We travel to enjoy both the thrill of the new and the comforts of timeless things, and so any list of the hottest destinations in the world is bound to contain classics and emerging winners alike. Whether it’s for a romantic getaway, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, these are the cities and regions that American Express Card Members are traveling to in 2020..
Memorial Day weekend marks the beginning of summer, and with it, summer getaways. Beyond the usual beach and barbecue itineraries, we’re approaching this Memorial Day as an opportunity to explore some well-traveled U.S. regions through a new lens.
We’ve highlighted four U.S. locales that are coveted vacation spots ripe with outdoor exploration possibilities, and where multiple Fine Hotels + Resorts® properties await to elevate your Memorial Day getaway. While you’re there, you can take advantage of an exclusive suite of benefits, including a $100 experience credit, unique to each property, guaranteed 4pm check-out and daily breakfast for two when you book with American Express Travel. Pick the perfect spot for your long weekend away.
If you want:
Charleston, SC: The understated yet glamorous historical southern city.
Las Vegas, NV: The epicenter of vibrant day and nightlife.
Miami, FL: Home to both beautiful beaches and global fashion, art and food.
Oahu, HI: Where it’s always island time.
Charleston is a city made for exploration—its gardens and architecture, lush beaches, world-class dining, and storied history offer something new to learn every day. Late spring is a lovely time to visit, with warm temperatures and everything blooming. And there’s a hotel for whatever style of Memorial Day getaway you’re looking for.
You’ll know you’ve arrived at an architectural jewel when you approach the bronze equestrian fountain, Georgian open-arm staircase, and Italian marble floors of The Charleston Place. Set in the heart of the historic district, the Belmond is steps away from the food, arts, and street life of Charleston but set off from the street to give it a truly exclusive feel. Before you venture out to explore the city’s rich history, apply your $100 experience credit toward a relaxing outdoor meal at the Palmetto Café.
If it’s a perfectly curated, old-world-meets-modern design you seek, look no further than The Dewberry, a ‘60s-era federal building renovated with the theme “Southern Reimagined.” The whimsical rooftop cocktail lounge is the perfect scene for your upscale twist on outdoor Memorial Day refreshments—take advantage of 4pm check-out the next day for an extra afternoon of enjoying the garden greenery of Charleston.
Travel just 20 miles outside of the city and you’ll be immersed in natural landscape at The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort. Check in to a grand seaside mansion-like property, where outdoor dining and leisure awaits. Use your $100 experience credit toward an oyster roast and barbecue or an authentic low-country feast, or apply it to booking a tee time at one of five majestic golf courses on the property. Enjoy a few extra rounds the next day, with your guaranteed 4pm check-out.
Ready for bright lights followed by some in-room respite? The iconic sights, renowned cuisine, and endless entertainment options of Las Vegas are here for you, with lots of outdoor options.
At the five-star ARIA Sky Suites, your accommodations live above the glimmering Strip, and a personal concierge can see to all of your needs. Visit the exclusive Sky Pool or the zen spa, and apply your $100 experience credit toward one of the sixteen in-resort restaurants including Jean Georges Steakhouse or sushi and seafood eatery CATCH.
If it’s a luxury respite you crave, head straight to the Four Seasons Hotel Las Vegas, for floor-to-ceiling windows in your room and exemplary service. Apply your $100 experience credit toward a pampering treatment or two at the world-class Four Seasons Spa, or lounge at the resort’s exclusive private pool—a quiet oasis in this bustling city—after complimentary breakfast at Veranda.
Enjoy top-of-the-line shopping, entertainment, and dining at the Wynn and Encore Las Vegas. Complimentary breakfast for two is available daily at Jardin when you book with us, and if you’re feeling too relaxed to pack up on time, take advantage of 4pm check-out (and more time on your Wynn Dream Bed).
The Five-Star Waldorf Astoria Las Vegas offers a highly personalized concierge team, Les Clefs d’Or concierges, who can help book your restaurant, spa, or show experience. In need of more? If you book with us, enjoy a $125 experience credit you can apply toward something special.
Want beautiful beaches, four-star food and streets alive with art and music? Head to Miami, where each Fine Hotels + Resorts® property has its own subculture and personality.
The Setai, Miami Beach envelops you in its chic post-modern façade, with hardwood floors and warm lighting in each Art Deco suite. Use your $100 experience credit toward a reservation at the Setai’s Pan-Asian restaurant Jaya, or a wood-fired fish entree at Ocean Grill, then take advantage of guaranteed 4pm check-out the next day to assure a few more dips in one of the resort’s three temperature controlled pools.
The storied Surf Club, once the resort of choice for Hollywood royalty, now lives as the Four Seasons Hotel at The Surf Club. It boasts its own private beach, a regal ballroom, and is home to The Champagne Bar, offering the largest selection of champagnes in Miami. Enjoy complimentary breakfast at The Terrace when you book with us.
Interested in a boutique hotel with larger-resort amenities? Check into The Miami Beach EDITION, with two ocean-facing pools, complimentary breakfast at Market at EDITION, and a world-class spa. Extend your checkout to 4pm when you book with us, and get an extra treatment in or a few more moments in the sun. If you need a little shade, check out the basement of the property, which houses a bowling alley and an ice rink.
In the mood for over the top? Faena Hotel Miami Beach understands, and will indulge you. Rooms are appointed in Art Deco 1950s flair with ocean and bay view quarters, and access to exceptional art, dining, and wellness experiences—use your $100 experience credit toward a treatment at Tierra Santa Healing House, where you can also practice yoga every morning.
If it’s a total escape you’re after, Oahu, aka “The Gathering Place” of the Hawaiian islands, may be the tropical haven you need.
Your vacation can be as low-key or as hands-on adventurous as you want at The Kahala Hotel & Resort: meet the dolphins in the resort’s private lagoon, learn to scuba dive, take a beachfront fitness class, or just relax beachside. Take advantage of guaranteed 4pm check-out when you book here, to add an extra half day to surf, kayak, or standup paddleboard—or just enjoy a few more indulgent hours by the pool.
Your stay will be elevated, literally, at The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Waikiki Beach: the resort’s infinity pools are housed on the eighth floor, making them the highest in the area. There’s everything from traditional rooms to residential studios and suites, all with an ocean view. Take in the view a few hours longer, or add on a Hawaiian-inspired treatment at the Ritz Carlton Spa the next day when you take advantage of 4pm check-out.
Toggle between active outdoorsy and lazy beachy Memorial Day vacation at the Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. Take out an outrigger canoe, hike the wild rugged coast, or play a few rounds of golf alongside cascading waterfalls. If it’s stillness you’re after, visit the Naupaka Spa and Wellness Centre. Start each day with complimentary breakfast at La Hiki Kitchen, then head to a private cabana, where you can apply your $100 experience credit toward rental fees.
Must be 21 years of age or older to consume alcoholic beverages. Please drink responsibly.
*Terms and Conditions
Fine Hotels + Resorts Program: Fine Hotels + Resorts® (FHR) program benefits are available for new bookings made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer, Business, and Corporate Platinum Card® Members and Centurion® Members and Additional Platinum Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts. (Companion Card Members on Consumer Platinum Card Accounts, Additional Business Gold Cards, Additional Business Expense Card Members on Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, and Delta SkyMiles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible). Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. The average total value of the program benefits is based on prior-year bookings for stays of two nights; the actual value varies. Noon check-in and room upgrade are subject to availability and are provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to the amount of the experience credit. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. The type and value of the daily breakfast (for two) varies by property; breakfast will be valued at a minimum of US$60 per room per day. If the cost of Wi-Fi is included in a mandatory property fee, a daily credit of that amount will be applied at check-out. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional FHR benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke FHR benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you may have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your FHR benefits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.
The Hotel Collection Program: The Hotel Collection (THC) benefits are available for new bookings of two consecutive nights or more made through American Express Travel with participating properties and are valid only for eligible U.S. Consumer and Business Gold Card, Platinum Card® and Centurion® Members and all Additional Card Members on Consumer and Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts. (Companion Card Members on Consumer Platinum Card Accounts, Additional Business Gold Cards, Additional Business Expense Card Members on Business Platinum and Centurion Card Accounts, and Delta SkyMiles® Gold and Platinum Card Members are not eligible). Bookings must be made using an eligible Card and must be paid using that Card, or another American Express® Card, in the eligible Card Member's name, and that Card Member must be traveling on the itinerary booked. Room upgrade is subject to availability and is provided at check-in; certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade. The type of experience credit or additional amenity (if applicable) varies by property; the experience credit will be applied to eligible charges up to $100. Advance reservations are recommended for certain experience credits. Benefit restrictions vary by property. Benefits are applied per room, per stay (with a three-room limit per stay). Back-to-back stays booked by a single Card Member, Card Members staying in the same room or Card Members traveling in the same party within a 24-hour period at the same property are considered one stay and are ineligible for additional THC benefits (“Prohibited Action”). American Express and the Property reserve the right to modify or revoke the THC benefits at any time without notice if we or they determine, in our or their sole discretion, that you have engaged in a Prohibited Action, or have engaged in abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with your THC benefits. Benefits cannot be redeemed for cash and are not combinable with other offers unless indicated. Benefits must be used during the stay booked. Any credits applicable are applied at check-out in USD or the local currency equivalent. Benefits, participating properties, and availability and amenities at those properties are subject to change.
$200 Hotel Credit: Basic Card Members on U.S. Consumer Platinum Card Account are eligible to receive up to $200 in statement credits per calendar year when they or Additional Platinum Card Members use their Cards to pay for eligible prepaid Fine Hotels +Resorts® and The Hotel Collection bookings made through American Express Travel (meaning through amextravel.com, the Amex® App,or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card) or when Companion Platinum Card Members on such Platinum Card Accounts pay for eligible prepaid bookings for The Hotel Collection made through American Express Travel (meaning through amextravel.com, the Amex® App, or by calling the phone number on the back of your eligible Card). Purchases by both the Basic Card Member and any Additional Card Members on the Card Account are eligible for statement credits. However, the total amount of statement credits for eligible purchases will not exceed $200 per calendar year, per Card Account. Fine Hotels + Resorts® program bookings may be made only by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic Platinum and Additional Platinum Card Members. The Hotel Collection bookings may be made by eligible U.S. Consumer Basic and Additional Platinum Card Members and Companion Platinum Card Members on the Platinum Card Account.
Delta Sky Miles® Platinum Card Members are not eligible for the benefit. To receive the statement credits, an eligible CardMember must make a new booking using their eligible Card through American Express Travel on or after July 1st, 2021, that is prepaid (referred to as "Pay Now" on amextravel.com and the Amex App), for a qualifying stay at an available, participating Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection property. Bookings of The Hotel Collection require a minimum stay of two consecutive nights. Eligible bookings must be processed before December 31st, 11:59 PM Central Time, each calendar year to be eligible for statement credits within that year. Eligible bookings do not include interest charges, cancellation fees, property fees or other similar fees, or any charges by a property to you (whether for your booking, your stay or otherwise). Statement credits are typically received within a few days, however, it may take 90 days after an eligible prepaid hotel booking is charged to the Card Account. American Express relies on the merchant to process transactions within the same calendar year that you made the prepaid booking in order to apply the statement credit in the calendar year that it was intended. For example, if you make an eligible prepaid booking on the last day of the year, but the merchant doesn’t process that transaction until the next day, then the statement credit available in the next calendar year will be applied to the Card Account, if the purchase is eligible.
Statement credits may not be received or maybe reversed if the booking is cancelled or modified. To be eligible for this benefit, your Card account must not be cancelled or past due at the time of statement credit fulfillment. If American Express does not receive information that identifies your transaction as eligible, you will not receive the statement credits. For example, your transaction will not be eligible if it is a booking: (i)made with a property not included in the Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection programs, (ii) not made through American Express Travel, or (iii) not made with an eligible Card.
Participating properties and their availability are subject to change. If AmericanExpress, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit, American Express will not have an obligation to provide and may reverse any statement credits provided to you. If a charge for an eligible purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Card Account, the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead, the statement credit may be applied to your Pay In Full balance. Please refer to AmericanExpress.com/FHR and AmericanExpress.com/HC for more information about Fine Hotels + Resorts and The Hotel Collection, respectively.
5X Membership Rewards® Points Platinum Card: Basic Card Members will get 1 Membership Rewards® point for each dollar charged for eligible purchases on their Platinum Card® or an Additional Card on their Account and 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar charged for eligible travel purchases on any Card on the Account (“Additional Points”), minus cancellations and credits. Eligible travel purchases are limited to: (i) purchases of air tickets on scheduled flights, of up to $500,000 in charges per calendar year, booked directly with passenger airlines or through American Express Travel (by calling 1-800-525-3355 or through AmexTravel.com); (ii) purchases of prepaid hotel reservations booked through American Express Travel; and (iii) purchases of prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com. Eligible travel purchases do not include: charter flights, private jet flights, flights that are part of tours, cruises, or travel packages (other than prepaid flight+hotel packages booked through AmexTravel.com), ticketing or similar service fees, ticket cancellation or change fees, property fees or similar fees, hotel group reservations or events, interest charges, or purchases of cash equivalents. Eligible prepaid hotel bookings or prepaid flight+hotel bookings that are modified directly with the hotel will not be eligible for Additional Points.
Bonuses that may be received with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express cannot be combined with this benefit. Any portion of a charge that the Basic Card Member elects to cover through redemption of Membership Rewards points is not eligible to receive points. Additional terms and restrictions apply.
Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for Additional Points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn Additional Points if the merchant’s code is not included in an Additional Points category. Basic Card Members may not receive Additional Points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an Additional Points category. For example, you may not receive Additional Points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services, a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers), or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.
To be eligible for this benefit, the Card Account must not be cancelled. If American Express, in its sole discretion, determines that you have engaged in or intend to engage in any manner of abuse, misuse, or gaming in connection with this benefit in any way American Express may remove access to this benefit from the Account. For additional information, call the number on the back of your Card or visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.
5X Membership Rewards Points for Business Platinum Card: You will get one point for each dollar charged for an eligible purchase on your Business Platinum Card® from American Express. You will get 4 additional points (for a total of 5 points) for each dollar spent on eligible travel purchases. Eligible travel purchases include scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Additionally, eligible travel purchases include prepaid hotel purchases made through American Express Travel, over the phone with our Travel Consultants or made online at AmexTravel.com, minus returns and other credits. Eligible travel purchases do NOT include non-prepaid hotel bookings, scheduled flights and prepaid flight+hotel packages over the phone, vacation packages, car rentals, cruise, hotel group reservations or events, ticketing service, cancellation or other fees, interest charges, purchases of travelers checks, purchases or reloading of prepaid cards, or purchases of other cash equivalents. To be eligible for the 5x Membership Rewards® points, you must both reserve and charge the travel purchase with the same eligible Business Platinum Card®. To modify a reservation you must cancel and rebook your reservation. You can cancel and rebook your reservation on AmexTravel.com or by calling a representative of AmexTravel.com at 1-800-297-2977. Cancellations are subject to hotel cancellation penalty policies. If hotel reservations are made or modified directly with the hotel provider, the reservation will not be eligible for this 5X Membership Rewards® point benefit. To be eligible to receive extra points, Card account(s) must not be cancelled or past due at the time of extra points fulfillment. If booking is cancelled, the extra points will be deducted from the Membership Rewards account. Extra points will be credited to the Membership Rewards account approximately 6-10 weeks after eligible purchases appear on the billing statement. Bonuses you may receive with your Card on other purchase categories or in connection with promotions or offers from American Express may not be combined with this benefit. The benefits associated with the Additional Card(s) you choose may be different than the benefits associated with your basic Card. To learn about the benefits associated with Additional Card(s) you choose, please call the number on the back of your Card.
Merchants are assigned codes based on what they primarily sell. We group certain merchant codes into categories that are eligible for additional points. A purchase with a merchant will not earn additional points if the merchant’s code is not included in an additional points category. You may not receive additional points if we receive inaccurate information or are otherwise unable to identify your purchase as eligible for an additional points category. For example, you may not receive additional points when: a merchant uses a third-party to sell their products or services; or a merchant uses a third-party to process or submit your transaction to us (e.g., using mobile or wireless card readers); or you choose to make a purchase using a third-party payment account or make a purchase using a mobile or digital wallet.
Please visit americanexpress.com/rewards-info for more information about rewards.
Pay with Points: To use Pay with Points, you must charge your eligible purchase through American Express Travel to a Membership Rewards® program-enrolled American Express® Card. Eligible purchases through American Express Travel exclude non-prepaid car rentals and non-prepaid hotels. Points will be debited from your Membership Rewards account, and credit for corresponding dollar amount will be issued to the American Express Card account used. If points redeemed do not cover entire amount, the balance of purchase price will remain on the American Express Card account. Minimum redemption 5,000 points.
See membershiprewards.com/terms for the Membership Rewards program terms and conditions.
If a charge for a purchase is included in a Pay Over Time balance on your Linked Account the statement credit associated with that charge may not be applied to that Pay Over Time balance. Instead the statement credit may be applied to your Pay in Full balance. If you believe this has occurred, please contact us by calling the number on the back of your Card.
Terms and Conditions for the Membership Rewards® program apply. Visit membershiprewards.com/terms for more information. Participating partners and available rewards are subject to change without notice.
The value of Membership Rewards points varies according to how you choose to use them. To learn more, go to www.membershiprewards.com/pointsinfo.
American Express Travel Related Services Company, Inc. is acting solely as a sales agent for travel suppliers and is not responsible for the actions or inactions of such suppliers. Certain suppliers pay us commission and other incentives for reaching sales targets or other goals and may provide incentives to our Travel Consultants. For more information visit americanexpress.com/travelterms
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