This Is What Makes Starwood Preferred Guest So Valuable

Starwood Preferred Guest sits prettily on every loyalty program charts, and with good reason. One of the reasons this particular loyalty program is so popular amongst frequent flyers is because its points can be transferred to 30+ airline partners at a very low 1:1 ratio. This program also allows its user to book award stays at up to 30 top hotel brands through the Ritz-Carlton/Marriott relationship. If that is not enough its points can be redeemed for one of a kind experience from the SPG Moments, and lastly but certainly not the least it is easy to attain elite status. The elite status can be achieved with real benefits via credit cards like The American Express Platinum Card.  

1. Excellent Value Across Luxury Hotel Chains With Redemptions Starting At 2,000 Points

The loyalty program has a transfer ratio of 1:3 StarPoints to Marriott Rewards, and with Starwood Preferred Guests excellent redemption rates. The SPG points can help you secure a place in some of the most luxurious hotel rooms in the world for the fraction of the cost. There is a wide range of SPG properties which start from base Category 1 properties costing just 2,000 points per night. From category 1 it goes all the way up to the highest tier Category 7 properties that will cost you 35,000 points.  

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2. Starwood Preferred Points Transfer 1:1 To Airline Partners

SPG has a massive list of airline partners which its loyalty members can make use of. To be precise there are 30 airline partners, and the points can be transferred at a ratio of 1:1. While you may not use the entire 30 airline partners available to you, it is good to have a large selection of partners to choose from. SPG throws in a bonus 5,000 airline miles for every 20,000 you transfer to a frequent flyer account.  

3. Points Redemptions & Fifth Night Free Count Towards Elite Status

If you’ve reached elite status you know that it comes with a ton of perks, especially if you reach the top-most tier called Platinum Status. However, there is a struggle to reach this tier because it requires 25 stays or 50 nights during the year, which is not possible for everyone. What makes it a touch less intimidating is the added ability to add both Fifth Night Free redemption and Free Night Awards to your elite night credit card. Elite members can also take advantage of mutual agreements both SPG and Marriot has with airlines.  

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4. You Can Share Points For Zero Cost With Anyone At Your Address

Starwood has some of the best policies for point sharing with family members. Points can be shared between family members who have the same residential address for a minimum of 30 days. The points can be transferred between your SPG accounts in increments of 1,000 points. Like other credit cards, SPG doesn’t have bonus categories, which makes it a challenge to earn the points. The ability to point share among family members is a much-needed blessing.