HotelChatter || HotelChatter's Guide to Loyalty Programs:: Starwood Preferred Guests

Until recently we thought hotel loyalty programs were for Account Executives rolling their business travel points into a family vacation at a bland resort every year or two. However, funny thing happened when we started investigating these programs -- we found some of them are downright useful if you know how to cut through the red tape. This series is meant as a jumping off point to full fledged discussions on each loyalty program we feature. So comment, contribute, question, and cajole here.

If your traveling proclivities involve repeat stays at leading hotel chains, loyalty programs are undoubtedly worth the price of admission. Which, by the way, is free.

Earning free nights, however, isn't as straightforward as one might think, especially if you're looking forward to gratis nights in top markets or luxury properties, which cost more points than free nights in less popular markets or less opulant properties.

Herewith, an overview, with discretionary commentary. Whichever program or programs you choose, a few pointers: You won't earn a point if you don't book directly with the hotel chain. You must be the party paying for the room. There are tons of limits and conditions and perks, so read, don't skim, the fine print.

Up first? Starwood Hotels' SPG Program.

MORE after the jump.

STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST

WEBSITE: www.Spg.com.

MEMBER BENEFITS: The complete overview.

BOOKING BASICS: www.spg.com, hotels official website, or over the phone in order to earn points.

PHONE: 888-625-4988

PARTNERS
Retail:
Retail Partners include Banana Republic, Amazon, Conde Nast publications, Bliss, Starbucks, Nordstrom, Williams-Sonoma and iTunes.
Airlines:
Airline Partners include Continental, Delta, US Air, United, British Airways Executive Club and Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.

MILES: Yes

CREDIT CARD: Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express.

REWARDS: Members earn two star points for every dollar spent or two miles for every dollar spent. It's an either/or proposition.

To obtain free nights, hotels are grouped into seven categories. The lowest number of star points that "buys" a free overnight is 2,000, at a Category 1 Hotel on a Friday or Saturday.

For a free night at Category 7 hotels, it jumps to 30,000 - 35,000 points. You can also redeem five nights and get a fifth night free. Upgrades are also on the menu.

WHAT WE LIKED: No restrictions, no blackout dates for free nights (claims to be the only one that doesn't have either).

Lots of ways to spend your Starpoints. At retailers (Brookstone to Williams Sonoma), car rental agencies, Amtrak. You can also donate to charities (UNICEF, Make-a-Wish, others).

FINE PRINT: The "no blackout dates" apply to standard rooms only. Tsk, tsk for not asterisking that on the homepage. In addition, during peak season, some higher-end properties (Categories 5, 6, 7) charge higher Starpoints rates.

Have an SPG question? Have advice for fellow SPG groupies? Do tell.

Research compiled by HotelChatter's Barbara Benham.

[Photo: Goodgrief]

6 Comments - Add Yours by juliana

Comments

Comments on HotelChatter's Guide to Loyalty Programs:: Starwood Preferred Guests

adk
HotelChatter Member

SPG Points (none / 0)

You missed out on a lot of what makes the SPG program far and away the best loyalty program in the business.

Anytime you transfer SPG points to another program (like an airline frequent flyer program) you get a 5,000 point bonus for every 20,000 miles transferred. This makes it better than having the airline's credit card. This means a free flight is only 20,000 miles.

They also have cash and points at some hotels which allows you to use a small number of points + a small fee...I've gotten Category 4 rooms (like a Westin) for 4,000 points and $60 when the hotel has been $350+

Also, it's redeem 4 nights and get the 5th free...and there are only about 7 category 7 properties in the world...most W's are category 4 or 5 (10,000-16,000 points depending on location and season). I got the W Times Sq on New Year's Eve last year for 10,000 points. The room was going for $750.

Lastly, there are quarterly promos at www.spg.com/promo that let you earn points and stays much much faster.

As long as the hotel has availability I haven't had trouble booking using points, even for upgraded rooms. Hotels treat you the same whether staying on points or with cash...sometimes upon check in they'll even ask if I'd like to convert my reservation to points to save some money. There are other ways to spend points that I haven't really used...1,000 points/night for a room upgrade, 1,000 points for 50% off of the rack rate, etc.

by adk on 10/01/2007 at 5:43 PM

juliana
HotelChatter

this is great to know (none / 0)

thanks for adding that!

by juliana on 10/01/2007 at 6:15 PM

[ Parent ]

markj
HotelChatter

SPG (none / 0)

When I finally signed up for the program at the Westin SF Market Street I was immediately given an upgraded room with a sweet view.

An entire wing of the 15th floor was set aside for "SPG Members" which was cool.

Sure it all could have been a bribe to get me to join, but it worked.

Also: As far as rates go, if you see a better rate on a travel web site, call SPG and tell them about it. While they won't necessarily match the rate, they will usually find a way to offer you a room for a bit less than their listed price.

by markj on 10/01/2007 at 6:39 PM

hotelmac
HotelChatter Member

Guide to Loyalty Programs Starwood (none / 0)

If I'm not mistaken, I beleive members of the Choice Hotels Choice Privileges loyalty program can redeem their points for free nights at not only Choice properties but Preferred Hotels & Resorts and Summit Hotels & Resorts as well. They have some sort of partnership with the two companies I think.

by hotelmac on 10/03/2007 at 10:30 AM

hotelmac
HotelChatter Member

Re: Guide to Loyalty Programs Starwood (none / 0)

Aren't Starwood a part of Preferred Hotels & Resorts? Are they same or did I completely pull that out of thin air?

by hotelmac on 10/03/2007 at 10:31 AM

[ Parent ]

juliana
HotelChatter

Re: Guide to Loyalty Programs Starwood (none / 0)

we'll be covering choice hotels rewards program in a few days. but starwood is not a member of preferred hotels & resorts. that is for independent hotels.

by juliana on 10/03/2007 at 4:00 PM

[ Parent ]

Comments on HotelChatter's Guide to Loyalty Programs:: Starwood Preferred Guests

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