Starwood Preferred Guest

Starwood Preferred Guest FAQ’s at a glance:

Program Hotels:

1. What hotel chains participate in Starwood Preferred Guest?
Sheraton, Four Points, Loft, W hotels, Meridien, Element, Westin, St. Regis

2. How many hotels participate in Starwood Preferred Guest worldwide?
860

3. Is there a cost to enroll in Starwood Preferred Guest?
Nope, its free.

Earning Points

1. How do I Earn Points with Starwood Preferred Guest?
Members earn 2 points for every $1 spent at Starwood hotels (it does not include any room taxes)

2. What are the eligible rates that count towards earning Starwood Preferred Guest points?
You should book with Starwood directly. Third party booking is not eligible for points (ex. Expedia, Priceline, Travelocity).

3. Does Starwood Preferred Guest offer any credit cards to speed up point accumulation?
Starwood American Express Credit Card-$45 annual fee (1st year free), 10,000 bonus points to start, earn 1 point per dollar spent anywhere
Starwood MasterCard --No annual fee, earn 1 point for every $2 spent anywhere, up to 10,000 points starting bonus

4. What are the different membership levels in Starwood Preferred Guest?
Calendar year
Preferred--basic
Gold-10 stays or 25 nights, upgraded accomodations, 50% point bonus (3 points instead of 2 per $ spent)
Platinum-25 stays or 50 nights, 50% point bonus (3 instead of 2 per $ spent), free use of gym, 72 hour check-in, guarantee, conceirge level

5. How many Starwood Preferred Guest points will I earn per $ dollar spent at the hotels?
2--4**(assumes gold/platinum member and use of AMEX credit card)

6. Are there any partner programs that can help me earn Starwood Preferred Guest points?
Over 30 airlines, rental car, retail (including amazon and itunes)

7. Can I earn Starwood Preferred Guest bonus points in the program for referring a friend?
Nope.

8. Can I buy Starwood Preferred Guest points?
$.035 per point in 1,000 point increments

Redeeming Rewards
1. Do my Starwood Preferred Guest points ever expire?
Yes, if account is inactive for more than 12 calendar year months.

2. Are there any blackout dates for redeeming my free Starwood Preferred Guest hotel rewards?
None

3. How many points do I need to get a free night stay with Starwood Preferred Guest?
1 free night starts at 2,000 for a category 1 to 35,000 for a category 7

4. What is the minimum amount of $ dollars I must spend at a Starwood Preferred Guest hotel before I get a free night?
$667, Assumes you earn 3 points per dollar (2 base + 1 with Amex credit card) and stay at a Category 1 hotel (2,000 points). You do the math 2,000 / 3 = $667.
($1,000 if you don't want to get the credit card)

5. Can I transfer my Starwood Preferred Guest points to someone else?
You can transfer points between accounts of members of the same household.

6. Are there any awards with Starwood Preferred Guest other than hotels?
Merchandise, airlines, rental cars, train rides

7. Can I donate my Starwood Preferred Guest points to charity?
Yes, check website for availability.

8. Any other special features with Starwood Preferred Guest?
Starwood has auctions for special experiences (ex. concerts, sporting events)

Website: www.spg.com