The Marriott-SPG loyalty program merger brings credit card benefits

With the merger of the Marriott Rewards and Starwood Preferred Guest loyalty programs occurring in August, I wanted to highlight some of the practical benefits of that combination for moderate travelers like me. Specifically, there are some definite benefits coming to Marriott/SPG co-branded credit card portfolio.

Credit Cards, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookJuly 23, 2018Marriott Rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Chase Marriott Premier Plus Visa, credit cards, Chase, American Express Hilton Honors Ascend Card, American Express Company

Evaluating my credit card portfolio - American Express

Since my pursuit of points and miles has resulted in many open credit card accounts, I recently began a top-to-bottom review of my overall credit card portfolio. In today's entry in the series covering this review, I will consider the American Express card products I hold.

Credit CardsDerek CookMarch 15, 2018credit cards, American Express Business Platinum Card, American Express Company, American Express Platinum Delta SkyMiles Card, American Express Gold Delta SkyMiles Business Card, points and miles, Amex EveryDay Preferred Cad, credit card rewards, Starwood Preferred Guest, American Express Starwood Preferred Guest credit card, Sheraton, Marriott Rewards, Hilton Honors

Fall 2017 hotel promotions: Starwood Preferred Guest

Starwood's fall promotion, "Explore More," offers up to 1,000 bonus Starpoints® per stay with an additional 10,000 Starpoints® if you stay 25 nights during the promotion period. I analyze this to see if it is an attractive offer.

Loyalty Programs, Hotels, Points and MilesDerek CookSeptember 29, 2017Starwood Preferred Guest, promotions, Hilton Honors

Review: Sheraton Suites Key West

In February I visited Key West, FL to get married - on the beach! - and we stayed at the Sheraton Suites Key West. While not the most luxurious hotel on the island, the all-suites property was very comfortable with an upscale feel.

Reviews, HotelsDerek CookJune 21, 2017Starwood Hotels, Sheraton, Key West, Citi Concierge, hotel stays, Florida, review, Starwood Preferred Guest, Sheraton Suites

Winter hotel promotions

If you will be traveling in winter or early spring of 2017, you will want to be registered for the promotions of your preferred hotel chain. Get the details here for Starwood, Marriott, Hilton and IHG.

Hotels, Loyalty ProgramsDerek CookJanuary 2, 2017promotions, Marriott Hotels, Marriott Rewards, Starwood Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, Hilton hotels, IHG Rewards, Chase IHG Rewards Mastercard, IHG, Hilton Honors

Unboxing the American Express OPEN Enhanced Business Platinum Card

Through January 25, 2017, American Express OPEN is offering up to 100,000 bonus Membership Rewards Points on the Enhanced Business Platinum Card. Combined with the excellent perks the card offers, I decided to apply two weeks ago and was instantly approved. My card was delivered within a week and I wanted to document the unboxing of my latest points-and-miles credit card.

Credit Cards, Points and MilesDerek CookDecember 28, 2016American Express Membership Rewards, American Express Enhanced Business Platinum Card, points and miles, flexible points currencies, credit cards, credit card rewards, airport lounges, Starwood Preferred Guest

Hotel spring promotions

With the arrival of May, we are learning about the spring hotel points promotions. Starwood Preferred Guest is offering "SPG Triple Up" while "Unlimited Bonus" from Hilton HHonors allows you to earn double points on virtually any stay.

Loyalty Programs, Points and Miles, HotelsDerek CookMay 8, 2016Starwood Preferred Guest, promotions, points and miles, flexible points currencies, Hilton Honors

Follow-up on my Charleston (SC) Aloft stay

SPG Corporate responded to my concerns over my recent disappointing stay at the Aloft Charleston (SC) Airport.

HotelsDerek CookJanuary 20, 2016SPG Keyless, Aloft Hotels, customer service, Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood Hotels, mobile app, survey

Starwood enhances Take Two spring promotion

SPG is expanding its spring Take Two promotion to allow members to earn up to 10,000 additional Starpoints.

HotelsDerek CookJanuary 19, 2016promotions, Starwood Preferred Guest, Starwood Hotels

Aloft Charleston Airport does not live up to brand promise

My girlfriend and I recently stayed at the Aloft Charleston (SC) Airport. While I love the Aloft brand, I was very disappointed with the quality of service at this particular property.

HotelsDerek CookDecember 30, 2015Charleston, Starwood Hotels, Starwood Preferred Guest, Aloft Hotels, SPG Keyless, mobile app