Collection  and others.
• Click the “ Log In”  button at the top of the page to log into your Amex account. 
• Enter the hotel name or destination you are interested in and other search parameters. 
• If you want to see  The Hotel Collection  and others, search on the  Amex Travel  site instead. 
• Go through the list and select the property that you are interested in. 
• Find the room type you want, and  view the cancellation policy  if flexibility is important to you. Then click the  Book  button.
• If the property offers payment options between Pay Now or Pay at Hotel, you must choose  Pay Now  for the Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit to work. 
• On the next page, fill in your information, including your hotel’s loyalty number, if you want to earn loyalty benefits at that specific hotel. See this  section  for more details. 
• The Pay + Points option is also available, but you must use your Platinum Card to pay for the cash portion to receive the credit. Also, ensure you get good values from your  American Express Membership Rewards (MR)  points this way. 
• Finally, if everything looks good, you can complete your booking by clicking the  Book My Room  button.
• The charge will appear pending in your Platinum Card account right away. Once the eligible charge is posted to your account, you will receive Amex Platinum hotel credits (up to $200) within a few days. The reimbursement process is automatic, so asking Amex for that is unnecessary. 

American Express Travel Platinum Service Phone Number

Alternatively, suppose you do not want to book Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts online. You can call the Amex Travel Platinum Service at  1-800-297-2977   to assist with reservation-related requests. 

How long does it take to receive Amex’s $200 hotel statement credit?

The time it takes American Express to issue the $200 hotel statement credits is pretty much the same as the time it takes to issue the other Amex statement credits you are already used to, such as the  Amex Airline Fee Statement Credit , Amex Saks Fifth Avenue Statement Credits , and  Amex Walmart+ Membership Statement Credits  benefits on the Platinum card. 

Once the eligible purchase is posted to your Amex account, Amex will issue the hotel statement credit to your account in 2 to 7 days. In my case, it only took one day! See the screenshot below. 

Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Cancellation Policy

To get the Amex Platinum $200 hotel credit each year, you must book a Fine Hotels and Resorts or  The Hotel Collection  with  Amex Travel . You must also use your  American Express Platinum Card  to pay for that reservation at the time of booking, known as  Pay Now . 

This prepayment type means that you pay upfront for the hotel’s reservation, and it does not mean that you cannot change or cancel the reservation to get a refund. All bookings are still subject to the  cancellation policy  set by each property, and the terms are clearly stated on your booking before you pay and book. 

Can I Change the Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Date?

Yes. See the above section:  Changing the Date on Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts For Future Reservations Next Calendar Year .

Will Amex Claw Back the Hotel Credit For Refunds Due to Cancellation?

Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) bookings can be canceled and refunded according to the cancellation policy in the hotel’s booking terms. 

If your booking is eligible for a refund due to cancellation, Amex will issue you the refund. However, Amex will also take back the hotel credit issued to you. You can rebook, and Amex will reissue the hotel credit for your future eligible FHR booking accordingly. The process is all done automatically by American Express. 

Alternatively, if you only want to change the dates or the room type, you can change the reservation instead of canceling and rebooking. 

Does Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts Earn Hotel Points & Elite Night Credits?

There are quite a few popular hotels and resorts under the Fine Hotels & Resorts collection that have rewards programs, such as  MARRIOTT ,  HYATT , and  HILTON,  to name a few. 

Generally speaking, hotel bookings made through  Amex Travel  are considered third-party bookings. Those bookings typically do not earn any hotel points or elite night credits because hotels require that you book directly with them. The  good news  is booking Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts does qualify for hotel loyalty programs such as earning points, earning elite night credits, and enjoying elite perks. 

When you make an FHR booking on  Amex Travel , there’s an entry field where you can provide your loyalty number before finalizing your booking. See the screenshot below. 

Suppose you want to be sure whether your booking with Amex FHR will qualify for your desired hotel loyalty program. In that case, I recommend that you make a  prepaid  FHR reservation that offers a  refundable  cancellation policy. After your booking, you can contact the property directly and ask if your stay will be eligible to earn points and elite night credits. You can cancel the reservation without penalty if the property refuses to recognize your loyalty benefits. 

Recommended Posts:

• [Confirmed] Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) Booking Earns Elite Points and Elite Nights
• My Experience Not Earning Marriott Bonvoy Points For The Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Booking With Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Does Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) Booking Earn World of Hyatt Points and Elite Nights?

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2 thoughts on “ How To Use & Maximize $200 Hotel Credit With American Express Platinum Card For Fine Hotels & Resorts ”

Thanks for writing such a comprehensive article! Do you know if I can book a stay using my $200 platinum hotel credit for my son or do I need to be there?

Hi Martha, unfortunately you will need to be there to check in to receive the FHR benefits per the terms. While in practice you may ask the property for the second guest check-in; however, I do not think it's worth the risk ruining your son's stay, so I do not recommend it.

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How to use Amex's The Hotel Collection to snag extra perks on hotel stays

Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here .

One of the lesser-known perks on select American Express cards is access to The Hotel Collection . This program offers room upgrades and hotel credits for dining, spa and resort activities when you stay for two or more nights at select hotels.

To use this benefit, you need to have an eligible card and book a participating hotel through American Express Travel . But using the Amex Hotel Collection to book your next hotel stay may also save you money and improve your experience.

In this post, I'll take a closer look at The Hotel Collection and compare it to the better-known Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program to help you understand what to expect and how to take full advantage of the benefits.

Get the latest points, miles and travel news by signing up for TPG's free daily newsletter .

How The Hotel Collection works

Only cardholders of the following American Express cards can book hotel stays through The Hotel Collection:

• American Express® Gold Card
• American Express® Business Gold Card
• The Platinum Card® from American Express (requires a minimum two-night stay)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
• The Centurion Card (invite-only, both business and personal versions are eligible)

If you have one of the above cards, then you'll have access to the following benefits when you book through The Hotel Collection (terms apply):

• A room upgrade at check-in when available
• Up to a $100 hotel credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa and resort activities
• 2x Membership Rewards points when you use your Gold card for prepaid bookings
• 5x Membership Rewards points when you use your Platinum card for prepaid bookings
• The ability to use Pay with Points on prepaid bookings

However, you'll only get these perks when you book a stay at an eligible property through American Express Travel . And there's a minimum stay requirement of two nights for Hotel Collection stays. Finally, back-to-back stays within 24 hours at the same property are considered one stay and won't get multiple $100 hotel credits.

Related: Should you use points or cash to book hotels?

What to know about The Hotel Collection

Before you book a stay through Amex's Hotel Collection, there are several aspects to keep in mind.

Pay with Points

You will see the option to Pay with Points when you book a stay with Amex's Hotel Collection. However, you'll only receive 0.7 cents of value per point redeemed, which is less than half of TPG's valuation of Membership Rewards points , at 2 cents each.

Especially since Platinum and Business Platinum cardholders earn 5x points for prepaid reservations made through American Express Travel, this is a case where it's better to pay for your stay and save your points for higher-value redemption options.

Related: Here are 9 of our favorite ways to use Amex Membership Rewards points

When you search, beware that Amex displays only the base rate (which excludes taxes and fees). For example, I saw a nightly rate of $89 for a sample two-night stay in November at the MGM Grand Las Vegas. But, the actual cost is $145 per night after all taxes and mandatory hotel fees .

The fine print for the Hotel Collection notes that hotels can add additional government taxes and fees as well as hotel-imposed taxes, fees and deposits when the hotel charges your card. So, you may need to call the hotel and ask about its policies to ensure you're aware of the total cost of your stay.

Related: 4 Las Vegas hotels raised resort fees — here's how to avoid them

Elite earning and perks

Additionally, most hotel loyalty programs won't give elite earnings and benefits if you don't book direct . And, although you may get elite earnings and benefits when you book some hotels through the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program , you typically won't when you book through The Hotel Collection. As such, if you have hotel elite status with one or more brands, you may find it best to only book through The Hotel Collection with properties outside your primary loyalty program(s).

Related: Booking direct: How much value does Marriott status provide?

Properties in The Hotel Collection

The Amex Hotel Collection includes a range of both popular brands and smaller boutique properties. Here's what I found when searching for Hotel Collection properties in three popular tourist destinations. Note, the pricing and availability are as of publishing and may be different when you search.

I picked a date this winter and performed a search for properties available in New York City . My search returned 19 Hotel Collection properties.

The least expensive Hotel Collection property for my dates was the Ink 48 Hotel at $389 per night before taxes and fees. Meanwhile, the most costly Hotel Collection property for my dates was the JW Marriott Essex House New York at $929 per night before taxes and fees.

Related: 8 easy New York City escapes you can get to in three hours or less

On the other end of the price spectrum is Phoenix in the summer, which stands out for having some of the lowest prices for hotels featured by these types of programs. I got eight Hotel Collection results when I searched for a weekend in July.

The least expensive Hotel Collection property in Phoenix for the weekend I searched was the Tempe Mission Palms, a Destination by Hyatt Hotel , for $169 per night before taxes and fees. Meanwhile, the most expensive property for the weekend I searched was the Mountain Shadows Resort Scottsdale for $319 per night before taxes and fees.

Related: Road-tripping from Phoenix? Here are six destinations to set your sights on

Rome, Italy

If you're looking to travel internationally, there are plenty of Hotel Collection properties abroad. For example, a search for a stay in Rome, Italy , returned nine Hotel Collection properties.

In Rome, Italy, the least expensive Hotel Collection property was the NH Collection Roma Giustiniano, for $163 per night before taxes and fees. Meanwhile, the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese was the most expensive property for $438 per night before taxes and fees.

Related: Italy is reopening: 11 things I learned as a tourist there this week

The Hotel Collection vs. Fine Hotels & Resorts

The Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program offers more valuable benefits. But, the FHR program is only available to Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Booking through the Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program can get you the following elite-like perks:

• Noon check-in when available
• Room upgrade when available at check-in
• Daily breakfast for two
• Free in-room Wi-Fi
• Guaranteed 4:00 p.m. late checkout
• $100 experience credit

Related: How American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts can land you elite-like benefits at top hotels

While I expected to find significant overlap in the properties offered by The Hotel Collection and the Fine Hotels & Resorts program, I found none. A comparison of the two programs reveals that each has its strengths and weaknesses.

But, in general, Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts program properties tend to be more expensive than The Hotel Collection properties. And the benefits you'll get on FHR stays, including complimentary breakfast, early check-in and guaranteed late checkout, are superior. Thus, the real benefit of The Hotel Collection appears to be access to extra perks at high-end (rather than ultra-high-end) hotels.

Related: When to book through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts vs. Chase Luxury Hotel and Resort Collection

How to best use The Hotel Collection

Food, beverage and other services at hotels can be costly. So, most travelers won't have trouble using the $100 credit. But, the real sweet spot of this program is for business travelers whose company already reimburses their room and meals. After all, these hotel guests can put the $100 credit toward drinks, pay-per-view movies and spa services that would not be allowed by most company expense policies.

The benefits of the Fine Hotels & Resorts program — such as early check-in, late checkout and complimentary breakfast — are geared toward leisure travelers who can afford expensive properties. And booking through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program can be particularly useful when you don't have elite status with a particular brand.

Amex offers both programs to Platinum and Centurion cardholders, which indicates that The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels & Resorts programs each offer distinct benefits. In short, The Hotel Collection is a valuable perk of the Amex Gold and Business Gold Card -- not just a watered-down version of FHR.

Additional reporting by Chris Dong and Katie Genter.

Activate your Amex Platinum benefits

• Airline incidental fee credit
• Airport lounge membership
• Saks Fifth Avenue credit
• Digital entertainment credit
• Walmart+ subscription credit
• Paramount+ subscription credit
• Hotel elite status
• Hotel credits
• CLEAR® credits
• Equinox credits
• Rental car elite status
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck credit
• ShopRunner membership

Activate these 14 Amex Platinum card benefits so you can get hundreds of dollars in perks

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• The Platinum Card® from American Express offers a ton of value from its welcome bonus and benefits.
• The annual fee is high, but the card pays for itself if you maximize its rewards and benefits.
• Some of these perks and credits require activation before you can use them — they aren't automatic.
• Read Insider's guide to the best travel rewards credit cards .

The Platinum Card® from American Express has one of the highest annual fees of any publicly available consumer card —$695 — but the perks of the card can more than outweigh the annual cost. For many frequent travelers, the Amex Platinum Card is a must-have, but even if you're sticking closer to home, you can still get hundreds of dollars in value from its benefits if you enroll.

What's more, there's currently a great welcome offer on the card that is incredibly rewarding even if you're not traveling right now. You'll earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new card in your first six months of card membership. That's worth around $1,440 in travel, based on Insider's points and miles valuations .

With a full six months to meet the minimum spending requirement , it should be easy for most people to unlock the welcome bonus.

Limited time offer: Earn 10X Membership Rewards® Points at restaurants worldwide for three months, on up to $25,000 in purchases when eligible card member refers a friend and the friend applies by May 22, 2024 and gets the card (terms apply). Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel (on up to $500,000 per calendar year) and on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel. Earn 1X Points on other purchases.

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Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® points

Good to Excellent

• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Long list of travel benefits, including airport lounge access and complimentary elite status with Hilton and Marriott (enrollment required)
• Check mark icon A check mark. It indicates a confirmation of your intended interaction. Annual statement credits with Saks and Uber
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. Bonus categories leave something to be desired
• con icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. One of the highest annual fees among premium travel cards

If you want as many premium travel perks as possible, The Platinum Card® from American Express could be the right card for you. The annual fee is high, but you get a long list of benefits such as airport lounge access, travel statement credits, complimentary hotel elite status, and more.

• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card®, Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card®. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card®. Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card®.
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card®. Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card®. Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card®. Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card®. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card®. An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

Some of the Amex Platinum's best benefits need to be activated before you can use them. To make sure you don't miss out, here's what you should do as soon as you get your card so that you can make the most of it.

Choose an airline for the Amex Platinum incidental fee credit

One of the biggest perks of the Amex Platinum Card is a yearly airline incidental fee credit . Each calendar year, you can choose one airline on which you can get up to $200 in fees reimbursed as a statement credit when you use your card for the purchase**.

While the fee credit isn't meant to include airfare, it covers extras like checked bags, flight-change fees, inflight food and drinks, fees for traveling with a pet, lounge day passes (for lounges you don't already have access to), and sometimes things like seat assignments and extra legroom upgrade fees.

The best part of the airline credit is that because you get it each calendar year (instead of cardmember year), you can get it twice before you pay your second annual fee. For example:

• If you opened the card in March, you could earn the full $200 credit before the calendar year ends
• Once the credit resets on January 1, you can get it again

This means you can get up to $400 in value from this credit in a single cardmember year.

To designate your airline, you can either call the number on the back of your card or log in to your online account. If you're not sure which airline to choose because you don't have travel plans yet, you can make the selection when you're ready; otherwise, once you've made your choice, you can change it each January either online or by phone.

Add your Amex Platinum card to your Uber account

The Amex Platinum Card offers cardholders up to $200 in Uber Cash credits** each calendar year. If you don't take Uber rides, don't worry — you can still use the credit toward Uber Eats food delivery and takeout.

The Amex Uber credit is broken into monthly chunks. At the start of each month, you'll get $15 of credits added to your Uber account, with a $20 bonus each December (for a total of $35). Additionally, your account will be upgraded to Uber VIP status, which comes with a few perks, like the option to only request rides from top-rated drivers.

To get the credit, just add your new Amex Platinum Card to your Uber account as a payment method. You don't actually have to use the card to pay; as long as you have it stored in your account you'll get the credits and VIP status.

Enroll in Priority Pass lounge membership

The Amex Platinum Card offers the most comprehensive airport lounge access of any card on the market. But you won't automatically have access to all lounges.

The card comes with Priority Pass Select membership, which you must first enroll in. It gives you unlimited access to more than 1,300 airport lounges worldwide, and even allows you to bring along two guests for free.

This membership tier is better than any membership you can buy. The highest tier available for purchase costs $429, and doesn't allow for free guests.

Enroll your Amex Platinum for up to $100 each year in Saks credits

The Amex Platinum Saks credit is split into two chunks: You'll get up to $50 in statement credits between January and June, and another $50 from July to December when you use your card at Saks Fifth Avenue**.

This perk also requires activation. To do so, sign in to your Amex account, click on the "Benefits" tab, and scroll down to find the credit listed. Click "Enroll," and you're all set going forward — you don't need to re-enroll to get the credit each time.

While items from Saks can be expensive, there are plenty of lower-priced items available, especially during sales and online shopping season . It's a perfect opportunity to splurge on a luxurious treat you might not otherwise consider.

Enroll your card for up to $240 in digital entertainment credit

Another newer perk on the Amex Platinum Card is up to $240 annually in digital entertainment credits**, handed out in chunks of up to $20 per month. You need to enroll before you can use this perk by calling the number on the back of your card or activating the benefits through your online Amex account.

Eligible digital subscription services (and current pricing) include:

• Hulu — $7.99 per month for the standard version, $17.99 for ad-free plan, $76.99 for Hulu + Live TV and ES[M+ with adds, $89.99 for Hulu + Live TV and Disney+ with no ads and ESPN+ with adds, $14.99 for Hulu bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, $24.99 for Hulu with no ads bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+, $81.99 per month for Hulu with no ads + Live TV bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ 
• Disney+ — $7.99 per month, $13.99 per month for Disney+ Premium (no ads), $14.99 per month bundled with Hulu and ESPN+, $24.99 per month bundled with Hulu (no ads) and ESPN+
• ESPN+ — $10.99 per month
• Peacock — $5.99 per month for Premium
• The New York Times — $4 every four weeks for six weeks (then $25 every four weeks)
• The Wall Street Journal — $2 every four weeks for one year, then $9.75 per week

Once you've activated the benefit, be sure to use your Amex Platinum Card to pay your monthly bill to receive the credit.

Enroll in Walmart+

The Amex Platinum Card reimburses you for Walmart's subscription service, Walmart Plus, in the form of a statement credit** ($12.95 plus applicable sales tax each month). To be clear, this credit is only beneficial for a Walmart+ monthly membership — not an annual one.

Walmart+ comes with things like:

• Free delivery
• Free shipping (with no minimums)
• Gas discounts
• Pharmacy discounts

Enroll in Paramount+

Another benefit of Walmart+ is free Paramount Plus Essential subscription**. While this version costs a mere $4.99 per month (and is ad-supported), it's still an easy way to save $50+ each year if you would normally pay for the Paramount streaming service, anyway. Paramount comes with access to programs from Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTV, CBS, and more.

Within your Walmart+ account, you'll see the option to subscribe to Paramount Plus for free.

Sign up for Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors Gold elite status 

Getting complimentary Marriott and Hilton hotel elite status from the Amex Platinum Card is an excellent perk that offers real value, especially if you don't stay at one chain often enough to qualify for the mid-tier Gold level status.

Before you enroll, make sure you've signed up for loyalty accounts with each of the hotel brands. Then, either call the number on the back of your Amex Platinum Card, or log in to your Amex online account. Enter your Marriott and Hilton account numbers to request Gold status — it typically takes a day or two for it to show up in your accounts.

Elite status perks vary between brands and each individual hotel, but typically include things like early check-in and late checkout, a better chance at room upgrades, bonus points on stays, and, in Hilton's case, free breakfast (or a dining credit) — which can add up to hundreds in savings if you're a frequent guest.

Note that you can also get complimentary Hilton status with the best Hilton credit cards , and Marriott elite status with some Marriott credit cards . Depending on which card you have, the elite status you get from one of these cards can be much more valuable than what you'll get from the Amex Platinum Card.

Check out Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection for your $200 credit

The Amex Platinum Card offers up to $200 in annual credit toward prepaid Hotel Collection (minimum two-night stay) and Fine Hotels & Resorts  bookings made through Amex Travel .

There are about 1,800 properties between Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection, although this curated list changes each year as new properties are added and dropped.

There's no enrollment required to get up to $200 back on your bookings each year — just use your card to prepay for your hotel stay. You'll get exclusive perks at the hotel, which can include room upgrades, early check-in, late checkout, complimentary breakfast, and an on-property credit to use on dining or spa services. 

Sign Up for CLEAR Plus and use up to $189 in credit

CLEAR Plus is an expedited airport security program, similar to TSA PreCheck, but it's also available for fast-track access at select stadiums.

The CLEAR Plus credit on the Amex Platinum Card will reimburse you for the $189 annual membership fee — just use your card to pay when you sign up. Keep in mind that CLEAR Plus isn't available at as many airports as TSA PreCheck, and you'll still have to remove items like your laptop and shoes before getting screened.

Activate up to $300 in Equinox credits

The Amex Platinum Card has added up to $300 per year in credit towards any gym membership with Equinox, including digital subscriptions for fitness classes through the Equinox+ app. To receive the credit, you'll have to activate through Amex first, then use your card to pay your monthly membership charge.

This could be a valuable benefit if you live in a city with Equinox locations, or if you're a fan of the fitness app. Just keep in mind that Equinox memberships are not cheap. For example, with a 12-month commitment, you'd pay $240 per month for membership at the Rockefeller Center location, and $275 per month if you want access to all US clubs.

Enroll your Amex Platinum for rental car elite benefits

In addition to hotel status, you can get elite status with several car rental agencies. When you get your Amex Platinum Card, log in online and request Avis Preferred, Hertz President's Circle Status, and National Car Rental Emerald Club Executive status — you'll just need to create accounts with those providers first.

Benefits include things like car upgrades, guaranteed availability, and waived fees for additional drivers.

Use your Amex Platinum to apply for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck

If you don't have Global Entry and TSA PreCheck, you're missing out on one of the most valuable, time-saving tools frequent travelers swear by.

TSA PreCheck is a program that offers expedited security screening at airports. Instead of having to take off their shoes and light jacket, unpack laptops, tablets, and liquids from their hand luggage, and go through slow full-body scanners that create a bottleneck at the security checkpoint, PreCheck members can just put their bags through the x-ray machine, empty their pockets, and walk through a metal detector. It's a faster, easier process, and typically leads to shorter and quicker lines.

You can pay an application fee for PreCheck, or you can pay extra to apply for Global Entry, which, if you're approved, includes PreCheck. Global Entry lets you use self-service kiosks at passport control and customs when you return from abroad, skipping the long, snaking lines that typically form in the border control halls.

The Platinum Card offers a statement credit to cover either program's application fee, $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or up to $85 statement credit every 4.5 years for TSA PreCheck®. To get the credit, fill out the application online and pay with your card. If you already have Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, you can use the credit to cover the cost of the application for someone else.

Sign up for ShopRunner to get free two-day shipping

ShopRunner is like Amazon Prime for other retailers. With a ShopRunner account, you can get free two-day shipping and free returns from hundreds of participating online stores.

The Amex Platinum Card comes with a free ShopRunner membership (which normally costs $79 per year).  To sign up, visit ShopRunner's American Express website, enter your email and card number, and follow the prompts.

Bottom line

The Platinum Card® from American Express comes with potentially thousands of dollars in statement credits and benefits each year. Some of them must be activated, however — and others require that you at least use the Amex Platinum Card to trigger the credits.

If you don't know all the discounts that come with this card, you could unwittingly waste many hundreds of dollars in value each year. Use the above checklist as soon as you receive your Amex Platinum Card to ensure you're maximizing its benefits.

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card® from American Express, please click here.

Editorial Note: Any opinions, analyses, reviews, or recommendations expressed in this article are the author’s alone, and have not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any card issuer. Read our editorial standards .

Please note: While the offers mentioned above are accurate at the time of publication, they're subject to change at any time and may have changed, or may no longer be available.

**Enrollment required.

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The Amex Platinum Card – How To Use the Annual $200 Prepaid Hotel Credit

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Amex Platinum Card – Snapshot

What is the amex platinum card’s prepaid hotel credit, 1. midtown shangri-la, hangzhou (china), 2. the ritz-carlton, tianjin (china), 3. shangri-la sydney (australia), 4. mr. c coconut grove (florida), 5. taj campton place (san francisco, california), 6. the beekman, a thompson hotel (new york), 7. sofitel mexico city reforma (mexico), 8. condado vanderbilt hotel (puerto rico), 1. conrad bali (indonesia), 2. hôtel des arts saigon – mgallery collection or pan pacific hanoi (vietnam), 3. sofitel wellington (new zealand), 4. grand hyatt são paulo (brazil), 5. delano las vegas (nevada), purchases that do not trigger the prepaid hotel credit, what if my purchase isn’t automatically reimbursed, final thoughts.

We may be compensated when you click on product links, such as credit cards, from one or more of our advertising partners. Terms apply to the offers below. See our Advertising Policy for more about our partners, how we make money, and our rating methodology. Opinions and recommendations are ours alone.

If you can maximize your card’s benefits, the value proposition of The Platinum Card ® from American Express has never been greater.

Our guide will walk you through all the nuances of the up to $200 prepaid hotel credit and inspire you with high-value ways to use it. We hope that you’ll walk away knowing how to utilize this credit efficiently.

The Platinum Card ® from American Express

The Amex Platinum reigns supreme for luxury travel, offering the best airport lounge access plus generous statement credits, and complimentary elite status.

When it comes to cards that offer top-notch benefits, you’d be hard-pressed to find a better card out there than The Platinum Card ® from American Express.

Make no mistake — the Amex Platinum card  is a premium card with a premium price tag. With amazing benefits like best-in-class airport lounge access , hotel elite status, and tremendous value in annual statement credits, it can easily prove to be one of the most lucrative cards in your wallet year after year.

• The best airport lounge access out of any card (by far) — enjoy access to over 1,400 worldwide lounges, including the luxurious Amex Centurion Lounges, Priority Pass lounges, Plaza Premium Lounges, and many more!
• 5x points per dollar spent on flights purchased directly with the airline or with AmexTravel.com (up to $500,000 per year)
• 5x points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels booked with AmexTravel.com
• Annual and monthly statement credits upon enrollment ( airline credit, Uber Cash credit, Saks Fifth Avenue credit, streaming credit, prepaid hotel credit on eligible stays, Walmart+ credit, CLEAR credit, and Equinox credit )
• TSA PreCheck or Global Entry credit
• Access to American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts
• Access to Amex International Airline Program
• No foreign transaction fees ( rates and fees )
• $695 annual fee ( rates and fees )
• Airline credit does not cover airfare (only incidentals like checked bags)
• Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards ® Points after you spend $8,000 on purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Apply and select your preferred metal Card design: classic Platinum Card ® , Platinum x Kehinde Wiley, or Platinum x Julie Mehretu.
• Earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points for flights booked directly with airlines or with American Express Travel up to $500,000 on these purchases per calendar year and earn 5X Membership Rewards ® Points on prepaid hotels booked with American Express Travel.
• $200 Hotel Credit: Get up to $200 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts ® or The Hotel Collection bookings with American Express Travel when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
• $240 Digital Entertainment Credit: Get up to $20 back in statement credits each month on eligible purchases made with your Platinum Card ® on one or more of the following: Disney+, a Disney Bundle, ESPN+, Hulu, The New York Times, Peacock, and The Wall Street Journal. Enrollment required.
• $155 Walmart+ Credit: Cover the cost of a $12.95 monthly Walmart+ membership (subject to auto-renewal) with a statement credit after you pay for Walmart+ each month with your Platinum Card ® . Cost includes $12.95 plus applicable local sales tax. Plus Up Benefits are excluded.
• $200 Airline Fee Credit: Select one qualifying airline and then receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when incidental fees are charged by the airline to your Platinum Card ® .
• $200 Uber Cash: Enjoy Uber VIP status and up to $200 in Uber savings on rides or eats orders in the US annually. Uber Cash and Uber VIP status is available to Basic Card Member only. Terms Apply.
• $300 Equinox Credit: Get up to $300 back in statement credits per calendar year on an Equinox membership, or an Equinox club membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you pay with your Platinum Card ® . Enrollment required. Visit https://platinum.equinox.com/ to enroll.
• $189 CLEAR ® Plus Credit: Breeze through security with CLEAR Plus at 100+ airports, stadiums, and entertainment venues nationwide and get up to $189 back per calendar year on your Membership (subject to auto-renewal) when you use your Platinum Card ® . Learn more.
• $100 Global Entry Credit: Receive either a $100 statement credit every 4 years for a Global Entry application fee or a statement credit up to $85 every 4.5 years for a TSA PreCheck ® (through a TSA official enrollment provider) application fee, when charged to your Platinum Card ® . Card Members approved for Global Entry will also receive access to TSA PreCheck at no additional cost.
• Shop Saks with Platinum: Get up to $100 in statement credits annually for purchases in Saks Fifth Avenue stores or at saks.com on your Platinum Card ® . That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
• $300 SoulCycle At-Home Bike Credit: Get a $300 statement credit for the purchase of a SoulCycle at-home bike with your Platinum Card ® . An Equinox+ subscription is required to purchase a SoulCycle at-home bike and access SoulCycle content. Must charge full price of bike in one transaction. Shipping available in the contiguous U.S. only. Enrollment Required.
• Unlock access to exclusive reservations and special dining experiences with Global Dining Access by Resy when you add your Platinum Card ® to your Resy profile.
• $695 annual fee.
• Terms Apply.

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Hot Tip:  Check to see if you’re eligible for a welcome bonus offer of up to 125k (or 150k) points with the Amex Platinum. The current public offer is 80,000 points. (This targeted offer was independently researched and may not be available to all applicants.)

The prepaid hotel credit on the Amex Platinum card is a benefit that takes the form of a statement credit on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings, which requires a minimum 2-night stay through AmexTravel.com .

Don’t be scared of the “prepaid” language, though, because almost all these bookings are cancellable and refundable!

Typically, when you book a stay through AmexTravel.com, you can opt to pay for your booking in 2 ways:

• Prepaid (can earn 5x points)
• Pay at the hotel ( cannot earn 5x points)

So, if you’re interested in maximizing your points, you’ll want to book a prepaid booking anyway — rest assured that these reservations are refundable.

In total, you can receive up to $200 in these statement credits every calendar year . It may take up to 90 days for the credit to be posted to your account, though this has actually been within a week in practice.

The 8 Best Ways To Use Your Prepaid Hotel Credit at Fine Hotels + Resorts

American Express’s signature set of luxury hotels is Fine Hotels + Resorts — think of globally-known luxury brands like Four Seasons and lavish boutique brands like Aman .

Whenever you book a Fine Hotels + Resorts stay, you’ll enjoy:

• Room upgrade upon arrival, when available
• Daily breakfast for 2 people
• Noon check-in, when available
• Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout
• Complimentary Wi-Fi
• Unique property amenities, such as a spa or food and beverage credit valued at a minimum of $100

There’s no minimum stay requirement, which means you can enjoy all these benefits on 1-night stays!

Let’s explore our favorite ways to use your $200 prepaid hotel credit at Fine Hotels + Resorts properties.

One of the newest, sleek city hotels you can book is the Midtown Shangri-La, Hangzhou in China .

This riverfront, 5-star hotel is situated along the Guxin River, just 3 miles from Zhejiang Art Museum and 2 miles from West Lake.

Each of the 414 rooms and suites starts at 462 square feet and offers luxury amenities such as floor-to-ceiling windows , modern decor, a king bed appointed with soft bedding, a work desk, a sitting area with a couch, a balcony, a flat-screen TV, a set of coffee and tea facilities, a minibar, and more.

The spacious bathroom welcomes you with a separate shower, a deluxe soaking tub , posh Shangri-La bathrobes and towels, and designer toiletries.

You’ll find 3 restaurants, a cocktail lounge, and a lobby lounge for food and beverage options.

Plus, the property has a gym, spa, indoor pool, whirlpool, steam room, boutique, and an abundance of event space.

If you book a 1-night stay during the weekday, you could potentially net a free stay using your $200 prepaid hotel credit, as rates are typically below $200 per night!

Booking a night at The Ritz-Carlton probably was outside your realm of realistic ways to use a $200 prepaid hotel credit, considering how some properties command over $1,000 per night!

But thrifty luxury travelers rejoice — The Ritz-Carlton Tianjin is a posh property in China just 5 minutes from the metro station and 3 miles from the Tianjin Museum .

This opulent property has rooms measuring at least 538 square feet. Each room has a king bed with incredibly soft Frette bedding, a work desk, a private balcony overlooking the garden or courtyard, coffee and tea facilities, and more.

There’s a full marble bathroom with twin vanities, a separate tub and rainfall shower, a powder room, a toilet with a bidet , and a lighted make-up mirror.

This property has 3 restaurants, a cocktail lobby lounge serving afternoon tea, a full-service spa, a fitness center, an indoor pool, a Club Lounge , and a meeting space.

By booking a weekday stay within 1 month of the stay, you might be able to find room rates at around the $200 per night cutoff, including taxes and fees!

Shangri-La Sydney is a high-rise luxury property just a 5-minute walk from the Museum of Contemporary Art Australia , a 7-minute walk from Circular Quay train station, and half a mile from the famous Sydney Opera House .

The superb location isn’t the only thing going for it — each of the spacious and comfortable rooms starts at 430 square feet in size with amazing views of Darling Harbour and comes with signature bedding, a sitting area, a full-size executive desk , a flat-screen TV, coffee and tea, a minibar, and a pillow menu.

The marble bathroom has a separate soaking bathtub, shower, and Shangri-La toiletries and bathrobes.

Once you leave your room, you can recharge at the restaurant, coffee shop, or cocktail lounge with sweeping city views. Enjoy the indoor pool, gym, spa, or Jacuzzi to rejuvenate!

This property represents a fantastic balance between 5-star luxury and reasonable pricing — you can enjoy all of the Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits available and pay around $250 for a 1-night weekday stay!

Mr. C Coconut Grove often has room rates of around $200, including taxes and fees. This is a steal, considering how pricey these Miami can get.

Often, Mr. C properties are the cheapest Fine Hotels + Resorts properties in the vicinity, so value-focused travelers will have a blast at any of these 3 properties!

If you’ve ever looked for a Fine Hotels + Resorts property in San Francisco, you’ve probably seen a particular property come up as one of the most affordable options: Taj Campton Place (a member of Taj Hotels).

This property is primely located in San Francisco’s Union Square neighborhood and is actually a prominent landmark.

Offering classical Indian luxury, this elegant luxury hotel is just outside the Financial District and is a half-block from Union Square and a 5-minute walk from Montgomery Street BART station.

Each of the classy rooms starts at 250 square feet large and has a California king bed, a work desk, premium bedding, an iHome docking station, a pillow menu, a well-stocked minibar, turndown service, an LED TV, and a Nespresso machine.

The limestone bathrooms contain a single vanity, a walk-in shower or a shower/tub combo, a bath menu, bath salts, plush bathrobes, slippers, and more.

You’ll enjoy a 2-Michelin-starred restaurant , a bar and bistro, and private dining options here.

This property has an open-air fitness center and a 24/7 business center, too.

Although it’s increasingly rare to find Fine Hotels + Resorts room rates less than $175 per night in an expensive city like San Francisco, you might discover 1-night stays with a Sunday or Friday check-in booked as far out as 1 month in advance for that price.

Hot Tip: If you prefer to avoid booking a cash rate, check out the best San Francisco hotels to book with points for maximum value.

If you’re thinking of checking out New York , you’ve probably come to terms with the fact that you’ll probably be shelling out a handsome amount to book your hotels here.

And while it’s true that a $200 prepaid hotel credit isn’t enough for a Fine Hotels + Resorts stay (rooms average around $380 per night), you’d be remiss in discarding the possibility entirely because The Beekman, a Thompson Hotel , is competitively priced!

Located in the Downtown Financial District area of Lower Manhattan, this 5-star hotel is a 3-minute walk from Fulton Street subway station and a 14-minute walk from Brooklyn Bridge. It is surrounded by other attractions like the 9/11 Memorial , One World Trade Center, and more.

Each of the rooms at this property boasts high ceilings, curated art, aged oak floors, 285 square feet of space, eclectic furnishings, a minibar, a cocktail table, a flat-screen TV, a courtesy luxury house car available upon request , and more.

The bathroom is tiled with Carrara marble and is appointed with an oversized rain shower, D.S. & Durga bath amenities , an oversized walk-in rain shower, a single vanity, and more.

Here, you’ll also find eateries run by famous chefs, a wood-paneled cocktail lounge, a chic bar, and an awe-inspiring 9-story atrium !

Although this property tends to be the cheapest Fine Hotels + Resorts property in New York, you’ll enjoy nothing but the finest 5-star luxuries here.

Experience quintessential French luxury in Mexico City’s Reforma district, a historic destination that immerses you into French and Mexican poshness.

Sofitel Mexico City Reforma features views of the Angel of Independence monument and is a 9-minute walk from Insurgentes metro station and a little more than a mile from Chapultepec Castle .

Here, you’ll live the French way with floor-to-ceiling windows, a king bed or 2 double beds, a work desk, at least 410 square feet of space , an LED TV, urban Mexico City views, a Nespresso machine, and much more.

The marble bathroom features plenty of counter space, bathrobes, L’Occitane amenities, and a walk-in shower.

You’ll find 5 dining options here, plus a gym, a sauna, meeting rooms, and pet-friendly policies!

We found the cheapest Fine Hotels + Resorts room rate was around $250 per night, excluding taxes and fees, for a weekday stay.

Still, using the prepaid hotel credit, this property is your best bet for a value-packed Mexico City stay!

Hot Tip: Save money on your hotel stay and your flight — see the best ways to fly to Mexico with points and miles (step-by-step) .

Our last inclusion in the Fine Hotels + Resorts section is Puerto Rico’s best-value property, the Condado Vanderbilt Hotel .

Make no mistake — this time-tested luxury resort has amazingly consistent reviews, a spectacular Condado Beach location , and is a crown jewel for value luxury.

Each of the standard guestrooms has at least 350 square feet of real estate with either 2 queen beds or 1 king bed with Rivolta Carmignani linens, a sitting area with 3 chairs, a desk, a flat-screen TV, an in-room French press coffee maker with Puerto Rican coffee and tea, and a minifridge.

The sleek bathroom has marble tiling, a shower-tub combination, a single vanity, bathrobes, bamboo towels, and C.O. Bigelow amenities.

Notably, 9 dining options include a cigar lounge, a cocktail bar, an oceanfront restaurant, a fine dining spot, and more. You’ll also find a chic spa, 4 pools , a gym, and a meeting space.

The cheapest Fine Hotels + Resorts rate we could find is $258 before taxes and fees. Considering all the other perks you’ll enjoy with Fine Hotels + Resorts, this is an excellent opportunity to use your prepaid hotel credit.

Bottom Line: You can use your $200 prepaid hotel benefit on 1-night stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts locations, while The Hotel Collection properties require a 2-night stay.

The 5 Best Ways To Use Your Prepaid Hotel Credit at The Hotel Collection

The Hotel Collection is the “little sister” of Fine Hotels + Resorts.

A different set of hotels fall under The Hotel Collection, and these are almost always upscale or luxury hotels, compared to the opulent properties a notch higher at Fine Hotels + Resorts.

Although The Hotel Collection requires a stay of at least 2 nights , these properties are almost always more affordable, so getting an entire short stay paid for using your $200 prepaid hotel credit is possible.

To make things better, all bookings at The Hotel Collection afford you with:

• $100 credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities
• Room upgrade at check-in, if available

Let’s get into some neat ways to get some fantastic value at The Hotel Collection with your $200 prepaid hotel credit!

One of the most spectacular ways to use your prepaid hotel credit is on luxury properties in affordable leisure destinations.

One of these destinations is Bali — specifically, the Conrad Bali is a fantastic 5-star resort that will have you dreaming about a stay here.

Conrad Bali has 368 rooms and suites in the Nusa Dua area. Every room is at least 484 square feet large. It is outfitted with garden views, a private balcony/terrace , blackout curtains, a pillow menu, a desk, a separate sitting area, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and coffee and tea facilities.

You’ll find a granite bathroom with a single vanity, walk-in shower, separate bathtub, Shanghai Tang amenities , and a water closet.

The amenities here are fantastic, including 3 restaurants, a pool bar, a lobby lounge, sprawling lagoon pools , beachside cabanas , a spa, a gym, and more.

But the most incredible part is the price tag — you can easily find rates available for $158 per night (excluding taxes)!

Vietnam is one of the world’s fastest-growing economies. And even though tourism has exploded rapidly, we haven’t necessarily seen a corresponding increase in lodging costs.

Luckily, that means you can book a 2-night stay for around $200, including taxes and fees!

Whether you’re visiting Ho Chi Minh City in the south or Hanoi in the north, The Hotel Collection has properties that will impress the value-focused luxury traveler:

• $120 per night ($240 total for a 2-night stay)
•  $97 per night ($194 total for a 2-night stay)

As a reminder, you get access to a room upgrade upon availability and a $100 property credit, which means you could get $300+ of value for almost nothing out-of-pocket after the $200 prepaid hotel credit!

New Zealand can be expensive to travel to — but if you stay at the Sofitel Wellington , you’ll enjoy affordable 5-star luxury in Wellington’s business and government hub.

This chic property is a 6-minute walk from Wellington Botanic Garden and a little more than a mile from the Museum of New Zealand Te Papa Tongarewa .

Each lavish room starts at 215 square feet, with a queen Sofitel MyBed, a Bose sound system , specialty coffee and tea, a minibar, a flat-screen TV, and a sitting area with 2 chairs and a coffee table.

The French bathroom offers a modern walk-in rain shower, a make-up mirror, bathrobes, French bath amenities, and a single vanity.

There’s 1 full-service restaurant, a cocktail bar, a meeting space, a club lounge , and much more.

The lowest rates we found are around $112 per night, excluding taxes and fees, which is a great deal!

Grand Hyatt São Paulo is one of South America ‘s few constituent properties within The Hotel Collection, and the cash price makes booking a short 2-night stay attractive.

This popular 5-star property has standard rooms at least 398 square feet large, a plush queen bed or 2 twin beds, a large closet, a sitting area with city views, a work desk, a flat-screen TV, black-out curtains, a minifridge, and coffee and tea facilities.

The bathroom contains a walk-in rainfall shower , a separate soaking bathtub , Granado bath products, and more.

This Brazilian property hosts a full-service restaurant, a poolside cocktail bar and terrace , a day spa , a fitness center, indoor and outdoor pools, a business center, and more.

For 5-star luxury, you’ll pay as little as $122 per night before taxes and fees, bringing up a 2-night stay to an excellent $258! This is an amazing opportunity to enjoy fantastic accommodations while minimizing your cash outlay.

Delano Las Vegas is one of the hidden gems of Las Vegas . Situated in the Mandalay Bay Resort complex in a 43-story tower with all-suite accommodations, South Beach energy, and reasonable cash rates, this property has a lot going for it.

Each modern suite starts at 725 square feet large and is equipped with elegant whites and grays throughout, starting with the chic king bed or 2 queen beds. Within the suite, you’ll find a separate living area with seating for 5 , a flat-screen TV in the bedroom and living room, a work desk, a dual closet armoire, a bedside stereo system, and a fully stocked minibar.

The bathroom is laden with granite and marble. It contains double vanities with a backlit make-up mirror, a separate walk-in shower , a separate soaking tub, and a private water closet. There are even bathrobes and luxury bath products!

This property has 2 full-service restaurants, a coffee shop, and 2 bars, plus an outdoor pool, a spa, and a gym.

This resort is one of the rarest The Hotel Collection properties that can have paid rates of around $100 per night.

Because of this, flexible travelers can get a free weekend in Vegas using their $200 prepaid hotel credit! Plus, you’ll get all The Hotel Collection amenities, like the $100 experience credit and room upgrades (if available).

That means you could come out ahead from your booking and get lots of freebies in addition to not paying for your stay at all!

Overall, here are a few examples of purchases that don’t trigger the prepaid hotel credit:

• Purchases not made with an eligible Amex Platinum card
• Purchases not made through AmexTravel.com
• Purchases not made with a property in Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection

So, if you book a hotel through Booking.com , you won’t qualify for the prepaid hotel credit.

You won’t get the prepaid hotel credit if you book a hotel using a different card like the American Express ® Gold Card .

If you book a hotel that is on AmexTravel.com but isn’t a member of Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection, you won’t be able to get the prepaid hotel credit.

As we mentioned above, it may take up to 90 days for your statement credit to post. Usually, it credits much faster than this.

If you wait 90 days and still don’t see your statement credit posted to your account, you can contact Amex over chat or via the number on the back of your card.

Overall, using your $200 prepaid hotel credit is super easy. You’ll save $200 on your next hotel booking if you stay within the eligibility parameters.

And while it can be a tall order to get a free hotel night outright at Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection properties, you’ll at least appreciate the $200 discount, which may bring a 1-night stay to less than $100 out of pocket!

We hope you’ve found this guide helpful in using the Amex Platinum card’s $200 prepaid hotel credit!

For rates and fees of The Platinum Card ® from American Express, click here . For rates and fees of the American Express ® Gold Card, click  here .

Frequently Asked Questions

How do i use the $200 amex hotel credit.

It’s easy! All you have to do is use your Amex Platinum card to book a prepaid stay with Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection via Amex Travel. No enrollment is required.

Is the Amex Platinum card changing?

Yes, there have been lots of changes with the Amex Platinum card over the last few years. The card now includes benefits such as up to $300 Equinox credit , up to $240 digital entertainment credit , up to $200 prepaid hotel credit, up to $189 CLEAR Plus credit , and more. Terms apply, and enrollment may be required for select benefits.

Is the Amex Platinum card worth it 2023?

We believe that the Amex Platinum card is absolutely worth it! You can get $5,200+ in value from the benefits and perks ! That makes the annual fee look like a steal in comparison!

How do you get the 100k Amex Platinum card offer?

Currently, the Amex Platinum card is offering: Earn 80,000 points after spending $8,000 on purchases in the first 6 months.

What is the benefit of the Amex Platinum card?

There are tons of huge benefits with the Amex Platinum card: the best airport lounge access worldwide, up to $200 airline fee credit, up to $200 prepaid hotel credit, up to $100 Saks Fifth Avenue credit , up to $200 Uber credit, up to $300 Equinox credit, up to $240 digital entertainment credit, and the list goes on.

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About Stephen Au

Stephen is an established voice in the credit card space, with over 70 to his name. His work has been in publications like The Washington Post, and his Au Points and Awards Consulting Services is used by hundreds of clients.

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Best hotel credit cards for May 2024

Anytime you go on vacation, the hotel you choose can have a big impact on your trip — whether you prioritize luxury accommodations with the best views and amenities, or just need a place to sleep and recharge before setting back out to explore.

No matter what type of traveler you are, you could save more on hotel stays when you travel with a hotel credit card. Get started below with our top picks for any traveler looking to maximize hotel rewards today.

Here’s a look at the best credit cards to save on an upcoming hotel stay:

Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card : Best for general travel rewards

Annual fee: $95

Welcome offer: Earn 60,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards bonus points after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months

5x points on travel purchased through Chase Travel (not including hotel spending that applies toward your annual credit)

3x points on dining

3x points on online grocery purchases (excluding Target, Walmart, and wholesale clubs)

3x points on select streaming services

2x points on all other travel

1x points on all other purchases

More details: Get a $50 statement credit toward hotel bookings you make through Chase Travel each account year, plus an annual points bonus worth 10% of your spending over the prior year. Chase Sapphire Preferred also has travel and purchase protections and a few added benefits from partners like Instacart, Lyft, and more.

Why we like this card: We like the value you can get from the Chase Sapphire Preferred , whether you’re a seasoned travel pro or a beginner to travel rewards. For hotels specifically, the small $50 annual credit alone can make up more than half the annual fee cost — and beyond that, you’ll earn 5x points on hotels through Chase Travel and 2x on hotels you book elsewhere.

Redeeming your rewards for hotel stays or other travel expenses through Chase Travel is also a great benefit. The redemption boost you’ll get makes each Chase Sapphire Preferred point worth 25% more, or 1.25 cents per point. Take the 60,000-point bonus for example — you can earn $750 toward your next hotel stay (or other travel purchase) when you book through Chase.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® credit card : Best for Marriott

Welcome offer: Earn 3 Free Night Awards (worth up to 50,000 points each) after spending $3,000 within the first 3 months

Up to 17x points on purchases with Marriott Bonvoy hotels (6x points with your card, 10x points for being a Bonvoy member, and 1x point with Silver Elite status — complimentary with card membership)

3x points on the first $6,000 in combined spending at grocery stores, at gas stations, and on dining

2x points on all other purchases

More details: Marriott Bonvoy members get plenty of extra savings on hotel stays with this card. Start with a Free Night Award every account anniversary, worth up to 35,000 points. Plus get 15 Elite Night Credits each year, another Elite Night Credit for every $5,000 you spend, automatic Silver Elite status, Gold Elite status after spending $35,000 in a calendar year, and more.

Why we like this card: For a relatively affordable $95 annual fee, loyal Marriott customers can rack up plenty of free nights and other benefits with the Bonvoy Boundless card. Not only will you get an annual Free Night Award starting on your first cardmember anniversary, but you can earn three free nights right from the start with the card’s welcome bonus.

We also like that the Bonvoy Boundless benefits your purchases at home and while traveling. Take the 3x grocery store , gas station, and dining categories for example. If you max out these categories with a combined $6,000 spent each year, you’ll earn 18,000 points. With award night redemptions starting at 7,500 points, that’s two more nights each year — before even accounting for your other earnings.

Then there are the status benefits. You’ll get complimentary Silver Elite status, which comes with 10% bonus points on eligible stays, late checkout, and more — plus the opportunity to earn Gold Elite status (adding welcome gifts at check-in and room upgrades) after you spend $35,000 in a calendar year.

Hilton Honors American Express Card : Best for Hilton

Annual fee: $0 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Hilton Honors points after spending $2,000 within the first 6 months

7x points on eligible purchases directly with Hilton hotels and resorts

5x points at U.S. restaurants

5x points at U.S. supermarkets

5x points at U.S. gas stations

3x points on all other purchases

More details: This no annual fee card doesn’t offer a ton of extra benefits, but you will get complimentary Silver status with the opportunity to upgrade to Gold status after you spend $20,000 in a calendar year.

Why we like this card: The Hilton Honors Amex Card proves that you don’t have to pay a big annual fee to get big rewards. While you’ll earn the most rewards on your stays with Hilton, you can also earn a solid 5x points on everyday spending at U.S. supermarkets, restaurants, and gas stations — plus 3x rewards in all non-category spending. With Hilton Honors reward nights starting at 5,000 points per night, those extra points can take you far.

You can also get a lot of value from your complimentary Silver status the Hilton Honors American Express Card offers. Status perks include a 20% points bonus on Hilton stays, your fifth night free on award stays, elite rollover nights, and more. If you score the Gold status upgrade (after spending $20,000 in a calendar year), you’ll also receive room upgrades when available, daily food and beverage credits, milestone bonuses, and a boosted 80% points bonus on stays.

Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card : Best for Wyndham

Annual fee: $75

Welcome offer: Earn 100,000 Wyndham Rewards points after spending $2,000 within the first 3 months (worth up to 13 free nights)

6x points on purchases at Hotels by Wyndham

6x points on qualifying gas purchases

4x points on dining

4x points on grocery store purchases (excluding Target and Walmart)

More details: This card’s added benefits help make the most of your Wyndham stays. There’s an automatic upgrade to Platinum membership level, with perks like early check-in, late checkout, preferred room choice, Caesar Rewards status match, and upgrades on Avis and Budget car rentals. Each year after your first account anniversary, you’ll receive 7,500 bonus points (enough for a free night). This card also has a 0% intro APR on balance transfers .

Why we like this card: Wyndham may not have as many well-known credit card options as chains like Hilton or Marriott, but it does have a comparable number of locations — with more than 9,000 worldwide properties. And with the Rewards Earner Plus, there are plenty of ways to save anytime you book a stay.

Automatic status and the anniversary points bonus are two perks you can benefit from year after year. And for new cardholders, this card’s 100,000 welcome bonus — enough points for up to 13 free nights — is hard to beat.

Like other hotel cards on our list, we also like that the Wyndham Rewards Earner Plus rewards non-travel spending. Not only are gas station purchases one of the card’s top-earning bonus categories, but each of the everyday rewards categories has no annual spending cap, guaranteeing you can maximize every dollar you spend.

Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card : Best premium hotel card

Annual fee: $395

Welcome offer: Earn 75,000 Capital One miles after spending $4,000 within the first 3 months

10x miles on hotels and rental cars booked through Capital One Travel

5x miles on flights booked through Capital One Travel

2x miles on all other purchases

More details: The Venture X card offers $300 in annual credits for travel you book through Capital One Travel. Each year starting on your account anniversary, you’ll also get 10,000 anniversary bonus miles. Other benefits include a fee credit for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, airport lounge access, and more.

Why we like this card: The Capital One Venture X is our premium travel credit card pick for hotel stays. It’s a good alternative for travelers who aren’t loyal to a single hotel brand but do want to maximize frequent bookings.

First, it offers one of the highest rewards rates around for hotel stays, at 10x points when you book through Capital One Travel. As a Venture X cardholder, there are more benefits to booking through the issuer’s portal, too. You’ll get up to $100 in experience credits, daily breakfast, and more when you book The Premier Collection hotels — as well as up to $50 in experience credits, room upgrades, early check-in, and more when you book The Lifestyle Collection hotels.

The Capital One Venture X $300 annual travel credit also helps its premium price. Before you start earning those 10x miles on Capital One Travel spending, you’ll get reimbursed with credits for the first $300 you spend on travel through the site each year. Not only can that go a long way toward reducing the annual fee cost, but it’s also worth a lot of value toward your next hotel stay — whether you want to splurge on a night away or save on multiple nights at a lower price.

The Platinum Card® from American Express : Best for elite status

Annual fee: $695 ( see rates and fees )

Welcome offer: Earn 80,000 Membership Rewards points after spending $8,000 within the first 6 months

5x points on flights booked directly with airlines or through Amex Travel (up to $500,000 spent per year, then 1x)

5x points on prepaid hotels booked through Amex Travel

More details: The added benefits and credits are where the Platinum Card shines. To name a few, you’ll get up to $200 in annual statement credits toward incidental fees with your chosen airline, up to $200 annual Uber Cash ($15 per month and a bonus $20 in December), $189 in annual statement credits for CLEAR Plus membership, up to $240 in digital entertainment credits ($20 monthly; enrollment required) with eligible providers, airport lounge access, concierge services, and much more.

Why we like this card: While it offers a seemingly limitless suite of benefits, we’ll stick with specific Platinum Card perks for frequent travelers looking to maximize hotel stays.

For one, you’ll get up to $200 back each year in statement credits toward hotel purchases you make through Amex Travel . This credit applies to prepaid Amex Travel bookings you make with either Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection (minimum two night stay). Of course, you’ll also benefit from hotel stays you book through Amex Travel with the 5x points rewards.

The other big Platinum Card hotel perk is elite status with both Marriott Bonvoy and Hilton Honors. The complimentary Gold Elite status with Marriott Bonvoy will get you a 25% points boost on hotel purchases, room upgrades, late checkout, welcome gifts at check-in, and more. Similarly, complimentary Hilton Honors Gold status comes with an 80% bonus on the points you earn on hotel stays, daily food and beverage credits (or continental breakfast), room upgrades when available, bonus points after meeting certain milestone hotel stays, and more.

What are hotel rewards programs?

When you’re a member of a hotel rewards program, you can earn points on your stays and other purchases to use toward future bookings with the hotel chain. Joining a hotel’s loyalty program is a great way to save on hotel stays — often one of the most expensive parts of a vacation. Common hotel rewards programs include Marriott Bonvoy, Hilton Honors, World of Hyatt, Wyndham Rewards, IHG Rewards Club, and more.

Generally, the most common (and most valuable) way to redeem the points you earn from a hotel rewards program is for future hotel stays. Under most programs, you can either redeem your points toward a booking in full or pay with a combination of points and cash.

You might also have the option to redeem your hotel points for online purchases, experiences, gift cards, and more. Some even allow transfers to partner airlines. Before you choose an alternative redemption, make sure you compare the redemption value. Sometimes, these options may give you a lesser value for your points than if you wait and redeem them for your next hotel booking.

In addition to points you can use for future stays, hotel rewards programs also come with added benefits for members. That might include small perks like discounted rates and free wi-fi for basic members, but the value quickly grows as you move up in elite status. Top-tier hotel program members can earn everything from bonus earnings on hotel stays to suite-level room upgrades, welcome gifts, dedicated assistance, and more.

How much are hotel rewards worth?

Unlike some other rewards programs, it’s difficult to pin down a value for many hotel rewards programs. That’s because hotels often use dynamic pricing when it comes to points redemptions. The value of your redemption can change over time depending on the property, when you book, when you plan to travel, and more factors.

Credit card rewards programs for hotels

In addition to hotel credit cards from specific hotel brands, you can also use a general travel credit card for hotel rewards. The points and miles you earn with these travel cards are typically more flexible, but still offer great savings on hotel stays.

One thing to consider is the different ways to maximize rewards you earn on hotel stays. Instead of booking directly from the hotel — like you would with a co-branded hotel card — you may only earn maximum points when you book through your card issuer’s travel portal. When you book this way, you can often still input your hotel loyalty program number and earn points as a member of the hotel program in addition to your credit card rewards.

Many credit card rewards programs also have transfer partners, which include hotel loyalty programs. This can be a good option if you’re a member of a specific hotel program, but you’re not sure you want to commit to a hotel credit card. Here are the hotel transfer partners offered by three popular rewards programs today:

American Express Membership Rewards

Choice Privileges

Hilton Honors

Marriott Bonvoy

Capital One Travel

ALL Accor Live Limitless

Wyndham Rewards

Chase Ultimate Rewards

IHG Rewards Club

World of Hyatt

What to look for in a hotel credit card

These are some details to consider before you choose a new hotel card:

Welcome bonus

A hotel card’s welcome bonus can often get you multiple free nights, whether you choose a co-branded hotel card or general travel card.

Before applying, make sure you understand the requirements to score the bonus your card offers. You’ll typically need to spend a few thousand dollars at minimum within three to six months of account opening.

If this isn’t within your regular budget, strategize how you can meet the bonus without risking high-interest card balances . For example, you could plan your application around an upcoming trip you’ve already saved money for — the extra expenses can help you hit the spending threshold without risking a debt balance you can’t pay off.

Rewards categories

Look for the card with rewards categories that fit where you already spend most.

If you travel year-round and are always moving onto your next destination, you’ll probably want to prioritize travel rewards and top earnings on your hotel bookings. But if you only reliably travel a few times each year — a summer vacation , for example, followed by a holiday trip to visit family — you’ll likely get more value from a card with rewards on things like groceries , gas, and other essentials.

This is also a factor to consider if you’re adding a hotel credit card to cards you already have in your wallet. To make the most of every dollar you spend, look for categories you might be missing. Alternatively, you may choose a travel card with flat rewards on most purchases (or branded hotel card with a high non-category earning rate) to use as a catch-all for the spending categories you don’t maximize elsewhere.

Added benefits

Your card’s added benefits should add value over time — not just in the first year.

This is especially important for hotel cards that carry annual fees. Card benefits can be a great way to make up the cost of the annual fee , but they’re only valuable if they save you money on purchases you would have made anyway.

For hotel cards specifically, common benefits include annual Free Night Awards and elite status upgrades. If you stay with the hotel chain often, it can be easy to take advantage of the added benefits. Otherwise, you may want to look for other rewards cards that better fit your spending and travel.

Rewards program

As much as the credit card rewards and added benefits can make a big difference, the program under which you earn your rewards can, too.

For co-branded hotel credit cards, choose the loyalty program offered by the hotel brand you like and use most. If you’re already a member, look for ways your card can help you maximize your stays even further, with boosted points on bookings and faster paths to elite status.

If you’re considering a general travel card with great hotel rewards instead, you’ll still want to do your research into the card’s rewards program . Make sure you’ll get a good value when you use your rewards for hotel bookings, and compare other redemption options that may work for your travel plans . Don’t forget to also check out the program’s transfer partners — you may get more long-term value when you have the ability to transfer points and miles to your preferred airline and hotel brands.

Pros of hotel credit cards

Hotel savings: The best reason to open a hotel card is for the potential savings on hotel stays. Not only do these cards earn points that you can put toward future reward nights, but they also often come with annual Free Night Awards and other annual bonuses that can help you rack up savings on your stays over the long-term.

Status benefits: One of the easiest ways to increase your status level with a hotel loyalty program is with a credit card. Many of our favorite co-branded hotel cards come with complimentary status boosts and paths to earn the next level with card spending. If elite status is important to you and you travel frequently enough to gain value from the perks, these benefits are worth considering.

Welcome offers: Many hotel cards offer very high welcome bonus offers for new cardholders. With any of the hotel cards on our list above, you can get multiple free nights with the welcome bonuses alone. Consider planning ahead for when you apply for your hotel card to make the most of the welcome bonus offer for your next trip — and make sure the spending threshold is within your budget.

Cons of hotel credit cards

Rewards value: Because of hotel program dynamic pricing, the value of your points can vary greatly depending on when you book and your itinerary. If you have any flexibility, you can compare different stays before you book to get the best redemption value.

Limited rewards in other categories: While many of the cards on our list offer great rewards on travel and everyday expenses, that’s not always true for hotel cards. Many hotel credit cards can provide limited rewards in everyday categories. If you’re looking for a well-rounded card for earning hotel rewards, make sure you compare each of the bonus categories offered to your regular spending.

Maximize with frequent travel: Consider your travel habits before you open a hotel card. If you don’t travel often or you often choose to stay in AirBnBs and other rentals, a hotel card may not be worth it.

Our methodology

While we believe co-branded hotel credit cards can offer great savings for some hotel brand loyalists, they’re not for everyone. That’s why we focused on curating a list that includes both general travel cards with great hotel savings and hotel credit cards for specific chains.

We started with cards we’ve already rated highly among the dozens of card options we compared for our list of best travel credit cards . This helped us narrow down a short list of cards with solid rewards value and welcome bonus. We also looked for baseline details useful for travelers, like no foreign transaction fees and fraud protections.

For co-branded options, we included the best card options for the top three hotels by number of locations worldwide among those cards on our short list. Those hotels were Marriott and Wyndham, both with 9,000+ properties, and Hilton with 7,500+. We wanted to focus on hotels with the greatest number of properties to ensure the cards are useful for the greatest number of travelers.

We also focused on co-branded hotel credit cards with lower annual fees. For many people, we estimate that the hotel card may not be the only card in their wallet . And the more credit cards you have with high annual fees, the more you could be eating away at your potential annual value

If you have a favorite hotel brand not included above, you may get better value from another co-branded hotel card with, for example, IHG or Hyatt rewards. The most important thing to consider if you’re opening a co-branded card is your own relationship and spending with the brand. You should have a strong preference for the hotel and be sure that you can maximize the loyalty program rewards before you open a hotel credit card.

For the general travel credit card recommendations, we sorted out our top travel card picks by those that offer some added benefit specifically for hotel stays. Then, we created the superlatives included above to call out the features we believe set these cards apart for hotel spending.

While we believe these travel cards (and more on our best travel credit cards list) can offer great value even beyond hotel rewards, we specifically chose cards that provide maximum savings or benefits for hotel stays.

This article was edited by Rebecca McCracken

Editorial Disclosure: The information in this article has not been reviewed or approved by any advertiser. The details on financial products, including card rates and fees, are accurate as of the publish date. All products or services are presented without warranty. Check the bank’s website for the most current information. This site doesn't include all currently available offers.

7 Best Hotel Credit Cards of 2024

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Whether on vacation or business, hotels can make or break your travel experience — and your budget as well.

Hotel credit cards can help alleviate some of that cost, or simply make your stay a lot more comfortable and enjoyable thanks to the many benefits they offer.

Here, we picked some of the best hotel credit cards from a variety of hotel chains that can reward frequent travelers and occasional vacationers alike.

Our Top Picks for Best Hotel Credit Cards of 2024

• Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card — Best for Luxury Travel
• Hilton Honors American Express Card — Best No Annual Fee
• IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card —Best Overall Value
• Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card — Best for International Travel
• Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card — Best for Business
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card — Best for Small Businesses
• Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card — Best for Budget Travel

Other Hotel Credit Cards We Considered

Best hotel credit cards reviews.

The companies in our top picks are listed in alphabetical order.

• High 14x points reward rate at Hilton properties
• $200 in flight credits (up to $50 each quarter) on qualifying airfare purchases
• Annual free night
• No TSA PreCheck or Global Entry statement credit

Terms apply. Please click here for applicable rates and fees.

Why we chose it: Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card delivers on all fronts, from high point earnings to valuable statement credits, all for a very competitive annual fee in the luxury category.

The Hilton portfolio is one of the largest and most recognized in the world. The Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card offers very high rewards for many different categories. This includes 14x points on Hilton purchases, the highest among the cards we researched. It also offers a high 7x points on select travel and U.S. restaurants.

Points aren’t the only way to save, though, as the card offers a variety of statement credits. Cardholders can get up to $400 in statement credits for their expenses at participating Hilton resorts, a $200 flight credit for qualifying flight purchases (divided into $50 each quarter) and a $100 property statement credit when booking a minimum two-night stay at Waldorf Astoria Hotel & Resorts or Conrad Hotel & Resorts. (Terms apply.)

There’s also a large amount of insurance coverage, including trip cancellation and delay insurance, baggage insurance plan and car rental loss and damage insurance*.

All information about the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card has been collected independently by Money.com

• 7x Hilton Honors Bonus points at the Hilton
• 5x points at U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations
• Car rental loss and damage insurance*
• No annual free night
• No trip cancellation/delay insurance

Why we chose it: The Hilton Honors™ Card by American Express’ high rewards on hotel spending as well as everyday categories make it one of the best options for consumers looking for a no-annual-fee hotel card. (Terms apply.)

The no-annual-fee card_name offers 7X Hilton Honors Bonus Points on eligible purchases made with your card at Hilton portfolio hotels and resorts. It also offers 5x on everyday categories like U.S. supermarkets, U.S. restaurants and U.S. gas stations, which makes earning free nights and other perks a lot easier than many of its competitors.

Cardmembers get automatic Hilton Honors™ Silver Status with the card, which earns you 12x additional points per dollar. After spending $20,000 in a calendar year, the card also offers a bump up to Hilton Honors™ Gold Status, which earns 18x points per dollar, totaling 25x Hilton Honors bonus points per dollar when using the card at Hilton hotels.

The card also offers purchase protection, extended warranty and car rental loss and damage insurance*. Unfortunately, it doesn’t provide flight or baggage insurance.

• Anniversary free night
• Low $99 annual fee
• TSA PreCheck(R), Global Entry or NEXUS statement credit every four years
• 5x points on travel, dining and gas
• No rental insurance

Why we chose it: The card_name offers some of the best rewards in its class, including an annual free night, a TSA PreCheck® statement credit every four years and 10x on IHG® purchases.

The IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card has some of the best rewards and perks available among cards with annual fees in the $100 range.

This includes 10x points for purchases made at IHG® properties, which include well-known hotels such as the Regent, Intercontinental® Hotels and the Holiday Inn®, as well as lower cost options like Hotel Indigo® and Candlewood Suites®. In addition, cardholders get 10x points for being a hotel member and 6x bonus points for being a Platinum member, a status that’s granted automatically upon card approval.

Beyond the 10x points on hotel purchases, the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card offers 5x points on travel, dining and gas, providing big opportunities to accumulate points toward stays, room upgrades and more.

Like other cards on this list, it also offers a free night every year and a statement credit for TSA PreCheck®, Global Entry or NEXUS of up to $100 every four years, a unique benefit in this class.

The card also has a pretty broad suite of insurance coverage, including purchase protection, baggage delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement and trip cancellation/delay insurance. It lacks any sort of rental insurance, however, which could be a bummer if vacations include a roadtrip.

• $300 Brilliant Dining Credit: up to $25 per month for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide
• Global Entry or TSA PreCheck statement credit every four or four and half years
• Marriott International has properties in the most countries out of any hotel chain
• Airport lounge access with Priority Pass Select (enrollment is required)
• Very expensive $650 annual fee

Why we chose it: Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant® American Express® Card has a wide array of insurance coverage*, along with high-value statement credits and perks that could make up for its high annual fee.

If you have a long list of countries you want to visit, then this Marriott hotel card might be of interest. Marriott International the most countries out of any other hotel chain, with nearly 8,000 properties in 131 countries.

This card also provides a $100 fee credit every four years for Global Entry when you pay for the application with the card_name , which makes returning to the U.S. much smoother. Cardholders also have the option of receiving a fee credit every four and a half years for TSA PreCheck® (up to $85 through a TSA PreCheck® official enrollment provider). Keep in mind that, if approved for Global Entry, you’ll also be approved for TSA PreCheck® at no additional charge.

The card_name offers 6x points at Marriott properties and a $100 luxury property credit for qualifying charges at luxury hotels The Ritz Carlton or St. Regis. You can also earn 3x Marriott Bonvoy points at restaurants worldwide and on flights booked directly with airlines, along with up to $300 in monthly $25 statement credits for eligible purchases at restaurants worldwide.

There’s also a long list of insurance coverage for your travels, such as trip cancellation and delay insurance, car rental loss and damage insurance and baggage insurance plans*, among others.

After spending $60,000 in a calendar year on the card, cardholders get an Earned Choice Award (only one per year). This can be in the form of five suite nights awards, each of which can be redeemed for a room upgrade, a free night valued up to 85,000 points or $1000 when purchasing a Marriott Boutique Bed for your home.

As other cards on this list, the card_name offers an annual free night at participating Marriott Bonvoy® hotels.

• 4x points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. gas stations
• 4x points on wireless phone services from U.S. providers and on U.S. shipping services
• Free night award after each renewal month, plus additional free night after spending $60,000 in a calendar year
• $125 annual fee is higher than most competitors
• No flight cancellation/delay insurance

Why we chose it: The Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers the chance of two free nights each year and rewards business owners with 4x points on U.S. wireless phone and U.S. shipping services. (Terms apply).

The card_name offers 6x points at Marriott properties, as well as automatic Gold Elite Status.

In addition to points, Gold Status offers 25% more points than the regular member rate. Cardholders also get 15 Elite Night Credits each anniversary year, which helps reach the next step in the Marriott Bonvoy membership program (Note that you need 50 Elite Night Credits to reach Platinum Elite Status).

The card also offers 4x points for everyday spending and business-related transactions, such as worldwide restaurants, U.S. gas stations, and U.S. phone and shipping services.

When it comes to additional hotel perks, the Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card offers the usual annual free night reward, and a second free night after spending $60,000 in a calendar year. There’s also the Amex Business Card Rate, which is a 7% discount on eligible reservations as a benefit of being a Marriott Bonvoy® Member and a Marriott Bonvoy Business® American Express® Card Member when booked directly with Marriott. (Terms apply).

Insurance wise, purchase protection, extended warranty, baggage insurance plan and car rental loss and damage insurance* are included. Note, however, that it does not offer trip cancellation insurance.

• Receive 7,500 point bonus each account anniversary
• 6x points on gas
• 4x points on dining and groceries
• Automatic platinum level
• No insurance coverage

Why we chose it: Wyndham Hotels & Resorts has one of the broadest range of budget options among hotel chains in the USA, and their Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has enough rewards to take full advantage of it.

While most hotel chains have a very broad range of options, not all have budget hotels widely available nationwide. Wyndham Hotels & Resorts does. With multiple low-cost options such as Days Inn, Microtel Inn & Suites, Travelodge, Super 8 and more all over the country, cardholders will, more often than not, find a budget option for their travels.

The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card will increase savings even further as it offers 6x points on Wyndham purchases, as well as on gas. In fact, gas expenses alone could earn over 7,500 points in a year, enough to redeem for a night at various Wyndham properties, which might make this card even more appealing for road trip enthusiasts. On top of that, it also offers 4x points on dining and grocery stores (excluding Walmart® and Target®), as well as 1x point on all other qualifying purchases.

There’s also a 7,500 point bonus each anniversary year, which might be enough for a free night since, as mentioned above, Wyndham has multiple properties with rooms that can go for as low as 7,500 points. If redeemed for a go free® nights cardholders get a 10% discount, leaving 750 points in your account to start saving for the next one. (Do note that rooms for 7,500 points are not available at all participating hotels, so make sure there are rooms at this price where you’re going or save up for a costlier stay.)

There’s also a Wyndham Rewards PLATINUM upgrade, which includes perks such as free Wi-Fi, early check-in (upon request), Avis® and Budget® complimentary rental upgrades, and more.

Unfortunately, the card does not offer insurance or protection beyond standard fraud liability protection, so make sure to have insurance when you get those free rental car upgrades.

All information about the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Plus Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

• Annual 15,000 point bonus
• 8x on qualifying gas purchases
• 5x on marketing and select utilities
• No statement credits
• No travel-related insurance

Why we chose it: The Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card provides high rewards on both hotel purchases and business-related expenses for a modest annual fee, on top of a generous annual bonus that could be redeemed for up to two free nights.

This Wyndham card gives you 8x points at Wyndham, in addition to 12x points as a Diamond level member (automatic upon card approval) — this translates to 20x points per dollar when making eligible purchases at qualifying Wyndham properties.

The card is also roadtrip-friendly as it earns 8x points on gas, which is double what cards in its class offer, and still more than even the most premium cards. Making it even more convenient for cross country trips, Wyndham has the most properties in the U.S. of any hotel chain, and includes budget hotels such as Days Inn and Howard Johnson.

As far as business rewards go, you can earn 5x points on marketing and advertising, including most digital platforms like Google Ads and Facebooks, and on utilities, such as phones and electrical service.

Although it doesn’t offer an annual free night, the card does offer 15,000 bonus points each anniversary year. That can be redeemed for up to two nights, depending on the room cost (Wyndham rooms start at 7,500 points). Cardholders also get a 10% discount when redeeming points for go free® nights, a program that offers nights at a fixed points value, which could be 7,500, 15,000 or 30,000 depending on the hotel.

Unfortunately, there are no insurance policies other than cell phone protection and the standard fraud liability protection, which is this card’s biggest drawback. If you plan on traveling by plane a lot, consider other of our picks for a more comprehensive insurance package.

All information about the Wyndham Rewards Earner® Business Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard®

• 40,000x points when you spend $5,000 every 12 billing cycles
• High 10x points in Best Western purchases
• Early check-in and late check-out (based on availability)

This card offers up to 20x points when booking at a Best Western, 10x through the card itself and 10x for being a Best Western Rewards® member (the card also gives automatic Platinum status). In addition to these high rewards, cardholders get 40,000 points after spending $5,000 with the card every 12 billing cycles, a very low spending requirement compared to others. However, the rewards aren’t high enough to make up for its $89 annual fee.

All information about the Best Western Rewards® Premium Mastercard® has been collected independently by Money.com.

Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card

• One free night annually
• $95 annual fee is low compared to competitors
• 3x points on groceries, dining and gas up to $6,000 combined
• Spending cap on rewards

This Marriott card by Chase is a great option if you value the Marriott brand, which has the largest hotel network in the world. It offers 6x points at the Marriott, which can become 17x points thanks to member rewards and the automatic Silver Elite Status.

All information about the Marriott Bonvoy Boundless® Credit Card has been collected independently by Money.com.

World of Hyatt Credit Card

• Large suite of insurance coverage
• Discoverist status automatic upgrade
• Low reward rate
• $95 annual fee is too much for what it offers

The World of Hyatt Credit Card by Chase shines due to its coverage, which includes baggage delay insurance, lost baggage reimbursement, trip cancellation/delay insurance, purchase protection and rental collision waiver. While this is a large plus, its rewards are lackluster, especially given the card’s $95 annual fee.

All information about the World of Hyatt Credit Card by Chase has been collected independently by Money.com.

Best Hotel Credit Cards Guide

How do hotel credit cards work, how to choose the best hotel credit card, how to maximize the value of your hotel credit card, how to redeem your hotel credit card rewards, latest news on hotel credit cards.

A hotel credit card is a co-branded card issued by a hotel line and a financial institution such as Chase Bank or American Express®. These cards usually provide high reward rates for booking stays, buying tickets for shows or merchandise at all the hotels under the brand’s umbrella. These rewards are in addition to the ones you’ll get as a loyalty member, as these cards will automatically grant you member status with the brand.

Overall, hotel credit cards work just like regular credit cards, meaning you’ll have a credit line for an established amount that you can use, and you have to make at least a minimum payment each billing cycle.

Reward structures are similar to regular credit cards too, you earn a certain amount of points, statement credits or other miscellaneous benefits depending on how much you spend and where.

Here are some of the difference on how rewards work:

• Hotel credit cards offer more points than average credit cards do when you make eligible purchases at participating hotels, including at restaurants within hotel premises, gift shops and more.
• Points are added to the ones you get as an elite status member of the hotel brand, a status that also comes automatically with card enrollment. This increases the points earned significantly.
• Unfortunately, points tend to be limited to the particular brand instead of the issuer’s. For example, points earned through the IHG One Rewards Premier Credit Card, which is issued by Chase, can’t be used in the Chase Ultimate Rewards® portal.
• Points have drastically more value when redeemed for hotel purchases such as hotel stays or room upgrades when compared to statement credits or gift cards, for example.

Hotel benefits

Some offer other such as a free night every year, free breakfast, special discounts, priority booking, early check-in and much more depending on the hotel and the type of card. These, of course, will depend largely on the type of annual fee the card charges.

There are roughly four tiers of annual fees when it comes to cards. These are, typically, no annual fee cards, budget or low cost ($50-$99), mid-range ($150-$300) and luxury or premium ($350+).

Pros and cons of hotel credit cards

Hotel credit cards are packed with perks, but whether a card is worth it for you will depend on many factors. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

• Rewards at the hotel are very high and are added to rewards earned as a member
• Many cards offer at least one free night annually
• Hotel-related perks such as early check-in, free breakfast and room discounts
• Usually offer travel benefits like rewards for buying tickets, travel-related insurance and more
• Many of the major hotel brands have large networks of hotels for different budgets and locations
• High reward rates are typically limited to purchases within the hotel brand, not everyday spending
• Flight-related perks aren't as abundant as with more general travel cards
• Points tend to be much less valuable when redeemed outside of the hotel

Hotel credit cards vs. travel credit cards

While travel credit cards could encompass hotel, airline and general travel-focused cards, travel cards — such as the ​​Chase Sapphire Reserve® or the Capital One VentureOne Rewards Credit Card — usually reward you for a variety of travel-related expenses, for example, airline tickets and rentals, such as the. Hotel credit cards, on the other hand, are specifically designed to give you higher rewards and specific perks when you make purchases within their hotel line.

Travel cards

• Usually offer much higher rewards for travel purchases, including airfare and rental cars
• Can offer high rewards in hotels regardless of brand
• More versatility and options when transferring reward points
• Offer a wider variety of insurance policies, such as rental insurance and baggage protection
• Tend to have more bonus categories than branded hotel cards

Hotel cards

• Points earned at hotels surpass those of travel cards, which, at the most, grant 10x points, while hotel cards offer up to 14x, on top of points acquired through membership, totaling well past 20x points per dollar
• Have hotel-specific perks such as free stays, free Wi-Fi and free breakfast
• Bumps up your member status at the hotel chain, which in turn increases the amount of perks
• Points can be worth a lot more during specific times of the year or in specific hotels within the brand, depending on time, location and any deals available

Not all hotels are made equal, and neither are their credit cards or membership rewards programs. When choosing a hotel credit card, it’s important to take into account not just the card itself, but the hotels it works with.

1. Compare credit card basics

As with any other credit card, you should compare features like the annual fee, APR, the issuer and a baseline of the rewards offered.

As mentioned above, there are different tiers, according to the annual fee. Once you’ve decided how much you’re willing to pay, you can start to compare rewards, benefits, insurance and the hotel network. Once you’re comparing within each category, you’ll more easily find standouts that deliver far more benefits than their direct competitors.

2. Think about how often you travel

If you travel once or twice a year to visit family, you might enjoy the occasional free night, but a co-branded hotel card won’t be the best option for you. Instead, you can take a look at our best travel credit cards . With these cards, there are more travel rewards and benefits like higher points for ticket purchases, flight cancellation insurance and the such, along with higher rewards on everyday purchases.

However, if you travel often for work or you vacation a few times a year, you’ll probably really take advantage of all the benefits that come with a hotel credit card.

As you accrue points, you’ll go up in member status, get more free nights, and enjoy amenities like free Wi-Fi, discounts and priority booking. This could make your trips more comfortable and a lot cheaper.

3. Analyze rewards and perks

Once you have a list of the cards you’re strongly considering, you can start comparing their rewards. Remember, however, that points systems can vary greatly due to issuer, hotel brand and the actual hotel you try to redeem them at.

With this in mind, look at the versatility each hotel brand has. If their network is large enough and their affiliates cover a wider spectrum of budgets and locations, you can at least get an idea of how many options you’ll have when redeeming.

Consider the everyday spending categories the card rewards you for as well. If your goal is to amass enough points to get free nights or large discounts, you may benefit from high reward rates in categories such as gas, dining and grocery shopping. While some cards could look a lot more tempting than others due to that reward rate at the hotels, others could actually deliver more value through regular spending throughout the year.

4. Consider which hotel brand appeals to you the most

One of the main issues with hotel credit cards is that they’re made for a specific hotel chain. While they can be used for any type of purchase (including rival hotels), the highest reward rates and perks are limited to that brand.

The good news is that hotel chains actually have a lot of different hotels under their name, and some can range from very low cost rooms to fine hotels and luxurious villas in any part of the world. All the big names have thousands of properties across the globe, but all are different, so compare the range of options in terms of prices, locations and variety of properties and amenities. Also, see if you recognize any that you particularly enjoy, or that you already use frequently due to your traveling circumstances.

It’s also a good idea to look at the different perks each brand offers for its elite members. Most hotel credit cards grant a certain level of membership, but the benefits that come with it depend on the hotel’s membership program. Look into the details, whether the program offers free nights, free Wi-Fi, room upgrades or more. The program itself could be a deciding factor in your credit card choice.

Use for everyday expenses

One of the best and easiest ways to accrue points is to use your credit card regularly, not just at the hotel. In some cases, cards earn a lot of points for everyday purchases like groceries, gas and utilities. Also, some cards give large bonuses or other perks when a certain spending threshold is reached.

Use your annual free night

This doesn’t necessarily add to your points, but if the card offers a free night per year (and most do), make sure to not let it go to waste. If you don’t get the chance to travel or vacation, using this perk at the end of the year to relax or take a quick trip somewhere ensures that you truly take advantage of your benefits.

Look for transfer possibilities

While using your card within the hotel’s loyalty program is likely the best option, there are some cases in which transferring to a partner can increase the value of your points. Read the fine print and look for transfer partners in the card’s network to see if there’s a chance to get more for your points whether through converting them into miles or to a credit card issuer’s points system such as Chase Ultimate Rewards®.

Investigate which hotels waive resort fees

Resort fees can increase the standard room prices, sometimes significantly so. Some hotel brands waive these fees if you pay with points. Before choosing a card, look for specific hotels within the brand’s umbrella that do this.

Research prices and overall demand in different seasons

Hotel pricing changes constantly, and the same is true for the amount of points needed to get free nights or room upgrades. Stay on top of these changes to at least have an idea of when and where you can make the most out of your points.

How much is a hotel point worth?

Hotel points vary significantly depending on the card issuer and hotel brand, as well as how, when and where you redeem them.

While you can redeem points for a variety of things, such as gift cards, room upgrades or even retail deals through a hotel’s loyalty program, one of the most common and sought-after perks are free or discounted nights.

Here’s a table showing the approximate range of points needed for a free night in some of the most well-known hotel companies in the world.

Keep in mind, however, that the amount of points needed changes depending on the specific hotel chosen, the style of room, its location and when the points are redeemed as a room’s price can change drastically with the seasons.

Not all chains will have the lowest-cost rooms in the US (or any given country, for that matter) or at the time of booking. As mentioned above, it’s best to research each hotel chain and see what budgets they cover and where before making a final decision.

In most cases, points are automatically transferred from your credit card program to the hotel’s program after each billing cycle, although in some it might take up to 12 weeks for the transfer.

In order to redeem the points, you need to log into your hotel’s loyalty program and look for redemption options, such as hotel rooms, upgrades, gift cards or transfer points to partners such as airlines or even other hotel chains. You can also use your points to get higher membership status.

• The Biden administration is moving to ban and remove hidden fees in a wide array of industries. Read the details: Biden Moves to Ban ‘Junk Fees’ Charged by Banks, Hotels, Ticket Sellers and More
• Travel insurance is always a good choice, but it can add to the already high expense involved in traveling. Read our guide and learn How to Find Cheap Travel Insurance for Your Next Trip .
• Traveling with someone can raise the bill quite a bit. However, there’s an offer by Southwest Airlines credit cards that can help with that: This New Credit Card Offer Comes With a Very Rare (and Valuable) Travel Bonus
• If your spreadsheets aren’t quite cutting it and you’re having trouble budgeting and finding good deals on travel, This New Vacation Calculator Can Help You Choose (and Pay for) Your Next Trip

Best Hotel Credit Cards FAQs

What hotels have their own credit card, why is it important to have a hotel credit card, which card is best for hotel rewards, what rewards and perks can you expect with a hotel credit card, can you use a hotel credit card for everyday purchases, are there any fees associated with using a hotel credit card, how we chose the best hotel credit cards.

Finding the best hotel credit cards meant looking not just into the cards themselves, but into the different hotel chains that co-branded them, among other factors listed below:

Points and overall rewards

We compared the amount of points each card gave for eligible purchases at each hotel chain as well as points awarded for everyday spending categories such as dining or gas, which could make accumulating points much easier.

Hotel-specific perks

Points aren’t the only way to earn with hotel cards. We looked at the perks each card gives you within the hotel or in the process of booking, such as annual free nights, status upgrades, complimentary room upgrades and more. We also compared the perks that each separate hotel offers with the member status the card provides.

When traveling, insurance is a big deal. Hotel cards should have a good amount of coverage, such as trip cancellation and delay insurance, baggage insurance and rental insurance. There’s also other coverages for everyday spending such as extended warranty and purchase protection. We took these insurance policies into account when making our selections.

Welcome offers

Although welcome bonuses and intro offers in general change consistently, and we don’t include them in reviews, we looked at them to get an idea of what and how much each card regularly offers. Customers should be able to start enjoying their new card as soon as possible.

Summary of Money’s Best Hotel Credit Cards of 2024

To see rates and fees for the card_name , please visit this link . Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Card , please visit this link. Terms apply.

To see rates and fees for the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card, please visit this link . Terms apply.

* Insurance disclosures for American Express Cards on this page:

Trip Delay Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by New Hampshire Insurance Company, an AIG Company.

Global Assist Hotline: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Card Members are responsible for the costs charged by third-party service providers.

Extended Warranty, Purchase Protection, Baggage Insurance Plan: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company.

Car Rental Loss & Damage Insurance: Eligibility and Benefit level varies by Card. Terms, Conditions and Limitations Apply. Please visit americanexpress.com/benefitsguide for more details. Underwritten by AMEX Assurance Company. Car Rental Loss or Damage Coverage is offered through American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc.

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10 Travel Credit Cards With The Best Perks For 2024

Unlock travel rewards with every purchase; the top travel credit cards for 2024 offer generous rewards on travel spending, flights, hotels, and more.

• Different travel credit cards cater to various needs and preferences, so prioritize the benefits that matter most to you.
• Some travel credit cards offer valuable perks like travel insurance coverage that regular credit cards do not provide.
• Some of 2024's best credit cards with travel rewards include Bilt Mastercard, Amex Green, and Capital One Venture.

There are many excellent travel credit cards that offer specific benefits to travelers , frequent flyers, and explorers that go beyond those of regular credit cards. With new card options and updates constantly emerging, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one. There's no one-size-fits-all answer, but considering key features is a great first step.

Whether you're a travel newbie or a seasoned collector, you'll need to prioritize your needs when researching which credit cards are best for travelers. For instance, do you value premium perks like airport lounges, or are you more focused on a low annual fee?

What about unforeseen, sudden circumstances? For example, imagine if you had to cancel your Barcelona trip due to an unexpected medical emergency; travel credit cards with insurance coverage could help recoup some of those lost flight and hotel costs. You'd likely be stuck with those costs with a regular credit card.

Whatever the case, deciding which benefits matter most will help you navigate the crowded market and find the perfect travel credit card for your adventures. To help travelers choose, here's a roundup of some of the best travel credit cards with the best perks in 2024.

7 Ways To Stay In Hotels For Free

10 bilt mastercard, best for: transfer partners.

While not typically classified as a travel credit card, the Bilt Mastercard offers rewards points transferable to travel partners. This card has no annual fee and earns 3x points on dining, 2x points on travel, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders also benefit from trip cancelation and interruption insurance, auto rental collision and damage waiver, and cell phone protection, along with no foreign transaction fees and a Lyft credit after three rides in a month.

Renters should definitely consider this card because it accumulates rewards and waives transaction fees when used to pay rent. The points are highly valuable whether used on the Bilt travel portal or any of the numerous airline and hotel transfer partners.

In the context of travel rewards credit cards, "transfer partners" refer to loyalty programs of airlines and hotels that your credit card points can be transferred to. This essentially allows you to convert your credit card rewards into miles or points usable with those specific travel programs.

No welcome bonus. Earns points transferable to travel partners

9 Capital One Venture Card

Best for: mid-tier travelers.

The Capital One Venture Card, with its annual fee, is perfect for individuals seeking to maximize their spending without the hassle of tracking bonus categories and spending limits. It earns 5x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal and 2x points on all other purchases.

Compared to other travel credit cards in 2024, this one has a larger base reward of 75,000 points, which may be redeemed for travel at one cent per point. You can transfer your points to one of Capital One's 18 travel partners , including international airlines such as Singapore Airlines (voted the best airline in 2023) and British Airways, a feature uncommon among travel credit cards with no annual fee.

75,000 bonus points

8 Capital One Venture X

Best for: frequent travelers.

The Capital One Venture X is an excellent travel credit card with a $359 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 75,000 points after spending $4,000 in the first 3 months.

This card earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Capital One travel portal, 5x points on flights booked through the Capital One travel portal, and 2x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive a $300 travel credit, a 10,000-point anniversary bonus, global entry or TSA pre-check credit, Capital One lounge access, Plaza Premium lounge access, Priority Pass lounge access, travel insurance, and protection.

7 Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for: travel beginners.

The Chase Sapphire Preferred has a $95 annual fee and a current welcome offer of 60,000 Chase Ultimate Reward points. These points are worth 1.25 cents each, making the welcome offer worth $750. The card earns 5x points on travel purchased through the Chase travel portal, 3x points on dining and online groceries, 2x points on all other travel, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive a $50 hotel credit for hotels booked through the Chase travel portal, travel insurance and protection, and no foreign transaction fees. One of the more interesting benefits of this card is the ability to transfer points to travel partners.

For individuals who are unfamiliar with travel rewards credit cards, the Chase Sapphire Preferred is a good place to start as it gives a good mix of benefits that are clear and affordable.

60,000 bonus points

6 Chase Sapphire Reserve

Best for: advanced travelers.

The Chase Sapphire Reserve is the more expensive option from Chase, with a $550 annual fee. This card earns 10x points on hotels and rental cars booked through the Chase travel portal, 5x points on flights booked through the travel portal, and 3x points on dining and all other travel.

It is among the best options for travelers seeking worldwide airport lounge access, a high reward rate on their trip, and full travel insurance. The points are worth 50% more when redeemed for travel through the Chase Travel portal, and each point holds a value of 1.5 cents, surpassing the standard 1.0-cent valuation of most travel cards.

This card also offers a $300 travel credit, making it a more attractive option despite the higher annual fee.

Flight Attendant Travel Hacks & Tips That Actually Work

5 wells fargo autograph card, best for: no-fee travelers.

The Wells Fargo Autograph card is ideal for those who travel occasionally and want to earn rewards without an annual fee or reduced cash redemption value. With high bonus rewards for gas, dining, transit, and other travel essentials, it stands out among entry-level travel cards.

Plus, you can swiftly accumulate rewards for travel expenses and transfer points to airline and hotel partners like British Airways Executive Club and Air France/KLM Flying Blue program.

20,000 bonus points

4 Bank Of America Premium Rewards Elite Card

Best for: travel & dining.

The Bank of America Premium Rewards Elite Card offers a generous 75,000 online bonus points, equivalent to a $750 value, along with up to $550 in combined Airline Incidental, TSA PreCheck®/Global Entry, and Lifestyle Statement Credits. Additionally, cardholders can save 20% on domestic or international airfare for any class when paying with points.

Travel planning is effortless with free access to airport lounges and experiences across the globe via up to four Priority PassTM Select Memberships and a round-the-clock Full-Service Concierge. The card also earns unlimited 2 points for every dollar spent on travel and dining, 1.5 points per dollar on all other purchases, and offers flexible redemption options, including travel, cash back, experiences, and more.

3 American Express Green Card

Best for: moderate traveler & points transfer.

This card boasts a $150 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 40,000 points after spending $3,000 in the first 3 months . It earns 3x points on travel, dining, and select streaming services, and 1x points on everything else.

Cardholders receive airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership, baggage credits, and travel insurance. The Amex Green Card offers trip delay insurance (up to $300 per trip), no foreign transaction fees, car rental insurance, and lets you use points for travel on AmexTravel.com.

30,000 bonus points

2 American Express Gold Card

Best for: foodies & grocers.

This card has a $250 annual fee and a welcome bonus of 90,000 points after spending $6,000 in the first 6 months. It earns points at a rate of 4x points on restaurants and groceries (up to $25,000 per year in combined spending), and 3x points on flights booked directly with airlines or on Amex Travel.

Cardholders receive a hefty list of benefits, including airport lounge access through Priority Pass Select membership and Amex Centurion Lounges (subject to space availability), Uber credits, travel insurance, and hotel elite status Marriott Bonvoy, and Hilton Honors, perfect for making the most of the best Hilton hotels around the world .

The Amex Gold Card gets you hotel upgrades (when available) and a $100 credit for spa/dining experiences at over 700 hotels, including major hotel chains Hyatt (which has excellent hotels in the US) and Kempinski.

90,000 bonus points

Frequent Flier: Airlines With The Best Points System

1 american express platinum card, best for: frequent flyers & luxury travelers.

The Platinum Card® from American Express offers unparalleled luxury benefits, albeit with a steep $695 annual fee. However, if you prioritize VIP treatment while traveling, the rewards can be substantial. Cardholders gain access to over 1,400 airport lounges worldwide, comprehensive travel insurance, and exclusive hotel amenities such as daily breakfast and complimentary internet access.

There are credits available for baggage fees, in-flight refreshments, and Global Entry or TSA PreCheck® enrollment. When booking via American Express Travel, guests staying at Fine Hotels + Resorts® locations for two nights or longer can enjoy benefits valued at almost $600. The card also gives complimentary premium status in Avis Preferred®, Hertz Gold Plus Rewards®, and/or National Car Rental® Emerald Club.

This card is highly coveted due to the extensive benefits that can potentially outweigh the high annual fee for frequent travelers.

100,000 bonus points

until June 24, 2026

MonArch Moscow Hotel (ex. Renaissance Monarch)

• Photographs of the hotel 23
• Guests' photos 11

What was good

Good place, Nice room

What was bad

the service, the workers

Main amenities of the hotel

• Free Internet
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness centre
• Bar or restaurant
• Central Moscow Hippodrome  •  670 m
• Dinamo  •  740 m
• Petrovsky Park  •  980 m
• Petrovsky Palace  •  1.3 km
• Aeroexpress Sheremetyevo  •  1.4 km

Available rooms

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Begovoy District, Leningradskiy Prospekt 31 A bldg 1, Moscow

• What's nearby
• Zuev Workers' Club  •  1.9 km
• Places of interest
• Moscow City  •  4.1 km
• Bolshoi Theatre  •  4.4 km
• Pushkin Museum  •  4.9 km
• Red Square  •  4.9 km
• Moscow Kremlin  •  4.9 km
• Saint Basil's Cathedral  •  5.2 km
• State Tretyakov Gallery  •  6.0 km
• Gorky Park  •  6.6 km
• VDNKh  •  6.9 km
• MSU Main Building  •  9.1 km
• Sheremetyevo International Airport  •  22.4 km
• Moscow Domodedovo Airport  •  46.3 km
• Zhukovsky International Airport  •  43.6 km
• Vnukovo Airport  •  26.2 km
• Train stations
• Belorussky Railway Station  •  1.5 km
• Begovaya  •  1.5 km

Description of the hotel

Sophisticated but very comfortable hotel «MonArch Moscow Hotel» is located in Moscow. This hotel is located in 5 km from the city center. You can take a walk and explore the neighbourhood area of the hotel — Central Moscow Hippodrome, Dinamo and Petrovsky Palace.

At the hotel

Spend an evening in a nice atmosphere of the bar. You can stop by the restaurant. Wi-Fi is available on the premises. Ask for more information when checking-in. If you travel by car, you can park in a paid parking zone.

The beauty and wellness services: a sauna and a hamam. Sports fans will be able to enjoy a fitness center and a table tennis area. Swimming fans are going to enjoy a pool. Accessible for guests with disabilities: the elevator helps them to go to the highest floors.

At the guests’ disposal, there’s also a laundry, dry cleaning, an ATM, ironing and press. The staff of the hotel speaks English and Russian.

Room amenities

In the room, there is a TV, a mini-bar and a bathrobe. Please note that the listed services may not be available in all the rooms.

The hotel's awards

Ostrovok Guests' Choice

Facts about the hotel

Year of construction

Type of electrical socket

220 V / 50 Hz

Number of rooms

What other amenities are there?

• Air conditioning
• Elevator/lift
• Smoke-free property
• Non-smoking rooms
• Room service
• Safe (in room)

Services and amenities

paid for separately

• Luggage storage
• Breakfast in the room
• Restaurant (buffet style)
• Internet access

Languages Spoken

Pool and beach

• Swimming pool
• Indoor Pool
• Beach/pool towels
• Event facilities
• Table Tennis
• Fitness facilities

Beauty and wellness

Health and Safety Measures

• Personal protection equipment for staff
• Extra decontamination measures

Check-in terms and conditions

Paid on the spot, additional information.

Based on 866 reviews from guests around the world

Cleanliness

Hygiene products

Value for money

Wi-Fi quality

Review sorting

leisure, company

December 2023

Junior Suite, 3 nights

business trip, couple

Deluxe Double Room (Double Bed), 3 nights

The Hotel reservation does not allow check in early, must have to wait until 15:00. The service was terrible.

leisure, couple

August 2023

Deluxe Double room (full double bed), 3 nights

business trip, company

Deluxe Double room (twin beds), 1 night

Great hotel, spacious and clean rooms. Both bath and shower in the room.

We were walk-in customers. At first the receptionist said they no longer had standard rooms, so I booked it to through “Ostrovok” and “surprisingly” they had it ready.

Executive Double room (twin beds), 6 nights

Deluxe Double room (twin beds), 2 nights

business trip, solo

Deluxe Double room (full double bed), 2 nights

Deluxe Double room (full double bed), 1 night

This hotel is not 5*, it’s good 4*

• Company and team

Our app has lower prices and more options! You can also pay by Apple Pay and Android Pay there. Besides, you can easily access your booking vouchers in your personal account even if you're offline.

Registered service mark in the European Union

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Home > Where To Stay In Moscow – Best Hotels In Moscow Included!

Where To Stay In Moscow – Best Hotels In Moscow Included!

Written by our local expert SJ

Sarah-Jane has lived in Croatia for 10+ years. SJ, as she is known, has been traveling the Balkans & beyond since 2000. She now shares her passion for traveling with her husband & kids.

Written by travel writer Ivan Tannenberg . Ivan is an independent traveler, history junkie, and techno-geek. 

In this post, I’ll try to answer the question ‘where is the best place to stay in Moscow?’ as best as I can!

Russia’s sprawling capital, one of the must-visit cities in the country , has long been known as an expensive city for hotel rates. While the situation has improved significantly over the past several years, the authorities are still adding accommodation in Moscow to suit every taste and budget .

Moscow is rapidly becoming a city that caters to a well-heeled clientele and travelers on a tight budget . After several trips to Moscow, I’ve noticed that many people tend to stay near the Kremlin. It is definitely convenient but adds up quickly. In this post, I’ll try to answer the question ‘where is the best place to stay in Moscow?’ as best as I can!

Central District

• Kitay-Gorod:  The very heart of Moscow, arguably the best area to stay in Moscow for tourists
• Basmanny: Best place to stay in Moscow with kids
• Krasnoselski:  Home to several railway stations and other transportation options
• Presnensky: This area to stay in Moscow if you’re short on cash
• Tverskoy: A central Moscow nightlife district and the best place to stay in Moscow to experience the night scene
• Zamoskvorechye:  Historic district in central Moscow, just across the Moskva River from the Kremlin

Western District

• Dorogomilovo: Nice area of Moscow to stay for Stalinist architecture and other monumental buildings

Eastern District

• Izmailovo:  Quieter area home to gorgeous historic architecture and markets

Skip Ahead To My Advice Here!

Best Accommodation In Basmanny District, Moscow

1. mercure hotel baumanskaya – 4 stars.

This hotel is a short walk from Baumanskaya metro station, the Epiphany Cathedral at Yelokhovo, and the Yauza River. This quiet and small hotel has free WiFi, and it didn’t feel like staying in a branded hotel (Accorhotels).

The interior is done up in a modern style, while the rooms are equipped with plentiful amenities. The hotel restaurant offers a delicious variety of international cuisine. Additionally, there is a wide variety of dining establishments in the area nearby.

The staff is friendly and fluent in English (unlike many other hotels in Moscow). All public areas in the hotel were designed to provide effective wide-spectrum air cleaning, so lung disorder sufferers are sure to breathe easily here. Complimentary bottled water in rooms is likewise provided for those staying at this hotel, which is one of the best places to stay in Moscow, Russia’s capital for couples and families.

Click here for more information and the latest prices.

2. Pokrovka 6 Hotel – 3 Stars

This small but lovely hotel occupies an attic in a building with oddly shaped rooms. Located some 12 minutes’ walk from the Red Square and just 7 minutes from the Kitai-Gorod metro station, Pokrovka 6 Hotel has its clean and up-to-date rooms decorated in light and bright colors.

Chistoprudny Boulevard and the area around it are filled with several excellent restaurants, so make sure to visit some of them.

Best Accommodation In Krasnoselsky District, Moscow

3. hilton moscow leningradskaya – 5 stars.

This typical Hilton hotel is situated in one of Stalin’s Seven Sister skyscrapers and has everything you need for a comfortable stay. Although it is close to the busy Leningradsky and Kazansky railway stations, the hotel’s Moscow city area is not grotty. Hilton Moscow Leningradskaya provides easy access to all major transportation hubs with several business centers and various governmental institutions around.

I have stayed here many times and always had excellent service from pleasant and helpful staff. As one of the top Moscow hotels, it also has very comfortable beds, a swimming pool, restaurants, and bars and is a short ride from the Red Square, one of the absolute top sites in Moscow.

Brands We Use And Trust

Best accommodation in presnensky district, moscow, 4. red brick hotel – 3 stars.

While there are plenty of mid-range hotels in Moscow’s historical center, the Red Brick Hotel is my favorite one. Located within walking distance of Kitai-Gorod metro station and the Pryanik Museum, the hotel has some of its rooms decorated with brick walls and, in general, look very stylish. Some of the rooms may be smaller than in other hotels around, but they were recently renovated and are very cozy.

The staff was accommodating and knowledgeable, and they even offered me some valuable tips for exploring the area around . I enjoyed their food in a casual atmosphere, great value for money.

If you’re searching for where to stay in Moscow as a tourist, this district and hotel is always a good choice!

Best Accommodation In Tverskoy District, Moscow

5. four seasons hotel moscow – 5 stars.

I will be honest; Four Seasons Hotel is one of the best hotels in Moscow. Overlooking the Manezhnaya Square is just three minutes walk from the Red Square and the State Historical Museum.

Okay, this hotel near Red Square Moscow is not very far from the Kremlin walls. Still, with 180 elegant rooms, monumental Stalinist architecture, and over-the-top amenities, it offers a wide range of excellent facilities and the best service.

6. Arium Hotel – 4 Stars

With 60 small no-frills rooms, this accommodation in Moscow is not just a hotel or a B&B, but the owners refer to it as an attractive hotel for business and savvy travelers alike! Located in the Tverskoy District (with exceptional city access and cool and trendy bars in the area), Arium Hotel features a restaurant that serves Caucasian cuisine and a 24-hour gym. The rooms come with complimentary free WiFi. They also provide a roundtrip airport shuttle for a surcharge.

Additionally, the Tverskoy District is also home to renowned Tverskaya Street, the main boulevard and one of Moscow’s best streets. It’s a magnificent road to walk on, flanked by impressive buildings and countless shops. The country’s most expensive street is Russia’s counterpart of other famous boulevards like Oxford Street or the Champs-Élysées.

7. Vagabond Hostel – Moscow Budget Accommodation

With a cool and catchy business name, the Vagabond hostel was founded by two nomads who have a reputation for being avid travelers. Their hostel is yet another fantastic place to stay while backpacking Moscow, where you can relax, chat with fellow backpackers and find travel buddies to hang out with. If you’re looking for things to do at night in Moscow, your fellow guests will be able to give you some tips.

It is a really well-thought-out hostel that features a kitchenette, extra luggage storage for your backpacking gear , a shared lounge, and bathrooms. Situated just two metro stops away from Belorusskaya railway station (where Aeroexpress trains from Sheremetyevo arrive) near the monument of Pushkin, this hostel is definitely not to be missed while in Moscow.

Additionally, Vagabond Hostel lies in a popular nightlife area in Moscow, too. So, if you’re trying to figure out where to stay in Moscow for nightlife, this would be a great choice. This is arguably the best place to stay in Moscow for backpackers and budget travelers.

Best Accommodation In Zamoskvorechye District, Moscow

8. swissotel krasnye holmy – 5 stars.

Located just a stone’s throw away from Paveletskaya metro station and Paveletsky railway terminal, where trains from Domodedovo airport arrive, Swissotel Krasnye Holmy is a top-notch hotel with a mind-boggling 360-degree panoramic view of Moscow and the river. It takes a couple of seconds to get to the top of the 34-story tower to enjoy dinner and a view on the rooftop terrace .

This area of Moscow is tranquil despite the proximity of the railway station. The hotel has clean and contemporary rooms and suites, a fitness center, a sauna, and outstanding service.

9. Hotel Baltschug Kempinski Moscow – 5 Stars

One of the most luxurious hotels in Moscow, the Hotel Baltschug Kempinski building dates back to 1898. Situated in the middle of Baltschug Island, the hotel is within walking distance of major tourist attractions in Moscow, including the Cathedral of Christ the Saviour and the Red Square. Just cross the bridge to find yourself near the best places to visit in Moscow, Russia.

From the moment you step into the lobby, you will be welcomed by the courteous omnipresent staff. Within seconds, you feel remarkably relaxed and comfortable, like a home away from home. The Kempinski hotel has 225 opulent rooms decorated with curtains and other soft furnishings made from sumptuous fabrics. If you’re figuring out where to stay in Moscow, who’s luxurious and high-end, this is a superb choice.

10. Comrade Hostel – Moscow Budget Accommodation

Perhaps one of Moscow’s best hostels for socializing is its central location, proximity to a wide range of tourist attractions, and accommodating English-speaking staff. Located on the third floor of a historical building in the Russian capital’s very heart, the Comrade Hostel is really clean.

While the lack of an elevator may cause some inconvenience, you shouldn’t worry. Ask the staff to help with your luggage , and they will gladly do just that. The hostel offers laundry and self-catering facilities.

Best Accommodation In Dorogomilovo District, Moscow

11. radisson royal hotel moscow – 5 stars.

Set in one of the wealthiest Moscow neighborhoods, next to Kutuzovsky Avenue and the Russian Government’s main office, this high-rise is one of the two Joseph Stalin skyscrapers you can actually get into. And it is well worth the effort.

Like its sisters, the Radisson Royal Hotel Moscow, formerly known as the Hotel Ukraine, is unique in its grandeur. The interior underwent a comprehensive renovation in 2010. Now, the hotel is regarded as one of the best in Moscow.

Besides its spectacular collection of arches, stained glass windows, and a painted ceiling, the hotel also has a restaurant serving delicious mouth-watering food. A fleet of all-weather luxury tourist boats cruises the Moscow River even in the dead of winter, definitely one of those cool things to do in Moscow.

• One Week In Moscow Travel Itinerary

Best Accommodation In Izmailovo District, Moscow

12. vega izmailovo hotel – 4 stars.

One of the most budget-friendly Moscow accommodation options, the Izmailovo complex comprises five interconnected blocks, which are very popular with big groups of travelers. Each of the five blocks has its own name, but service and prices are often quite similar.

Although not necessarily located in the central Moscow districts, the hotel is situated right beside Partizanskaya metro station. It takes about 20 minutes to reach Red Square by metro. The Izmailovo Kremlin and the area locals call the Vernissage (an otherwise large shopping area and the flea market) were just a bonus to staying at this hotel .

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Other Good Hotels In Moscow

13. loft hotel h11.

If you’re traveling with kids , the Loft Hotel in Basmanny is the best central Moscow hotel. This low-key hotel in the center of town is ideal. Basmanny is an area in Moscow known for its chilled vibe and clean, safe streets.

14. Hotel Nikolsky Red Square

Just a five-minute walk to Moscow’s heart near the Kremlin and Red Square, this is where to stay in Moscow if you are short on time and don’t want to spend time commuting to the key sights.

15. Invite City House

This boutique hotel is where to stay in Moscow if you’re on a budget and want a simple room (breakfast included), but you are okay to take a subway ride to and from the city center.

More Cheap Hostels In Moscow

• City Hostel
• Godzillas Hostel
• Napoleon Hostel
• Good News Hostel

When choosing where to stay in Russia’s capital Moscow, comparing prices at various hotel search engines and booking apps is always important. Also, consider what Moscow is known for and try to stay close to the main attractions.

Thus, if you plan a trip to Moscow, I recommend using price-comparison search engines such as Booking.com or Ostrovok.ru.

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just on a practical note, there are no budget or 3* hotels close to the Kremlin.

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Hotel Novotel Moscow City in Moscow

• Airport Shuttle (surcharge)
• Shuttle Service (surcharge)
• Concierge Service
• Fax/Photocopying
• Currency Exchange
• Ironing Service
• Breakfast in the Room
• Dry Cleaning
• Business Centre
• Meeting/Banquet Facilities
• Room Service
• Internet Services
• Free Wi-Fi Internet Access Included
• Turkish/Steam Bath
• Spa & Wellness Centre
• Fitness Centre
• Restaurant (buffet)
• Restaurant (à la carte)
• Designated Smoking Area
• Air Conditioning
• Breakfast Buffet
• Luggage Storage
• Design Hotel
• Soundproofed Rooms
• Safety Deposit Box
• Express Check-In/Check-Out
• Rooms/Facilities for Disabled Guests
• Non-Smoking Rooms
• 24-Hour Front Desk
• Pets Allowed
• Free Parking
• Accepted credit cards
• American Express, Visa, Euro/Mastercard, Diners Club, JCB, Maestro
• Presnenskaya Naberezhnaya 2
• Hotel facilities
• Important information

The four-star Novotel Hotel is located in proximity to Sheremetyevo International Airport, in a region with developed infrastructure. It will take about 20 minutes to reach the center of Moscow by car. The main sights of the Russian capital are located 28 km away from the hotel. For the hotel guests` convenience, free buses regularly run between the Novotel Hotel and the center of Moscow.

Close to the hotel the picturesque estate Arkhangelskoe, which ranges among the most interesting historical monuments of Moscow, is situated.

The Novotel Hotel is the part of the Novotel chain that numbers more than 400 hotels in different countries of the world. For 30 years the Novotel is a synonym of hospitality and high standards of services. This Moscow hotel will provide a comfortable environment for both business and leisure travelers.

Similar hotels

Salut hotel, kvart apartments at arbat, kvart apartments at mayakovskaya.

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Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow

• 24-hour services
• Swimming Pool
• Fitness/Gym
• On-site Dining
• Child-friendly
• Armas Beach Hotel
• Riu Bambu Punta Cana
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Tourist attractions in

• Caucasus Mountains  - 100 m
• Okhotny Ryad  - 150 m
• Aleksandrovskiy Sad  - 200 m
• Iberian Gate and Chapel  - 300 m
• Monument to Consumer and Creator  - 250 m
• Lenin's Mausoleum  - 500 m
• Monument to Marshal Zhukov  - 250 m
• Cathedral of Christ the Saviour  - 1.4 km
• State Historical Museum  - 300 m
• Revolution Square  - 400 m
• Sheremetyevo International  - 30 km
• Kursky Train Station  - 3 km

Prices & Availability

• Safe deposit box
• 24-hour reception
• 24-hour security
• Electric kettle
• Buffet breakfast

Leisure & Sports

• Swimming pool
• Exercise gym
• Paid shuttle service
• 24-hour room service

Room Amenities

• Wi-Fi in rooms
• Sitting area
• Ironing facilities
• Free toiletries
• Flat-screen TV
• AM/FM alarm clock
• Parquet floor
• Extra beds policy
• No cots are available.
• ✈ Which airport is the closest one to Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow? The nearest airport is Sheremetyevo International and it is set within a 32-minute drive.
• 🌇 How far is Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow from the downtown? Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow is set within 1 km from the city centre.
• ❓ Is breakfast free in Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow? Yes, in Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow breakfast is provided for free.
• 🕌 What famous landmarks will we find near National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow? Popular landmarks you will find near National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow include GUM as well as Red Square.
• ❓ Where is Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow located? Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow is located in the very heart of Moscow, right near GUM.
• 🍹 What restaurants near Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow can we visit? Guests can go to a nearby restaurant Yakor for a taste of French, contemporary and fusion cuisine.
• ❓ What payment methods are accepted in Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow? At Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow you can pay using Visa, Mastercard and American Express.
• 💵 How much does room at National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow cost? The price for a room at National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow starts at $287.
• ❓ What are the amenities available in Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow? Facilities available in Hotel National, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Moscow are represented by complimentary private parking, a spa area and a sauna.
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