It is reported that the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card (SPG®) is a top travel credit card. The card has increased its value when Marriott hotel acquired Starwood.
What Are The Benefits?
The primary benefits of the card are:
* Earning “Starpoints” that are convertible and transferred.
* The points can be redeemed or free nights at any of the Starwood’s more than 1,500 hotels and resorts across its
eleven brands which include, St. Regis, Aloft, Four Points by Sheraton, Westin, Tribute Portfolio, Design Hotels,
Luxury Collection, Element Hotels, W Hotels, Sheraton and Le Méridien
* There are no FX Fees (foreign transaction fee)
* Free premium Internet access
* Special Starpoint offers at participating SPG® and Marriott Rewards® hotels.
* Points can be transferred to airline partners
* Access to golf professionals and VIP access to concerts, sporting events, and upscale culinary experiences.
* Points are earned for meetings and events
* An enhanced room at check-in such as a corner room with a better view, and a welcome gift.
* Where available, there are Club- and Executive-level lounge privileges
* Travel accident and rental car insurance
* Roadside assistance and global emergency assistance
Who Is This Card For and Who Should Use it?
A person who enjoys traveling frequently and wants to stay at high-end hotels would want the Starwood Preferred Guest Card. Frequent travelers would quickly earn Starwoods introductory bonus. For example, if you convert 20,000 points into miles, you’ll get 5,000 bonus points for free.
Points are earned on both the traveler’s accommodations and purchases. One of the perks is bonus earnings and discounts at both Starwood and Marriott properties. Because of the transfer partnership uses of the card travelers can arrange their airline’s frequent flyer programs and hotels which will earn both free flights and hotel stay when you convert points into miles.
Starwood has partnered with a large domestic and international carriers, which includes but not limited to, United Airlines, Qatar Airways, Asiana Airlines, British Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air Berlin, and Delta Air Lines. As the points are accumulated, the traveler will qualify the Starwood Elite Status.
Not for Budget Travelers
To thoroughly enjoy the Starwood Preferred Guest credit card you must spend a lot of time traveling. The card is excellent for that dream luxury trip but no so well if you are traveling on a budget. Starpoints are earning when you’re staying at high-end properties which is necessary to earn two points per dollar. However, since Starwood has merged with Marriott, the credit card has an enlarged program with Marriott properties. With the merger, you can get bonus points if you stay at approved Marriott hotels.
With the acquisition of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., by Marriott International, Inc. the world largest hotel company was created. The Starwood points can be transferred to the Marriott Rewards program. The new company has expanded to more than 5,700 properties and offered a range of hotel experience in over 110 countries, from moderate-tier to luxury making some room for budget travelers.