Fine Hotels + Resorts for me is one of the best American Express Platinum benefits
In the last few months I have been traveling a lot, more than a lot perhaps it would be better to say I have been traveling really a lot, and I have had [...]
Over the past few months I have been traveling quite a bit, more than quite a bit perhaps it would be better to say I have been traveling really a lot, and I have been able to experience the facilities of the Fine Hotels + Resorts program of American Express on almost every continent. I must say that this is, without a doubt, one of the benefits that convince me every year to renew this card and not to think about the monthly fee of 60€,
What is FH+R
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I wrote a long article to explain well what is and how American Express' Fine Hotels + Resorts program works, here's the rundown. Under the FH+R umbrella there are more than 1,200 properties around the world, hotels that participate in hotel chains and others, and those who book a room through this service get a whole range of exclusive benefits bookable exclusively if you are an American Express Platinum holder or Centurion.
- Early check-in at 12 noon, upon availability of the facility
- Upgrading one's room, in case of availability at the time of check-in
- Breakfast for two, offered by the facility every day
- Late check-out at 4 p.m.
- Free Wi-Fi, upon availability of the facility
- Credit from 100$ to spend in the facility
The best bonuses
There are so many structures and they are constantly changing, The full list can be seen here.
Which benefit is worth the most
Certainly the 100$ is money that is saved by staying in these facilities, but it is not certain that it would have been spent anyway. On the contrary, there is a benefit that is worth so much to me and my habits: check-out postponed to 4 p.m. If you have Platinum status in Marriott this benefit is "included" in the tier, otherwise it is not a common benefit. Being able to check out in the middle of the afternoon allows you to enjoy your last day at 100%, seamlessly take advantage of all the hotel's amenities without having to leave your suitcase in storage or having to find a place to take off your costume.
Many facilities sell this service, for example at theHawaiian Villange of Honolulu Being able to leave the room at 6pm costs almost 200$, those who book FH+R get it free and in a GUARANTEED manner, not "subject to availability."
It's also nice to book a basic room and be in a suite, but it's not guaranteed, although I have to admit I've never not had upgrades to a better room than the one I booked.
How do I know the rules of benefits
This is a question I often receive about FH+R reservations, and the answer is simple. The receptionist will value the reservation through this channel and explain in detail how the various benefits were disbursed and most importantly, the rules for using the credit at the facility.
At the time of check-in, it is also always Issued a welcome letter summarizing the benefits and explains the various features of the structure. Regarding the 100$ to spend the things to know are:
- They cannot be used to pay for the room
- Each hotel has its own rules about how you can spend credit and what you are not allowed to do
For example, in the case of the Waldorf Astoria in Bangkok, a stunning property in Thailand's capital, the credit is usable in all hotel restaurants, the SPA, and room service. It does not apply to cover the cost of the minibar or items bought at the hotel. At the Park Hyatt in Auckland, it covers any (extra) expenses incurred at the hotel, even the minibar. In other cases, such as Resort World in Las Vegas, the credit applies only to certain restaurants on the property. My advice is, when in doubt, ask the staff for clarification without being shy.
If you have status, it's even better
The FH+R reservation is the only one that allows you to accumulate points even when you are not booking through the hotel chain's website or app, but the best thing is precisely that the benefits add up. For example, I happened to stay in the U.S. and, in addition to receiving the 100$ credit, I also got the expected credit because I hold Hilton Honors Diamond status.
Then there is a very important factor about breakfast. Especially in the U.S., the breakfast you get with FH+R is worth much more than the breakfast included with status.
How to maximize profit
What is important to know is that the credit of 100$ does not change whether you travel alone or as a couple, or whether you stay a week or a single night. Personally, my strategy is to book a maximum of two consecutive nights in these hotels, and in case jump to another nearby facility where they get more credit and other benefits.
Also, if you stay one or two nights, the chances of getting an upgrade are significantly higher compared with a one-week stay.
Doing the math well
There is, of course, a downside. The cost of the room may be significantly higher. My advice is to assess your needs well and especially to know well what will be the costs included or to be included. For example, if you leave early in the morning, you will not take advantage of late check-out and perhaps not even breakfast. If you stay only one night, the 100$ credit to spend in the hotel restaurants may not be used. These are just two examples, but the possibilities are endless. Doing the math well in your pocket is crucial.
In conclusion
FH+R is a unique service, if you can then combine it with status in the loyalty program, it is a unique opportunity to have an incredible stay. Adding up all the benefits allows for significant savings, and if over the course of the year you stay several times in these facilities, here is justification for the fee monthly 60€ to get the American Express Platinum In one's portfolio.