Name: American Express® Gold Card
Brand: American Express

Quick summary

Hotel club lounges in the U.S. vary in quality, with many domestic properties reducing investment or closing lounges, while international locations, especially in Asia, often offer exceptional experiences.
Lounge access is a key benefit for top-tier hotel loyalty program members, providing complimentary food, drinks and comfortable workspaces, sometimes with added services like garment pressing or dedicated check-in.
Standout lounges in Asia, such as those in Seoul, Taipei, Okinawa and Tokyo, feature extensive buffets, attentive staff and impressive amenities, often saving guests significant amounts on food and beverages.
Access to these lounges can transform a hotel stay, offering both tangible savings and enhanced comfort, making it a highly valued elite status perk when traveling abroad.

What to consider

Lounge access is typically reserved for top-tier elite members or those booking specific room types, though some programs extend access to mid-tier members or through milestone rewards.
Amenities and food offerings can vary by property and region, with international lounges generally providing more robust options than their U.S. counterparts.
Some lounges offer unique perks such as dedicated concierge services, high-speed Wi-Fi and panoramic views, but availability and hours may differ based on hotel policies.

What you'll miss from the article

Detailed comparisons of specific Asian hotel lounges and insights on how lounge access can maximize both savings and travel comfort.

Generated by AI with support from our editorial team.

The club lounges at many U.S. hotels can be hit or miss. Some hotels are not investing in lounges like they once did, and many have closed their lounges altogether.

Lounge access is one of the most publicized perks for top-tier elite members of hotel loyalty programs, such as World of Hyatt Globalists and Hilton Honors Diamonds, yet it often feels like an afterthought at domestic hotels. That's not true at many hotels overseas, though.

While it might not always be the most useful benefit of holding hotel elite status when traveling in the U.S., lounge access in other regions, including Asia, can transform a hotel stay from humdrum to extraordinary. In fact, it’s my favorite elite status perk when traveling internationally.

I recently took a multiweek trip through several countries in Asia, and my status unlocked some fabulous lounges ... and all the free food, drinks and useful workspaces that access opened up. Here's a look at a handful of the lounges I experienced during my travels and why lounge access remains my favorite hotel perk.

What does hotel lounge access typically get you?

Most hotel lounges offer a (usually quiet) sanctuary where you'll find free or almost free drinks and food. Some lounges serve a full buffet breakfast or even made-to-order dishes like omelets. Some also offer light bites throughout the day or even a buffet for dinner. Often, both nonalcoholic and alcoholic drinks are free, though some lounges charge for top-shelf spirits, and tips are generally expected.

Some of the other perks of hotel lounge access may include:

High-speed Wi-Fi
Business centers and workstations
Machines for self-serve coffee and tea drinks
Free water, juice and soda in fridges
Snacks available for most of the day
Happy hours and/or dessert spreads

Some lounges even offer garment-pressing or shoeshine services. You'll usually find plenty of comfortable seating options. Some hotel lounges have terraces, often on higher floors with good views.

One of the coolest features of some international hotel lounges is the ability to check in or out with dedicated reception areas as well as more robust concierge services. Sometimes, you'll be escorted to the lounge from the lobby — talk about a VIP experience.

Conrad Seoul

This was the best lounge I experienced on my trip, somewhat to my surprise. The incredible executive lounge at the Conrad Seoul in South Korea is on the top floor of a skyscraper and has sweeping views of the city's futuristic skyline and the Han River. When I booked my stay, I did not even know that the hotel had a lounge, let alone this spectacular space.

Conrad Seoul executive lounge. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

The dramatically lit walls held shelves of art, and there were plenty of places to sit for a meal or work session. There was even a flickering fireplace.

Fireplace in the Conrad Seoul lounge. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

I had access thanks to my Hilton Diamond status, which I have as a result of having the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in my wallet.

Hilton Honors Diamonds and those who reserve accommodations with club lounge access included in their stay can take advantage of this benefit.

It should be noted that some programs award lounge access even to mid-tier elite members. Marriott Bonvoy members, for example, with Platinum Elite, Titanium Elite or Ambassador Elite status get lounge access at certain properties.

You tend to find lounges at hotels in Hilton's premium portfolio, such as Conrads, Waldorf Astoria properties and full-service Hiltons.

This particular lounge had a full breakfast spread, and there were snacks out at lunch and a full buffet at dinner. There was always something delicious to eat or drink at all hours of the day. Breakfast standouts included pancakes and pastries like croissants, fresh fruit (the sweet grapefruit was delicious) and noodles. There were also an impressive selection of cheeses, along with cold cuts, fresh greens and cereals.

You could literally eat here for every meal during your entire stay for free. That can lead to some serious savings on a trip like mine, though I was also eager to get out and experience the city's fantastic food scene. Still, knowing I could pop in anytime for a snack was a helpful benefit during a hectic stay. The best part of my visits was taking in the sunset after a cold day of sightseeing around Seoul.

One less tangible benefit of having lounge access is that the staff can be super helpful with making arrangements around the hotel or out in the city via concierge services. They are also on hand to help with business needs like getting things printed.

At the Conrad Seoul, the friendly staff was eager to help with any questions visitors had. Interacting with staff members is also a great way to get a local's insight into a destination, I have found, and this stay was no exception.

Grand Hyatt Taipei

World of Hyatt really steps up its lounge game outside the U.S. Though I have had a few good experiences in U.S. Hyatt lounges, none holds a candle to what I have found on offer in Asia.

You’ll need top-tier World of Hyatt Globalist status for free lounge access, but you could also reserve a room type with club lounge access. Hyatt members can also select two club lounge access awards as Hyatt Milestone Rewards when they reach the qualifying thresholds starting at 20 nights in a status year.

The Grand Club at the Grand Hyatt in Taipei, Taiwan, is one of my favorite lounges. It had attentive service and a variety of lovely seating areas. It felt like a glamorous setting with fresh flowers set out at the entrance along with a selection of international newspapers. There was a check-in desk as well where guests could request hotel services. Servers circulated often to make sure guests had what they needed.

Check out the incredible views of the famous Taipei 101 tower from the lounge (don't mind the dirty windows).

Taipei 101 building from the Grand Hyatt Taipei. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

There was a full breakfast spread in the mornings that included an omelet station where eggs could be cooked to order and plenty of both Western and Asian entree options.

While I was there, the hotel was offering guests fresh chocolate or strawberry croissants.

Club access saved me a ton of money in Taipei and kept me fueled with caffeine at all hours of the day and night. The lounge was open most of the day and well into the evening, with a full breakfast spread and then snacks available all day after that. In the evening, there were light bites and desserts laid out that could easily have replaced a full dinner. My favorite feature was the ability to grab an espresso or a soda at any time of the day. Fresh juice and still and sparkling waters were also available throughout the day.

Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa

Hyatt Regency Naha on Okinawa, Japan. — Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa in Japan. CLINT HENDERSON/THE POINTS GUY

The lounge at the Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa occupies much of the 18th floor of the building it occupies in the island's biggest city.

It offered extensive views of the skyline, and guests with access could head straight there to check in or out for their stay. Various rooms were available to relax or eat in. Part of the lounge was closed during certain times of the day, but additional spaces were open during the busy breakfast hours. A grand piano was stationed in one of the massive rooms, though it wasn't being played during my stay.

In the morning, there was a full breakfast with hot and cold buffets set up along one wall. A chef prepared eggs any style at an omelet station in the back of the lounge.

In the evenings, the hotel served light snacks and wine, sparkling wine and cocktails. I say light snacks, but there was a full buffet that many people appeared to enjoy in place of dinner.

I visited for several meals, plus unlimited espressos, during my stay. It added up to serious savings.

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

The Hyatt Regency Tokyo is famous for its Regency Club lounge, which Hyatt loyalists have raved about for years. During my stay, it was in a temporary space because the hotel was undergoing some major renovations, but it still had plenty of tables and great views of Tokyo.

There was a nice selection of food and drinks, including Nespresso machine-made cappuccinos, fresh juice, Japanese snacks and cookies, to keep me satisfied. The dinner spread had been pretty picked over when I visited later in the evening, but the breakfast options were impressive. Choices included everything from fresh pastries, cold cuts, yogurt and ripe fruit galore to an omelet station and various Western breakfast meats.

I cannot wait to see the renovated club on my next trip to Tokyo. It's expected to be completed in June of this year.

Bottom line

Lounge access can save you hundreds of dollars in food-and-beverage costs, even on short stays. In fact, it's such a great way to save money on trips and enhance your stay, especially when traveling outside the U.S., that it's one of several reasons why I pursue top-tier hotel elite status each year.

Related reading:

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American Express® Gold Card

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Rewards rate

Rewards rate
Rate	Category
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
4X	Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
5X	Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
3X	Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
2X	Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
1X	Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.

Intro offer

As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.

Annual fee

$325

Regular APR

See Pay Over Time APR

Recommended credit

Excellent to Good

Pros + cons

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

More details

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

Pros

Valuable dining and food-related credits
Flexible rewards with airline and hotel transfer partners
Multiple travel and purchase protections
No foreign transaction fees
Access to Amex Offers for additional savings (enrollment required)

Cons

Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits

You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $8,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
Earn 5X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid hotel stays booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™.
Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points on flights booked through AmexTravel.com, the Amex Travel App™, or purchased directly from airlines.
Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points on prepaid car rentals booked through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and cruises booked and paid through AmexTravel.com.
Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
Pay It® lets you tap in the American Express® App to quickly pay for small purchase amounts throughout the month and still earn rewards the way you usually do. Plan It® gives you the option to split up big purchases into equal monthly payments with a fixed fee. You’ll know upfront exactly how much you’ll pay.
$120 Dining Credit: Earn up to a total of $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the Gold Card at Grubhub (including Seamless), Buffalo Wild Wings, Five Guys, The Cheesecake Factory, and Wonder. This can be an annual savings of up to $120. Enrollment required.
$100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year at over 10,000 qualifying U.S. Resy restaurants after you pay for eligible purchases with the American Express® Gold Card. That’s up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
$84 Dunkin' Credit: Earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin’ locations. Enrollment required.
$120 Uber Cash on Gold: Enjoy up to $120 in Uber Cash annually with your Gold Card. Just add your Card to your Uber account and you'll get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an Amex Card for your transaction.
Enjoy complimentary Hertz Five Star® Status benefits like skipping the counter at select locations, adding an additional driver at no additional cost*, and vehicle upgrades**. Benefit enrollment and Hertz Gold+ registration are required. *Additional drivers must meet standard rental qualifications and must be a spouse or domestic partner to qualify as complimentary. Other additional drivers subject to fees. **Benefits are subject to availability and vary by location. Additional Hertz program Terms and Conditions including age restrictions apply.
Book two nights or more with The Hotel Collection through AmexTravel.com or the Amex Travel App™ and receive a $100* credit towards eligible charges at over 1,400 upscale hotels worldwide. *Eligible charges vary by property.
Book your travel through the Amex Travel App™ with added peace of mind – backed by American Express® service and support. Only for American Express® Card Members.
Whenever you need us, we're here. Our Member Services team will ensure you are taken care of. From lost Card replacement to statement questions, we are available to help 24/7.
No Foreign Transaction Fees.
Annual Fee is $325.
Terms Apply.

The club lounges at many U.S. hotels can be hit or miss. Some hotels are not investing in lounges like they once did, and many have closed their lounges altogether.

What does hotel lounge access typically get you?

Some of the other perks of hotel lounge access may include:

High-speed Wi-Fi
Business centers and workstations
Machines for self-serve coffee and tea drinks
Free water, juice and soda in fridges
Snacks available for most of the day
Happy hours and/or dessert spreads

Some lounges even offer garment-pressing or shoeshine services. You'll usually find plenty of comfortable seating options. Some hotel lounges have terraces, often on higher floors with good views.

Conrad Seoul

The dramatically lit walls held shelves of art, and there were plenty of places to sit for a meal or work session. There was even a flickering fireplace.

I had access thanks to my Hilton Diamond status, which I have as a result of having the Hilton Honors American Express Aspire Card in my wallet.

Hilton Honors Diamonds and those who reserve accommodations with club lounge access included in their stay can take advantage of this benefit.

You tend to find lounges at hotels in Hilton's premium portfolio, such as Conrads, Waldorf Astoria properties and full-service Hiltons.

Grand Hyatt Taipei

World of Hyatt really steps up its lounge game outside the U.S. Though I have had a few good experiences in U.S. Hyatt lounges, none holds a candle to what I have found on offer in Asia.

Check out the incredible views of the famous Taipei 101 tower from the lounge (don't mind the dirty windows).

There was a full breakfast spread in the mornings that included an omelet station where eggs could be cooked to order and plenty of both Western and Asian entree options.

While I was there, the hotel was offering guests fresh chocolate or strawberry croissants.

Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa

The lounge at the Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa occupies much of the 18th floor of the building it occupies in the island's biggest city.

In the morning, there was a full breakfast with hot and cold buffets set up along one wall. A chef prepared eggs any style at an omelet station in the back of the lounge.

In the evenings, the hotel served light snacks and wine, sparkling wine and cocktails. I say light snacks, but there was a full buffet that many people appeared to enjoy in place of dinner.

I visited for several meals, plus unlimited espressos, during my stay. It added up to serious savings.

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

I cannot wait to see the renovated club on my next trip to Tokyo. It's expected to be completed in June of this year.

Bottom line

Related reading:

What does hotel lounge access typically get you?

Conrad Seoul

Grand Hyatt Taipei

Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Bottom line

Comments

Comments

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TPG featured card

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

What does hotel lounge access typically get you?

Conrad Seoul

Grand Hyatt Taipei

Hyatt Regency Naha, Okinawa

Hyatt Regency Tokyo

Bottom line

Comments

TPG featured card

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons

More details

Pros

Cons

American Express® Gold Card

Rewards rate

Intro offer

Annual fee

Regular APR

Recommended credit

Pros + cons

Pros

Cons