Hotel spring promotions
With April having come to a close, the winter promotions of several major U.S. hotel chains have ended. However, that just means we are learning about the spring promotions. Let's take a look at what we know so far.
Starwood - "SPG Triple Up"
Earn up to 3x StarPoints with the "SPG Triple Up" promotion
Starwood's spring promotion is called "SPG Triple Up" and is potentially quite lucrative. SPG Starpoints are perhaps the most valuable hotel points at 2.2 cents per point. These points are made more attractive as a flexible points currency, meaning that Starpoints can be converted into frequent flyer miles of numerous airline partners. Unfortunately, there is uncertainty surrounding this program given the pending merger with Marriott. Whether these points will be as attractive in the future is unclear. This is one reason I decided to spend nearly all my points on hotel reservations for the summer. If Marriott does not gut the program, I will resume actively accumulating Starpoints but for now I am reluctant to go out of my way to build up a large balance.
That being said, Starpoints will remain valuable for at least another 18 months, so earning bonus points that can be liquidated before any devaluation is a smart move. The "SPG Triple Up" promotion offers double Starpoints for stays of two or more nights that are completed during the promotion period of May 9 and July 31, 2016. If you stay at a Sheraton property, you will earn triple points! If your stay includes a Friday or Saturday night (Thursday or Friday night in the Middle East), you will receive an additional 1,000 bonus points.
If you pay for your stay with the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express, you will earn 5x points from credit card spend. For a two-night weekend stay at a Sheraton, paid with the SPG Amex card, you could earn 9x Starpoints plus an additional 1,000 points! For a very valuable points currency that is more difficult to earn than competing points, this a great opportunity!
You can register until July 17 for "SPG Triple Up."
Hilton HHonors - "Unlimited Bonus"
Earn double Hilton HHonors points with the "Unlimited Bonus" promotion
Hilton HHonors has basically extended their winter promotion for all intents and purposes. Just as in the winter, the "Unlimited Bonus" promotion allows you to earn double Hilton HHonors points for stays completed during the promotion period which runs from May 1, 2016 to August 31, 2016. Bonus points are calculated against the base points of your stay. Register here.