[ANALYSIS] Elite Status with Starwood Preferred Guest

We previously wrote about the Starwood Preferred Guest program, which consists of over 1,000 hotels and resorts in close to 100 countries. Today, we will focus on the benefit of the different elite statuses of the rewards program.

When you stay with Starwood Preferred Guest hotels, you earn Starpoints that can be redeemed for many different rewards. Keep in mind that Starpoints never expire so long as you have an activity on your account once a year.

Preferred

• All members have this status.
• Earn 2 points for every $1 US spent (including restaurant, room service charges and in-room movies)

Gold

• Complete 10 eligible stays or 25 eligible nights in a calendar year (eligible paid stays and nights, as well as award redemption stays and nights count toward elite status earning)
• Earn 3 points for every $1 US spent (including restaurant and room service charges, in-room movies)
• 4 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability)
• An enhanced room at check-in (subject to availability)
• Special elite customer service telephone line (available in most countries)
• Choice of a welcome gift with each stay (choose from bonus Starpoints, complimentary in-room Internet access or a complimentary beverage)
• Crossover Rewards, earn 1 Starpoint for every $1 US spent on eligible Delta flights

Lifetime Gold

• Complete 250 eligible nights total and any 5 years of elite SPG status

Platinum

• Complete 25 eligible stays or 50 eligible nights in a calendar year (eligible paid stays and nights, as well as award redemption stays and nights count toward elite status earning)
• Earn 3 points for every $1 US spent (including restaurant, room service charges and in-room movies)
• Upgrade to the best available room at check-in (subject to availability)
• Choice of a welcome gift with each stay (choose from bonus Starpoints, continental breakfast or local amenities)
• Access to Club and Executive-level privileges (subject to availability)
• Complimentary in-room Internet access
• 4 p.m. late checkout (subject to availability)
• Access to Hotel’s Health Club / Gym where available
• Guaranteed room availability when your room is booked by 3 p.m., 72+ hours prior to arrival (applicable to standard room)
• Our signature Platinum Concierge service (available in English only)
• Crossover Rewards, earn 1 Starpoint for every $1 US spent on eligible Delta flights

For Platinum members who achieve 50 nights annually

• Receive 10 Suite Night Awards, which can be redeemed for upgrades to suites and select premium rooms (confirmed starting 5 days prior to arrival and subject to availability)

For Platinum members who achieve 75 nights annually

• Earn 4 points for every $1 US spent (including restaurant and room service charges, in-room movies)
• Flexibility of choosing your check-in (e.g. check in at 9 p.m. and check out 9 p.m. day of departure)

For Platinum members who achieve 100 nights annually

• Personalized service (room preferences, restaurant reservations to special occasions) provided by SPG ambassadors

Lifetime Platinum

• Complete 500 eligible nights total and any 10 years of Platinum SPG status

I believe that the SPG rewards program is one of the most valuable rewards program out there if you can leverage your points carefully. There is so much value to be had, so I definitely recommend this program. I just hope that they continue to improve the program.