[ANALYSIS] Starwood Preferred Guest Cash and Points
If you are a fan of Starwood Preferred Guest, you will know that it is not that easy to accumulate Starpoints. That being said, SPG has a great hotel redemption program called the Cash and Points. Below are the different options available with Cash and Points. Below are the different redemption options:
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Category 1 |
Category 2 |
Category 3 |
Category 4 |
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Standard Rooms |
1,500 Starpoints + $30 |
2,000 Starpoints + $35 |
3,500 Starpoints + $55 |
5,000 Starpoints + $75 |
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NEW! Upgraded Rooms |
2,000 — 2,250 Starpoints + $50 — $60 |
2,500 — 2,750 Starpoints + $55 — $65 |
4,000 — 4,250 Starpoints + $75 — $85 |
5,500 — 5,750 Starpoints + $95 — $105 |
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NEW! Suites |
3,000 Starpoints + $75 |
4,000 Starpoints + $95 |
7,000 Starpoints + $125 |
10,000 Starpoints + $175 |
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Category 5 |
Category 6 |
Category 7 |
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Standard Rooms |
6,000 Starpoints + $110 |
10,000 Starpoints + $180 |
15,000 Starpoints + $275 |
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NEW! Upgraded Rooms |
6,750 — 7,250 Starpoints + $135 — $150 |
10,750 — 11,250 Starpoints + $210 — $230 |
15,750 — 16,250 Starpoints + $290 — $315 |
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NEW! Suites |
12,000 Starpoints + $275 |
20,000 Starpoints + $450 |
30,000 Starpoints + $625
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One thing great about Cash & Points is that the cash value for each redemption level is already set, and generally taxes and fees are already included for each Category, but it may differ from hotel to hotel. Be sure to do your research.
Basically, if you do not want to use all your points, or you do not have enough points, you can pay for the hotel room with some points and you are essentially buying the points making up the shortfall. For example, normally a Category 4 hotel room would cost you 10,000 points to get a reward night. With Cash and Points, you need 5,000 points + $75. The $75 is essentially paying for the 5,000 points difference, costing you 1.5 cents per point. Depending on how expensive the room normally costs, this can be amazing value.
You will want to keep a few terms and conditions in mind about the Cash & Points program:
- The Fifth night free does not apply to Cash & Points.
- Black-out dates may apply (SPG’s “No Black-Out Dates” only applies to Free Night Awards in standard rooms)
- Charges may apply for additional guests and bedding; smoking preferences are not confirmed.
- Guest will not earn Starpoints or airline miles for their reservation.
- Guest is responsible for all taxes and service charges affiliated with this award reservation.
As usual, always do your calculations before deciding which the best reservation for you.