Earlier this week, I wrote about how I’m able to extract $1,500 in value from the Amex Platinum card. While the card carries a $695 annual fee, you can get enough value if you maximize the benefits and track them carefully. However, Amex has structured the benefits like a maze. When banks partner with brands, I don’t recommend jumping hoops and switching brands if you’re drastically altering your buyer behavior.
In this case, I found an additional benefit for a booking that I was going to make anyway.
Amex Platinum Card: Fine Hotels and Resorts Credit
With the Amex Platinum Card, each calendar year, you get a $200 credit for hotel bookings you make via Fine Hotels and Resorts or the Gold Hotel Collection. In this case, I was looking to book a 4 night stay for a trip to Langkawi, Malaysia. I logged into my Amex account and was pleasantly surprised.
So what’s so great about this offer? Well, firstly, the property is fantastic, as we found out during out stay in Langkawi.
Secondly, the $275 credit is in addition to the $100 credit that you already get for Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings. Moreover, your purchase will also qualify for the $200 hotel credit that the card offers each calendar year. Overall, an amazing win-win!
If this case, you will need to book a stay that lasts a minimum of four nights and you must complete your stay by December 20, 2024.
Receive a US$275 property credit when booking a stay of at least 4 nights at The Ritz-Carlton, Langkawi. To take advantage of this offer, book from 08FEB24 through 16DEC24 for hotel stays from 08FEB24 and completed by 20DEC24. In addition, enjoy these valuable benefits with each Fine Hotels + Resorts® booking: 12pm check-in, when available, Room upgrade upon arrival, when available (certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade), Daily breakfast for two people, Complimentary Wi-Fi, Guaranteed 4pm late checkout, and US$100 Food and beverage credit to be used during your stay
The Pundit’s Mantra
In addition to a great stay, I was able to extract great value from my Amex Platinum card. While I don’t use some of the other credits on the card, the FHR benefit, automatic Hilton Gold status and Centurion lounge access still give me enough value to recoup most of the annual fee. Any additional bonuses that I get from referrals are the icing on the cake.
When Amex made changes to the Amex Platinum card, I was largely disappointed with the changes. Earlier, with a $450 annual fee, it had a great value proposition. Currently, the card still has great benefits, but it may not work for everyone. Also, I don’t advocate that you jump hoops and change your buyer behavior drastically just to get some value out of some of the credits on offer.
Which is your favorite benefit on the Amex Platinum Card? Tell us in the comments section.
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With these limited time offers from American Express, you can earn up to 175,000 Hilton Honors points and 1 free night certificate
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The Westins, St. Regis and even Four Seasons goes much cheaper. I hope that $275 in extra savings was worth it for the four night stay.
Nice that you found a cheaper rate for Four Seasons. For our dates, it was well upwards of $600. In the end, it was a toss up between the St. Regis and the Ritz for us and we went with the Ritz for the reasons mentioned in the comment above.
Instead of $500 a night it was only about $375? In Malaysia, where you can stay in a suite at the Grand Hyatt in the capital for less than that? I’m not saying that there’s no value to be had from the offer but it’s like saying what a great deal you got on your Lamborghini.
I agree, pretty insane and an example of the tail wagging the dog. Sure, you get a $275 credit, but it’s $2000 for 4 nights. There are 5 star hotels in the area for less than $600 for 4 nights. It’s probably not quite as as nice as the Ritz, but the $1400 difference can get you pretty far in Malaysia.
Thanks for your comment. Our trip was only to Langkawi with a connecting flight in Singapore, we skipped KL. Also, the Ritz Carlton, compared to other properties like St. Regis and Westin, was offering bespoke experiences for kids, which was vital since we were traveling with a toddler. (kids activities, pools, beach access)
It was just 10 minutes from the airport compared to the St. Regis which was 30 minutes away (just a $5 Grab ride), An extra $275, in addition to the $100 experience credit and the $200 hotel credit, was a pretty good deal. We also got 12 PM check in which was handy since we arrived early in the morning.