American Express announced on August 12, 2026, the addition of 351 properties to its Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection programs. This expansion marks the 35th anniversary of American Express Travel and brings the total combined portfolio to more than 3,400 properties across 116 countries.
Expansion Covers Diverse International Destinations
The newly added properties span Europe, Asia, Africa, Oceania, and South America, including countries such as Japan, New Zealand, Morocco, and Argentina. These accommodations represent a variety of travel types, from beach resorts and city hotels to wellness retreats and adventure spots. Most of the new hotels are currently bookable on AmexTravel.com, with
a limited number expected to be available soon.
Program Eligibility and Card Benefits
Access to these hotel programs depends on the American Express card held. The Hotel Collection is available to a broader spectrum of eligible cardholders, while Fine Hotels + Resorts targets a narrower, premium cardmember base. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay to qualify for benefits, whereas Fine Hotels + Resorts permits bookings with no minimum stay requirements.
Certain eligible cards, including the Amex Platinum and Business Platinum, offer up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits toward prepaid bookings within these programs. These credits are distributed as two $300 allowances
split from January to June and July to December, separate from on-property credits provided during stays.
Travel Benefits and Program Features
American Express cardmembers booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts earn Membership Rewards points and, where applicable, hotel loyalty points concurrently. The Hotel Collection and Fine Hotels + Resorts programs provide on-property perks tailored to premium travelers. The hotel portfolio evolves over time as properties join or leave based on cardmember preferences and program standards.
Hotel Selection Process and Program Management
Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, explained that the Hotel Curation Team evaluates each property against required and preferred criteria rooted in premium cardmembers’ values. This process determines the
appropriate program classification. Hendley stated, “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 added, “When it comes to hotels specifically, we like to say ‘Book Once, Earn Twice.'”
The company did not disclose the number of hotels removed during this update. The portfolio adjusts regularly to align with cardmember interest and maintain program standards.
