How I turn my Amex Platinum hotel statement credit into even more value

I don't renew American Express Platinum Card® every year because of airport lounge access or hotel elite status. 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.Cardmembers receive up to $600 in hotel statement credits per calendar year (allotted as up to $300 semiannually) on prepaid American Express Fine Hotels + Resorts or The Hotel Collection* bookings made through American Express Travel® when paying with their Amex Platinum.I've used this benefit for four stays over the past two years, and already have my next booking lined up for early next year. Along the way, I've received $1,300 in credits while stacking hotel promotions, elite status benefits and on-property credits to get even more value from each stay.Here's how I maximize it.*The Hotel Collection stays require a two-night minimum.Why I usually choose The Hotel Collection over Fine Hotels + ResortsThe Amex Platinum gives cardmembers access to both Fine Hotels + Resorts (FHR) and The Hotel Collection (THC).While FHR includes richer perks, such as guaranteed 4 p.m. late checkout and daily breakfast, I find those properties ...