As a travel-loving mom who’s always looking for that sweet spot between luxury and value, I’ve got a confession: I’m obsessed with maximizing travel perks. And if you’ve been following my journey beyond the Las Vegas Strip, you know I’m all about experiencing destinations authentically while still indulging in those luxurious moments that make a vacation truly special.
My recent Vegas getaway with my husband was the perfect opportunity to put my AMEX Platinum card to work through their Fine Hotels & Resorts program. Let me tell you—this might be the travel industry’s best-kept secret for upgrading your hotel experience without emptying your wallet.
The Pre-Trip Switch: From ARIA to Four Seasons
Initially, I had booked the ARIA—a beautiful property, don’t get me wrong—at $848.08 for two nights in a Deluxe King. Standard check-in would’ve been 3:00 PM, with an 11:00 AM checkout. It’s not terrible, but it’s not impressive.
Then my research mode kicked in (you know how I get when planning trips). I discovered that booking the Four Seasons Las Vegas through AMEX FHR would actually give us more luxury for less money. You know I switched that reservation immediately!
Related: Luxury Travel in Las Vegas: A Weekend Escape for Parents Who Don’t Gamble
Breaking Down the AMEX FHR Magic
For those unfamiliar, AMEX Fine Hotels & Resorts is a collection of luxury properties that offer exclusive perks to Platinum and Centurion cardholders. Here’s how we maximized these benefits during our stay:
1. Welcome Gift That Sets the Tone
Walking into our room to find a gorgeous box of chocolate truffles waiting for us? Yes, please! It’s a small touch, but it immediately signaled that this wouldn’t be an ordinary hotel experience.
2. The Room Upgrade That Made Me Do a Happy Dance
I booked a Superior Room with a king bed but was upgraded to a Deluxe King Suite. The difference was dramatic—more space, better views of the Strip and mountains, and that Four Seasons luxury touch in every detail.
3. $150 Spa Credit That Restored Our Sanity
Listen, between juggling work, two energetic daughters, and everything else life throws our way, my husband and I needed that couples massage. The regular price was $520, but with our $150 credit, we paid $370. Worth. Every. Penny.
Pro tip: Book your spa treatments well in advance, especially on weekends. The Four Seasons Spa fills up quickly; you don’t want to miss out on using this credit.
Related: Best Restaurants in Las Vegas: My 48-Hour Culinary Journey During Nas Residency
4. Daily Breakfast Credit That Started Our Days Right
Our package included a $75 daily food and beverage credit for breakfast. At a luxury hotel where breakfast can easily run $30-40 per person, this essentially meant free breakfast for both of us each morning. We enjoyed room service one morning (breakfast in bed while looking at those views!) and the restaurant the next day.
5. Early Check-in Potential
With AMEX FHR, we could have checked in as early as noon. Our flight landed later in the evening, so we didn’t need this perk this time, but it’s a fantastic option to have—especially for those early arrivals when you’re desperate for a shower and a real bed.
6. Late Checkout That Saved Our Trip
The 4:00 PM late checkout turned out to be a lifesaver when our JetBlue flight was canceled. Even though my husband managed to book us on an early afternoon flight, knowing we had the flexibility to stay until 4:00 PM removed a major stressor. No rushing, no sitting in the lobby with our luggage for hours—just a calm, dignified departure.
This perk alone can add almost a full day to your vacation. Think about it: standard checkout is 11:00 AM, but you get to stay until 4:00 PM. That’s five extra hours to enjoy the pool, grab a leisurely lunch, or squeeze in one last Vegas experience.
The Value Breakdown: Was It Worth It?
Through AMEX FHR, our two-night stay at the Four Seasons cost $825.40 in total. If we had kept our original ARIA booking, we would have paid $848.08 without any of these perks. So, just on the room rate alone, we saved about $23. Plus, I got a $200 statement credit after our stay, really bringing the costs down to $625.40.
But when you factor in all the benefits:
- Room upgrade (approximately $100/night value)
- $150 spa credit
- $150 in breakfast credits ($75 x 2 days)
- Late checkout (essentially giving us almost a whole extra day)
- Welcome gift (small but appreciated!)
- A $200 statement credit was applied to my AMEX account after our stay
The total value of these perks easily exceeded $600. On a two-night stay, that’s a massive win! When you subtract the $200 statement credit, we essentially paid $625.40 for what would have been over $1,200 in value if booked separately.
When AMEX FHR Makes the Most Sense
After this experience, I’ve realized AMEX FHR is particularly valuable for:
- Short stays (1-3 nights) where you can maximize the one-time credits
- Luxury destinations where hotel upgrades can be substantial
- Couples getaways where you can fully enjoy amenities like breakfast for two and spa services
- Flexible travel dates when you can take advantage of special AMEX Travel offers
The program also works with hotel loyalty programs so that you can double-dip on rewards. If you already have Hilton Gold or Marriott Gold status through your AMEX Platinum, combining those benefits with FHR can result in even better upgrades and experiences.
Things to Know Before You Book
- Benefits vary by property, so always check what’s offered at your specific hotel.
- The $100+ property credit might be limited to certain services (spa, dining, etc.)
- Rates through AMEX Travel are sometimes lower than booking direct, but not always.
- If you have the AMEX Platinum card, don’t forget about your annual $200 FHR credit! This statement credit is applied automatically when you book through the Fine Hotels & Resorts program—it’s literally FREE money toward your luxury stay.
The Final Verdict
As a Black millennial mom who loves luxury experiences but still appreciates value, AMEX FHR has earned a permanent place in my travel planning toolkit. The program essentially lets you experience true luxury hotels the way they’re meant to be experienced—with VIP treatment, meaningful amenities, and a level of service that elevates your entire trip.
This Vegas stay reminded me that sometimes the real luxury isn’t just in the thread count of the sheets or the brand name of the hotel—it’s in those moments of ease, flexibility, and indulgence that make you feel truly taken care of while traveling.
Have you used AMEX FHR for any of your travels? I’d love to hear about your experiences in the comments below!
If you’re interested in the AMEX Platinum card and its benefits, you can learn more here