Continuing its growth into the premium travel credit card world, Capital One introduced a new feature for some members: The Premier Collection, its answer to American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection.
But which cards are eligible? How is it different from Amex FHR and Chase LHRC?
The Capital One Premier Collection
The Premier Collection launches later this year and will be available only to Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card members. Keep in mind that up to four additional cardholders can be added for free. (Learn here how to apply for the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card.)
Bookings must be made through Capital One Travel — and will earn 10X miles/points for each eligible dollar spent. (Take that, Amex FHR!)
Capital One’s The Premier Collection features benefits similar to Amex FHR and Chase LHRC:
- A $100 USD experience credit (or the local equivalent) to apply toward
- dining
- spa
- other eligible activities during the stay
- Daily breakfast for two people
- Complimentary Wifi
- Additional premium benefits (when available)
- early check-in
- late checkout
- room upgrade
The big thing that stands out for me is that The Premier Collection program doesn’t guarantee late checkout. However, American Express Fine Hotels & Resorts guarantees a 4:00 PM checkout.
On the same token, the Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card‘s annual fee is “only” $395. The two eligible FHR cards – The Platinum Card® from American Express and The Business Platinum Card® from American Express – carry $695 annual fees. (Rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express. Rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express.)
RELATED: How to earn back the Amex Platinum Card’s annual fee
And here’s another interesting potential wrinkle.
“Properties have been hand-picked from world class brands and collections such as Small Luxury Hotels, The Leading Hotels of the World, Six Senses, 1 Hotels, Proper Hotels and more,” a Capital One marketing email said, “A few hotels that can be found in Premier Collection include:
- The Ned NoMad in New York City
- Montage Laguna Beach in California
- 1 Hotel South Beach in Florida
- COMO Castello Del Nero in Italy
- Le Pavillon de la Reine in Paris
- Sugar Beach, a Viceroy Resort in St. Lucia
- Euphoria Retreat in Greece
- Hotel Cafe Royal in London
- Majestic Hotel in Barcelona
- The Carlin Hotel in New Zealand
- The Plettenberg in South Africa”
So, I’m not sure if The Premier Collection’s network will be as extensive as Amex FHR and Chase LHRC, which feature dozens upon dozens of participating properties across the globe. I’ve used my FHR benefits a couple of times at Bellagio in Las Vegas. Some InterCotinental Hotels are part of FHR.
RELATED: Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card — How to earn back the entire annual fee each year
Then again, I wonder if Capital One is name-dropping those hotels to target the luxury and deep-pocketed market. Many of the hotels listed above participate in FHR. Perhaps we’ll see some of the affordable options available as part of TPC.
Final Approach
Capital One introduced its answer to American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts and Chase Luxury Hotel & Resort Collection. Dubbed “The Premier Collection,” the feature launches later this year and will be available exclusively to Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card members.
It remains to be seen how many properties will be part of the Collection — and how much overlap there’ll be between TPC, FHR, and LHRC.
Your move, Citi.
To see rates and fees for The Business Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
To see rates and fees for The Platinum Card® from American Express, please visit this link. Terms apply.
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Think these bookings would be eligible for earning hotel points? IIRC FHR ones usually are.
I wouldn’t count on it. But stranger things have happened.