My Experience With Amex Fine Hotels and Resorts
A benefit of the Amex Platinum Credit Card is access to the Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) program. When booking through the FHR program, you are eligible for benefits like room upgrades (when available), daily breakfast for two, guaranteed 4 PM late checkout, early check-in (when available), and a property credit, often worth $100.
Amex FHR Experience at La Cantera Resort & Spa
My first experience with the FHR program was a one-night stay at La Cantera Resort & Spa in San Antonio, Texas. We needed a spot for an overnight stay during a road trip from North Texas to South Padre Island, so I used this opportunity to see if I could use my FHR benefit.
My main complaint about the FHR hotel options is the expensive cash rates. I was thrilled to find a reasonable one-night rate at La Cantera Resort & Spa. I booked the hotel with my Amex Platinum card, and after the $200 statement credit offered by Amex for one FHR booking per year, I paid $130 for the room.
We received an upgrade to a one-bedroom suite with a nice little living area and a pull-out couch for the kids to sleep on. We only expected to receive complimentary breakfast for two but the server did not charge us for the kids. At check-in, the desk recognized that I had made my reservation through the FHR program and notified me that we would receive a $100 credit at the hotel. We used the credit to pay for snacks and drinks at the pool.
The family pool area was fabulous. There was an awesome water slide that was the perfect size for my four and seven-year-olds. The pool also had fancy pool lounge chairs that were perfect for me.
The area was kind of on the small side. Had the hotel been busy, it might not have been so enjoyable. While we were there, it was pretty empty. There were just a few other families with kids for my kids to play with.
Hotel Security Issue
I had no complaints about our stay at the hotel until we were leaving. As we drove away from the property, my husband realized he didn’t have his wedding ring. He left it on the nightstand. We’d already returned our room keys, so my husband returned to the hotel and told the guy at the desk that he had forgotten something in the room and did not have a key. Without asking for any identification, my husband was given a room key. No one escorted him to the room to verify he was really getting something he’d forgotten. My husband took the key, went to the room, got his ring, and returned to the car.
I often travel solo for work, and this is why I bring my hotel door lock.
Never Miss the Alamo
Since we were in San Antonio, we had to take the kids to the Alamo. Unfortunately, the weather wasn’t great. It was rainy, so we quickly explored. My seven-year-old wanted to go inside the Alamo, but my four-year-old was not interested. The Alamo has been there for 300 years, so we decided to wait until the next trip to San Antonio.
Amex FHR Experience The Las Colinas Resort*
Another one of the many perks of award travel is that I can take mini-vacations with each of my kids. I booked a one-night staycation at The Las Colinas Resort for me and my 5-year-old. After my $200 statement credit for paying with my Amex Platinum card, the room cost me $150.
When checking, I was notified that we had been upgraded. Because we booked through the FHR program, we were given a $100 hotel credit and complimentary breakfast. I asked if room service breakfast was also covered and was told that the free breakfast benefit did include room service.
Our stay at the hotel was in March, so the pool was too cold for me. The hotel does have an indoor pool, but it’s a lap pool and was not 5-year-old friendly.
The hotel has a fire in the evening, and you can make s’mores by the pool. My son was happy to participate.
We used the $100 credit to order room service for dinner, and because my son loved the experience so much, we also had room service for breakfast. I did not go by the desk to review my bill before checkout, a mistake I won’t make again.
A few weeks later, I noticed my credit card had been charged for room service. It took numerous phone calls to the hotel desk and accounting department to get the charges refunded. Had I checked out with the desk, this annoyance could probably have been avoided.
*The hotel has since been renamed The Ritz Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas
MaxFHR
I recently discovered MaxFHR, and if you want to use the FHR benefits, you will add this site to your Favorites list. MaxFHR is a free tool that can help you find the best locations to book if you want to get the most out of the $200 FHR statement credit.
I no longer have an Amex Platinum card, but I wish I had MaxFHR when I did have access to the benefit. I found my FHR deals the old fashion way, searching over and over again.
Final Thoughts About the Amex FHR Program
I play the points and miles game because I don’t want to use cash on travel. I enjoy the types of hotels offered in the FHR program, and the benefits can be valuable. Still, ultimately, the usability of the benefits is too limited for me to keep my Amex Platinum card and give FHR a great review.
