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The American Express Platinum Card® (terms and conditions apply) includes a wealth of credits and benefits, not all of which are easy to use. This includes a $200 hotel credit each calendar year. Main cardholders can earn a $200 statement credit when booking a qualifying prepaid reservation through Amex Travel. problem? Valid only at properties participating in Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. Other times, the room rate is so expensive that a credit on the statement makes little sense.
Either way, if you’re passing through cities with participating properties, that might be the best use of your statement credits. After all, these hotels come with complimentary room upgrades (where available) and a $100 facility credit per stay that can be used for eligible dining, spa, or activities on-site . Selected accommodations under the Fine Hotels + Resorts umbrella also offer benefits such as complimentary breakfast and early check-in and late check-out.
Another way to squeeze value out of your credit is to stack two years into one trip. Credits must be reserved by December 31st of each year, but may be reserved for stays the following year. Use this trick if you have 2 or more options to choose from as they have to be booked as separate stays.
Between statement credits and onsite credits, some stays can actually pay off. Especially considering that one night is eligible for all benefits when booking from Fine Hotels + Resorts (The Hotel Collection accommodations are only eligible for Platinum statement credit if: )requires a minimum stay of 2 consecutive nights). The trick is finding a hotel with the right price. Here are eight suggestions to inspire your next vacation.
Loews Ventana Canyon Resort, Tucson, Arizona
You might think winter travel is terrible, but the opposite is also true. You’ll find summer travel deals in the southwest. Best of all, Loews in Arizona’s Ventana Canyon Resort has everything you need for your vacation. Play a round of golf, visit the spa or spend time in the pool. Summer fares are particularly cheap, but spring and fall can also be good deals.
Tucson doesn’t get as much attention as Phoenix further north, but it’s still a great place for a quick trip. Spend a weekend (or longer) eating around this UNESCO-designated gastronomic city in air-conditioned comfort. Another way to beat the heat is to go out late at night. The area is known for stargazing, which can be experienced at the nearby Mount Lemmon Skycenter and Kitt Peak National Observatory.

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Bellagio (Las Vegas, Nevada)
Just one trip to Las Vegas and you’ll discover that hotel rates range from super cheap to super splurge. For travelers with flexible dates, combining Amex credits with Fine Hotels + Resorts benefits is a great deal. In a city where food can be astronomically expensive, free breakfast makes a big difference. The same goes for early check-in, late check-out and room upgrades, which usually cost extra.
However, Las Vegas has one major drawback. No matter which hotel you choose, be prepared to pay a resort fee. Unfortunately, these are not waived when booking with Amex Travel.

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American Club (Kohler, Wisconsin)
The American Club’s summer fare north of Milwaukee may make you cry, but the winter fare tastes better. And it wouldn’t hurt to go to a winter wonderland that has everything from luxury spas to hot cocktails around the fireplace. Plus, from Chicago he’s less than two and a half hours away, so it’s a great way to beat the winter blues.
Choose from all kinds of activities on site, including fat tire biking, snowshoeing, curling, ice skating, and cross-country skiing. If you prefer to stay indoors, you can try out the golf simulator or join an infrared heated yoga class while staying comfortable.

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Dunyiway Portland, a Hilton Hotel (Portland, Oregon)
If you were going to visit Portland, or if you were going back to Portland, you’re in luck. Amex has three of his properties participating in Fine Hotels + Resorts that offer consistently reasonable rates, as well as several other properties in The Hotel Collection where you can redeem the credit. there is Rest assured that the Duniway tends to be one of the best value hotels, highly rated and reviewed.
Of particular note here is the on-site Mayrose restaurant. With delicious food on offer for both breakfast (included in the price) and dinner (make sure you take advantage of your food and beverage credit), you’ll be able to stay and relax. Of course, it’s also easy when you want to explore the city. Duniway is in a prime downtown location within walking distance to many attractions and the MAX light rail.

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Lorien Hotel & Spa, Alexandria, Virginia
Washington, DC takes center stage, but even if you don’t take the subway to the capital, its neighbor Alexandria is worth a short trip. The cobbled streets are lined with historic buildings and beautifully landscaped gardens, making for a relaxing stroll en route to the banks of the Potomac River. Museums, breweries, and waterfront patios add to the appeal.
The Lorien Hotel is located near King Street Station, providing easy access to Amtrak and the subway for arrivals and departures. Please note that AMEX Credit is part of The Hotel Collection and is subject to a minimum 2 night stay requirement. However, there are many reasons to justify an extra night. Plus, the hotel is pet-friendly, so you don’t have to pay for a dog sitter.

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Auberge Saint Antoine, Quebec City, Quebec
If you don’t have time to travel to Europe, Quebec City brings the same experience closer to you. Cobblestone streets and centuries-old architecture lend a magical atmosphere, and the French language enhances the experience.
The Auberge Saint Antoine is not the most famous hotel in town, but it may be the most interesting. Artifacts unearthed during pre-construction archaeological excavations are displayed throughout the hotel, providing insight into the history of the area. But the rooms and dining are truly contemporary luxuries, offering the best of both worlds.

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The Fives Downtown Hotel & Residences, Curio Collection by Hilton (Playa del Carmen, Mexico)
The Riviera Maya is dotted with secluded resorts, but if you’re the type of traveler who prefers to walk everywhere, The Fives Downtown Hotel might be a better fit. You can laze by the rooftop infinity pool, the beach is just two blocks away, and you can enjoy Mexican sunshine, tacos, and tours at an affordable price.
Bonus: the nearby adults-only Thompson Playa del Carmen also always has affordable rates. If you have access to a second Amex credit (for example, if your travel companion also has a platinum card), this is an easy way to extend your Mexico vacation by a few more nights.

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Waldorf Astoria Panama (Panama City, Panama)
Panama may give the impression that it is far, but sometimes it is faster to fly to Panama than to fly cross-country. Now there is no excuse to soak up the holiday atmosphere. With a year-round tropical climate, man-made wonders, and rainforests juxtaposed with skyscrapers, this destination is like no other.
Staying at the Waldorf Astoria puts you within walking distance to restaurants and bars and offers cheap Uber rides almost everywhere in the city. Or, if you’re looking for an excuse to chill out, this hotel gets top marks for both service and the breakfast buffet (included in the price).
Find the Best Hotel Rewards Credit Cards for 2023
Conclusion
It may take a bit of searching to find a property with Platinum American Express hotel credit without a second mortgage, but it definitely exists and is a perk included in booking with Amex. Combined with, you can spend an affordable weekend. .
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