27 March 2026 · TravelLux.be
20 Best Luxury Hotels in Europe via Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
Last autumn I was standing at the reception of The Connaught in London at half past six in the morning. My flight from Brussels Airport had departed at 6:10, and I honestly expected to spend hours waiting in the lobby. But the receptionist looked at her screen, smiled, and said: "Your suite is ready, sir. Complimentary early check-in." My suitcase was taken away, there was a bottle of champagne in the room, and I had complimentary breakfast for two for the entire duration of my stay. No loyalty status, no secret trick. Just a booking through Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts.
That moment changed how I plan my European city trips from then on. As a Belgian traveller with an Amex Platinum card, you have access to the FHR programme: more than 14,000 luxury hotels worldwide, hundreds of which are in Europe. And the benefits are the same with every stay: room upgrade, early check-in and late check-out, daily breakfast for two, and a welcome credit of approximately €100. Per stay, the added value can amount to €650. That's not marketing talk — those are figures I calculated myself after five FHR bookings in a year and a half.
I've now compiled quite a list of FHR hotels in Europe that are truly worth it. Not just the well-known names, but also surprising hidden gems that are easily accessible from Brussels as a Belgian traveller. These are my 20 favourites, with honest impressions and practical tips.
What makes Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts so special for European trips?
Let me be specific. The difference between an FHR booking and a regular booking at the same hotel is sometimes absurdly large. I booked two nights at the Hôtel de Crillon in Paris. The room rate was identical to what I found on the hotel's own website. But through FHR I received an upgrade to a larger room, a French breakfast every morning in the Brasserie d'Aumont (value: €70 per person per day), a welcome gift of €100 as hotel credit, and guaranteed late check-out until 4 PM. Do the maths: over two nights, that's easily €380 in extras. For the same room rate.
The programme works simply. You book through the Amex Travel portal with your Platinum card, select an FHR hotel, and the benefits are automatically linked to your reservation. No codes, no hassle. The hotel knows you're an FHR guest and treats you accordingly.
For Belgian travellers, that's particularly convenient, because many of the best FHR hotels are a short flight away from Brussels Airport. Paris is an hour and a half by Thalys. Barcelona, Lisbon, Rome: all within two to three hours of flying. That makes a long weekend at a five-star hotel with FHR benefits achievable without having to sacrifice holiday days.
My 20 favourite FHR luxury hotels in Europe
I've organised them by region, with a brief honest impression of each hotel. Some I've visited myself, others I know from good friends or seasoned travel companions. For each hotel I mention what the FHR welcome benefit typically is and why it's worth it.
1. The Connaught, London
Mayfair, United Kingdom
My absolute favourite. Timelessly elegant without being stuffy. The breakfast from the Hélène Darroze kitchen is phenomenal, and I spent the FHR credit of $100 on cocktails at the Connaught Bar, voted one of the best bars in the world for three years running. BRU to LHR is 55 minutes of flying.
2. Hôtel de Crillon, a Rosewood Hotel, Paris
Place de la Concorde, France
Paris at its very best. The 18th-century building has been completely renovated with an incredible eye for detail. Through FHR I received an upgrade to a room overlooking the Place de la Concorde. The breakfast alone is an experience worth having. From Brussels-South you're there in 1 hour 22 minutes by Thalys.
3. Hotel Café Royal, London
Piccadilly, United Kingdom
Less well-known than The Connaught, but what a place. The underground Akasha Spa is spectacular, including a swimming pool that looks as if it were built inside a Roman temple. The FHR credit here typically goes towards a spa treatment. Highly recommended for a long weekend.
4. Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona
Passeig de Gràcia, Spain
Right on the Passeig de Gràcia, within walking distance of Gaudí's masterpieces. The rooftop terrace with pool gives you the feeling of floating above the city. BRU to BCN is two hours of flying, and with the FHR upgrade a friend of mine received a room with a private terrace.
5. Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Venice
Giudecca, Italy
You're taken by private boat from St. Mark's Square to the island of Giudecca. The pool overlooking the water, the Michelin-starred restaurant, the gardens: everything feels like another world. Honestly one of the most expensive options on this list, but the FHR benefits make it just a bit more manageable. BRU to VCE, two hours.
6. Four Seasons Hotel, Florence
Borgo Pinti, Italy
A 15th-century palazzo with the largest private garden in Florence. Breakfast on the terrace, overlooking the garden with the morning sun filtering through the cypresses, is one of the most beautiful mornings I can remember. I spent the FHR welcome credit at the spa.
7. Hotel Amanzoe, Porto Heli
Peloponnese, Greece
Aman hotels are in a class of their own, and Amanzoe proves that in every square metre. Perched on a hilltop above the Aegean Sea, with pavilions that resemble Greek temples. Not the easiest to reach (flight to Athens, then 2.5 hours of driving), but absolutely worth the journey for a week of complete relaxation.
8. Rosewood Vienna
Petersplatz, Austria
Opened in 2023 and immediately one of the best hotels in Vienna. Beautifully located on Petersplatz, within walking distance of St. Stephen's Cathedral. The Asaya Spa is extensive, the breakfast is Viennese-stylish, and I spent the FHR credit on dinner at the restaurant. Brussels to Vienna: 1 hour 45 minutes of flying.
9. Cheval Blanc Paris
Quai du Louvre, France
The newest luxury jewel of Paris, right on the Seine with views of the Louvre. LVMH has pulled out all the stops here. The Dior Spa, the restaurant by Arnaud Donckele with two Michelin stars, the rooms with their soft tones. This is Paris at the very highest level. And yes, FHR benefits are fully applicable here.
10. The Balmoral, Edinburgh
Princes Street, Scotland
An iconic building on Princes Street, with that distinctive clock tower. J.K. Rowling finished writing the last Harry Potter book here, in suite 552. The Balmoral is classically Scottish but with a modern comfort that hits just right. BRU to EDI: an hour and a half of flying.
11. Bulgari Hotel, Rome
Piazza Augusto Imperatore, Italy
Bulgari's Roman address is breathtaking. The building embraces the ruins of the Mausoleum of Augustus, and the interior combines Italian craftsmanship with contemporary design. The rooftop terrace with Il Ristorante by Niko Romito is one of the best places to dine in Rome. Two hours from Brussels.
12. Hotel de Russie, a Rocco Forte Hotel, Rome
Via del Babuino, Italy
Hidden behind a discreet façade on Via del Babuino, with a secret garden that feels like an oasis in the middle of the city centre. Less flashy than some other Roman five-star hotels, and that's precisely why I appreciate it so much. The FHR upgrade got me a garden room.
13. Hôtel Plaza Athénée, Paris
Avenue Montaigne, France
The red awnings on Avenue Montaigne are perhaps the most recognisable hotel image of Paris. Alain Ducasse had his three-star restaurant here for years, and although the culinary concept has since changed, the grandeur remains intact. Breakfast in the Cour Jardin, the inner courtyard, is magical.
14. One&Only Portonovi, Montenegro
Boka Bay, Montenegro
Montenegro is one of the most underrated destinations in Europe. This resort on the Boka Bay combines Adriatic beauty with One&Only luxury. Yoshi, the Japanese restaurant, is surprisingly good. BRU to Tivat is a direct flight in summer, about 2.5 hours.
15. Mandarin Oriental, Lago di Como
Blevio, Italy
George Clooney as your neighbour, so to speak. This hotel on Lake Como is fairytale-like. The botanical garden, the view across the lake at sunset, the Michelin-starred restaurant. Flight BRU to Milan-Malpensa (1.5 hours), then an hour's drive. Combine it with a day in Bellagio.
16. Cap Rocat, Mallorca
Cala Blava, Spain
A former military fortress converted into a boutique hotel. Spectacular location on a cliff above the Bay of Palma. The rooms (they call them "sentinels") are carved into the rocks. Not your typical Mallorca experience, and that's precisely the point. BRU to PMI: two hours.
17. The Lana, a Dorchester Collection Hotel, Lisbon
Avenida da Liberdade, Portugal
A recent opening on the Avenida da Liberdade. Dorchester Collection guarantees a certain level of service, and The Lana delivers. The interior is modern-Portuguese, the rooftop terrace has views all the way to the Tagus. Lisbon is in any case one of the best cities in Europe for a long weekend. BRU to LIS, 2 hours 40.
18. Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat, a Four Seasons Hotel
Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat, France
The French Riviera at its absolute peak. The swimming pool, carved into the rocks by the sea, is one of the most iconic hotel pools in the world. It's particularly popular in summer, so book early. BRU to Nice is an hour and a half, then 20 minutes driving to Cap-Ferrat.
19. Aman Venice
Palazzo Papadopoli, Italy
A 16th-century palazzo on the Grand Canal, transformed into an Aman hotel with just 24 rooms. Fresco-painted ceilings, private garden, and a serenity you won't find anywhere else in Venice. The FHR benefits feel extra luxurious here, because everything is already so intimate and personal.
20. The Maybourne Riviera, Roquebrune-Cap-Martin
Côte d'Azur, France
From the same group as The Connaught and Claridge's. This hotel literally hangs from a cliff above the Mediterranean Sea, with views of Monaco. Jean-Georges Vongerichten runs the restaurant, and Mauro Colagreco (Mirazur, 3 stars) has a spot here. Architecturally and culinarily a masterpiece.
How do you get the most out of your FHR booking as a Belgian traveller?
After multiple FHR bookings, I've learned a few things that make the difference. First: always book directly through the Amex Travel portal and never through a third party. Only that way are your FHR benefits automatically linked. Sounds logical, but I got it wrong once and had to explain at the hotel itself that I was entitled to the benefits. Not ideal.
What also helps: take the time to email the hotel in advance. Mention that you booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts and ask about the specific welcome gift. At some hotels it's a spa credit, at others a dining credit, and sometimes you can choose. That way you know exactly what to expect and can plan your stay around it.
The late check-out until 4 PM is, honestly, one of the most underrated benefits. On a two-night city trip, that means on your last day you can still have a relaxed breakfast, head into the city, have lunch, and only then check out. That's almost an extra half day of hotel at no additional cost.
And don't forget: you also earn Membership Rewards points on your FHR bookings as usual. With the standard earning ratio of 1 point per €1 spent (or 4 points per €1 if you've activated the Booster option for €10/month), a stay of €800 can earn you 800 to 3,200 points. Those points can later be used for flights with Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and more than 15 other airline partners.
The cost: is the Amex Platinum worth it for FHR alone?
Let me be honest. The Amex Platinum costs €780 per year (€65 per month), and that's no small amount. But if you book a luxury hotel in Europe two to three times a year, you'll earn back that fee fairly quickly through the FHR benefits alone. Two nights with €650 in extras per stay, twice a year, is €1,300 in value. Minus the €780 annual fee, you're left with €520. And that's without even counting the lounge access at Brussels Airport, Fast Lane security (worth €169/year), Dining for 2 (3x per year at top Belgian restaurants, value up to €300), the travel insurance, and the welcome bonus.
Speaking of that welcome bonus: through the TravelLux.be referral link you'll receive the maximum welcome bonus of 150,000 Membership Rewards points. That's more than with a direct application on the Amex website. Those 150,000 points can be used, for example, for a return Business Class flight to London, Rome or Barcelona with one of the partner airlines. Quite a nice start to your FHR adventure.
The overall picture is what matters. If you travel anyway, and especially if you book a hotel at this level a few times a year, then the Platinum card isn't an expense but an investment that pays for itself. I'm not saying it's for everyone. If you go on an all-inclusive week to Turkey once a year, there are better options. But if you love city trips, cities like Paris, London, Rome or Lisbon, and you want to take those trips to the next level without necessarily paying more for the room, then FHR via the Amex Platinum is hard to beat.
My personal top 5 for a first FHR booking
If you've never booked through Fine Hotels & Resorts and want to try it out, these are my five suggestions for Belgian travellers looking to plan a weekend from Brussels.
The Hôtel de Crillon in Paris, because you can get there from Brussels-South by Thalys in less than an hour and a half. No plane needed, no hassle. The Connaught in London, because it's the perfect combination of tradition and modernity, and the flight BRU to LHR takes only 55 minutes. The Rosewood Vienna, because Vienna is an underrated destination for Belgians and the hotel is truly magnificent. The Mandarin Oriental Barcelona, because the city, the weather, and the hotel together make for an unforgettable weekend. And Cap Rocat in Mallorca, because it's completely different from everything else on this list, and that's refreshing.
Start with one booking. Compare the room rate with what you find directly on the hotel website (in my experience the difference is minimal or even zero), and factor in the FHR benefits. You'll be surprised how quickly the maths works out in your favour.
Frequently asked questions about Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts
What is Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts (FHR)?
Amex Fine Hotels & Resorts is an exclusive hotel programme for holders of the American Express Platinum card. It offers access to more than 14,000 luxury hotels worldwide with benefits such as complimentary room upgrade when available, daily breakfast for 2 persons, early check-in, late check-out until 4 PM, and a welcome gift worth approximately €100 per stay.
How much does the Amex Platinum card cost in Belgium?
The American Express Platinum card costs €65 per month, so €780 per year. An additional Platinum card for a partner costs €10 per month, and you can request up to 4 free Green cards for family members. The application requires a minimum gross annual income of €30,000 and Belgian tax residency.
What benefits do you get with an FHR hotel booking?
With every FHR booking you receive: complimentary room upgrade when available, daily breakfast for 2 persons, early check-in when possible, guaranteed late check-out until 4 PM, and a welcome gift (usually a hotel credit) worth approximately €100. The total added value per stay can amount to €650.
How many welcome points do you get when applying for the Amex Platinum?
Through the TravelLux.be referral link you receive the maximum welcome bonus of 150,000 Membership Rewards points. This is more than with a direct application on the American Express website. These points can be used for flights with partners such as Brussels Airlines, Lufthansa, Emirates and more than 15 other airlines.
Is the Amex Platinum worth it if you only use FHR?
If you book a luxury hotel in Europe via FHR at least twice a year, you'll often earn back the annual fee of €780 through the extras alone (up to €650 per stay). Add the lounge access at Brussels Airport, Fast Lane security (worth €169/year), Dining for 2, travel insurance and the welcome bonus of 150,000 points, and the card more than pays for itself for Belgian travellers who travel regularly.
Through our personal referral link you receive the maximum welcome bonus. Annual fee: €780.
Want to know more about the Amex Platinum and all its benefits for Belgian travellers? Also check out the TravelLux.be homepage for more travel inspiration and tips.