My Starwood Year in Review
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Starwood Preferred Guest released a year-end wrap up of the program and how members earned and used their points – and my own Instagram photo of the Westin Palace Hotel in Madrid was included!
Among the interesting factoids they included were:
-The top-earning SPG member from hotel stays earned 955,100 Starpoints
-The top-earning SPG member from food/beverage expenses earned 441,123
–Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali was the most popular redemption destination
– Westin St. Francis Union Square was the most checked-into Starwood property on Foursquare followed by the W San Francisco, and Sheraton Times Square in NYC
This all prompted me to take a look back at my own year with Starwood.
Credit Cards
As you know, I got in on the 30,000-point bonuses for both the personal and business Starwood American Express cards back in August. Not only did that earn me 60,000 points, and 4 stays/10 nights’ credit toward elite status, but I now also earn 6 points per $1 I spend at Starwood since I’m a 75-night Platinum elite (I earn 4 points per $1 as a Platinum, and 2 more points per $1 with my SPG cards).
Elite Status
Starwood was my main hotel program and I’m closing in on 100-night uber-elite status with an upcoming trip to Ireland where I’ll stay at the Westin Dublin. That means in addition to regular Platinum perks like 10 Suite Night Awards, 4 Starpoints per $1 and YOUR24 check-in, I’ll also get my own personal Starwood Ambassador, the highest level of Starwood phone reps who can act as a personal concierge and resolve any customer service issues.
Hotel Stays
-Best Stay: Sheraton Stockholm – I got early check in, there was a nice lounge, I was given a huge suite and the location was perfect (and I saved a ton, in an already expensive city).
-Best Upgrade: Le Meridien Beach Plaza Monte Carlo – It wasn’t the biggest suite, but it had great views of the sea and I thought the modern decor was lovely.
Can’t Wait to Return: St. Regis Princeville – I loved everything about my stay, from the junior suite with ocean views I was upgraded to dining at the Kauai Grill to taking a surfing lesson in Hanalei.
Most Underwhelming: SLS Beverly Hills Hotel – I stayed several times and never got upgraded and I usually had to wait to check in, plus I find the rooms dark and a little depressing. On the plus side, it’s a great, central location and I love the rooftop pool.
Worst Stay: W Hong Kong – I was “upgraded” to smoking Cool Corner Room but had to move again late at night to a non-smoking room after I was first told none was available and then one magically appeared after I tweeted my dismay.
Best New Hotel: St. Regis Bal Harbour – This new luxury property in my own backyard, and while there were some hiccups with my elite perks, I enjoyed my stay overall and thought it was a beautiful hotel.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
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