Triangle Trip

I signed up for the Starwood’s (SGP) free weekend night promotion (here’s a link to Captain G’s original post) and had two stays at two SPG properties.  According to the Free Weekend Promotion FAQ, you are supposed to get your Free Weekend Night credit after 3 to 5 days. My last stay at the SPG hotel was May 5, 2009 — more than a week ago.

I have been checking online at spg.com and waited for an email notification of the free weekend night (SPG is normally very good at emails).  After a few more days, I saw nothing so I gave Starwood a call.  The representative informed me I did indeed have a free weekend night, but I can’t see it online. The representative also told me SPG does not plan on sending out notifications.  I have learned the following:

1.  You have to call and find out how many nights you have earned – no status will be provided online

2.  You also have to call to redeem your free weekend night rewards.  When you call to redeem your free weekend nights, you should mention Award ID: 9FWFN to the agent in case he/she is not aware of your award status.

Normally I would find this a bit annoying, but Starwood representatives have been courteous and helpful most of the time.

Like Captain G, I recently canceled a flight.  I had purchased a round trip ticket on Southwest and I already traveled on one segment (the outbound).  I wanted to cancel the return trip and thought this would be a painful process. The following points that made my Southwest experience a pleasant one.

1.  Southwest allows you to cancel any segment without a change fee. No $150 change fee like other airlines (See Captain G’s post on United).

2.  Southwest credits the entire segment you are canceling (this is when you buy non-refundable tickets).

3.  Southwest does not outsource customer service. I love how I can understand the customer service representative without an interpreter.

4.  Southwest customer service representative was very polite and considerate and even explained how to use the credit for my next ticket in the detail.

Meet me in St. Louis?  Here’s a short guide on what to see and what to do in St. Louis, Missouri:

Sightseeing

1. Arch and Riverfront – Not much to say, this is the one thing they always show and reference when speaking about St. Louis.  If you are visiting St. Louis, you need to see this spectacular creation.

2. Forest Park – For outdoor lovers, this is one of the treasures of St. Louis. It hosted the 1904 World’s Fair, and has undergone $100 million of restoration since.   Its 50% larger than NY’s central park at about ~1300 acres.  The park has beautiful trails, picnic areas, art museum, waterboats, and more…

3. Busch Stadium – Home of the St. Louis Cardinals.  This city revolves around one sport, its baseball, and with it, its the Cardinals.  I know of people who work in St. Louis who close down their offices just to see the home opener.  Cardinals fans are one of the greatest baseball fans in the nation.  The stadium has recently been renovated and it looks amazing.

4. St. Louis Zoo – I’ve been to a few zoos around the country and this is by far the best free zoo in the nation. If you are coming with kids, bring them to the zoo. Remember, it’s free!

5. Anheuser Busch Brewery – This is for the beer lovers, take a tour of the brewery and get a free drink as well.

6. St. Louis Science Center – Great place for kids. A “new” science center (although not new anymore) was built across the highway from the old science center, but it is attached with a bridge over the highway. Pluses: it has an Omnimax theater and a planetarium.

Nightlife

The Loop – I’m not sure why they call it the loop, but this six blocks of entertainment attracts all sorts of people. It is referenced in Nelly’s country grammar song (I’m from the Loop’ and I’m proud) Blueberry Hill is a must see, where celebrities come if they come to St. Louis. The Delmar Loop is located closely to Washington University in St. Louis so this place is packed with college kids.

Laclede’s Landing – Fun bar area in downtown, which is a must for St. Patrick’s Day celebration. Hosts many bars, a piano bar, and clubs.  Beware of the drunkards.

Soulard – Counter to the Landing, this is the French quarter of St. Louis. It has a Mardi Gras celebration which obviously is not as big as New Orleans, but its still a fun place to go. Also beware of the drunkards. It also has one of the oldest public market open in the mornings. Producers come shop here.

Central West End – This is more of a hip and trendy area for professionals to come and shop, wine and dine. This place is at the west end of St. Louis country, but it is centrally located to all of the St. Louis suburbs. Cleverly named.