Time is luxury: Why all high-end hotels should follow The Peninsula in eliminating check-in/out times
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The times, they are a-changin'.
At Peninsula Hotels, one of the world's most exclusive and luxurious hotel brands, these words from Bob Dylan ring especially true.
The brand recently shared that beginning Jan. 1, 2021, it will eliminate rigid check-in and check-out times. The chain coined the new experience "Peninsula Time," and said that "guests can arrange to have their room ready as early as 6 a.m. on their arrival date and check out as late as 10 p.m. on their departure date at no extra charge when they book directly or with their preferred travel advisor."
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The chain also announced further enhancements to its customer-friendly perks, known as "The Peninsula Promise." Among them include the ability to book guaranteed adjoining rooms if you're traveling with a family or a larger group as well as discounts on the room rate when you book connecting rooms, daily breakfast for each guest in the connecting room and a $100 credit to be used at restaurants or the spa during the stay.
Additionally, the chain standardized its cancellation policy, which will allow fee-free cancellation up to 3 p.m. local time the day prior to check in, as well as allowing changes to advance preferred-rate bookings up to 12 months from the original booking date.
Finally, The Peninsula is introducing a 24-hour real-time concierge service that allows you to send messages to the concierge through existing apps on your phone, including WhatsApp or Facebook Messenger, with any request a guest may have at any time of day.
We hope other hotels follow The Peninsula's lead
Undoubtedly, we're most excited about the implementation of Peninsula Time. No matter how nice your hotel looks, there's nothing worse than being told you have to be out at 10 a.m. on a Sunday morning, even if your flight doesn't leave until the evening. And begging the hotel's front desk for a later checkout time doesn't scream refinement -- and the most you're likely to get is just a few extra hours.
And, there have been several times that I've arrived in London or Paris on flights that landed at 7 a.m. local time, with a massive amount of jet lag, wanting nothing more than a brief nap to give me energy. However, upon arrival at the hotel -- even at luxury properties -- I've been told that a room wouldn't be ready for several hours, forcing me to drag around town guzzling coffee just to stay awake.
It's time for other luxury brands to follow The Peninsula's lead and develop similar policies. If larger hotels are worried about never having any rooms available for guests to check in to, perhaps it'd make a great perk for top-tier elite status among the major programs.
As a Marriott Platinum and Hilton Diamond member, I'd feel better about using my hard-earned points or certificates on stays where I know that I could check in and out according to my schedule, not the hotel's.
While we wait for other chains to (hopefully) match this policy from Peninsula Hotels, you can take advantage of programs like American Express Fine Hotels and Resorts if you hold The Platinum Card® from American Express. It offers, among other valuable perks, noon check in when available and guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout. It's definitely better than you'll get at most hotels but still doesn't match The Peninsula's generous new standard.
Bottom line
These changes are all very positive and customer friendly. During the pandemic, it's become apparent that true luxury is when a travel partner listens to its customers. The companies who are making changes that their customers want will be the companies that come out strongest on the other side of COVID-19.
Many hotel chains have made changes to help customers who need to travel during this difficult time, including extending elite status, deep cleaning rooms and offering remote-work packages for those desperate for a chance of scenery.
But, this enhancement from The Peninsula raises the stakes. Based on the new check-in policy alone, it's not hard to see business travelers and those looking to get the most out of their cash considering a Peninsula over a similarly priced competitor due to the flexibility of this policy alone. Other luxe brands: It's your move.
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- 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 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. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
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 $6,000 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 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.