Instead, the benefit that goes the furthest toward justifying the card's $895 annual fee (see rates and fees) is the card's hotel statement credit. At the time, the Amex Platinum offered a single $200 annual hotel statement credit. The stacking opportunities many travelers overlookThe hotel statement credit is only one piece of the puzzle. When I wouldn't use the hotel benefitI don't automatically use the hotel statement credit just because I have it. By booking strategically, stacking the hotel statement credit with promotions and elite benefits, and choosing properties where I'll actually use the on-property credit, I've received $1,300 in hotel statement credits over the past two years.