Why LuxaTravel is Better Than Amex
Here's why you should book with LuxaTravel over other providers.
“Why should I book with LuxaTravel when I could just book through Amex?”
This is one of the most common questions LuxaTravel gets, along with…
“Aren’t the hotel perks the same? And what about that 5x points value? Why is booking with LuxaTravel better?”
And I’ve got answers. Read on to learn why booking travel with LuxaTravel will always guarantee a better experience.
Reason 1: LuxaTravel offers a smoother, high-touch & personalized booking experience
Booking via Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts – or Amex FHR, the brand’s booking platform – means you’re sacrificing personalization and attention to detail.
The other option is waiting on hold to speak with a call center agent. And, with Amex’s nearly 7,000 agents, you’re never getting the same person twice.
Plus, the Amex booking portal is not always accurate. It’s common for Amex to display only certain room categories for a given hotel stay; and those room categories aren’t actually available for said dates.
Another issue: Amex advertises perks for cardholders at certain hotels; however, if cardholders book the hotel using their Amex card, but not directly through the portal, they’re denied the perks.
Reason 2: LuxaTravel’s relationships mean you always travel like a VIP, with amenities + extras.
Amex offers perks like free breakfast and up to $200 resort credit – however, these perks aren’t guaranteed and often not honored. Booking with LuxaTravel means you’re getting all the same perks, but you are prioritized for room upgrades above Amex.
The travel industry is all about relationships. LuxaTravel has built meaningful relationships with hotels around the world (over 3,500, to be exact). And while Amex provides perks for card holders (at roughly 2,300 hotels), there’s no real relationship with Amex travel agents. The partnership is with Amex’s corporate brand, as a whole.
Still, based on the sheer number of LuxaTravel's hotel partnerships alone, you are nearly twice as likely to get that upgrade (or free breakfast, or spa credits…) booking with LuxaTravel.
And it doesn’t stop at upgrades. LuxaTravel is part of nearly every major preferred partner program, including Four Seasons Preferred, Hilton Impresario, Hyatt Privé and more.
Preferred partnerships are not easy to get – these are selective, invitation-only programs developed and cultivated by hotels to reward agencies who deliver consistent, high-quality clientele at significant volume.
When you book a hotel through me, you’re a client that comes to them via a preferred partnership. This means you’ll be the hotel’s top priority, always marked as a VIP prior to your arrival at the hotel. Think personalized welcome gifts, exclusive amenities and above-and-beyond hospitality.
Reason 3: Booking with LuxaTravel means dedicated, 1:1 support.
Remember those relationships I was talking about? These come in handy for travel mishaps, too.
Since LuxaTravel Advisors have relationships and book directly with the hotel, we are ready to verify, advocate and problem-solve for you if something goes awry when you’re traveling.
With Amex, on the other hand, there is typically no dedicated person looking after your trip. And since your hotel is booked via a third-party system, reservations are a pain to verify and change.
Reason 4: When you book with me, you’ll get insider recommendations backed by a global community of experts.
Booking with LuxaTravel is always personal. When planning your trip, I put your travel needs & preferences center-stage.
This level of personalization is especially valuable if you’re interested in a multi-stop trip, or one that requires logistical planning (like a safari) or on-the-ground resources (like tours & transfers). And with me, you’re getting matched with the best-of-the-best partners, all fully vetted by LuxaTravel's community.
When it comes to hotel booking, I take time to match-make you to the perfect stay and add extras along the way. Amex isn’t going to put that level of finesse into your hotel booking.
Plus, you can rest assured knowing you’re getting the highest-quality intel – from foodie-adored restaurants to local-approved tour guides – thanks to LuxaTravel's global network. Booking a trip with someone who lives for travel planning (aka: me) is an entirely different experience than working with an Amex representative.
Many LuxaTravel Advisors are Amex cardholders themselves and love American Express benefits. Amex has a great points program, lounge access and numerous other perks that we as cardholders love.
How should I use my Amex?
My advice? Book your flights with Amex and rack up points on other expenses — but save the hotel bookings for me. I’ll do all the legwork and unlock a smoother, more personalised & VIP experience.
