How to use American Express points for free hotel stays

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If you’re an American Express cardholder with a stash of Membership Rewards points, you may be sitting on a goldmine of travel potential. One of the most rewarding ways to use these points is by redeeming them for free hotel stays. Whether you’re planning a luxury escape or a quick weekend getaway, Amex points can help you save substantially—if you know how to use them wisely.

Here’s a step-by-step guide to redeeming your Amex points for hotel nights, and tips to get the most value from your rewards.

1. Transfer points to hotel partners

One of the best ways to maximize your American Express points is to transfer them to Amex’s hotel loyalty partners. This method often gives you the best value per point, especially when booking high-end properties or during peak travel seasons.

Some of Amex’s key hotel transfer partners include:

· Marriott Bonvoy

· Hilton Honors

· Choice Privileges

The transfer ratios vary by partner. For instance, you can typically transfer Amex points to Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio and to Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio. That means 10,000 Amex points could get you 10,000 Marriott points or 20,000 Hilton points.

To do this, link your Amex account to your hotel loyalty account and initiate the transfer via the Amex Membership Rewards portal. Transfers are generally instant for Hilton, but may take up to a few days for Marriott.

2. Book through American Express Travel

If you don’t want to deal with transferring points, you can also redeem your points directly through the Amex Travel portal. This is a more convenient option, though you may get less value per point—usually around 0.5 to 0.7 cents per point for hotel bookings.

Still, it’s a straightforward way to use your points without worrying about loyalty program availability or blackout dates. Simply search for hotels within the portal, choose the “Pay with Points” option at checkout, and your total will be reduced based on the number of points you use.

3. Use points for Fine Hotels & Resorts stays

If you hold a premium Amex card like The Platinum Card®, you get access to the Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR) program, which includes top-tier luxury hotels worldwide. Booking through FHR with points can be particularly rewarding, as these stays come with extra perks like:

· Daily breakfast for two

· Room upgrades when available

· Late checkout

· Early check-in

· On-property credits (often around $100)

While the value per point may be similar to other redemptions, the added benefits can significantly enhance the experience.

4. Combine points and cash

Don’t have enough points for a full hotel night? Many redemption options through the Amex Travel portal and with certain hotel partners allow you to pay with a combination of points and cash. This flexibility means you can still reduce the cost of your stay even if you don’t have a massive points balance.

5. Watch for transfer bonuses

From time to time, American Express offers promotional transfer bonuses—giving you extra hotel points when you convert Membership Rewards. For example, a 30% bonus on Hilton transfers would turn 10,000 Amex points into 13,000 Hilton Honors points. These bonuses can help stretch your rewards further, especially for longer or more luxurious stays.

Redeeming American Express Membership Rewards points for hotel stays can be a smart and satisfying way to travel for less. Whether you’re transferring to a hotel partner for high-value redemptions or booking directly through the Amex portal for convenience, understanding the options can help you unlock dream vacations without emptying your wallet. With a little planning, your Amex points can take you much farther than you think.