– My Magical Key to the City – 24 hours with a Platinum Card

I recently experienced what it would be like to live 24hrs as a Platinum ® Cardmember… which for me, was no less than a supersonic fantastic treat. Platinum is for people who love to explore, travel, share wonderful experiences and enjoy exceptional quality… and I was determined to make the most of as many of the brilliant benefits and experiences available to me, while in possession of this Card.
And that I did.

A benefit I was very excited about was that I could get tickets to the Royal Academy of Arts. … and even more excitingly I could use the (quicker!) corporate queue.  Cardmembers receive complimentary access for themselves plus a pal to selected exhibitions at this phenomenal venue, as well as access to the corporate members’ evenings… very, very cool indeed. I had been dying to see the Ai Weiwei exhibition, which I’d heard was amazing.

I called Platinum Concierge the night before, to ask for some recommendations on where to have lunch near the Royal Academy… and this, incidentally, may have been the most enjoyable phone call I’ve ever had in my life.
The Concierge service is like having your own personal PA, travel agent and Fairy Godmother all in one and is available 24/7. The advice was immediate, personal and excellent and I found myself being torn between having lunch at J Sheekey or tea at Claridges, both of which are difficult to get a table at and both of which, assured my Concierge, shouldn’t be a problem at all to secure a table for me and my guest.

The exhibition was fantastic, lunch was amazing and the whole experience was flawless… and, if I’m honest, I felt rather special.
The Concierge had also managed to purchase tickets to see The Red Lion at the National Theatre the following evening, and dinner at Michelin Star awarded Hakkasan Hanway…
Platinum Concierge can help with a myriad of things – for example, organising a personal shopper at the likes of Paul Smith, and Matches. They can help you book and plan a city break to Barcelona or a luxurious lazy holiday, suggest a special gift for a tricky-to-buy-for person, or simply offer advice on the best thing to do on the upcoming weekend… See? Fairy Godmother.
The exhibition was fantastic and afterwards we headed straight to the Southbank to have a stroll, do a bit of people watching and watch The Red Lion at the National Theatre (of which American Express is also a partner.)
 

The Red Lion is a Patrick Marber play about small time semi-pro football and starring Daniel Mays, who you’ll probably know from the films Made in Dagenham, Nanny McPhee and TinTin…The play was great! Sadly it was a very short run so tickets are no longer available, but keep your eyes peeled for a return!
Dinner at Hakassan was the perfect end to the perfect day… and the icing on our dim sum was the complimentary cocktail we both received, which are offered to all Platinum Cardmembers who dine there. Hurrah!

I’d never been to Hakkasan and was so looking forward to it – the meal was sensational, the service was impeccable, and I will definitely be returning – it’s a restaurant for a very special occasion. After such a long and exciting day we hopped into a black cab to take us all the way home…

We had the most wonderful day. I felt so looked after throughout my 24 hour trial and lots of elements were taken care of by my Concierge. Everything about Platinum feels like it is designed to make your life simpler and more special, simultaneously.
Platinum also has all other bases covered that you’d expect too – if you’re a traveller, you’ll love the complimentary Priority Pass which gives you access to 850 airport lounges around the world.
For me, Platinum really was like holding a magical key to the city and beyond… doors open, opportunities knock and so much is possible…
Magic.
 

If my experience has whet your appetite and you’d like to find out more about becoming a Platinum Cardmember, visit: americanexpress.com/uk/content/platinum-card.
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You can read more about the benefits below. Terms and conditions apply.
Curated to Make your World More Special
Platinum from American Express curates extraordinary and enriching experiences for Cardmembers across travel, fashion, shopping, dining, music and the arts.
These experiences range from personal shopping advisors to bespoke events from the likes of National Theatre and London Film Festival to complimentary dining courses or cocktails at some of the world’s best restaurants.
There are also a whole host of other benefits available*, including:
Platinum Concierge – available 24-hours a day to advise, support and simplify Cardmember travel and lifestyle needs
Lounge Access – relax in one of over 850 airport lounges sprawled across over 120 countries with Priority Pass
Hotel Deals and Upgrades – with FINE HOTEL AND RESORTS and The Hotel Collection, plus benefits including upgrades, complimentary breakfast and late check-out with Starwood hotels
Wi-Fi access – thanks to Boingo, with over a million hotspots globally
Membership Rewards – earn 1 Membership Reward point for virtually every £1 spent. Membership Rewards points can be redeemed against a wide range of shopping, flights and holidays across a range of globally renowned brands including Paul Smith, British Airways and Harrods. Terms, taxes and fees apply.
Platinum from American Express has an annual fee of £450. Applicants must be 18 years old or over, UK residents and approval is subject to status.
Welcome Offer
The great news is that you can earn 30,000 Membership Rewards points when you spend £2,000 in your first three months of Cardmembership, which can be redeemed against the following, among other amazing benefits:
Two return flights from London to Barcelona/Venice (15,000 Membership Rewards points per person) or one business class flight from London to Barcelona/Venice (30,000 Membership Rewards points per person).
One Membership Rewards Point can also be converted to one Avios point, giving access to a whole host of travel benefits. Terms, taxes, fees and charges apply.