Thank you all for your interest and questions regarding the new Elite Gift campaign for 2013. In summary, we’ve enhanced the gift choices this year for both Gold and Platinum members worldwide based on your feedback. The new gift choices include a Starpoints earning option and a Starpoints redemption option for greater flexibility with your travel schedule.
Here is an overview of some of the most frequently asked questions:
1.) Gold members can choose between double Starpoints for a month or 25%-off a Starpoints redemption.
2.) Platinum members can choose between a double Starpoints month of their choice (from the three months listed as options at time of registration) or 35%-off a Starpoints redemption.
3.) The %-off redemption awards are valid for up to 5 nights at a Category 1-6 hotel or resort and are valid for 6 months from the month of registration. Fifth Night Free benefit can be combined with this award.
4.) Earning and redemption dates are served up at time of registration and they will always be in the future (may not be chosen retroactively). If you qualified today but wanted to wait and register later in the year for a double Starpoints month later in the year, or for a later redemption window on your %-off award, you may do so but there is no going back to choose previous months.
5.) Members who earn or requalify their elite status this calendar year (10 stays or 25 nights for Gold; 25 stays or 50 nights for Platinum) will be sent an email letting them know they can choose their gift. If you are not opted in to SPG promotional emails, you will still be able to access the site if you are eligible (spg.com/elitegift2013).
6.) Preferred members who achieve Gold status and Gold members requalifying are eligible for the Gold gift. Gold members who achieve Platinum status and Platinum members requalifying are eligible for the Platinum gift.
7.) If a member obtains Gold status by meeting the spend threshold on their SPG Amex cobrand credit card, they will also be eligible for the Gold gift.
8.) Lifetime Gold members who hit the Gold stay or night thresholds and Lifetime Platinums who hit the Platinum stay or night thresholds will also be eligible for gift selection.
9.) The campaign will run all year so if you haven’t earned or requalified yet there is plenty of time.
10.) All offers can be used in tandem with other promotions in market.
As always, we would love any additional feedback you have. Thank you.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]