Spotlight Hotel
These Hotels Deliver Outstanding Stays, According to Amex Card Members
Each year, Amex Travel™ designates a top tier of Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection properties as Card Member Favorites, based on factors like post-stay feedback and booking demand. Find out which hotels made the cut.
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January 23, 2026
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You know it when you experience it – a hotel so special that it’s worth planning a trip around. That’s the stuff of our annual list of Card Member Favorites, which represents a top fraction (less than 15 percent) of our hotels across Fine Hotels + Resorts® and The Hotel Collection programs. In post-stay surveys, American Express Card Members raved about the level of exceptional service, amenities, and experiences that made their stays so memorable.
From all-inclusive retreats to historic boutique hotels, these properties wowed savvy travelers in 2025 and may inspire your 2026 plans. Read on for a sampling of favorites in the Riviera Nayarit, New York, Kyoto, Bodrum, and beyond.
Wherever you’re headed, remember that travel is more rewarding with your Platinum Card®. Get up to $300 in statement credits semi-annually for up to a total of $600 in statement credits per calendar year* on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection3 bookings through American Express Travel® using your Platinum Card.
Plus, you can explore with no foreign transaction fees1 on purchases made abroad with your Platinum Card.
1American Express will not charge any foreign transaction fee on the purchases you make outside of the United States with your Card. However, there may be circumstances where ATMs or merchants charge a fee on foreign transactions.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
Daily breakfast for two
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Guaranteed 4pm check-out
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3,*
12pm check-in, when available
Room upgrade upon arrival, when available1
$100 credit to use towards eligible charges2
Late check-out, when available
1Certain room categories are not eligible for upgrade.
2Eligible charges vary by property.
3The Hotel Collection requires a two-night minimum stay.
The Inn at Mattei's Tavern, Auberge Collection
Known for sweeping vineyards and bucolic horse ranches, Los Olivos is a charming town in Santa Barbara County, roughly two hours north of Los Angeles. Card Members love this elegantly rustic property for its cottage-style accommodations amid acres of farmland.
- The vibe: Laidback, with relaxing activities like daily yoga and bodywork classes. It’s a prime spot to unplug and unwind.
- Can’t-miss experience: Cozy up beside the on-site campfire to create your own homemade pie – baked on the fire – with a variety of toppings and fillings under chef supervision.
- Food & drink: Visit Felix Feed & Coffee in the mornings for coffee, tea, and light bites. The Tavern serves a menu of ranch-inspired grilled dishes alongside a standout wine list.
- Perfect for: Wellness Seekers, Couples, Adventurers
The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel
An iconic Manhattan hotel since 1930, The Carlyle occupies an Art Deco building on the Upper East Side, a short stroll from Central Park and New York’s Museum Mile. Card Members love this property for its location and pre-war era aesthetic. It's one of America's most historic hotels.
- The vibe: Opulent and oh-so New York, with touches like wallpaper hand-illustrated with vignettes of the city and a curated collection of art and books.
- Standout amenities: The full-service salon services include haircuts, color, makeup, nail treatments, and even event styling.
- Can’t-miss experience: Café Carlyle for dinner followed by a cabaret show.
- Food & drink: After dinner and a show at Café Carlyle, keep the evening going with cocktails at Bemelmans Bar, covered in murals by its namesake author and illustrator.
- Perfect for: Culture Aficionados, History Buffs
Riviera Nayarit, MexicoOne&Only Mandarina
Keep heading north past livelier, packed spots like Punta Mita and Puerto Vallarta and you'll reach One&Only Mandarina. The resort blends in with the surrounding coastline and jungle.
- The vibe: Upscale immersion in nature. You’ll stay in either secluded cliff-top villas or treehouses, crafted with native materials and offering panoramic views of the stunning volcanic landscape.
- Standout amenities: Six pools, including adults-only and family-friendly options. At the Kids Only Club, those aged 4-12 can embark on exciting adventures in a 42,000-square-foot playground among the trees while adults can join workshops like taste-testing Tequila and Mezcal or learning to make authentic tacos.
- Can’t-miss experience: Charter a resort catamaran or join a guided rainforest hike.
- Food & drink: Options abound, from Mexican cuisine at cliffside Carao to seafood and Asian-inspired dishes at the more casual Jetty Beach Club. The Treetop perched high above the Pacific, perfect for cocktails at sunset.
- Perfect for: Beach Lovers, Families, Couples
Cancún, MexicoHyatt Ziva Cancun
Some travelers flock to Cancun for the dynamic nightlife scene; this all-inclusive property is a favorite among Card Members who prefer a more relaxing, family-friendly experience.
- The vibe: An elegant beachy aesthetic with ocean views and kid-friendly perks.
- Standout amenities: Private balconies with infinity pools; select suites also have hot tubs. Tennis courts, three pools, plus a mini water park.
- Can’t-miss experience: Center yourself each morning with an oceanfront yoga class. In the evenings, the on-site amphitheater hosts music, dance, and acrobatic performances.
- Food & drink: Among the seven restaurants, El Mercado is an all-day gourmet buffet, while adults-only La Bastille serves elegant French cuisine. Dine on authentic tacos and fresh ceviche at Habaneros and grab a tropical cocktail at Juana Margarita.
- Perfect for: Families, Beach Lovers, All-Inclusive Travel
Hotel das Cataratas, A Belmond Hotel, Iguassu Falls
Iguassu Falls are staggering natural waterfalls within a lush national park on the border between Brazil and Argentina. Hotel das Cataratas sits on the Brazilian side – you can hear and, in many cases, see the falls from the rooms.
- The vibe: Portuguese colonial-era glamour. The pale pink hacienda-style building is surrounded by sculpted grounds blooming with tropical flowers.
- Standout amenities: Cataratas Spa for treatments like the Amazon massage, which incorporates locally sourced tropical oils. An orchid-lined pool and a tennis court.
- Can’t-miss experience: Take a sunrise hike through the rainforest; visit the 12-acre Bird Park (home to more than 160 avian species); or tour the Lower Falls via the resort’s speedboat.
- Food & drink: Barbecue at poolside Ipe Grill; Brazilian-influenced international cuisine at Itaipu Restaurant; and cocktails overlooking the falls at Bar Tarobá.
- Perfect for: Nature Lovers, Adventurous Travelers
Quito, EcuadorCasa Gangotena
Ecuador’s present-day capital, a UNESCO World Heritage city, sits on the foundation of an ancient Incan city. Casa Gangotena places you in the heart of Quito’s Old Town, where temples and presidential residences once stood.
- The vibe: Elegant boutique hotel with 31 rooms and suites featuring Art Deco furniture and soaring ceilings. Select suites including hand-painted friezes and murals.
- Standout amenities: A garden, a rooftop terrace, and a wellbeing space for massages and treatments. Notably, the hotel offers a Limpia Andina ceremony, which employs local herbs and plants to expel negative energy.
- Can’t-miss experience: The property can arrange excursions to cultural destinations like the Carmen Alto Museum and San Francisco Brewery.
- Food & drink: Experience the Ecuadorian equivalent of high tea at Café Quinteño, which serves a lavish spread of rich Ecuadorian coffees, pastries, and sandwiches.
- Perfect for: History Buffs, Urban Explorers
Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum
A historic city overlooking the Aegean Sea on Turkey’s southwest coast, Bodrum has become popular with in-the-know travelers. Mandarin Oriental, Bodrum is a luxurious home base for exploring all the seaside activities and landmarks.
- The vibe: Stylish and indulgent, with two private beaches and suites and villas providing views of the sea or manicured gardens, some with their own infinity pools.
- Standout amenities: Private scrub rooms in the spa's hammams; Pilates and yoga classes; an aquatic center to arrange scuba diving and sailing; and a kids' club.
- Can’t-miss experience: The Guest Experience Ambassador service allows you to curate an itinerary that includes visiting an ultra-secluded private beach.
- Food & drink: Dine your way around the world without leaving the hotel thanks to Peruvian-inspired sushi at Kurochan by IOKI; elevated Cantonese cuisine at Hakkasan; freshly caught seafood at Lucca by the Sea; and casual Turkish fare at Paradise Bay’s Blue Beach Club & Bar.
- Perfect for: Adventurous Travelers, Couples, Luxury Lovers
Cannes, FranceMondrian Cannes
A Card Member Favorite for its location on Boulevard de la Croisette, the refurbished Mondrian Cannes counts 75 guest rooms and easy access to the city’s cultural sites.
- The vibe: Boutique hotel chic with modern black-and-white décor and a private beach.
- Standout amenities: Seaside lounge chairs on the hotel's private beach; private rooftop Jacuzzis, available when you book top-floor Panoramic Rooms.
- Can’t-miss experience: Yoga class in the garden. Book outings with the concierge, say, a boat tour of the nearby Lerins Islands or a relaxing paint-and-sip session.
- Food & drink: Mr. Nakamoto incorporates Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, and Japanese influences into its artful dishes. After dark, the energy picks up with live DJ sets at the bar.
- Perfect for: Beach Lovers, Francophiles, Film Buffs
Sydney, AustraliaInterContinental Sydney
An upscale Down Under retreat, the InterContinental Sydney occupies the former Treasury Building of 1851. It overlooks Sydney Harbor and is a short stroll from attractions like the Sydney Opera House and Royal Botanic Gardens.
- The vibe: Stylish and contemporary. Suites have sweeping harbor views and blue accents.
- Standout amenities: A heated indoor pool with daybeds and a 24/7 fitness center.
- Can’t-miss experience: The concierge can arrange everything from private seaplane rides and cooking classes to wildlife-spotting and foraging excursions.
- Food & drink: Breakfast is a gourmet buffet experience at Conservatory Restaurant, while The Treasury prepares international fare with Australian flavors for lunch and dinner.
- Perfect for: Urban Explorers, Milestone Trips
Kyoto, JapanAce Hotel Kyoto
Travelers flock to Kyoto for its traditional charms, Buddhist temples, and imperial palaces. And Card Members flock to the Ace Hotel for its East-meets-West design with an unfussy attitude and affordable rates.
- The vibe: Elegantly edgy, with an art gallery and creative touches throughout.
- Standout amenities: In-room turntables to soundtrack your stay, suites featuring luxurious Japanese soaking tubs, and complimentary bike rentals.
- Can’t-miss experience: The boutique hotel’s creative sensibility extends to activations like pop-up DJ sets and artists-in-residence.
- Food & drink: Farm-to-table Japanese dishes, afternoon tea, and pastries are all on offer at Kosa. Visit Piopiko for casual tacos and cocktails or the rooftop Mister Maurice for hearty Italian food.
- Perfect for: Urban Explorers, Art Lovers, Gen Z
Cairo, EgyptThe St. Regis Cairo
A skyscraper soaring above the Nile River, The St. Regis Cairo has neutral color palettes and design elements that reflect the region, like papyrus flower wall coverings and mosaic bathroom tiles. Card Members love its proximity to the Great Pyramids, the Sphinx, and Khan el-Khalili, one of the city’s largest outdoor bazaars.
- The vibe: Modern luxury in Old Cairo.
- Standout amenities: Every suite comes with private butler service, which covers packing and unpacking, pressing, beverage service, and more. There are indoor and outdoor pools.
- Can’t-miss experience: Take a cruise down the Nile, tour the pyramids, and visit the highly-anticipated Grand Egyptian Museum, open as of November 2025.
- Food & drink: The hotel boasts a lively on-site restaurant scene, from traditional Italian cuisine at La Zisa and premium steaks at J&G Steakhouse to authentic Singaporean fare at Tianma.
- Perfect for: Bucket List Travel, Luxury Travelers, Adventure Lovers
Waldorf Astoria Doha West Bay
This sky-high property opened in 2024 in a 44-story tower in West Bay’s Diplomatic Area, close to both scenic gulf beaches and the bustling city center. Nearby attractions include The National Museum of Qatar and Souq Waqif marketplace for browsing traditional clothing, spices, and handcrafted wares.
- The vibe: Polished and sophisticated, with nods to the flagship Waldorf Astoria New York (there’s a giant Tiffany clock in the lobby). Art Deco-inspired suites have monochromatic black-and-white décor and floor-to-ceiling windows with bird’s eye city views.
- Standout amenities: The four-floor Waldorf Astoria Spa & WA Fitness Center includes a hammam and hydrotherapy pools.
- Can’t-miss experience: Visit nearby Heenat Salma for an immersive tour of the farm and hands-on workshop.
- Food & drink: You’ll have your pick of experiences and cuisines, from pastries and tea at Parisienne patisserie Ledoux to high-end Cantonese at Yun. Gourmet emporium Tribeca Market channels the spirit of an American marketplace.
- Perfect for: Luxury Travelers, Urban Explorers, Wellness Seekers
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