When I finally made the decision to apply for my first premium credit card, The Platinum Card® from American Express, last year, I meticulously calculated the savings from the benefits I knew I'd utilise to ensure that the $695 annual charge (see rates and fees) would be worthwhile for me.
However, there was one significant provision from which I naively believed I would never benefit: the $200 yearly prepaid hotel credit.
Eight months later, when I was scrambling to find a last-minute hotel for a three-night trip to New York, I decided to check out the Amex Travel portal because I knew I'd earn 5 points for every dollar I spent there if I used my Amex Platinum card to make the reservation and pay for the lodging.
The $200 credit is available for stays of any duration at Fine Hotels + Resorts hotels as well as stays of two nights or longer at The Hotel Collection properties. When I arrived at the website, a pop-up informed me that I hadn't yet utilised the credit.
I decided to randomly check the site, which had previously offered houses that were astronomically expensive, to see what was available.
In the end, I stayed at a Hotel Collection establishment, where I reserved a sizable junior suite with breakfast for just $98 a night.
Here, I'll explain how it happened precisely and why the $200 prepaid hotel credit is available to everyone, not only high-spending guests at hotels with nightly rates in the thousands of dollars.
How I made my hotel selection
I used the TodayTix app's Black Friday and Cyber Monday discounts in December to purchase tickets to eight Broadway performances, three of which I intended to see on my current trip, as well as an Amex Offer that gave me $25 back for spending $100 or more with Telecharge.
That meant I had to find a place to sleep close to the theatre.
I decided on the Ink 48 on 11th Avenue in Hell's Kitchen because I wanted to be close to the Manhattan cruise terminal so I could take advantage of any opportunity to see ships.
Hotel provides
I was familiar with the Ink 48 because I had previously been there twice for business-related activities (i.e., I wasn't required to pay). It has a chic lobby, an excellent cafe, cosy lodgings, and possibly some of the greatest rooftop views in the city.
However, I was also aware that it might end up costing a little more than I was prepared to spend.
Bring on the hotel deals.
I received a $100 hotel credit because this was a Hotel Collection resort and I booked a stay of at least two nights.
The hotel was also providing a third night free, saving guests a total of $405 straight away.
With taxes and fees (including the dreaded destination fee, referred known as a "hotel amenity fee"), my three-night stay came to $853.
And during our stay, the $100 credit just about covered my travel companion and I's breakfast at the cafe.
Burn while earning
I used 30,000 Amex points to further reduce the price, which resulted in a $210 discount.
I understand that each point cost me 0.7 cents, thus I spent 30,000 to save $210.
It's not fantastic, but the additional cash I was able to save really helped my finances.
Finding the best redemption value is not as important to me as being able to save when and how I need to.
I also got some of the points I spent back, which is a little consolation.
Because I paid in advance and made my reservation through the Amex Travel portal, I received 5 points for every dollar spent, for a total of 2,530 points.
They are currently estimated to be worth $0.02 per item, or $50 in total.
The complete breakdown
Here is a breakdown of every charge I made, taking into account any discounts, special offers, or points:
• With the third night free, three nights come to $610.
• tax and fees total $106.
• Hotel amenities cost $137.
• Burned 30,000 points, saving $210 on the purchase.
• $200 credit on the account.
• Hotel credit of $100 (used to cover breakfast).
• Earned 2,530 points, worth $50.
$393 for three nights, or $98 each night, is the total price.
The room
How was my stay, then?
I chose the upgrade because it cost only $10 more per night than the normal king room, which was only half as big, and had a 500-square-foot junior suite with a king bed.
I was shocked when I got there.
The room included a separate sitting area, a dressing table, and a huge bathroom with a separate shower, soaking tub, and dual vanities.
With modern lighting and neutral hues, it was tidy, bright, and minimalist.
The view, though, was the finest part.
We had an excellent view of the Intrepid aircraft carrier at Pier 86, which houses the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum.
Piers 88 and 90, where cruise ships usually dock while they are in port, are also close by.
(Unfortunately, none were there when I stopped by.)
When it came to check-in, adding my travel companion's name to the reservation, and leaving a key for him at the front desk, the front desk staff was incredibly helpful.
They don't accept cash, so if you use the ATM in the lobby, you won't get change, which is an oddity worth mentioning.
Fortunately, the bellman was able to break some bills for me when this happened to me while I was attempting to gather change to leave a tip for housekeeping at the end of my stay.
Try the pancakes at the PRINT cafe in the lobby for a fantastic breakfast, however the service was surprisingly cold considering how costly everything was.
The Press Lounge is a rooftop bar with stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and the Hudson River, so if you happen to be at or close to Ink 48, stop by at night and take the first elevator up.
In conclusion
After taking into account all fees, credits, discounts, and points, I ended up spending $293 for three nights at a luxury hotel, or $98 per night with breakfast.
After all was said and done, I received three nights for a cost that was lower than that of a single night at a similar hotel (or at the same hotel if I had booked directly through Ink 48).
I'm still getting used to the idea that if I'm savvy about utilising credit card privileges, I can attain a higher standard at a similar price point after years of travelling on a budget and being primarily concerned with cost.
In terms of redeeming points, I'm still learning what makes for a decent bargain.
Overall, I rate this event as a tremendous success for me.
I won't be so ready to discount benefits that don't appeal to me right away the next time.
They might be worth giving a second glance.
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