SPG AMEX Clarifications
Oct 19, 2009, 2:48 pm
#16
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: TUL
Programs: AA EXP 2MM; Marriott Titanium; Hilton Diamond; Hyatt Explorist; Vistana 5* Elite; Nat'l Exec Elite
Posts: 6,177
I regularly stay at a Sheraton where the "usual" rate is $109. The "rack" rate is $225. So if I go with the SPG50 certificate I get a bargain by paying about $3 per night more!
Oct 19, 2009, 4:41 pm
#17
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: NYC
Programs: AA LT PLT, SPG Gold
Posts: 2,564
FWIW, you'll find that most people find the SPG50 certificates virtually worthless. It's 50% off the rack rate, which is usually far higher than the normal selling price. There's a pretty big thread here about it. I'd love to find somewhere to use mine. There ARE uses for it (suites, high occupancy/price times, some specific hotels), but it's nowhere near as good as it sounds.
Oct 19, 2009, 5:03 pm
#18
Join Date: May 2004
Location: Northwest NJ
Programs: Starwood Platinum,Marriott Platinum, United Silver
Posts: 2,313
I did read once that the best value is using them for confirmed stays at suites.
Oct 19, 2009, 6:56 pm
#19
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: Nashville
Programs: DL DM 3 MM AA PLAT HH Lifetime Diamond Marriott Plat AMB lifetime titanium Hertz PC
Posts: 6,187
Churning is canceling a card, signing up for a new one, meeting the requirements to earn the signup bonus, then repeating. Citi is offering 30k AA miles for spending $750 on a new card, and some people are getting up to a dozen cards a year. It's not for everyone, but the miles can really add up.