Starwood Preferred Guest Elite Status will give you some extra benefits to enjoy at over 1,300 unique hotels and resorts across the globe. This post will cover how to earn elite status and the benefits of each level, as well as a way to achieve status without staying a single night!
Link: How To Earn and Use Starwood Preferred Guest Starpoints
Starwood Preferred Guest Elite Status
Note: Eligible paid stays and nights, plus Award redemption stays and nights, count toward elite status. For full terms and benefits visit SPG Member Benefits
Preferred Guest
- This is the basic level you get just by joining the Starwood Preferred Guest program
- Earn 2 Starpoints per dollar on eligible stays
- Complimentary in room internet access when you book direct
Gold Preferred Guest
- Earned after 10 eligible stays or 25 eligible nights in a calendar year
- Earn 3 Starpoints per dollar on eligible stays
- 4pm late checkout (subject to availability at resort and conference center hotels)
- Upgrade to an enhanced room at check-in — corner room, higher floor, or better view
- Welcome gift upon arrival – bonus Starpoints, enhanced in room internet access or a free beverage
- Complimentary in-room, premium Internet access when you book on SPG digital channels
- Earn bonus SPG points when you fly Delta, Emirates or China Eastern – registration required
Platinum Preferred Guest
- Earned after 25 eligible stays or 50 eligible nights in a calendar year
- Earn 3 Starpoints per dollar on eligible stays
- Welcome gift upon arrival – bonus Starpoints, continental breakfast or local amenity
- Upgrade to best available room at check-in — including a standard suite.
- Complimentary in-room, premium Internet access
- Complimentary health-club, Club-level and Executive-level access.
- Earn bonus SPG points when you fly Delta, Emirates or China Eastern – registration required
- Choice of benefit after staying 50 eligible nights
Transfer Status To Marriott
Starwood was purchased by Marriott last year and is now part of the largest hotel brand in the world. While many in the travel community were leery of the merger, Marriott has done a great job so far integrating SPG into their company. As of now, the loyalty programs remain separate, but I would expect that to change sometime in 2018. For now, there are 2 important benefits to remember.
- You can match your Starwood status to Marriott status and vice versa. Just link your accounts and the match will happen instantly.
- Points can transfer freely between the 2 programs. 3 Marriott points equals 1 SPG point.
Link: Marriott Rewards Elite Status
Earn Status Through Your Credit Card
The best part is when you can earn status without staying a single night in a hotel! The following cards will help you get there.
- The Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express gives you 2 stays and 5 nights toward elite status
- The American Express Platinum Card comes with complimentary Gold Status for as long as you are a card holder. This is a great bonus if you stay at Starwood (or Marriott) hotels often