Navigating the world of travel rewards can be complex, but American Express Travel simplifies luxury and value for its card members, especially when it comes to hotel stays. Understanding the terms and conditions associated with American Express Travel Hotels is key to maximizing your benefits. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about leveraging your American Express card for hotel bookings, ensuring you earn more points and enjoy exclusive perks.
Understanding American Express Travel Hotel Rewards Programs
American Express offers a variety of Membership Rewards programs, each with unique benefits for hotel bookings made through AmexTravel.com or via phone. Here’s a detailed look at what each program offers:
Earn 2X Membership Rewards Points on Eligible Travel
For those enrolled in the Membership Rewards program, every dollar spent on eligible travel through amextravel.com earns at least 1 point. However, when you book eligible travel purchases, you’ll receive an additional point, totaling 2X Membership Rewards points.
Key Details:
- Eligible Purchases: This includes flights, prepaid hotels, prepaid short-term rentals, prepaid car rentals, vacation packages (flight + hotel), and cruises booked on amextravel.com.
- Exclusions: Non-prepaid hotels and car rentals, service fees, and interest charges are not eligible.
- Point Crediting: Bonus points are credited 10-12 weeks after final payment.
- Corporate Cards: Note that Corporate Card Members are not eligible for the additional point.
- Point Redemption: Purchases made using Membership Rewards points for payment are not eligible to earn points.
Business Gold Card: 3X Membership Rewards Points
American Express Business Gold Card Members can significantly boost their points earnings on hotel stays. You can earn 3X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel purchases.
Key Details:
- Eligible Purchases: Includes scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages booked online at AmexTravel.com, and prepaid hotel purchases made online or via phone with American Express Travel Consultants.
- Exclusions: Non-prepaid hotel bookings, vacation packages (excluding flight+hotel), car rentals, cruises, group reservations, fees, interest, and cash equivalents are not eligible. Notably, flights and flight+hotel packages booked over the phone are excluded from the 3X bonus.
- Booking Requirements: Bookings must be reserved and charged to the Business Gold Card. Modifications must be made through AmexTravel.com or by calling 1-800-297-2977 to maintain eligibility for 3X points.
- Point Crediting: Bonus points are credited approximately 6-10 weeks after the purchase appears on your billing statement.
- Cancellation: Canceled bookings will result in the deduction of extra points.
Gold Card: 3X Points on Airfare and 2X on Prepaid Hotels via AmexTravel.com
American Express Gold Card members also enjoy elevated rewards on travel, earning bonus points in various categories. For hotels booked through AmexTravel.com, cardholders earn 2X Membership Rewards points on prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals, or cruise reservations. Moreover, they earn 3X points on airfare booked directly with airlines or through amextravel.com.
Key Details (Hotel Specific):
- Eligible Hotel Purchases: Prepaid hotels, prepaid car rentals, or cruise reservations booked through amextravel.com.
- Exclusions: Non-prepaid hotels, car rentals, and fees are excluded from the 2X bonus.
- Restaurant & Supermarket Bonuses: Gold Card also offers 4X points at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on up to spending caps).
- Point Crediting: Allow 8-12 weeks for points to post to your account.
Green Card: 3X Points on General Travel Categories Including Hotels
The American Express Green Card provides a straightforward rewards structure, earning 3X Membership Rewards points on a broad spectrum of travel categories, including hotels. This makes it versatile for travelers.
Key Details (Hotel Specific):
- Eligible Travel Purchases: Includes hotels, cruises, tours, vacation rentals, and travel purchases made on third-party travel websites and amextravel.com.
- Exclusions: Timeshare property purchases are excluded.
- Broad Travel Category: The 3X bonus extends to airfare, transit, and restaurants as well.
Platinum Card: 5X Membership Rewards Points on Prepaid Hotels
For luxury travelers, the American Express Platinum Card offers premium rewards, including 5X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel purchases. This significantly accelerates point accumulation for hotel stays.
Key Details (Hotel Specific):
- Eligible Hotel Purchases: Prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel.
- Eligible Travel Purchases (broader): Includes air tickets booked directly with airlines or through American Express Travel (up to $500,000 per year), prepaid flight+hotel packages, and prepaid vacation rental reservations booked via AmexTravel.com.
- Exclusions: Non-prepaid hotel bookings, charter flights, private jets, cruises, tours (excluding flight+hotel packages), fees, and cash equivalents are not eligible. Modifications made directly with hotels may disqualify the booking from earning bonus points.
Business Platinum Card: 5X Membership Rewards Points on Prepaid Hotels
The Business Platinum Card mirrors the personal Platinum in offering 5X Membership Rewards points on eligible travel, making it an excellent choice for business travel and hotel stays.
Key Details (Hotel Specific):
- Eligible Hotel Purchases: Prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel online or via phone.
- Eligible Travel Purchases (broader): Includes scheduled flights, prepaid flight and hotel packages, and prepaid short-term rentals made online at AmexTravel.com.
- Exclusions: Similar to the personal Platinum, excludes non-prepaid hotels, vacation packages (excluding flight+hotel), car rentals, cruises, group reservations, fees, and cash equivalents. Modifications directly with hotels may void the 5X benefit.
Membership Rewards Pay with Points
American Express allows you to use your Membership Rewards points directly to pay for hotel bookings through American Express Travel. This provides flexibility in using your points for immediate value.
Key Details:
- Eligible Purchases: Purchases made through American Express Travel, excluding non-prepaid car rentals and hotels.
- Minimum Redemption: 5,000 points minimum.
- Point Debit: Points are debited from your account, and a statement credit is issued.
Unlock Extra Value: $200 Hotel Credit for Platinum Card Holders
American Express Platinum cardholders can also take advantage of up to $200 in statement credits annually for prepaid hotel bookings.
Key Details:
- Eligible Bookings: Prepaid bookings at Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection properties made through American Express Travel. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
- Booking Channels: Bookings must be made via amextravel.com, the Amex App, or by calling the number on the back of your Platinum card.
- Timing: Bookings must be processed before December 31st each year.
- Statement Credit: Credits are typically received within a few days, but may take up to 90 days.
Fine Hotels + Resorts® Program: Elevate Your Stay
For luxury accommodations, the Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) program offers premium benefits at participating properties worldwide, exclusively for Platinum Card and Centurion Members.
Key Benefits:
- Noon Check-in: Subject to availability.
- Room Upgrade: Upon arrival, when available.
- Daily Breakfast for Two: Valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day.
- $100 Hotel Credit: For eligible charges during your stay.
- Guaranteed 4 PM Late Check-out.
- Complimentary Wi-Fi.
The Hotel Collection: Added Perks for Shorter Luxury Stays
The Hotel Collection offers similar, though slightly scaled-down, benefits to Fine Hotels + Resorts, and is available to Gold, Platinum, and Centurion Card Members for stays of two nights or more.
Key Benefits:
- $100 Hotel Credit: For eligible charges during your stay.
- Room Upgrade: Upon arrival, when available.
- Noon Check-in: Subject to availability.
- Guaranteed 4 PM Late Check-out: Subject to availability.
Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee
American Express provides a Lowest Hotel Rates Guarantee. If you find a lower price for the same hotel, room, and dates online after booking on amextravel.com, American Express will refund the difference.
Key Conditions:
- Qualifying Rates: Applies to online rates available to the general public.
- Exclusions: Excludes member-only discounts, package deals, and rates from opaque websites.
- Claim Submission: For prepaid bookings, claims must be submitted before check-in. For “pay later” bookings, within 30 days after stay completion.
Maximizing Your American Express Travel Hotel Benefits
To fully leverage your American Express card for hotel stays, consider these tips:
Tips for Earning More Points
- Book Prepaid Hotels: Maximize bonus points by always opting for prepaid hotel bookings through AmexTravel.com when possible.
- Use the Right Card: Utilize your Platinum or Business Platinum card for 5X points, or your Gold or Green card for category bonuses depending on your needs.
- Book Directly through Amex Travel: Ensure bookings are made through amextravel.com or via phone to qualify for bonus points and benefits.
Understanding Eligible Purchases
- Prepaid is Key: Remember that most bonus categories emphasize prepaid hotel bookings.
- Check Exclusions: Be aware of exclusions for each card type, such as non-prepaid bookings, specific hotel types, and booking channels.
Navigating Terms and Conditions
- Read the Fine Print: Review the specific terms for each offer to understand eligibility, exclusions, and point crediting timelines.
- Cancellation Policies: Be mindful of hotel cancellation policies, as cancellations can affect point earnings and statement credits.
- Modifications: Make any booking modifications through American Express Travel to retain bonus eligibility.
Conclusion
American Express Travel hotels offer a compelling combination of rewards and luxury benefits for card members. By understanding the specific terms and conditions associated with each card and program, you can strategically book your hotel stays to maximize Membership Rewards points, enjoy exclusive perks, and potentially save money with the Lowest Rate Guarantee and hotel credits. Make your next hotel booking through American Express Travel to unlock these valuable benefits and elevate your travel experience.
Disclaimer: Terms and conditions apply to all American Express Membership Rewards programs and hotel benefits. Please visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info and membershiprewards.com/terms for complete details.
