Starwood Preferred Guest - Wines of the world - Amenity

I recall this being mentioned previously, but it appears the new ammenity is wine. It is a great bottle usually around $30 liqour store price, however there is no points option. (Not North America, only Europe and Middle East).

Nice idea, just getting heavy in my suitecase :D Not to mention it eats up my customs declaration when I get home. Obviously you don't have to choose the wine, but the movie or minibar credit isn't good value .

Personally, I don't like the fact that SPG standardised the Platinum amenity across Europe and Asia Pacific. Especially since there is no points option. In my opinion, this has the affect of taking away a good hotel's ability to show off its creativity and local flavours and creates a rather boring experience for the guest as its always the same choice.

As to the Wines of the World option, the bottle might be available in the US for ~$30 USD but the same can be had for ~15-20 CHF in my neighborhood. Not all that special.

Add the points option to the list and at least there's something of value in case you don't want to eat, drink, or watch when arriving at 23:00 and departing at 07:00.

I thought the Wines of the World selection very, very boring and worth about GBP5 a bottle. Not great.

I applaud the introduction of a Platinum amenity and I think many hotels take that over and above the amenity they used to offer. As an example, a recent stay netted me the Plat amenity, plus a bottle of wine and 2 lovely chocolate cakes! I just wish there was points option, as earning Starpoints in Europe is not that easy.

Personally, I don't like the fact that SPG standardised the Platinum amenity across Europe and Asia Pacific. Especially since there is no points option.
My experience has been that Asia Pacific hotels do offer a points option. Maybe you meant Middle East hotels?

While I have had some very nice Plat amenity choices from European hotels, I agree that a points option there would be a great alternative.

Wines; Currently I am carting around a Penfolds Cab that retails in London (where I last bought it) for 13BP (this key board doesn't have a funny pound sign :) ) and bottle of Lindemans chard. I have paid $22 for at home in Canada. In Dubai, ( my current location- specifically the towers lounge at the Sheraton) where booze is $$, it is worth more.

As far as Asia Ammenities, in Thailand (westin Suk) they offer points. I will be in KUL tommorow and see what they give. I thought it would be nice if the Sheraton Pulitzer in AMS could have a herbal 'local ammenity' available ^