American Express Travel expanded its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs by adding 351 properties worldwide as of August 12-13, 2026. This growth raises the combined portfolio to more than 3,400 properties spanning 116 countries across Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America.
Program Eligibility and Benefits
The Hotel Collection is accessible to a broader group of eligible American Express cardholders, requiring a minimum stay of two consecutive nights to qualify for benefits. Fine Hotels + Resorts, with a narrower eligibility, does not impose a minimum stay requirement for its benefits.
Eligible cardmembers using Amex Platinum and Business Platinum cards can
receive up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits for prepaid bookings made through these programs. The credit is split into two periods: up to $300 from January through June and another $300 from July through December. Enrollment is necessary to activate these statement credit benefits.
Cardmembers booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts can earn Membership Rewards points and may also accrue points from participating hotel loyalty programs when enrolled.
Hotel Selection and Curation Process
Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, stated that the company’s Hotel Curation Team evaluates each property against required and preferred criteria based on premium Card Members’ travel preferences. This
process determines whether a hotel fits better within Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection.
Hotel portfolios are dynamic, with properties joining or leaving programs depending on cardmember interest and conformity with program standards. The expansion introduced hotels that suit various travel styles including beach, city, wellness, and adventure stays.
Traveler Benefits and Expanded Options
The addition of over 350 hotels significantly increases booking options for eligible American Express cardmembers globally. This expansion enhances opportunities to utilize hotel statement credits and to benefit from on-property perks linked to Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection.
The Hotel Collection’s two-night minimum stay condition contrasts
with Fine Hotels + Resorts which has no minimum requirements, offering more flexibility for shorter trips. Earned rewards through bookings provide additional value to premium cardholders.
Background and Program History
Fine Hotels + Resorts was launched in 1991 with 120 properties and has grown to serve more than 3,400 hotels in 116 countries by 2026. The current expansion marks part of American Express Travel’s celebration of its 35th anniversary.
Hendley emphasized the tailored curation approach: “Our Hotel Curation Team reviews each property against a set of required and preferred criteria informed by what we know our premium Card Members value when they travel.” She
also highlighted the benefit structure, saying, “When it comes to hotels specifically, we like to say ‘Book Once, Earn Twice.'”
