The cash+points redemption option is, in many cases, one of the best value propositions available in the Starwood Preferred Guest program. One of its limitations historically was that the top hotels in the brand – Category 7 properties – were not available for this redemption option. That treasure chest is opening up, however, with a limited number of Category 7 hotels now available for cash+points redemptions.
The rates are not at all cheap: a room will run 15,000 points + $275 per night. Also, the program can still have black-out dates on these awards while regular room redemptions have none. Finally, it is only certain hotels which are participating (see the list below). Still, it is nice to see that there are more redemption options opening up.
Then again, comparing to the regular room rate redemptions – 30-35,000 points for a Cat 7 normally – this seems to be a bit like the airlines offering last seat availability for double points or more. In other words, no big deal if you’re sitting on a huge stash anyways but doing it with an eye towards a good deal seems a bit askew in most cases. Then again, when looking at Category 7 properties a great deal is rarely the expectation.
Participating hotels currently include:
- Cervo Hotel ,Costa Smeralda Resort
- The Chatwal, New York City
- The Gritti Palace, Venice
- Hotel President Wilson Geneva
- The St. Regis Aspen Resort
- The St. Regis Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico
- The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort
- The St. Regis Bali Resort
- The St. Regis Florence
- The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort
- The St. Regis New York
- W South Beach
- W Paris- Opera
