What defines a truly seamless luxury hotel stay? Increasingly, it’s not just the destination or design, but the quiet details that shape the experience once you arrive.
The American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts portfolio brings together a curated collection of some of the world’s most considered luxury hotels, where the service is flawless, and the experience is defined by ease as much as indulgence. For Amex Platinum Cardholders, it offers a consistent standard across some of the most desirable stays worldwide.
Across the collection, which spans over 1600 hotels and resorts, stays include thoughtful touches such as breakfast, potential room upgrades, late checkout and on-property credit.
From landmark city hotels in New York, London and Tokyo to coastal retreats in the Maldives and the Caribbean, these are some of the best American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts for 2026.
The Best City Hotels
New York
Why go: Skyline views, world-class dining, iconic neighbourhoods, museums and entertainment make New York a destination that offers something at every turn.
Where to Stay:
Aman New York for a sanctuary-like retreat above Fifth Avenue, where minimalist design, expansive spa facilities and discreet service create a rare sense of calm in Midtown.
Mandarin Oriental New York for sweeping Central Park and Manhattan skyline views, paired with polished service and a calm, elevated atmosphere overlooking Central Park.
The Fifth Avenue Hotel for richly detailed Gilded Age glamour reimagined with contemporary elegance, offering an intimate stay just moments from New York’s cultural and fashion landmarks.
London
Why go – Historic landmarks, world-class culture and centuries of heritage define a capital where tradition, style and modern life sit effortlessly side by side.
Where to Stay:
Shangri-La The Shard for unrivalled views across the city from floor-to-ceiling windows in one of London’s most striking modern landmarks.
Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park for an elegant Knightsbridge stay overlooking Hyde Park, with Harrods and the Victoria and Albert Museum just moments away.
Pan Pacific London, where contemporary British design meets subtle Asian influences, creating a refined and quietly luxurious atmosphere in the heart of the City.
Paris
Why go: Romance, art and architectural beauty define a city of grand boulevards, café culture and effortless elegance.
Where to Stay:
Four Seasons Hotel George V for palatial interiors, legendary floral displays and impeccable service just moments from the Champs-Élysées.
Le Bristol Paris for classic Parisian palace luxury on Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré, where refined interiors, a three-Michelin-star restaurant and a serene courtyard garden define one of the city’s most iconic stays.
Mandarin Oriental Lutetia for sumptuous Art Deco elegance within a landmark 1910 building on the Left Bank, placing you within walking distance of the Louvre and Paris’s key cultural sights.
Tokyo
Why go: Cutting-edge design, exceptional dining and centuries-old traditions combine in a city where innovation and heritage sit side by side.
Where to Stay:
Bvlgari Hotel Tokyo for contemporary Italian design paired with sweeping skyline views and refined, high-gloss luxury high above the city.
Grand Hyatt Tokyo for a polished Roppongi stay with extensive dining, spa facilities and seamless access to the city’s cultural and nightlife district.
Shangri-La Tokyo for understated elegance and exceptional service moments from Tokyo Station, with serene interiors and views across the Imperial Palace area.
Beach Luxury Resorts
Hawaii
Why go: Oceanfront resorts across the beautiful island of Hawaii combine dramatic landscapes with established five-star hospitality and consistently high levels of service.
Where to Stay:
The Kahala Hotel & Resort for a secluded oceanfront retreat set away from Waikiki, offering a quieter, more residential side of Honolulu.
Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea for beachfront luxury on Maui’s southern coast, where expansive ocean views, world-class dining and exceptional service define one of Hawaii’s most consistently high-end resort experiences.
Halekulani, Honolulu for understated oceanfront elegance on Waikiki Beach, where spacious rooms, impeccable service and a long-standing reputation create one of Hawaii’s most refined and enduring luxury stays.
Riviera Maya
Why go: Contemporary beachfront resorts set along jungle-fringed coastline, offering private pools, world-class dining and a relaxed luxury atmosphere.
Where to Stay:
Rosewood Mayakoba for refined lagoon-side villas, private plunge pools and a serene jungle-meets-beach setting defined by understated luxury.
Banyan Tree Mayakoba for private pool villas set along winding waterways, combining Thai-inspired design with Riviera Maya’s coastal landscape.
Andaz Riviera Maya for contemporary beachfront living within a private enclave, offering design-led interiors and direct access to white-sand beaches.
California Coast
Why go: Coastal retreats in regions like Santa Barbara and Big Sur blend dramatic ocean views with refined, design-led luxury hotels.
Where to Stay:
Regent Santa Monica Beach, Los Angeles for contemporary beachfront luxury on Santa Monica’s oceanfront, combining calm coastal design with easy access to Los Angeles’ cultural energy.
El Encanto, Santa Barbara for a secluded hillside retreat above Santa Barbara, where bungalow-style suites, lush gardens and sweeping coastal views create a calm, residential feel away from the shoreline.
Rosewood Miramar Beach, Montecito for refined beachfront elegance in Montecito, where manicured gardens, ocean views and polished service create a discreet coastal retreat.
Europe Lakes & Countryside Luxury
Why go: Elegant lakeside settings, rolling countryside and alpine retreats offer a slower, more atmospheric side of luxury travel, where scenic landscapes and refined hotels create space to unwind away from the energy of major cities.
Where to Stay:
Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como for lakeside elegance on the shores of Lake Como, where restored villas, tranquil gardens and sweeping mountain views create a refined Italian escape.
Kulm Hotel St. Moritz for a historic alpine grand hotel in one of Switzerland’s most established mountain destinations, offering sweeping views, heritage charm and year-round outdoor experiences.
Castello di Casole, Tuscany for a restored medieval estate set among rolling Tuscan hills, combining rustic heritage with contemporary luxury and expansive countryside views.
Asia
Why go: Towering skylines, immersive culture and exceptional hospitality define Asia’s leading cities, where high-rise luxury sits alongside centuries-old traditions.
Where to Stay:
Waldorf Astoria Osaka, Japan for understated luxury in the heart of Osaka, where refined interiors, skyline views and attentive service create a calm base within one of Japan’s most energetic cities.
Raffles Singapore for timeless colonial-era elegance in the heart of the city, where restored heritage suites, legendary service and a storied history define one of Asia’s most iconic luxury hotels.
Capella Bangkok for riverside luxury along the Chao Phraya, where serene suites, private villas and exceptional service create one of the city’s most refined and quietly exclusive stays.
Read More Luxury Travel Stories:
- The Best Luxury Travel Destinations
- The Best Luxury Travel Memberships
- The Best Luxury Hotels in the World, Voted by Travel Writers
