Originally Posted by
NYCRuss
Double points at restaurants, instead of Boingo, is what I want for the extra $30.
SPG points are far too valuable for SPG Amex to give 2x at restaurants. IHG and Marriott cards can do that because their points are worth far less relative to their typical redemption levels. That's also why the Chase Hyatt card doesn't bonus restaurants.
Giving SPG Amex any more bonus categories simply increases the number of outstanding SPG points...which simply means SPG would devalue again. I'd rather not have that.
Be careful what you wish for.
One of the reasons SPG points are so valuable, and why SPG hotel awards haven't been as badly devalued as with other chains, is because there aren't many ways to accumulate them--other than with actual SPG stays and SPG Amex spend. That encourages SPG elites to have the SPG Amex cards and earn the most points, giving SPG elites the best chances for awards (and to use points for more airline awards, too).