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The best credit card for hotels in Italy.

Updated

Why this card

Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant for hotels in Italy.

Italy is a Marriott Luxury Collection and Bvlgari (now Marriott-affiliated) market. Hilton has Rome Eden, Hyatt has the Park Hyatt Milan, but Marriott has the deepest luxury footprint.

Annual fee

$650

Best earn rate

6 points per dollar at Marriotts, 85,000-point free night certificate annually

Signup bonus

Currently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offer

The 85K free night certificate covers a full night at Hotel Eden Rome, Hotel Romazzino Costa Smeralda, or the Excelsior Florence. All three are $1,000-plus cash on a summer night. Platinum status gets you upgraded room category at most Luxury Collection properties, plus daily breakfast for two which is $60 to $80 a day in Italy. Single redemption usually justifies the $650 fee.

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If the top pick is not right

Alternative: American Express Platinum.

Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Splendido in Portofino, and Le Sirenuse in Positano are all on Fine Hotels and Resorts. Upgrade on arrival plus $100 property credit on a $2,000-per-night room is a tangible discount you cannot get elsewhere.

American ExpressAnnual fee $895

At a glance

Side by side.

SpecMarriott Bonvoy BrilliantAmerican Express Platinum
Annual fee$650$895
Best earn rate6 points per dollar at Marriotts, 85,000-point free night certificate annuallySee alternative section above
Signup bonusCurrently around 150,000 points after tiered spend, see issuer for the current offerVaries by month

Local tip

What to know before you book.

Italian hotels charge a city tax that ranges from 2 to 7 euros per person per night. This is always cash-only at checkout and not covered by points, status, or credits. Budget for it separately.

Questions

Frequently asked.

What is the best credit card for hotels in Italy?

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Marriott Bonvoy Brilliant from American Express. The 85K free night certificate covers a full night at Hotel Eden Rome, Hotel Romazzino Costa Smeralda, or the Excelsior Florence. Annual fee is $650.

How many points do you need for a free night in Italy?

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Roughly 85,000 points per night at the recommended chain for Italy. Cash rate is around $520 per night, so the points stay is a meaningful discount versus paying cash.

Is the American Express Platinum a better choice for hotels in Italy?

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Hotel Cipriani in Venice, the Splendido in Portofino, and Le Sirenuse in Positano are all on Fine Hotels and Resorts. Upgrade on arrival plus $100 property credit on a $2,000-per-night room is a tangible discount you cannot get elsewhere. Annual fee is $895.