Starwood points + cash: Always such a good deal?

[Febs]

Hi all,

Tonight I booked 3 nights at the Sheraton Perth using Starwood's "points + cash" deal.

On points-only, it's a 7,000pt/night hotel when I wanted to book (Easter long weekend). The web rate was $305/night.

On points + cash, it was 2,800pts/night + $45USD.

I had just under 14,000pts, so my options were either:

• 1 night on points, pay for two nights = 7,000pts + $410 (corporate rate for 2 nights)
• 3 nights on points + cash = 8,400pts + ~$155AUD.

Now sure, the points + cash option doesn't include SPG points or stay credits....but does anyone see a bit of disparity here? Forgetting points and stay credits, the 2nd option is a MUCH better deal. Even moreso when you consider Starwood's web rates of $305/night! :shock:

Effectively, option 1 would have you paying (@ web rates) $455AUD for the privilege of:

• Retaining 1,400pts
• Earning another ~1,600pts (plus any bonus promo points)
• Earning a stay credit (plus any bonus stays)

To me, 3,000pts and a stay credit is worth nowhere NEAR $455AUD. Am I alone here?

Is this normal for SPG awards?

Just a bit confused about it all...but certainly not complaining!

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[Febs]

I meant to add..

The cancellation rules for the points + cash option seem to be the same as a regular stay (no penalty if 4pm the day before), so no differences there either.

Cheers,
- Febs.

 

[JohnK]

I am not a member of SPG and I think I have only ever stayed once in a Sheraton in Jakarta but that was paid by my employer. I find the program too difficult to earn points and/or status and the burn rate just as difficult.

So by using 2,800 points + ~$52 you have saved ~$250. How much hotel $spend is required to earn 2,800 SPG points? Is it US$1400 not including any bonuses? The deal you have chosen sounds like a fantastic deal anyway.