Oct. 17, 2026 • 5 min read Jump to section Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Copy URL Email The cards we feature here are from partners who compensate us when you are approved through our site, and this may impact how or where these products appear. We don’t cover all available credit cards, but our analysis, reviews, and opinions are entirely from our editorial team. Terms apply to the offers listed on this page. Please view our advertising policy and product review methodology for more information. I recently saved around $450 on a two-night hotel stay by booking it with the right card. And I did it in a way I honestly hadn't tried before, but absolutely will again.
The American Express Platinum Card® , which I have and love, comes with up to $600 in annual hotel statement credits, split into two up-to-$300 credits each calendar year — one from January through June and another from July through December.
These can be used on eligible prepaid stays booked through American Express Travel® at either Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.
But as I recently discovered, how you use that credit can make a big difference in the value you get from it.
Related: How to maximize the $300 Amex Platinum hotel credit
To be transparent, I've mostly used our Amex Platinum hotel statement credits for stays at Fine Hotels + Resorts rather than The Hotel Collection.
That's partly because Fine Hotels + Resorts allows one-night bookings, but also because its properties come with more extensive benefits, including complimentary breakfast for two and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout.
The problem with that strategy is that Fine Hotels + Resorts properties are generally pretty pricey. As in, it's not uncommon for stays to cost $500 to $1,000 per night.
TPG Tip: You can use sites such as MaxMyFHR to quickly find some of the lower-cost hotels and dates where you can use these benefits.
Daily Newsletter Reward your inbox with the TPG Daily newsletter Join over 700,000 readers for breaking news, in-depth guides and exclusive deals from TPG’s experts Email address Sign up Submitting... By signing up, you will receive newsletters and promotional content and agree to our Terms of Use and acknowledge the data practices in our Privacy Policy . You may unsubscribe at any time.
While a up-to-$300 credit can make a one-night luxury stay more affordable, that isn't always the best fit when I'm traveling with my family.
Enter: Amex's The Hotel Collection .
The Hotel Collection includes a range of upscale properties, some of which can be more affordable than Fine Hotels + Resorts options.
On a recent long weekend trip to Disney World with my family, we used our $300 credit to book a two-night stay at the Walt Disney World Swan, which is part of The Hotel Collection.
For those not familiar with the Walt Disney World Swan, it's actually a Marriott property located on Disney property, within walking distance of both Epcot and Disney's Hollywood Studios. It's basically a perfect combination for someone who loves points, card perks and Disney.
The nearby Walt Disney World Dolphin and Walt Disney World Swan Reserve are also Marriott properties available through Amex's The Hotel Collection.
Related: Best hotels near Disney World you can book with points
Our two-night stay at the Swan over a busy holiday weekend cost $672 through Amex Travel, plus a resort f…