12 Incredible Hotels To Book with AmEx Fine Hotels & Resorts for VIP Perks
The FHR program is all about making your hotel stay more luxurious. At these hotels, you really get VIP status.
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Updated · 4 min read
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Assistant Assigning Editor Booking your next stay through the American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts program (FHR) can unlock a world of luxury — and value.
When you pay with an affiliated AmEx card, you are eligible to earn 5x Membership Rewards points per dollar spent, while enjoying premium on-property benefits like daily breakfast for two, guaranteed late checkout, room upgrades (when available) and a $100 experience credit.
While booking through FHR doesn’t always guarantee the lowest rate, the extra perks can often outweigh the cost difference — especially if you're strategic. Even authorized users of qualifying cards are eligible for these benefits. Here’s a look at some of the most stunning global hotels where booking through FHR can take your trip to the next level.
» Learn more: AmEx Membership Rewards: How to earn and use them
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Africa
Royal Livingstone Victoria Falls Zambia Hotel by Anantara
Set along the banks of the Zambezi River, this hotel — which is part of the Discovery loyalty program — offers prime access to Victoria Falls, one of the world’s most iconic natural wonders. As a hotel guest, you get unlimited, complimentary entry to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, just steps from your room.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 credit usable at the riverside spa, restaurants, or on unique experiences like river cruises.
- Free-roaming zebras and giraffes add to the safari-meets-luxury vibe.
- Ideal jumping-off point for a southern African safari.
Asia and Middle East
Banyan Tree Phuket; Phuket, Thailand
The original flagship Banyan Tree resort, this Phuket paradise features serene villas, many with private plunge pools, floating bedrooms and Thai-style interiors.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 property credit for spa or dining.
- Spacious villas (some with three bedrooms).
- Authentic Thai wellness experiences.
Four Seasons Resort Bali at Jimbaran Bay; Bali, Indonesia
Inspired by a traditional Balinese village, this resort offers oceanfront villas, each with luxurious outdoor living spaces and private pools.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 food and beverage credit.
- Exceptional dining at Jala and Telu, a zero-waste bar with beach trash-inspired decor.
- Lush tropical design with unbeatable sunset views.
» Learn more: The guide to Four Seasons hotels
Raffles Doha; Doha, Qatar
An architectural marvel shaped like a scimitar, Raffles Doha shares Katara Towers with its sibling Fairmont hotel and is part of the Accor Live Limitless program.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 dining credit (perfect for afternoon tea or rooftop cocktails).
- Free one-way airport transfer.
- Gourmet dining at Alba and panoramic skyline views.
Europe
Anantara Palazzo Naiadi Rome Hotel; Rome, Italy
Overlooking Piazza della Repubblica, this hotel sits atop ancient Roman ruins and offers easy access to the Colosseum and Trevi Fountain.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 dining credit at rooftop SEEN by Olivier.
- Complimentary access to on-site Roman ruins.
- Starred in films like "House of Gucci" and "Ocean’s Twelve."
Mandarin Oriental Bosphorus; Istanbul, Turkey
Located away from Istanbul’s hectic city center, this Bosphorus-front hotel offers tranquility with access to parks, forests, and upscale neighborhoods.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 credit valid at on-site restaurants, including Hakkasan.
- Luxurious spa with Turkish hammam experiences.
- Stylish, waterfront elegance.
Mandarin Oriental Ritz, Madrid; Spain
A stunning blend of classic grandeur and modern design, this hotel is a short walk from Madrid’s top art museums, nestled within the Golden Triangle of Art.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 property credit.
- Michelin-starred dining at Deessa.
- Historic building originally opened by César Ritz.
» Learn more: How to travel to Spain for cheap on points and miles
The Reserve from Savoy Signature; Madeira, Portugal
Part of the Savoy Palace complex, The Reserve is an upscale, boutique-style "hotel within a hotel" offering expansive views of the Atlantic.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 spa or dining credit.
- Rooftop infinity pool and bar.
- Modern design and exclusivity in a laid-back island setting.
North America
Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village; Los Angeles, California
A haven for wellness seekers, this L.A.-area Four Seasons offers more than just massages — think art therapy, sound baths and nutrition coaching.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 experience credit.
- Spa, healthy dining, and immersive wellness courses.
Learn more in NerdWallet's Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village review.
Hotel Emma; San Antonio, Texas
Housed in the former Pearl Brewery, Hotel Emma is Texas' only AAA Five Diamond hotel and the only Michelin Two Key hotel in San Antonio. The 146-room property preserves the building's industrial heritage, with repurposed brewery machinery transformed into design elements throughout (you can even sit inside a former beer tank at the bar).
Other excellent hotel features include a library (where guests are served complimentary pastries and tea in the mornings) and a rooftop pool.
The hotel is named for Emma Koehler, who kept the brewery operating through Prohibition by diversifying into auto repair, ice cream production and dry cleaning. Located in the vibrant Pearl District along the San Antonio River Walk, the hotel sits within a walkable culinary and cultural village featuring restaurants, the Culinary Institute of America and weekly farmers markets.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 credit usable at award-winning restaurant Supper, Sternewirth bar or Larder marketplace.
- Complimentary welcome cocktail in the hotel's library featuring 3,700 books.
- Rooftop pool with views of the River Walk and access to the Pearl District's culinary scene.
Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando; Florida
Orlando theme park fans will benefit most by booking the Loews Portofino Bay Hotel at Universal Orlando. Beyond a great location that's walkable to Universal Studios and Islands of Adventure (or a boat ride away, if you're saving your energy for a day of theme parks), a stay here can greatly improve your park experience.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 to spend at Italian eateries like Mama Della’s or the Gelateria.
- Universal Express Pass included.
- Water taxi or walking path to Universal’s parks.
Mandarin Oriental, Boston – Massachusetts
The Mandarin Oriental, Boston is a luxurious urban sanctuary in the heart of Back Bay, offering direct access to high-end shopping on Newbury Street and cultural landmarks like the Boston Symphony Hall. Inside, rooms feature Asian-inspired décor, oversized marble bathrooms with soaking tubs, and soundproof windows for peaceful city stays. Guests can unwind in the lavish spa — the only Forbes Five-Star spa in Massachusetts — or savor modern French cuisine at Ramsay’s Kitchen by Gordon Ramsay. It also offers what are called "wellness journeys" with activities like sound healing, massages, postural therapy and holistic facials.
Why book with FHR:
- $100 spa or dining credit.
- Wellness cuisine and exclusive spa access.
- A luxury escape in the heart of Back Bay.
How to get the most value from AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts
When you reserve a hotel through the AmEx Fine Hotels and Resorts booking platform and pay for the stay using the appropriate credit card, members receive a host of benefits. It starts with earning 5x Membership Rewards points for each dollar spent. Plus, you’ll unlock:
- Guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.
- Noon check-in, when available.
- Room upgrade, when available.
- $100 experience credit, valid toward spa treatments, dining, or other services.
Before you book, compare prices with the hotel’s website — the AmEx rate might be slightly higher, but the added benefits often deliver tremendous overall value.
Whether you're planning a romantic European getaway, a wildlife adventure in Africa, or a wellness retreat stateside, booking with AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts can supercharge your stay with perks that easily cover the difference in price.
How to maximize your rewards
You want a travel credit card that prioritizes what’s important to you. Here are some of the best travel credit cards of 2026:
- Flexibility, point transfers and a large bonus: Chase Sapphire Preferred® Card
- No annual fee: Wells Fargo Autograph® Card
- Flat-rate travel rewards: Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card
- Bonus travel rewards and high-end perks: Chase Sapphire Reserve®
- Luxury perks: American Express Platinum Card®
- Business travelers: Ink Business Preferred® Credit Card
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