Worth paying for a night to upgrade to Gold?

[chooms]

Hi, I have the opportunity through my credit card (Westpac Earth Black) to gain SPG Gold level after a one night stay in an SPG hotel so long as it is booked and paid for through that card.

No chance of getting it through work as it is all done with Corp Amex.

We have a US trip in Dec and most of our hotels are actually SPG hotels.

I have to opportunity to get a one night stay at the Four Points in Brisbane at the moment for $125, which would bump up my status to Gold by the time I got over to the US.

Is it worth it to do this? Any advice appreciated.

 

[straitman]

Hi, I have the opportunity through my credit card (Westpac Earth Black) to gain SPG Gold level after a one night stay in an SPG hotel so long as it is booked and paid for through that card.

No chance of getting it through work as it is all done with Corp Amex.

We have a US trip in Dec and most of our hotels are actually SPG hotels.

I have to opportunity to get a one night stay at the Four Points in Brisbane at the moment for $125, which would bump up my status to Gold by the time I got over to the US.

Is it worth it to do this? Any advice appreciated.

My short answer is yes.

My longer answer is what are you expecting out of SPG Gold and is it worth it to you :?:

 

[opusman]

Definitely worth it for the 4pm late checkout and bonus points imo, especially for only $125 - assuming you will actually get some use out of it.

 

[chooms]

Well, the US trip has 19 out of 21 nights at an SPG hotel spread over five cities.

I think the late check out will come in handy (hopefully early check in at some places), but also keen on the 'enhanced room' perk too. Does this usually mean an upgrade or just a better placed room in the same category.

Internet is fine as it was booked through the SPG website anyway.

 

[opusman]

I think the late check out will come in handy (hopefully early check in at some places), but also keen on the 'enhanced room' perk too. Does this usually mean an upgrade or just a better placed room in the same category.

YMMV with the 'enhanced room'. It depends on the hotel. Usually just a "better" room in the same category (e.g. a higher floor, or slightly larger corner room).

 

[Alanslegal]

The guaranteed 4 pm check-out is the best feature of Gold Status I think. It is guaranteed at hotels only, whilst resorts are on an availability basis.

Is the complimentary Gold status valid for one year only? Or every year you have the card. If it's every year as long as credit card is active, then it's a good card.

I will be reaching SPG LTG in a few months via regular stays ... so am kind of jealous you get it for free, especially Australian based card holders too.

 

[Pointcollector]

Not sure if you saw this that was just released, Starwood stay for more promotion. I can't paste the link directly because I'm new here! spgpromos.com/stayformore/

 

[mmchow]

I'm the same 2 years back with the Citibank Emirates World Mastercard whereby was offered Gold after 1 night stay. Never regretted my decision especially on the 4pm check out, bonus points and room upgrade (enhanced room).

 

[decs]

Definitely worth it for the 4pm late checkout and bonus points imo, especially for only $125 - assuming you will actually get some use out of it.

I agree, late checkout makes a big difference. And you will find value in the bonus Starpoints with the number of SPG nights coming up. Plus, the welcome gift (free drink among the options!) is a nice touch.

Well, the US trip has 19 out of 21 nights at an SPG hotel spread over five cities.

I suggest you register for SPG Platinum Challenge (simply email SPG). Plat challenge is 18 nights (yes, nights not stays), in 90 days to become SPG Plat for a year. I assume you will qualify; not having held SPG elite (Gold or Plat) status in the previous 5 years. You'll have to nominate your proposed start date when you contact them.

Is your trip to the US <90 days?

To tempt you, platinum benefits are great! Room class upgrade(!) even to a standard suite, good bonus on points, etc. Sadly you don't become platinum till after the 18 nights are completed. Maybe a leisure resort trip with Plat upgrade to standard suite if available... mmmmm.

Another tip, if you become Gold, consider signing up for Emirates Skywards membership (free to join), as you receive miles for $ spend on SPG nights. Might come in handy one day.

YMMV with the 'enhanced room'. It depends on the hotel. Usually just a "better" room in the same category (e.g. a higher floor, or slightly larger corner room).

Yes, I will second that. There are a LOT of SPG hotels in the US... hence a LOT of Gold and Plats, so don't expect to be upgraded each stay with Gold (depending on hotel).

 

[Alanslegal]

I suggest you register for SPG Platinum Challenge (simply email SPG). Plat challenge is 18 nights (yes, nights not stays), in 90 days to become SPG Plat for a year. I assume you will qualify; not having held SPG elite (Gold or Plat) status in the previous 5 years. You'll have to nominate your proposed start date when you contact them.

Good tip!

We have a US trip in Dec and most of our hotels are actually SPG hotels.

If you did the Platinum challenge a month later ie January 2016, you would be Platinum until 28 February 2018.