AMEX Platinum Charge Benefits - Q&A

[jbmemories]

I've observed some weirdness in the past where hotels have been removed from FHR only to return a few weeks later. Hopefully it's that scenario.

Contracts expiring with hotel brands and renewing, AMEX used to have deals regionally, but there was talks (back in 2019) of making it global. One example of such regional expirations was AUS FHR no longer had COMO Perth but the US and UK FHR still allowed booking.

 

[Daver6]

Contracts expiring with hotel brands and renewing, AMEX used to have deals regionally, but there was talks (back in 2019) of making it global. One example of such regional expirations was AUS FHR no longer had COMO Perth but the US and UK FHR still allowed booking.

Which is also ironic because COMO Perth is included in The Hotel Collection.

 

[netaddict]

Are you looking online trying to make a booking? Noticed some hotels aren't appearing online to book for FHR yet travel over the phone can book it.

 

[Daver6]

Are you looking online trying to make a booking? Noticed some hotels aren't appearing online to book for FHR yet travel over the phone can book it.

Yes. Is there a secret list of FHR hotels you can book over the phone but not online?

 

[netaddict]

Yes. Is there a secret list of FHR hotels you can book over the phone but not online?

This is the list of hotels that should be available.

Fine Hotels + Resorts® | The Hotel Collection | Amex Travel

Get Exceptional Benefits at Over 2,200 Luxury Hotels and Resorts with American Express Travel Premium Hotel Programs.

www.americanexpress.com

If a hotel isn't appearing when trying to book online I generally call and they can do it over the phone. No idea why AMEX Travel online sometimes doesn't show all hotels.

 

[Daver6]

This is the list of hotels that should be available.

Fine Hotels + Resorts® | The Hotel Collection | Amex Travel

Get Exceptional Benefits at Over 2,200 Luxury Hotels and Resorts with American Express Travel Premium Hotel Programs.

www.americanexpress.com

If a hotel isn't appearing when trying to book online I generally call and they can do it over the phone. No idea why AMEX Travel online sometimes doesn't show all hotels.

Very interesting! There not only is COMO Perth included, it has a very generous offer!

 

[SeaWolf]

Has anyone got any experience to share on how fast a points transfer to QFF occurs? I had a bit of search without any luck and was wondering what people's experiences are?
I'm just doing some planning and might need to quickly move some points over to snag an award seat.

 

[georgie23]

It happened within minutes for me
that was about a month ago

 

[andye]

Same for me but a year ago

 

[CallMeHoju]

I did one earlier today for the "new cardholder" 20k bonus points offer. Took about 2 mins for the points to come through. No new cardholder points yet though.

 

[SeaWolf]

Good to know that it's pretty much instant. Thanks everyone.

 

[_TheTraveller_]

Long shot but does anyone know whether the concierge is any good at getting difficult bookings for certain restaurants?

 

[RealtimeY]

Concierge is no longer available

 

[sudoer]

Yep as above, Concierge got nerfed in June.

I made a formal complaint to Amex as I'd used the service a few times in the preceding 12 months for restaurants and event tickets, and received the following back...

As you are aware, we have made change to the Platinum Concierge service. From 12 June 2024 onwards, Platinum Concierge service will only accommodate travel queries. Concierge services for any other queries such as, dining, experiences, and shopping will no longer be available.

There has been a shift with Card Members preferring to self-service digitally and the Amex Experiences App enables digital delivery of features and benefits.

They offered no compensation but this lost benefit will form the basis of my dance with the cancellations team in a few months.

 

[RealtimeY]

There has been a shift with Card Members preferring to self-service digitally and the Amex Experiences App enables digital delivery of features and benefits.

Good luck with that. They definitely have talking points about the Experience app ready and will educate you about it. I find this pushing of the Experiences app particularly arrogant given how much of a downgrade it is, and just how bad the app is. Even the Amex My Account page is a more personalised experience than that app.

 

[Daver6]

I've had a look at that app and it's totally pointless. You can't actually do anything useful from the app. I mean you can't even self serve.

I'm with you @sudoer. Concierge was something I often used prior to Covid. Telling you that concierge only deals with travel enquiries is also nonsense. It's just Amex Travel. What's most annoying is when you get an email response back, it's always from a no-reply email address so you're forced to call.

 

[Doctore1003]

In Paris last month, I wanted to use the dining credit and thought I'd be able to open the app and find some restaurants nearby.
Zero ability to view restaurants by proximity or display all on a map.
Had to individually check the 100+ listings
Hopeless.

 

[georgie23]

Honestly I forgot it even existed till now
Opened it up
It just seems a summary of website without any additional functionality - hardly a replacement for Concierge

 

[djkelly69]

Zero ability to view restaurants by proximity or display all on a map.

Yeah has unfortunately always been like that. Had to do the same thing in Vancouver (although with significantly less than 100 options) where you click on each option, click through to check how far away it is on Google maps, then go back to the app and look at the next one.