Earning my Starwood points

I am approaching a 100,000 Starwood point balance in my SPG account finally.  I love to earn and burn Starwood points above all.  They are very flexible and usable.  They are valuable for both high end hotel stays and can be transferred to airline programs for high end premium cabins.

Earlier this year my wife and I both signed up again for the SPG AMEX card (business version).  This is the 2nd time that we have held the card.  The sign up bonus earlier this year netted us 25,000 SPG points each plus 5,000 more points each per the spending hurdle. I also earned 5,000 more Starwood points for referring a friend the card.  In total we had obtained about 65,000 Starwood points from the sign up bonuses and the referral.

I also earn many points from spending with the card.  Normal spend mixed with my Redbird spend quickly adds another 5,000-10,000 points a month if not more depending on my schedule.

Lastly we earned several thousand points by actually paying to stay in Starwood hotels. We have paid for stays in the past at hotels like the St. Regis Bangkok in 2014 and The Naka Island in 2014. So as we approach 100,000 points I ask my self, “how do I want to spend these points?”

Spending my Starwood points

The fun part is actually spending the points!  In the past we have spent our Starwood points on great hotel stays, such as: Continue reading →

I received an email from Starwood Preferred Guest recently notifying me that I had re-qualified for SPG Gold status again.  I didnt’ have enough hotel stays and nights this year with Starwood so I know it wasn’t via staying at SPG properties. I did however re-qualifiy because I spent $30,000 on my Starwood Preferred Guest American Express credit card!

My Gold SPG member renewal email from Starwood

What does Gold status get me you may ask?

• Earn three Starpoints for every US dollar spent on eligible stays-a 50% bonus over a normal member
• 4 PM late checkout subject to availability
• An upgrade to an enhanced room at check-in
• Choice of welcome gift upon arrival-I can choose from bonus Starpoints, complimentary premium in-room internet or a beverage on Starwood

Some people may frown on only being a Starwood Gold member but it’s certainly better than no status and for people that don’t travel for work its very hard to accumulate enough stays or nights for their highest tier Platinum status.

I was primarily able to spend $30,000 due to generating spend through my Target RedCard!  In fact one month earlier this year I spent $15,000 with my RedCard(s) fee free when I didn’t have any minimum spends to complete on new cards. I love generating Starwood points and staying in high end Starwood properties!

-pointspinnacle