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12 FHR Hotels Worth Booking With AmEx Credits
Your AmEx Platinum hotel credit works across both Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection. Here's where to spend it.
Sally French is co-host of the Smart Travel podcast and a writer on NerdWallet's travel team. Before joining NerdWallet as a travel rewards expert in 2020, she wrote about travel and credit cards for The New York Times and its sibling site, Wirecutter.
Outside of work, she loves fitness, and she competes in both powerlifting and weightlifting (she can deadlift more than triple bodyweight). Naturally, her travels always involve a fitness component, including a week of cycling up the coastline of Vietnam and a camping trip to the Arctic Circle, where she biked over the sea ice. Other adventures have included hiking 25 miles in one day through Italy's Cinque Terre and climbing the 1,260 steps to Tiger Cave Temple in Krabi, Thailand.
Claire Tsosie is a managing editor for the Travel Rewards team at NerdWallet. She started her career on the credit cards team as a writer, then worked as an editor on New Markets. Her work has been featured by Forbes, USA Today and The Associated Press.
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The card offers up to $600 per calendar year — in semi-annual $300 credits — to spend at more than 3,100 hotels in the Fine Hotels and Resorts (FHR) program and The Hotel Collection. That's triple the amount it used to offer before its September 2025 refresh, which also raised the annual fee (see rates and fees). Terms apply.
Both programs come with premium on-property benefits, but they are not the same.
With FHR bookings, you'll get no minimum stay length requirement, as well as:
Daily breakfast for two.
Noon check-in, when available.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout.
Room upgrade, when available.
$100 experience credit for food, beverage or spa services (varies by property).
Terms apply.
WithThe Hotel Collection (two-night minimum stay required), you get:
$100 property credit.
Room upgrade, when available.
Noon check-in and late checkout, when available — but not the guaranteed 4 p.m. checkout you get with FHR.
Daily breakfast for two at some properties, but it's not standard.
The Hotel Collection perks are lighter and come with strings — chiefly that two-night minimum — but the same credit applies, so a Hotel Collection stay can still be a smart place to spend it.
Both programs earn Membership Rewards points when you book through American Express Travel While these stays can be pricey, the perks can more than make up the cost difference. Here are some of our favorite FHR and Hotel Collection hotels worth booking with these credits.
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The Americas
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa; Honolulu (The Hotel Collection)
The view from a room at the Moana Surfrider. (Photo by Sally French)
(Photo by Sally French/NerdWallet)
Opened in 1901 as Waikiki's first hotel, the "First Lady of Waikiki" pairs Victorian-era architecture and a famous banyan-tree courtyard with a recently renovated interior that finally matches its beachfront views of Diamond Head. The ocean-view pool and Moana Lani Spa — the only oceanfront spa in Waikiki — are the draws, though be aware the resort charges a daily resort fee north of $40 on top of your rate.
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa is a Marriott Bonvoy property, so you'll earn Bonvoy points alongside Membership Rewards when you book through Amex Travel.
Why book with The Hotel Collection:
$100 property credit — currently boosted to a $250 credit on stays booked by July 17, 2026 for travel through Dec. 22, 2026.
Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani; Honolulu (The Hotel Collection)
An Ocean View room at the Halepuna Waikiki by Halekulani. (Photo by Sally French)
(Photo by Sally French/NerdWallet)
Halepuna is the contemporary, lower-priced sibling of the iconic Halekulani across the street — and the pedigree shows. Rooms have private balconies looking over Waikiki and the Pacific, the eighth-floor pool deck has an infinity lap pool, a hot tub and cabanas, and the ground-floor Halekulani Bakery & Restaurant turns out artisan breads and pastries (with a glass-walled Chocolate Room). It's a way to get Halekulani-level quality at a softer rate, then stack a credit and breakfast on top.
Why book with The Hotel Collection:
$100 property credit toward dining, spa or other on-property charges.
Daily breakfast for two — an added benefit here, since Hotel Collection stays don't usually include it.
Room upgrade and noon check-in, when available. Late checkout is when available, not guaranteed.
Two-night minimum stay required.
JW Marriott Lima
(Photo courtesy of JW Marriott)
Just across from the Larcomar shopping center and overlooking one of the most stunning aerial vistas of the Pacific Ocean on the South American coastline, JW Marriott Lima is the ideal base from which to start and end a visit to Peru. Its perfectly positioned club lounge on the 24th floor is ideal for business travelers who want to work or friends who want to gather over a complimentary glass of wine, coffee, and all-day snacks, all with stunning ocean views.
Why book with FHR (benefits for reservations of 2+ nights):
$100 credit for the spa, dining, and resort activities.
Complimentary breakfast buffet overlooking the beautiful Pacific Ocean.
Ideal jumping-off point to Peru’s majestic landmarks.
Noon check-in and late check-out, when available.
Middle East/Africa
Park Hyatt Marrakech
(Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt Marrakech)
This tranquil desert oasis is set away from the bustle of the Medina of Marrakech — the city's old town — but it's still easy to reach by taxi. Its garden-like surroundings are actually part of a working farm that produces herbs, vegetables, and fruits for the menus.
Two stunning pools, one reserved for adults, plus a separate indoor spa (with a full roster of complimentary daily classes) are available to guests when they are not enjoying the cuisine.
Why book with FHR:
$150 credit to be used on property during your stay.
Complimentary breakfast for two.
Free minibar.
Complimentary valet parking for one vehicle.
Europe
Park Hyatt London River Thames
Shangri-La The Shard, London
The sauna at the Shangri-La The Shard, London. (Photo by Sally French/NerdWallet)
Occupying floors 34 through 52 of Western Europe's tallest building, this is arguably London's best hotel for a view — floor-to-ceiling windows in every room look out over the Thames, Tower Bridge and St. Paul's, and the level-52 infinity pool sits higher than almost anywhere else you can swim in the city. London Bridge station is a five-minute walk, which makes onward travel by train simple. The Shangri-La The Shard, London is certainly a splurge, but the FHR perks soften the sting at a property where rates routinely top $900 a night.
Why book with FHR:
Complimentary breakfast for two.
Noon check-in, when available.
Room upgrade, when available.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
$100 on-property credit to use during your stay.
InterContinental Amstel Amsterdam
(Photo courtesy of IHG)
This beautiful palace-like city landmark, sitting along the Amstel River, is the perfect location when visiting Amsterdam, especially for IHG One Rewards members. The hotel is within walking distance of most of the city’s top museums and attractions, and offers stunning river views.
Why book with FHR:
Complimentary breakfast for two.
Noon check-in, when available.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
$100 food and beverage credit to be used on property.
Offer: Third night free when booking travel by Feb. 25, 2026.
Ritz Paris
(Photo courtesy of Ritz Paris)
Staying in one of the most famous hotels in the world becomes extra special when you load up on the FHR perks that come with booking through American Express. You are within walking distance of the most elite shops, restaurants, and landmarks, including the Louvre, the Jardin des Tuileries, and the Opera House. Use your property credit at the Hemingway Bar or for a lavish dinner in the Michelin-starred Espadon restaurant.
Why book with FHR:
Noon check-in when available.
Room upgrade, when available.
Complimentary breakfast for two.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
$100 food and beverage credit to be used on property.
Asia/Oceania
The Hari Hong Kong; Hong Kong (The Hotel Collection)
<em>(Photo by Sally French/NerdWallet)</em>
Sister to The Hari London, this 30-story hotel sits on Lockhart Road, straddling the commercial bustle of Causeway Bay and the artier energy of Wan Chai. There's really no better location when you're in Hong Kong.
The 210 rooms — including three rooftop suites with Victoria Harbour and Peak views — were designed by British designer Tara Bernerd, and the property leans hard into art, with rotating exhibitions and staff-led art tours.
Why book with The Hotel Collection:
$100 property credit toward dining, spa or other on-property charges.
Daily breakfast for two — an added benefit, since Hotel Collection stays don't usually include it. Not to mention, the hybrid buffet and fresh, hot plate style at Lucciola Restaurant & Bar is brilliant.
Room upgrade and noon check-in, when available. Late checkout is when available, not the guaranteed 4 p.m. you get with FHR.
Two-night minimum stay required.
Park Hyatt Sydney
(Photo courtesy of Park Hyatt Sydney)
This iconic Sydney hotel offers unparalleled Opera House views. Located within walking distance of Circular Quay ferry terminal, you can easily explore the harbor, then end the day enjoying nearby shopping and dining.
Why book with FHR:
Room upgrade, when available.
Noon check-in, when available.
Daily breakfast for two.
US $100 credit to be used on property.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
Aman Tokyo
(Photo courtesy of Aman Tokyo)
Aman’s resorts are known for extraordinary attention to detail and relaxing surroundings, qualities that extend to the brand’s urban properties in places like Bangkok, New York, and Tokyo.
Tokyo’s city-center locale offers beautiful views of the Imperial Gardens, the glittering Tokyo Skytree, and on clear days, Mount Fuji.
Why book with FHR:
Daily breakfast for two.
Noon check-in, when available.
$100 credit to be used on property.
Room upgrade, when available.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
St. Regis Goa Resort, India
(Photo courtesy of JW Marriott)
Surrounded by 300,000 tropical plants and trees along 49 acres near Mobor Beach, this property exemplifies St. Regis’ signature butler service and high standards in a resort setting.
A stay here includes access to three pools, six restaurants, and breathtaking scenery. Plus, Marriott Bonvoy members can earn points during their stay.
Why book with FHR:
Noon check-in, when available.
Room upgrade, when available.
Complimentary breakfast for two.
Guaranteed 4 p.m. check-out.
$100 credit to be used on property.
Take advantage of your $600 in annual AmEx hotel credits
The two annual $300 credits on American Express Platinum Card® can deliver outstanding value when booking through AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection.
FHR stays come with the fuller set of perks and no minimum-night requirement, while The Hotel Collection trades a couple of those perks for a wider list of properties — and only asks for a two-night stay in return. Either way, the credit does the same work, and the right property can be well worth the splurge.
To view rates and fees of the American Express Platinum Card®, see this page.