It’s summertime, and that means it’s time to get traveling. Whether it’s somewhere close or a destination around the world, this is the perfect time to take a trip. But if you’re going to travel, you’ll want to make sure you’re getting the most out of it.
That’s one reason why American Express Travel has introduced a new program where Platinum Card Members can earn 5X membership rewards points or use “Pay with Points” on prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts Bookings on AmexTravel.com. The program offers a wide range of rewards and perks for members, giving them the chance to travel with ease, style, and speed.
Recently, American Express Travel held an event at The Beekman Hotel in New York City, which is a Fine Hotels & Resorts property, to showcase some of the perks and rewards that members can get when they book at one of the locations, including complimentary spa treatments, breakfast in bed and special performances.

“We know travel is an important part of our Card Members’ lives, and our goal is to provide them with best-in-class, personalized travel and lifestyle experiences,” said Audrey Hendley, president of American Express Travel, in a press release. “Our enhanced Fine Hotels & Resorts benefit is yet another way we continue to back our Card Members, providing them with great value so they can live extraordinary lives through travel.”
Part of the event was the idea of a 5-day weekend, because in a recent American Express Travel survey, the company found that 81% of consumers feel a three-day weekend doesn’t provide enough time to travel. In addition to that, it also found that more than two out of three Millennials (68%) and about three out of four Generation X-ers (74%) surveyed plan to use all of their vacation days this year. So with all that in mind, American Express Travel put together a 5-Day weekend event experience at The Beekman Hotel with Academy Award-nominated actress Naomi Watts and Grammy-nominated artist Julia Michaels to celebrate the program.

As someone who travels a lot, Watts knows a thing or two about packing right—especially for a 5-day weekend—and she shared some of those tips.
“As an actress, traveling is naturally part of the job. Whether being on location or escaping for some much-needed rest and relaxation, a stress-free journey is important to me, so I have a couple go-to rules to ensure things run smoothly,” said Watts. “First, I make sure to take advantage of travel perks, like American Express’ Fine Hotels & Resorts benefits, which take care of the little things that make a big difference when I travel. From guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout to complimentary breakfast and more, I have the energy to focus on what’s important. Additionally, I try to use just a carry-on, which makes getting through airports a breeze. Over the years, I’ve also found that the best way to avoid jet lag is to get as much sleep as possible on the flight, hit the ground running once I land, and stay hydrated.”

Some of the benefits of the new program include (info courtesy of American Express Travel): “Platinum Card Members receive this exclusive suite of benefits with an average total value of $550 at over 1,000 properties worldwide.”
- Earn 5X Membership Rewards® Points or use Pay with Points on Prepaid Fine Hotels & Resorts Bookings on AmexTravel.com [NEW]
- Noon check-in, when available
- Room upgrade at check-in, when available
- Daily breakfast for two
- Unique amenity valued at US $100, such as a food and beverage credit
- Guaranteed late check-out at 4 p.m.
- Complimentary WiFi
Check out more on the perks, the program, the Fine Hotels & Resorts properties, the benefits, and more of Watts’ travel tips here from American Express Travel.
Here’s a few more looks at the event, and Michaels’ performance:



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