Cheaper to buy and use points than cash at Westin NAN?

[Moopere]

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?

 

[dan.1337]

I think the only thing you need to look out for is that they might set a limited number of redemption rooms aside, so you may/may not get the room depending on whether it's available at time of redemption.

 

[Alanslegal]

Firstly, buying points and then redeeming at a cheaper cost point than cash isn't property specific. In my search sometimes it is cheaper to use points (including buying them outright) than paying cash. Usually it happens where the rates are high to start with, eg. in Europe, and where the hotel also offers points or cash and points, usually at a Category 5 or lower property. The very good news is now points and cash & points stays are now counted for elite status.

Secondly, I personally would avoid the Westin Denarau as the rooms felt very tired. The Sheraton is waaaaayyyyyy nicer in my opinion.

Thirdly, you just missed out on the 20% points buying which ended on 31/12 where it costs $28 per 1,000!

 

[penegal]

(delayed response)

As an aside - Are you sure those rates are in AUD for a prepaid booking?

I would expect to pay that amount in FJD for a "Garden room" as a prepaid book. The Westin is the lower of the three SPG properties in a row on Denaru.

 

[Moopere]

(delayed response)

As an aside - Are you sure those rates are in AUD for a prepaid booking?

I would expect to pay that amount in FJD for a "Garden room" as a prepaid book. The Westin is the lower of the three SPG properties in a row on Denaru.

Yes, I was looking at both the Westin and the Sheraton in AUD.

Thanks to Alanslegal on the state of the Westin though, I'll take that advice and look more closely at other properties I think.

 

[penegal]

Yes, I was looking at both the Westin and the Sheraton in AUD.

Thanks to Alanslegal on the state of the Westin though, I'll take that advice and look more closely at other properties I think.

I agree with Alanslegal, the Westin is average, and at those prices it seems a bit steep (much more than what I paid last time I stayed there).

 

[drron]

Rather than using all points see if they have a Cash + points rate.I checked for late April and both the westin and Sheraton had a C&P rate of 2800 points + $US45.
I agree the Sheraton is much nicer and I believe was refurbed not that long ago.As they have the same C&P rate a no brainer.