American Express Travel is expanding luxury options for cardholders by adding 281 properties to its Fine Hotels & Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs. Each new property is selected through a careful application and evaluation process, ensuring consistent service, amenities and standards for travelers who expect high-quality experiences.
Allison Beer, vice president of strategic partnerships at American Express Travel, explained that the company relies on multiple inputs when choosing properties: aggregated card spend data, independent evaluations and direct feedback from card members. “Our card members are avid travelers who expect a certain travel experience, whether they’re on a once-in-a-lifetime international adventure or a spontaneous weekend getaway,” Beer said. “We analyze data and member feedback to ensure our hotel programs offer the best possible selection.”
The Fine Hotels & Resorts program has expanded to include new destinations such as Mendoza, Bogotá, Fes and the Algarve. Among the most popular recent additions are the Miami Beach Edition, Zero George Street and Eden Rock — St Barths. To make it easier for travelers to find suitable properties, the program now groups hotels into clearer categories—boutique, designer and card member favorites—so members can quickly identify the style of stay they prefer.
Cardholders booking through Fine Hotels & Resorts can expect a standard set of benefits: late check-out, room upgrades when available, daily breakfast for two, early check-in when available, complimentary WiFi and a unique property amenity tailored to each hotel.
The Hotel Collection is also experiencing rapid growth, with cardholder bookings increasing by 300 percent in the first quarter of 2016. Focused on top properties in popular destinations, The Hotel Collection now offers expanded benefits including a $75 hotel credit, room upgrades as available, double Membership Rewards points and the option to pay for stays with Membership Rewards points. Notable new additions for 2016 include Thompson Playa del Carmen, The Muse New York, a Kimpton Hotel and Boscolo Exedra Roma.
Beer emphasized that variety is central to American Express Travel’s offerings. “For our card members, choice is king. Whether they’re looking for an affordable option for a family trip or a more lavish stay for an anniversary, we continue to expand our lodging programs to meet the needs of diverse travel experiences,” she said.