Interesting analysis. If you look back to about March 2004 I participated in a detailed analysis of Starwood and other hotel programs. My argument then, as well as now, is that Starwood bonuses make a significant difference in point earnings that substantially increases the number of points earned over the course of a year. During the past year there have been many opportunities with Starwood to earn extra points through booking bonuses, stay bonuses, and various other promotions. Hilton also has had bonus offers, but in a detailed analysis of top-tier status it is imperative to include some consideration for the extra Starwood points earned through various promotional offers to make a fair comparison of the programs.

I will provide just a few examples for Starwood to illustrate the significance of these bonuses for a platinum member.

1. In the US and Canada platinum members receive an amenity gift which is generally a complimentary movie, mini-bar credit, restaurant credit or bonus points per stay. Westin, Sheraton, LC, and W hotels offer 500 bonus points and Four Point properties offer 250 bonus points. The amenity gift is also earned on award stays. I frequently stay at the Sheraton Gateway SFO before international flights on a 2,000 or 3,000 point award, receive breakfast in the lounge, and get 500 points back for the award stay.

2. Starwood offered a promotion Sep-Nov 2004 to many platinum level members of two free nights at any hotel category for staying 10 nights.
The $2,500 I spent for the 20 nights effectively earned 80,000 bonus points. Lower elite members were offered a free night at a Cat 4 property for 5 nights.

3. Starwood currently is running a promotion for 4,000 bonus points for 3 stays at Four Points properties. This has cost about $200 in my case and earned 5,500 points with the platinum amenity points, spending points, and 4,000 point bonus; substantially more points earned than 800 which would be the amount in your 4 SPG points/$ analysis.

4. Starwood has Cash & Points which have been posted for properties for all of 2005. A Category 4 property for $60 and 4,000 points is a great deal. Hopefully, Hilton will establish some point stretcher properties in the international market for the latter half of 2005. The lack of pointstretcher properties has been the biggest disappointment this year with HHonors.


Hilton's biggest advantage this year which has drawn me back to them is the Walk4Life promotion which allows one to earn 10,000 points for a $50 donation. 250,000 points between my wife and I for $1,300 in donations is a fantastic offer. I look forward to a couple of 6 night awards in 2006.