This is only for Fine Hotels and Resorts bookings and those prices are usually more than booking directly.

Last year I was Hyatt Globalist and Hilton Diamond, so I got those benefits booking directly.

This year I will be Hilton Gold and Hyatt Explorist.

But I will get free C+ upgrades on Delta at time of booking because we are both Delta Platinum Medallion

Amex Platinum gives you Hilton Gold as part of the "coupon book" of benefits for holding it.

Recent-ish recipient of a Venture X. It and the Platinum were my two finalists, but the “coupon book” aspects required to really benefit from the Platinum pushed me away. Have I made a terrible mistake?

I ended up using many of the "Coupons" (not all), but the travel benefits after 2 international trips more than pay for the yearly price - and that's without the generous 150K points. Lounge access at airports is a life saver.

I hate credit card companies too - but I can't deny that it's cheap to be rich and expensive to be poor. Just bite the bullet and get it or equivalent nice credit cards and use their (the credit cards) own travel booking websites. You'll be happy you did.

Currently we have:

- Amex Platinum + paid authorized user

- Amex Delta Platinum, Business Platinum and Reserve - having all three got me halfway to Delta Platinum Medallion. They each have a buy one get one free ticket and Delta Stays credits

- Amex Green and Blue Business Plus

I’m also a credit card churner, I’m looking to get four this year for sign up bonuses