Triangle Trip

Following up on previous post regarding how to check status, SPG has responded with email notifications.

Previously, the only way to find out the number of free weekends awarded was to call SPG’s award winning customer service.  The e-mail I finally received was a pleasant surprise.  Another reason to bank at Starwood (more reasons why hotel points are more valuable than airline miles), they respond to demand and answer!

Westin is offering 500 SPG points in exchange for you to make your own bed (or reuse your towels).  Another way to phrase it is:  “500 SPG points in exchange for saving them costs in labor and laundry.”  A third way to put it (as Starwood Corp. would like to tell its customers):  “Help the earth and enjoy a gift from us!”

Instead of the 500 SPG points, you can choose to get a $5 gift card to be used at the Westin restaurant, lounge or gift shop.  I was recently at a Westin in Pasadena, CA and the Westin in San Francisco, and saw the card with the following message upon arrival:

You tidy, we treat

You may choose to decline housekeeping service for the following day by hanging this card on your door before 2am. In return for going green, we will deliver a $5 gift card that you may use towards any Restaurant, Lounge, or Room Service purchase within the hotel. If you prefer, you may exchange unused gift card at the front desk for 500 SPG points.

The catch here is you will need to put the tag out by the door before 2AM.  I guess the Westin staff need to determine which room will not be serviced the following day and issue your card on time.  You will not qualify for this offer if you are only staying for one night.

How much is 10,000 United miles worth to you?

Are you willing to sacrifice three stays toward status at your favorite hotels (Starwood, Marriott, Hilton, etc.)?   Are you willing to forgo your free weekend nights at Starwood or free golf club offers from Crowne Plaza?  Are you willing to experience a motel for business travel (ghetto it up!)?  If so, here’s a deal for you!

Wyndham Hotel is offering 10,000 United miles in exchange for three stays at three of their hotels.  You will need to register or enroll (link to registration page) for a Wyndham account. After you have enrolled/registered, you must choose to earn United miles for your Wyndham stays. To get the 10,000 United miles, you will need to complete THREE stays at THREE DIFFERENT Wyndham branded properties. This means you cannot have all three stays at a Wyndham. Below is a list of the Wyndham family of hotels for you to choose wisely:

You will have to complete your three stays at three different brands between May 15, 2009 to September 10, 2009.  Unlike the Crowne Plaza offer which doesn’t allow you to have Priority Club points for your free nights, Wyndham will allow you to earn normal United miles for the three stays.  You should see your 10,000 bonus United miles in November or early December (6 to 8 weeks after the end of the promotion).

Aside from the Wyndham (which I have stayed at 2 to 3 times), all of the hotels on the list are like motels at best. I am not sure if I would stay there for business – maybe Ramada (and that’s a stretch). I have stayed at a Knights Inn and Travelodge when I was traveling as a college intern but that was years and years ago.  You might get lucky with Hawthorn Suites.  I have driven by a few and they looked new, especially the one’s near the airports.