Source: The Points Guy
Summary
The Points Guy reported that hotel rates in New York City spike during major events, leading to high costs. The article details a stay at The Hotel Chelsea using Amex Membership Rewards points transferred to Leaders Club. The stay cost 11,875 Leaders Club points, equivalent to 48,000 Amex points. The hotel, known for its history and character, offered amenities like daily housekeeping and a complimentary breakfast. Taxes and fees were not charged on the award stay, despite some reports of inconsistency.
Our Reading
The escape is carefully planned.
Leaders Club points cover a New York City hotel stay.
American Express points transfer to Leaders Club at 4:1.
The Hotel Chelsea offers historic charm and amenities.
Complimentary breakfast and turndown service included.
Some stays avoid taxes and fees unexpectedly.
Author: Evan Null
Hotel stays in New York City
Hotel stays in New York City can be expensive, especially during major events like the U.N. General Assembly and New York Fashion Week. These events cause hotel rates to soar, making it difficult for travelers to find affordable options. The article discusses how the author used Amex Membership Rewards points to book a stay at The Hotel Chelsea, a historic property in Manhattan.
Leaders Club as a transfer partner
The article highlights Leaders Club as a new transfer partner for Amex Membership Rewards. The author tested the program by booking a stay at The Hotel Chelsea, which cost 11,875 Leaders Club points. This is equivalent to 48,000 Amex points, which is significantly less than the cash price of the room. The author praised the unique character of the hotel and the value provided by the loyalty program.
Hotel Chelsea experience
The Hotel Chelsea, located on 23rd Street in Manhattan, has a long history and has hosted many famous guests. The author described the hotel as charming, with a cozy lobby, a winding staircase, and art-lined walls. The room was small, but the entryway helped make it feel larger. The hotel provided daily housekeeping and nightly turndown service, along with high-quality amenities like fluffy towels and premium toiletries.
Leaders Club benefits
As a Leaders Club member, the author received a complimentary daily continental breakfast for two. The breakfast included pastries, coffee, and orange juice, which would have cost about $25 without the benefit. The author also received a bottle of pinot noir in the room, which they suspected was a Leaders Club perk. The author had higher-tier Sterling status due to their Amex Platinum card, which included prearrival upgrades, though they were not applicable for this stay.
Taxes and fees on award stays
The article notes that Leaders Club award stays may require paying taxes and fees, though the amount is not always clear during booking. The author and their group were not charged any taxes or fees on their award stay, which was a pleasant surprise. Other travelers in Europe also reported similar experiences, though some have faced inconsistent application of taxes and fees. The author recommends being prepared for potential charges but also being open to the possibility of avoiding them.
