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Jimmy and a man looking at a ship through a glass wall

Hotel Benefits You Can Unlock with the Amex Platinum Card


Over the past two weeks, Beard Season founder Jimmy Niggles has been putting his metal American Express Platinum Card through its paces. From making travel arrangements with ease via the Platinum Travel Service to enjoying the comforts of the American Express Lounge at Sydney Airport, everything has been smooth sailing.

Now, as Jimmy lands in Queenstown, New Zealand’s naturally formed playground for action and adventure, it’s time to see what other travel benefits Jimmy and his good friend Joram enjoy on their holiday.

Checking into Eichardt’s Private Hotel is always a welcome occasion and with luxuriously appointed rooms overlooking Lake Wakatipu, it’s easily one of New Zealand’s best hotels. Getting any booking here during peak season can be a tall order, however, Eichardt’s is part of American Express’ Fine Hotels & Resorts program, meaning Jimmy can even score a complimentary room upgrade just for booking through the Platinum Travel Service.

Eichardt’s knows that Jimmy is inbound, and the good folks in their team make sure that he gets a better room at no extra cost, so that he can better relax and enjoy his surrounds as soon as he arrives. Originally booked into a Mountain View Suite, Jimmy gets upgraded to a picturesque Lake View Suite thanks to the fact that he booked through the Platinum Travel Service at a Fine Hotels & Resorts property and needless to say, he is absolutely stoked. This is no “special treatment” either, it comes as a standard (depending on availability) when you’re the proud bearer of an American Express Platinum Card.

No visit to Queenstown is complete without a trip on the famous Skyline gondola, which offers the most picturesque outlook of Queenstown anyone could ask for. And of course, once they arrive at the top, Jimmy and Joram’s experience wouldn’t be complete without having a drink at the Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, while enjoying sweeping views of the vibrant town, vast lake and the snow-capped mountains that surround them.

As dusk rolls in and the guys are ready to devour a meal, the award-winning Botswana butchery is the natural choice. As a fine dining restaurant with tables in high demand, Jimmy was able to secure a reservation through the Platinum Concierge.

Join us for the next episode when Jimmy and Joram head to the mountains, and we show you more ways to get the most out of an American Express Platinum Card. To ensure you don’t miss out on any instalments, sign up to our Newsletter here.

Apply for an American Express Platinum Card today to receive 80,000 bonus points. *Minimum spend criteria & Terms & Conditions apply. 

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To see more of Jimmy’s adventure, visit the American Express Platinum Travel Hub.