New and Improved Starwood Preferred Guest App
SPG just launched a new, snazzy updated version of their app today. I've long preferred the SPG app over other hotel brands because it shows points activity as well as upcoming stays. In fact, if a hotel pre-upgrades me prior to arrival, I can usually pull up the stay details and see what type of room I'll get which is nice to know.
The new app has a cleaner design, though I don't see many huge functionality improvements. I like the ability to "Redeem Starpoints" when browsing hotels, though I did get an error several times when trying to go that route.
I also like the ability to browse new Starwood properties and you can even search for properties, like "Category 7 + Spa". While not wildly useful, it's a nice way to kill time next time you're sitting at the gate waiting to board your delayed flight!
Overall, I think most other hotel chains should learn from the SPG App and step up their game!
[card card-name='Citi ThankYou® Preferred Card – Bonus Point Offer' card-id='22145660' type='javascript' bullet-id='1']
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.

