American Express adds 350 luxury hotels to Platinum Card travel program as it doubles down on premium travel

American Express is significantly expanding the travel benefits of its Platinum Card by adding over 350 premium hotels to its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs. This addition brings the total number of properties in the combined portfolio to more than 3,400 across 116 countries, offering Platinum Card members a wider selection of curated stays and exclusive perks such as complimentary breakfast, guaranteed late checkout, and on-property credits.

This move marks the 35th anniversary of Fine Hotels + Resorts, a luxury hotel program that has been instrumental in delivering enhanced travel experiences to Platinum Card members for more than three decades. The company's president, Audrey Hendley, emphasized that the expansion stems from a growing understanding of how travelers use their time in lounges and hotels, with the aim of delivering more relevant and valuable benefits.

The strategy reflects a broader shift in American Express's approach to premium travel, with the company investing in a more comprehensive travel ecosystem rather than solely relying on traditional credit card rewards. Over the past year, American Express has introduced new services like Sidecar by The Centurion Lounge, expanded its airport lounge network, and rolled out travel-focused benefits to better cater to affluent cardholders.

The new hotel additions were chosen to reflect evolving travel preferences, with travelers increasingly seeking properties that offer unique experiences beyond just a five-star hotel. Examples include Selman Marrakech in Morocco, a luxury equestrian retreat, and Espacio Nagoya Castle in Japan, which blends Japanese art, wellness, and access to the country's culinary scene.