Consider transferring them to one of Amex's three hotel partners ? Hilton Honors at a 1:2 ratio, Marriott Bonvoy at a 1:1 ratio, or Choice Privileges (Choice Hotels) at a 1:1 ratio, though there's a special promotion now through October 31, 2021, that bumps up Hilton and Marriott transfers by 30 percent.

The number of American Express Membership Rewards points required for a hotel stay varies significantly depending on whether you transfer points to partners or use the "Pay with Points" feature. For direct redemptions via Amex Travel, points are typically worth 0.7 cents each, meaning a $350 room would require roughly 50,000 points. However, the most value is found by transferring to partners like Marriott Bonvoy (1:1), Hilton Honors (1:2), or Choice Privileges (1:1). In 2026, a standard room at a mid-scale Hilton might cost 30,000–50,000 Hilton points (15,000–25,000 Amex points), while luxury properties like the Waldorf Astoria can exceed 120,000 points. High-end redemptions at Ritz-Carlton Reserves have been known to require upwards of 250,000 points for a single night, making it essential to calculate the "cents per point" value before booking to ensure you are getting a better deal than a cash purchase.