Questions and Answers

Hi,

I just wanted to raise everyone’s attention that American Express Platinum Card in Asia will be ending their partnership with Shangri-La Hotels as of 31 March 2021. Currently, Centurion card holder will be given free Shangri-La Diamond membership while Platinum card holder are given Shangri-La Jade membership (which comes with free breakfast). Many members like me feel that American Express kept cutting cost while they claimed they tried to lure more members to upgrade their cards. For example, they have cut the HK$2,000 Grand Hyatt Hong Kong dining coupons that are given to Platinum card holder each year. Now they are cutting the Shangri-La membership and replace it with nothing (or perhaps some discounts or benefits with Sino Hotels which has a few hotels in Asia). The Marriott Bonvoy Gold that comes with the card is simply useless as it only gives 2pm late check out and there is no club lounge access or free breakfast given. It seems the only good membership remaining is the Hilton Gold membership. I hope American Express management can read what’s written here and try to find a replacement for Shangri-La, and not just simply cutting it while still collecting HK$38,000 annual fee for Centurion card and HK$7,800 for Platinum card in Hong Kong! At least they should try upgrading the Marriott Bonvoy Card to Platinum for us. Many existing members are very likely to cancel their cards.

I wish everyone a safe and healthy holiday!

With Best Wishes,
Travelprofessor