Taxes and Fees Apply to Leading Hotels of the World Redemptions

A new transfer partner has been added to the American Express Membership Rewards program: The Leading Hotels of the World's Leaders Club loyalty program. This partnership allows for the transfer of points at a 4:1 ratio, with redemptions starting below 3,000 points per night. However, there is a catch - taxes and fees are required for award stays.

## Finding Taxes and Fees with Leading Hotels of the World

To determine the taxes and fees associated with a redemption stay, users can select the standard paid rate instead of the redemption rate. This will display the total taxes and fees associated with the stay. For example, a four-night stay at the Ritz Paris next summer for 40,251 points per night would incur 93.50 euros in city tax, or roughly $108, based on current exchange rates. This amounts to about $27.10 per night.

| Property | Taxes and Fees | | --- | --- | | Ritz Paris | 93.50 euros ($108) | | Fouquet's Paris | bundled into room rate | | Fauchon L'Hotel Paris | 89 euros ($103) per night | | The Huntington Hotel in San Francisco | 20% of paid rate | | Bairro Alto Hotel in Lisbon | none |

## Taxes and Fees Can Vary Significantly

Taxes and fees can vary significantly across Leading Hotels of the World's portfolio, even in the same city. For example, Fouquet's Paris bundles the city tax into its room rate, while Fauchon L'Hotel Paris charges a value-added tax as a separate item. Some properties, like those in New York City, impose high occupancy taxes on redemption stays, amounting to approximately 13% to 15% of the standard rate.

## Bottom Line

The new partnership between American Express and Leading Hotels of the World opens up some great redemption opportunities. However, many hotels charge additional taxes and fees for award stays. To figure out how much you'd need to pay at a specific property, search for paid stays and select the best available or standard rate. Additionally, those with the American Express Platinum Card or The Business Platinum Card from American Express can unlock complimentary Sterling status in the Leaders Club program, which includes additional benefits such as prearrival upgrades and bonus points. Just note that redemption stays aren't eligible for these upgrades.