Starwood Preferred Guest (Merged with Marriott Bonvoy)

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Best Hotel Loyalty Program for Canadians to Collect

ByMatt

Hotel points has always been a valuable commodity for my travels, as I always prefer to use points to book hotel nights, rather than spending my hard earned cash. The challenge is, how do we earn hotel points without actually staying at hotels?

The quickest way to jump-start your account is with a credit card sign up bonus. Every day spending on that credit card may be the next best way, but it is going to be a slow process.

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Comparing Canadian and U.S. SPG American Express

ByMatt

The U.S. based Starwood Preferred Guest American Express personal and business cards have increased their sign up bonus from 25,000 to 35,000. The last time was about a year ago. My question is, when is it going to be Canada’s turn? Also, what about waiving the first year fee? Let’s take a quick look at the highlights of the four cards in question.

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SPG AMEX Versus the Chase Marriott

ByMatt

Today, we start with the comparison between the Chase Marriott Rewards Premier Visa and the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card. Let’s start with the highlights of each respective cards and then breakdown each factor. As promised, I will discuss tangible and intangible factors.

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Double-Points Promotions with Marriott, Ritz-Carlton and Starwood

ByMatt

Marriott Rewards, The Ritz-Carlton Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest have teamed up to offer a Double-Points Promotions. You will need to register (between December 15, 2016 and March 15, 2017) with each company respectively to qualify for the promotion.

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[INTERVIEW] Podcast with Marriott Rewards about the Merger with SPG

ByMatt

Last time around, we ended up doing an email interview with Marriott Rewards. This time around, I managed to have a phone interview instead Senior Vice President David Flueck (Starwood SPG) and Vice President Thom Kozik (Marriott). The purpose of the interview get an update on the recent merger between Marriott and Starwood.

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Favourite Hotel Elite Perks Listed by Loyalty Program

ByMatt

I was previously asked what are the best hotel elite benefits. I believe that this is a strongly personal question, because it is based on personal preferences, as well as specific travels. In other words, depending on where you want to go, you may want to take advantage of a different benefit. I would not get too caught up on very specific benefits, it is always better to remain flexible and open minded to what’s available, along with customizing to specific needs.

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List of Requirements for Attaining Hotel Elite Status (updated August 11, 2016)

ByMatt

A few updates to the hotel elite status programs means that this list is due for an update from last time. Some of the updates include: adding Le Club AccorHotels, changes to Best Western Rewards elite program, Delta Hotel and Resorts merger with Marriott, changes to the IHG Rewards Club program and changes to Wyndham Rewards.

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My Favourite Loyalty Programs / Looking for Topics to Write About

ByMatt

I was recently asked on TV what my favourite loyalty program was. I realize that I did not give a direct answer. In my About Us section, I do list a few current favourite programs, such as Aeroplan, American Express Membership Rewards, Best Western Rewards, RBC Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest.