American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts Las Vegas Changes

I’ve been to Las Vegas a countless number of times within the past decade. I’ve had the American Express Platinum Card for a very long time and one of my favorite benefits is the Fine Hotel and Resorts program. I love being able to utilize the low Las Vegas rates during the non-peak weekdays. In Las Vegas weekdays are considered Sundays-Wed (non-peak). The weekend rates (peak) usually start Thurs-Sat. For example, I’ve booked THEhotel for as low as $99 and the Bellagio for $120 and have gotten numerous benefits. These benefits include early noon check-in, room upgrade, breakfast for two, $100 resort credit (food or spa), and late check-out. Here’s a run-down of the American Express Fine Hotel and Resorts Las Vegas changes.

Last year, American Express removed The Venetian from the Fine Hotel & Resorts Program. This year, they’ve added Aria Sky Suites to the FHR program. There have been some recent changes this year such as The Bellagio which previously offered a $100 spa credit or an $85 lunch at Olives restaurant. Now the Bellagio is offering a $100 food and beverage credit which is a positive change. The previously $85 lunch credit was just a coupon and had restrictions such as no alcohol and the entire credit had to be used during lunch only.

Another change is the Four Seasons Hotel where it used to offer a complimentary dinner for 2 in the evening. Now it has changed to the dreaded $100 spa credit. I know everyone hates spa credits because it’s practically worthless for most of us. I call this one a devaluation at the Las Vegas Four Seasons hotel.

Last year, the Palazzo Las Vegas hotel used to offer a $100 food and beverage credit. They have recently changed it to a $100 spa credit which is pretty much a devaluation.

Here’s a list of the Fine Hotel & Resorts amenities by hotel:

Mandarin Oriental

– $100 spa credit

Aria Sky Suites

– $100 spa credit

Bellagio

– $100 food and beverage credit

Four Seasons Hotel

– $100 spa credit

SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand

– $100 spa credit

The Palazzo (I’ve reviewed this hotel.)

– $100 spa credit

THEhotel at Mandalay Bay

– $100 spa credit

Wynn/Encore Las Vegas (I’ve reviewed the Encore hotel.)

– $100 spa credit

Conclusion

Even with these devaluations, there are numerous sweet spots such as the Bellagio hotel with the $100 food and beverage credit with rates at $120. I also like THEHotel because the rates start at $99 and with the $100 spa credit, it evens out. The Palazzo is still good choice with rates at $149 and a $100 spa credit. The Bellagio breakfast is usually a $40 credit to be used at the cafe or buffet. THEHotel breakfast credit is a $40 credit at THEcafe. The Palazzo breakfast is $40 and can be used at Grand Lux Café.