Luxury Hotel Credit Card Statement Idea: Valentine’s Day (Start Booking Now)

I know it’s not even Thanksgiving yet. But we’ll be at Christmas 2026 before you know it! 🙂

If you hold a travel rewards credit card that features statement credit for luxury hotel bookings and can’t think of how to use it, might I propose an idea? (Especially for the partners who get accused of “never doing anything romantic!”)

(Terms apply to American Express benefits and offers. Enrollment may be required for select American Express benefits and offers. Visit americanexpress.com to learn more.) (All information about the Chase Sapphire Reserve® and Sapphire Reserve for Business℠ was collected independently by Eye of the Flyer. It was neither provided nor reviewed by the card issuer.)

Which Credit Cards Have Luxury Hotel Credit?

Four major credit cards — across two issuers — give members luxury hotel statement credit opportunities. Keep in mind that statement credits apply to when reservations are actually booked and paid for — not the stay date. In other words: book and pay for 2026 stay(s) during 2025 — and you’ll get the credit this year.

If you’re not already a card member, you can apply now and take advantage of their big welcome offers.

American Express

• American Express Platinum Card®
  • Earn up to $300 back in statement credits semi-annually ($300 from January through June, then $300 from July through December) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® when you pay with your amAmex Platinum. (Terms apply. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.)
  • Earn as high as 175,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 on eligible purchases on the card within the first six (6) months of being approved for card membership. (Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Terms apply.)
• The Business Platinum Card® from American Express
  • Earn up to $300 back in statement credits semi-annually ($300 from January through June, then $300 from July through December) on prepaid Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings through American Express Travel® when you pay with your Amex Business Platinum. (Terms apply. The Hotel Collection requires a minimum two-night stay.)
  • Earn 200,000 bonus Membership Rewards points after you spend $20,000 on eligible purchases on the card within the first three (3) months of being approved for card membership. Terms apply.

Amex Fine Hotels + Resorts stays include:

• Enjoy early check-in (when available)
• Room upgrade (when available)
• Free WiFi
• Daily breakfast for two (valued at up $60 total each day)
• A resort or spa credit (varies by property)
• Guaranteed late check-out

As I wrote, American Express allowed existing Amex Platinum members to earn up to $300 in statement credit through the end of 2025 — regardless of whether or not they earned the $200 the benefit previously offered before the card’s major refresh.

Chase

• Chase Sapphire Reserve®
  • Earn up to $250 in statement credit through January for prepaid stays of two nights or more through Chase’s The Edit collection. Starting in January 2026, this credit is $500, usable throughout the year.
  • Earn Chase Sapphire Reserve®
• Sapphire Reserve for Business℠
  • Earn up to $250 in statement credit through January for prepaid stays of two nights or more through Chase’s The Edit collection. Starting in January 2026, this credit becomes $500 to use throughout the entire year.
  • Earn 200,000 bonus points after you spend $30,000 on eligible purchases within the six (6) months of being approved for the card.

The Edit stays include:

• Enjoy early check-in (when available)
• Room upgrade (when available)
• Free WiFi
• Daily breakfast for two (valued at up $60 total each day)
• A resort or spa credit (varies by property)
• Late check-out (when available)

The big difference between the two — and this may not be that major for some — is that Amex FHR guarantees late checkout.

Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is less than three months away. (Saturday, February 14, 2026, to be exact.)

Wouldn’t a night at a luxury hotel be special? Especially if you can get up to $250 or $300 back in statement credit?

Think about it. Some resort credits are for spa use only. That’ll knock a chunk out of a nice massage for your partner. Or the resort credit is food and beverage, spend the $100 toward drinks and dinner. A $200 dinner is easier to swallow when $100 is taken off your bill at checkout. Plus, you have breakfast up to $60 to enjoy the next morning, maybe even with late checkout.

Most FHR and The Edit properties are rather upscale. (Though “upscale” varies from person to person. Some folks are in heaven at a JW Marriott while others think the brand is practically a homeless shelter. Trust me. I’ve met people who wouldn’t be caught dead at such properties.)

Unless you snag a deal — and it’s possible here and there — these properties are fairly expensive. (At least for my budget.) But even if Valentine’s Day doesn’t work for your budget or schedule — perhaps you have to work or have other plans — you could enjoy a belated Valentine’s Day with your special someone. We really like the MaxFHR website for ideas.

But let’s say you find an FHR or Edit hotel in your area (or somewhere else) for $500 that night. It’s $200 or $250 after statement credit (depending on your card). You’ll save at least $60 on breakfast. Maybe $100 on food and beverage (you can see which before booking). While you still have to spend some money (you could also redeem some points to offset the cost, though that may not be the best redemption, but who cares?), I think you’ll create a pretty great, special night.

Enjoy!