How I Got $300 in Hotel Credit, a Room Upgrade & Free Breakfast

The Stay That Inspired This Guide

I booked a cozy weekend staycation, and without using a single point, I got:

• $300 hotel credit

• Free breakfast

• Noon check-in

• A complimentary room upgrade

This wasn’t some five-star resort halfway across the world. It was a local escape, the kind you book when you need a reset and change of environement, but still want a little soft luxury.

And the best part? All of this came from one credit card.

Yes, You Can Unlock Hotel Perks Just by Using the Right Card

Most people only think about flights when it comes to travel credit cards. But hotel perks are one of the most underrated benefits out there, and they can completely elevate your stay.

Here’s what some of the best travel cards offer:

• Annual hotel credits ($200–$300)

• Room upgrades & complimentary breakfast

• Early check-in & late checkout

• VIP-style perks at curated hotels just by booking through the card’s travel portal

You don’t need elite status or tons of points, just the right card.

The Best Credit Cards for Hotel Perks

Not all cards are created equal when it comes to hotel benefits. Here are my top picks for different types of travelers:

💳 American Express Platinum Card

Best for: Travelers who want elite hotel experiences

• $200 hotel credit (when booking through Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection)

• Automatic upgrades, daily breakfast, and guaranteed late checkout

• Complimentary Gold status with Hilton and Marriott

• Current offer: earn 175,000 points using my referral link

→ Explore Amex Platinum Perks

💳 Capital One Venture X

Best for: Balanced perks + yearly hotel credit

• $300 annual hotel credit (via Capital One Travel)

• Complimentary room upgrades, early check-in, and breakfast at Premier Collection hotels

• Access to luxury hotel perks at better value

• Current offer: earn 75,000 points using my referral link

→ Learn More

💳 Chase Sapphire Preferred

Best for: Beginners exploring travel rewards

• No hotel credit, but strong earning on travel & dining

• 25% bonus when redeeming through Chase Travel

• Great intro card to pair with other perks-focused cards

• Current offer: earn 75,000 points using my referral link

→ View Card Details

💳 VentureOne or Freedom Unlimited

Best for: No annual fee & starter perks

• Modest everyday rewards

• Access to travel portals for hotel deals & redemptions

• Great starting point for beginners

• Current offer: earn $100 bonus using my referral link

→ Compare Offers

Not Sure Which One’s Right for You?

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• Want an annual hotel credit? Capital One Venture X or Amex Platinum

• Love upgrades, breakfast, and VIP perks? Go with Amex Platinum

• Prefer a simple, beginner-friendly rewards card? Chase Sapphire Preferred

What These Perks Actually Feel Like

This is not about booking expensive resorts.

It’s about:

• Checking in at noon without asking

• Slipping into a robe with coffee in hand

• Getting upgraded to a better room automatically

• Enjoying breakfast you didn’t pay for

And knowing your card quietly made it all happen.

These are the perks that make a regular stay feel like a reward, without spending more.

Want to Explore More Travel Card Perks?

If you’re curious about other cards with airport lounge access, travel protection, or high-value points for flights, I’ve got a full page that breaks it all down.

👉 Click here to explore all my favorite travel cards

Or follow me on Instagram for more tips, tricks, and travel strategy drops.

Transparency Note: Some of the links on this page may be referral links , which means I may earn a bonus if you apply, at no cost to you. I only recommend cards I’ve used or truly believe in.