American Express Travel Celebrates 35 Years with Major Expansion
In a significant move to celebrate its 35th anniversary, American Express Travel is enhancing its prestigious Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs by introducing over 350 new properties from various corners of the globe. Originally launched in 1991 with a modest selection of just 120 hotels, the Fine Hotels + Resorts initiative has now blossomed into a remarkable portfolio of more than 3,400 properties across 116 countries. This expansion not only signifies the growth of American Express Travel but also provides its eligible cardholders with a wider array of choices when booking their accommodations through Amex Travel.
New Properties and Enhanced Travel Experiences
The recent additions, totaling 351 properties, encompass diverse destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America. Many of these hotels are already available for booking on AmexTravel.com, with a few more expected to be accessible shortly. The new properties cater to various travel styles, ranging from serene beach retreats to vibrant city escapes, wellness-oriented trips, and thrilling adventure destinations. Audrey Hendley, the president of American Express Travel, emphasized the meticulous selection process, stating that each hotel is evaluated based on a set of required and preferred criteria that reflect the values and preferences of their premium Card Members.
This expansion not only enriches the experience for travelers but also offers substantial benefits for eligible American Express cardholders. While the Fine Hotels + Resorts program is tailored to luxury accommodations and has a more selective eligibility criterion, The Hotel Collection is accessible to a broader range of cardholders. However, it is essential to note that The Hotel Collection does require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights to avail of its benefits, whereas Fine Hotels + Resorts allows cardholders to enjoy perks without such a stay requirement.
Furthermore, certain eligible cards provide statement credits for hotel bookings made through Amex Travel, which can significantly enhance the value for cardholders. For instance, both the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards offer up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits for eligible prepaid bookings within these two collections, divided into two $300 increments across the year. The expansion of options within the Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection also means more opportunities for cardholders to utilize their hotel statement credits effectively, making travel more rewarding.
As reported by thepointsguy.com.
