When I log on to the SPG member page, it tells me I've got 8 $50 Leasure Certificates and 2 Free Fridays to redeem. Does it cost me star points to redeem these, or are they just an "added perk" from SPG? I poked around in the T&C's for the promotion at http://www.preferredguest.com/promot...tml?pcode=PFFL and didn't see reference to any points being deducted from my account. I also read the FAQ at http://www.preferredguest.com/promot...ys/faqus.jhtml and didn't see any mention there either.

Interestingly, I haven't paid for any of my stays with American Express, because I don't have an AmEx card. But in the FAQ it states: ..."if a resident of the United States, Canada, Europe, Asia and the Pacific does not have the American Express Card, other payment vehicles may be accepted on an exception basis."