New program for AAA members entitles them to receive complimentary access to the Preferred Plus tier of SPG (it's not a published tier, don't start looking for it).

Basically, one is provided Preferred Room upgrades upon check-in at Starwood properties and 4:00 PM late checkout, if available.

This specially designed partnership also provides AAA members with a bonus of 1,000 Starpoints for the first three stays through June 1, 2004. Nice to give members such an extended length of time to qualify for their bonus.

It is noted that AAA members must show their AAA Club membership card at check-in. I know that most hotel properties do not bother asking for the AAA membership card, but you might want to bring it along to ensure that your stay is tracked as a AAA rate for the 1K bonus.

For more information, reservations and to join Starwood Preferred Guest, AAA members can access a dedicated toll-free number 1-866-782-7737 or visit www.starwood.com/aaa

If you already are a member of SPG you can call the same telephone # above and mention enrollment code "AAA" to upgrade your account.

I personally will not upgrade my account just to benefit from 1K. I don't really want my account tagged forever with a AAA designation. It might play to my disadvantage sometime in the future. For who knows if SPG decides that they want to have a targetted promo to non-AAA members sometime

If you are a new SPG member though, or have just a few thousand points in your account it might be a route you would like to take.

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Full article is found as a press release from Starwood:

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Named to AAA Preferred Lodging Program

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Got points ? Got smiles !