The Amex concierge system has a specific range of what it can and can't do. Understanding that range is the difference between using it effectively and being disappointed by it.
What it can do
The concierge can contact restaurants directly on your behalf, often through relationships built over time with specific properties. For high-demand restaurants that operate through relationships rather than public booking systems, this is genuinely valuable. They can also monitor waitlists, set up alerts for cancellations, and — for Centurion cardholders — have access to inventory held specifically for the program at a small number of restaurants.
For Paris specifically, the service is strongest at the top end: three-star restaurants, places like Chez l'Ami Louis that are relationship-based, and properties where the hotel concierge connection matters. For the harder targets — a Saturday at Septime, a specific table at Le Comptoir — the Amex concierge has the same constraints anyone has.
What it can't do
It can't manufacture a table that doesn't exist. It can't override a restaurant's closed night. It doesn't have special access to bookings that open to the public simultaneously for everyone — when Bistrot des Tournelles opens its reservation window on Zenchef, you and the Amex concierge are clicking at the same time.
The value is in parallel pursuit: while you're checking the booking page directly at midnight Paris time, the concierge is calling the restaurant directly. Two approaches, one target.
The Paris approach that worked
Three weeks before our arrival, we contacted both the Amex concierge and the 9 Confidentiel hotel concierge about a Sunday table at Chez l'Ami Louis. We told both the party size, the date, and the time preference. We then checked the restaurant's booking page directly at midnight Paris time several nights running as we approached the two-week window. The hotel concierge got the table. The Amex concierge was still working on it. Having both in motion was correct — we didn't know which channel would deliver.
The lesson: for Sunday arrival in Paris at a restaurant with a cult following and a narrow booking window, start all three channels (Amex, hotel concierge, direct) as early as possible. Three weeks out is not too early.
The Amex Platinum card also covers lounge access, the Fine Hotels + Resorts program (which occasionally makes a difference on room upgrades and credits), and Global Entry. The concierge benefit is the underused one.
Travel Organization on AmazonFine Hotels + Resorts
The FH+R program provides room upgrades, daily breakfast for two, a property credit (usually $100), early check-in and late checkout when available, and guaranteed noon check-in at enrolled properties. Several of our trip hotels participate: the Plaza Athénée is an FH+R property, as is Nolinski Venezia. The breakfast credit alone can offset $60–100/day in a city like Paris.
Check the FH+R list before you book any high-end hotel. If the property is enrolled, book through the Amex travel portal rather than direct or Booking.com — the rate is matched and you get the benefits. If it's not enrolled, book wherever the rate is best.