Marriott®

How we scored a luxury four-night stay at the W Algarve-a 5-star resort in Portugal-while saving over $900 using their American Express Platinum card. Here’s how we did it:

• AmEx Platinum $200 Hotel Credit: By booking through AmEx Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR), they used the annual $200 credit, instantly reducing their room cost from $897 to $697 for four nights.

• Room Upgrades: Thanks to their Marriott Bonvoy Platinum Elite status (from the AmEx co-branded card), they received a double upgrade from the standard "Wow" room (about $230/night) to the "Spectacular" room (about $295/night), saving $240 over the stay.

• Free Daily Breakfast: Their elite status also included complimentary breakfast for two, valued at $31 per day, totaling $124 in savings.

• Property Credits: Booking via AmEx FHR included a $100 property credit. Additionally, a W Algarve promotion offered an extra $250 property credit for stays of four nights or more, adding up to $350 in credits to spend on dining, spa, and more.

• Total Value: Combining credits, upgrades, and free meals, they received $1,600 in value for just $697 out-of-pocket-effectively living a 5-star lifestyle at a fraction of the usual cost.

• Elite Night & Points Bonuses: The stay also counted double towards Marriott elite status and earned bonus points, further enhancing future travel value.

Key Takeaway:
By strategically leveraging the AmEx Platinum card’s hotel credit, booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts, and maximizing elite status benefits, travelers can unlock luxury hotel experiences for a fraction of the retail price. This approach is especially powerful at properties like the W Algarve, where FHR perks include early check-in, room upgrades, daily breakfast, and property credits.

“We got $1,600 worth of value for about $700... That is how we turned our $200 credit into almost $1,000 credit.” - Keene Adventures