Moopere
Established Member
- Joined
- Feb 10, 2010
- Posts
- 2,653
Hmm. Noodling around for a potential stay at the Westin NAN this year. I don't generally stay at SPG properties but I've got an open mind, however my question may well be logical and easily answered by those with SPG experience.
Looking at a Tropical Garden Room the quoted price is about AUD$243 prepaid + 5% hotel "turnover" (what the??) + 15% Room Tax = about AUD$293.
Interestingly you can stay in the same room for 6,000 SPG points. Mmm. These points can be purchased from SPG at US$17.50 for 500 points. Thats US$0.035 (3.5c) each. Pretty expensive as these things go, however, looking at the T&C for the redemption rooms you don't seem to have to pay the 5% + 15% taxes ... no mention of additional cost at all. If this is really true, then 6000 x $0.035 = US$210. Assume parity to the AUD for arguments sake and we're about $83/night better off to buy and immediately use SPG points.
I realise there is a cap on purchases of about 20K a year, but Amex allows transfers so getting the points shouldn't be a big issue.
Have I missed something important or this just a lucky property specific and (probably) date specific oddity?
Looking at a Tropical Garden Room the quoted price is about AUD$243 prepaid + 5% hotel "turnover" (what the??) + 15% Room Tax = about AUD$293.
Interestingly you can stay in the same room for 6,000 SPG points. Mmm. These points can be purchased from SPG at US$17.50 for 500 points. Thats US$0.035 (3.5c) each. Pretty expensive as these things go, however, looking at the T&C for the redemption rooms you don't seem to have to pay the 5% + 15% taxes ... no mention of additional cost at all. If this is really true, then 6000 x $0.035 = US$210. Assume parity to the AUD for arguments sake and we're about $83/night better off to buy and immediately use SPG points.
I realise there is a cap on purchases of about 20K a year, but Amex allows transfers so getting the points shouldn't be a big issue.
Have I missed something important or this just a lucky property specific and (probably) date specific oddity?