The 10 Best Amex The Hotel Collection Properties You Can Book for Max Value

Key Takeaways

• American Express’ The Hotel Collection includes over 700 properties worldwide, offering premium benefits on stays of 2 nights or more, including ski resorts, boutique hotels, and pet-friendly options.
• The program offers select cardholders benefits like room upgrades and a $100 experience credit.​
• Some of the best options to book include Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Hawaii), Manor Vail Lodge (Colorado), and Atlantis, The Palm (United Arab Emirates).

If you’ve booked hotel stays through AmexTravel.com, you may have seen an option (depending on your credit card) for The Hotel Collection.

It’s a fascinating program only available to select cardholders of American Express credit cards when booking travel through Amex.

Let’s look at The Hotel Collection and how you can maximize the program and its benefits!

What Is The Hotel Collection?

American Express’ The Hotel Collection is a group of more than 700 hotels that offer premium benefits on stays of at least 2 nights at select properties across the globe. You’ll find many properties under The Hotel Collection umbrella, such as ski resorts, boutique hotels, pet-friendly properties, and more.

You may be familiar with American Express’ Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program. Fine Hotels + Resorts offers select Amex cardholders elite benefits and perks at over 1,000 luxury hotels worldwide when booked through American Express.

When you book an FHR property, you receive perks such as a room upgrade upon arrival (subject to availability), daily breakfast for 2, noon check-in and 4 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability), and complimentary Wi-Fi, plus a unique property amenity valued at $100.

Amex’s The Hotel Collection is like the younger sibling to the Fine Hotels + Resorts program in that the benefits are much more muted.

The most significant difference between Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection is which cards are eligible for both options. You’ll have access to Fine Hotels + Resort and The Hotel Collection properties when you hold the Platinum Card^® from American Express, The Business Platinum Card^® from American Express, and the Centurion^® Card from American Express.

However, if you have an American Express^® Gold Card or American Express^® Business Gold Card, you can only access The Hotel Collection bookings. Plus, Amex Platinum card and Amex Business Platinum cards get up to $600 back in statement credits each year on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection bookings with AmexTravel.com when you pay with your card.

Another difference between Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection is that no minimum number of nights is required to earn benefits with the former, while the latter is only valid for stays of 2 nights or more.

Hot Tip: Our guide comparing The Hotel Collection vs. Fine Hotels + Resorts reviews each program and how it could save you money!

Benefits of Amex The Hotel Collection

Still, you’ll get some tangible benefits. Amex’s The Hotel Collection includes top-tier brands such as Loews, Shangri-La, Viceroy, JW Marriott, and more.

Plus, when you book a room with The Hotel Collection, you will receive the following:

• $100 credit to spend on qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities
• Room upgrade at check-in, if available

Every property within The Hotel Collection gives eligible cardmembers an experience credit valued at $100 or more to enjoy during their stay. This credit can be applied toward a unique experience, which varies by property. Some properties offer welcome amenities, while others may offer a credit towards a spa or food and beverage. Also, remember that some room categories are not eligible for upgrades.

Your reservation must be paid for with an American Express card, and the cardholder must travel on the booked itinerary to receive benefits. Those who hold the Amex Platinum card will receive a $600 credit each year towards their hotel booking when booking with The Hotel Collection (or Fine Hotels + Resort properties). Upon checkout, you’ll receive a hotel credit for each dollar of qualifying dining, spa, and resort activity, up to $600. Note that qualifying charges do not include taxes, gratuities, fees, or the cost of the room.

One thing to keep in mind is that these hotels are often part of a major hotel loyalty program, like Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy. If you book your stay at these hotels through American Express, you won’t earn hotel points, and any status you have may not be recognized. However, if you call ahead before your stay, you may be able to have your elite status recognized.

The Hotel Collection Special Offers

Some The Hotel Collection properties provide Special Offers, which add even more value to your trip. Typically, you’ll get complimentary nights after a minimum stay, such as a complimentary third night or a complimentary fifth night.

For instance, at the Thompson Central Park New York, The Hotel Collection bookings receive a complimentary third night, which is included in your nightly average.

And for this special offer, this time at The Standard, Huruvalhi Maldives, you’ll receive 25% off your nightly room rate on select rooms, excluding taxes and fees. This example below knocks the nightly rate down to just under $500 per night from $659, a savings of 25%, or $165 per night.

While that may not seem like much, these savings can add up, particularly if you plan a more extended stay or stay in expensive locations such as the Maldives.

Typically, special offers are not combinable with other offers unless indicated, including lower rate offers. Special offer percentage discounts apply solely to the nightly room rate, excluding government-imposed taxes or fees and property-imposed fees.

Finally, special offers usually have a specific period in which the offer is valid, so make sure to check the terms and conditions before you book.

If you’re looking for more savings besides the benefits you’ll get when you book a The Hotel Collection property, make sure to look for hotels with a Special Offer button!

The 10 Best The Hotel Collection Properties To Book for Max Value

If you’re looking to book a hotel stay through The Hotel Collection, you have hundreds of options to choose from. Because this particular benefit is only valid for stays of 2 nights or more, you should look for hotels that give you the most value.

This list compiles the best hotels you can book for the best value and what types of on-site credit you might receive when booking through The Hotel Collection.

1. SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton (Maldives)

The Maldives has not 1 but 2 The Hotel Collection properties. The SAii Lagoon Maldives, Curio Collection by Hilton is among the best in the Maldives. It is a 5-star resort situated just 15 minutes by boat from Velana International Airport (MLE) on its own private island.

You’ll receive a $100 statement credit qualifying dining, spa, and resort activities. This can be used to lower the cost of a spa day at Lèn Be Well, the hotel’s in-house spa, or towards meals at SAii Beach Club or Miss Olive Oyl, a Mediterranean seafood grill and bar.

Base rooms start at 473 square feet with a sea view and private balcony. If your complimentary upgrade clears, you’ll get a better room, but either way, it’s still a solid deal.

2. Mauna Kea Beach Hotel (Hawaii)

An Autograph Collection resort, the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel located on Kauna’oa Bay offers a whopping 11 tennis courts by the sea, plus 7 dining options, including private dining for breakfast and dinner.

While some rooms could use an update, the suites are well-appointed with a sitting room, a separate living area and bedroom, a balcony, and quick beach access. You should be able to use your credit for dining, spa, and resort activities, such as the beauty salon and golf.

3. Manor Vail Lodge (Colorado)

Vail is perhaps one of the most popular ski resorts in the U.S., and the Manor Vail Lodge is an excellent option for those looking to take to the slopes. The Manor Vail Lodge is centrally located at the base of Vail Mountain and is close to other attractions, such as Vail Village. You’ll enjoy a $100 property credit which can be used for anything at the hotel, whether it’s food or spa services.

4. Atlantis, The Palm (United Arab Emirates)

Perhaps one of the most famous, if not recognizable, hotels in Dubai, Atlantis, The Palm is an excellent choice for travelers looking for a luxury resort in a great location. Atlantis, The Palm has a beach, aquarium, water park, and more. Guests enjoy complimentary access to Aquaventure Waterpark and The Lost Chamber Aquarium.

Base rooms start at just under 500 square feet and have either ocean or palm views, deep soaking tubs, and some have private balconies. Your $100 credit should be able to be applied to anything from spa services to in-room dining.

5. Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa (Seychelles)

A member of the Hilton Honors portfolio, the Hilton Seychelles Labriz Resort & Spa is an excellent choice for those looking to maximize their The Hotel Collection benefit. That’s because base rooms start at King Garden Villas, with almost 1,000 square feet of space. Other categories include pool villas and villas with plunge pools, which is a must when visiting the island nation of Seychelles.

You’ll still receive a $100 statement credit for food, beverages, or spa treatments.

6. 11 Howard (New York)

This 207-room hotel in the heart of Soho is a top choice for first-timers visiting the city or New Yorkers looking for a posh staycation. Made infamous by the so-called “Soho Grifter” Anna Delvey, 11 Howard is a place to see and be seen.

You’ll find thoughtfully-designed rooms and suites, dining options, and an infrared wellness spa here. You should be able to use your $100 property credit on a meal at the 1-Michelin star Le Coucou, though such distinction will come at a price, and the credit likely won’t cover the cost of a meal, plus drinks and dessert. Still, it should make a nice dent in your bill.

7. Wymara Resort and Villas (Turks and Caicos)

Turks and Caicos is one of the most sought-after (and expensive) travel destinations in the world, and there’s no surprise that a resort on the island is a member of The Hotel Collection. Wymara Resort and Villas features studios, suites, and villas with pool or ocean views. The hotel features an infinity pool and a spa, which should be a great way to use up your $100 resort credit.

8. Andaz Costa Rica Resort At Peninsula Papagayo (Costa Rica)

The Andaz Costa Rica is one of the best hotels in Central America, especially for World of Hyatt loyalists. Rooms start at 560 square feet, and some suites have a private pool. The resort boasts 3 beaches, 4 pools, and numerous dining options to keep you well-fed and entertained.

Spend your $100 property credit at the spa, located deep in the forest, with a whopping 9 treatment rooms.

9. Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel (Greece)

A Small Luxury Hotels of the World property, Canaves Oia Boutique Hotel should be at the top of the list if you’re planning a Santorini vacation.

Update:

SLH ended its partnership with Hyatt in May 2024 and now partners with Hilton Honors.

The hotel offers a swim-up and poolside bar. Other amenities include a salon and a spa offering services such as manicures and pedicures, which should be able to count towards your $100 credit. Several suites include private pools with gorgeous views of Santorini.

10. St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel London (U.K.)

St. Pancras Renaissance Hotel is in prime London: just steps from King’s Cross, the British Library, and several transit options. Here, you’ll find pretty small rooms, typical for the U.K. and much of Europe, but the amenities more than make up for it.

The hotel features a gym, an indoor pool, and a spa. The St. Pancras Spa offers services such as massages, facials, body treatments, and even a salt scrub — a perfect way to utilize your $100 property credit.

How To Book The Hotel Collection Property

First, log in to your American Express account to book The Hotel Collection properties. Click Travel>Book The Hotel Collection. Alternatively, you can go directly to the AmexTravel.com website.

1. Enter your preferred destination, or use the Hotel Finder feature.

2. Navigate to The Hotel Collection on the left-hand side of the page. If The Hotel Collection properties are available to book, you can check the box at the left to filter your results. This box will be grayed out if no The Hotel Collection properties are available.

3. Select the hotel you would like to book. If you are eligible for The Hotel Collection benefits, they will be clearly displayed within the hotel listing.

4. Book and pay for your room using an Amex credit card or American Express Membership Rewards points to be eligible.

Final Thoughts

The Hotel Collection might not get as much fanfare as the more well-known Fine Hotels + Resorts program, but there are some solid deals and savings, particularly if you don’t have an Amex Platinum card. The best way to find excellent The Hotel Collection properties is right on Amex’s website, and make sure to look for special offers. We hope this guide was helpful and that you consider booking a The Hotel Collection stay in the future!