PROMO: SPG Free Weekends 2010 earn thru July 31; redeem through Dec. 19
Apr 16, 10, 9:39 pm
#151
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: EWR
Programs: UAPlat; *Gold; Hyatt Diam; SPG Plat; PWP goddess
Posts: 16,486
Originally Posted by kingsubbu
The same happened to me - I stayed once at a Hyatt last July and I received an email this March with the stay 1 night, get 1 free night offer. I booked the offer in April (and also status matched to Diamond at the same time) and I received another email with another such offer (this valid until Sep 2010). I had one stay in April in Chicago and two free nights were deposited into my account the same week...
Apr 16, 10, 9:45 pm
#152
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: NYC
Programs: Hyatt Diamond, AA Plat
Posts: 1,138
Originally Posted by mnmag
Wow, that's great!^
Apr 16, 10, 9:46 pm
#153
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: EWR
Programs: UAPlat; *Gold; Hyatt Diam; SPG Plat; PWP goddess
Posts: 16,486
Originally Posted by kingsubbu
I know - Hyatt is handing these free nights around like candy
Apr 16, 10, 10:33 pm
#154
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: starwood and american airlines
Posts: 28
Originally Posted by NJUPINTHEAIR
That was last year when it was $65.00 on the weekends. Now it seems the least expensive is $75 and most of the time it is $79.
So, I will have to revise my cost/benefit analysis upwards ... probably not worth it if you are not planning to stay at a $275 plus hotel.
So, I will have to revise my cost/benefit analysis upwards ... probably not worth it if you are not planning to stay at a $275 plus hotel.
Apr 16, 10, 10:33 pm
#155
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: BOS
Programs: Marriott LTG, HHonors Diamond, Nat'l Exec
Posts: 3,550
I'll agree that this promo is not going to get me to shift nights from Hyatt (on which I'm concentrating right now) before 6/30. In general, these 3x and 4x stay promos are hard for me to manage as my travel is unpredictable, and the hotels I'd redeem at are rarely expensive enough to justify a mattress run. With a 2x stay promo, I can usually justify the "one more stay" necessary to round it out.
But I do want to thank the Lurkers for their prompt and informative post. Thanks, guys!
But I do want to thank the Lurkers for their prompt and informative post. Thanks, guys!
Apr 16, 10, 10:43 pm
#156
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA - 1K 1MM; Marriott - Ambassador, Lifetime Titanium; Hyatt - Globalist
Posts: 1,585
Ehhh...this promo really isn't going to do anything for me, just like last year I'm not really in a position to use weekend nights. Of course, the Hyatt promo doesn't appeal to me either for the same reasons.
What I was hoping for was a great points promo. I can't say that SPG won't be getting my stays, but I'll be looking at Marriott and Hilton to see if there are some good opportunities to pump up the points balance.
What I was hoping for was a great points promo. I can't say that SPG won't be getting my stays, but I'll be looking at Marriott and Hilton to see if there are some good opportunities to pump up the points balance.
Apr 16, 10, 11:34 pm
#157
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,142
Well, I guess I'll add my 2 cents as well for whatever it's worth. I too am slightly dissappointed with this year's FWN promo. I'd probably be fairly happy about it if I wasn't comparing it to last year's FWN promo, but unfortunately for SPG that's impossible to do. I really think to keep people happy SPG should have completely revamped this promo so it doesn't look like a complete devaluation of last year's promo. They could have either made the Free Nights valid 7 days a week rather than just weekends. Or they could have allowed us to redeem our FWN's at Cat 7 hotels (not the SR BB 120k per night type hotels, but the standard Cat 7 hotels that normally cost 30k pts per night like SR NYC). Or they could have kept the earning rate at Stay 2, Get 1 Free, then limited redemption to Cat 1-5 but valid all nights of the week. Adding any of the above aspects to this promo would have spiced it up a bit and not made it look like a pure devaluation.
One thing that surprises me is that there have been over 150 posts in this thread already today and nobody (I don't think?) has mentioned the other significant devaluation to this year's FWN promo. The lack of 1k DL/NW bonus miles per stay. That was an additional $10-15 kickback per stay last year IMHO, which was quite nice. So not only is SPG requiring 3 nights vs 2, but we are also losing out on a $30-45 kickback per free night we earn this year. I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth though, so I must say I do appreciate SPG offering at least something. I just wish it was a little richer.
This promo is on par with the HH Free Night promo (or possibly worse than the HH promo at least for me since I can combine the HH one with their 7 stay Diamond FastTrack offer I received, the HH one can also be stacked with their miles earning promos, and of course like mentioned by others here the HH free nights are valid for a year and can be redeemed at any HH hotel worldwide. However I don't think it's really fair for other FTers to mark down SPG for NOT allowing redemption at Cat 7 hotels because for the most part no other hotel chains except Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, & Aman type chains have hotels on the same level as SPG Cat 7 hotels (with very limited exceptions of course such as Park Hyatt Tokyo/Paris/etc, Conrad Maldives, Hilton Bora Bora/Moorea, etc).
I look at this promo as a great way/incentive for me to put enough stays towards SPG to requalify for Platinum. The free SPG nights gives me a good enough kickback that it makes it worthwhile enough for me to requalify when otherwise I probably wouldn't have.
I'm not sure if this is just a coincidence or not, but I have noticed that ever since it was announced that the Freddie's were being cancelled, SPG's offerings have gone downhill fast. I half wonder if they previously had such good promo's to get positive recognition in the Freddies? They often used to win Program of the Year IIRC years back before the other programs started matching them with no blackouts & capacity controls. Remember we FTers used to even get rewarded for voting for SPG in the Freddies with useful year-end Plat gifts such as the 50% off one award stay and such. That gift saved me like 25k SPG pts one year. And now I get a set of luggage tags in the mail this year for requalifying?
Maybe I'm just into conspiracy theories though, I dunno.
Summary: This is a fairly decent promo, but not as good as I (and obviously most other FTers) were hoping for. I sure hope it doesn't get a 5-key rating on satori's blog, it only deserves 4-keys IMHO.
One thing that surprises me is that there have been over 150 posts in this thread already today and nobody (I don't think?) has mentioned the other significant devaluation to this year's FWN promo. The lack of 1k DL/NW bonus miles per stay. That was an additional $10-15 kickback per stay last year IMHO, which was quite nice. So not only is SPG requiring 3 nights vs 2, but we are also losing out on a $30-45 kickback per free night we earn this year. I hate to look a gift horse in the mouth though, so I must say I do appreciate SPG offering at least something. I just wish it was a little richer.
This promo is on par with the HH Free Night promo (or possibly worse than the HH promo at least for me since I can combine the HH one with their 7 stay Diamond FastTrack offer I received, the HH one can also be stacked with their miles earning promos, and of course like mentioned by others here the HH free nights are valid for a year and can be redeemed at any HH hotel worldwide. However I don't think it's really fair for other FTers to mark down SPG for NOT allowing redemption at Cat 7 hotels because for the most part no other hotel chains except Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, Fairmont, Mandarin Oriental, & Aman type chains have hotels on the same level as SPG Cat 7 hotels (with very limited exceptions of course such as Park Hyatt Tokyo/Paris/etc, Conrad Maldives, Hilton Bora Bora/Moorea, etc).
I look at this promo as a great way/incentive for me to put enough stays towards SPG to requalify for Platinum. The free SPG nights gives me a good enough kickback that it makes it worthwhile enough for me to requalify when otherwise I probably wouldn't have.
I'm not sure if this is just a coincidence or not, but I have noticed that ever since it was announced that the Freddie's were being cancelled, SPG's offerings have gone downhill fast. I half wonder if they previously had such good promo's to get positive recognition in the Freddies? They often used to win Program of the Year IIRC years back before the other programs started matching them with no blackouts & capacity controls. Remember we FTers used to even get rewarded for voting for SPG in the Freddies with useful year-end Plat gifts such as the 50% off one award stay and such. That gift saved me like 25k SPG pts one year. And now I get a set of luggage tags in the mail this year for requalifying?
Maybe I'm just into conspiracy theories though, I dunno.Summary: This is a fairly decent promo, but not as good as I (and obviously most other FTers) were hoping for. I sure hope it doesn't get a 5-key rating on satori's blog, it only deserves 4-keys IMHO.
Apr 16, 10, 11:38 pm
#158
Join Date: May 2003
Posts: 6,142
Originally Posted by vandalby
Ehhh...this promo really isn't going to do anything for me, just like last year I'm not really in a position to use weekend nights. Of course, the Hyatt promo doesn't appeal to me either for the same reasons.
What I was hoping for was a great points promo.
What I was hoping for was a great points promo.
Huh? Hyatt's promo is valid for stays ALL nights of the week. In addition it has a separate points-option component to it if you prefer points over free nights. Not sure why you say Hyatt doesn't appeal to you when it has the exact two things that you are looking for above when complaining about SPG's promo.
Apr 16, 10, 11:43 pm
#159
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: Houston
Programs: TK*Gold; WN A-list; AA EXP; Hyatt Globalist; Marriott Titanium, Hilton Diamond, UA 1.56MM (fmr UA1K)
Posts: 5,766
This is a good promo if you're already going to stay at a Starwood hotel.
If it were one free weekend per two stays like last summer, it might influence my behavior towards Starwood... but, as it is, I'll stick with Hyatt and priceline when Hyatt isn't available.
If it were one free weekend per two stays like last summer, it might influence my behavior towards Starwood... but, as it is, I'll stick with Hyatt and priceline when Hyatt isn't available.
Apr 17, 10, 12:10 am
#160
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Japan
Programs: SPG>P & STARWOOD Privilege
Posts: 207
Domo Arigato SPG & Lurkers
I'm new here and only 3rd post. I joined this site with this 2Q promotion anticipation frenzy in full blossom ( not as pretty as Sakura blossoms in Japan), and today get to enjoy the announcement and not so unexpected replies. I understand how some members utilize this site and the LURKERS as the messengers, in their desire to manipulate Starwood decision making for promotions, terms, rules etc.
The accompanying detritus of this being the rampant complaining ( 1st reply straight of of the post), oft written whining, numerous threats { but granted a real consideration to *wood} to spend more money with other programs and occasional rudeness in the rush for points/freebies....besides the utter transparency of their actions to those they are trying the most to influence...
however, there is the 'occasional entertainment perk' that some like me will glean from these diatribes
Yes, I know I don't have to read, comment or even be here...that I choose to do so. FT provides me with a place to get timely info about *wood promotions, hotels and fellow members comments on places I want to visit or know more about, and for me to share my experiences too.
I really am thankful to the SPG program & Starwood for any promotions and perks that are offered to me as a {platinum}member, and as others have stated, to the efforts of the LURKERS, who IMHO maintain their cool professionalism [with tongue-in-cheek occasional well justified acerbic replies ].
FT ADMIN; cudos to you for providing a place where I can get *wood SPG info, special and advanced offers, have a somewhat direct line to Starwood management.... and reinforcement in the knowledge that of all the stressful things in my life, anticipation & announcement of SPG 2Q promos is not one of them...oh, and for also giving me a place to come and read some daily chuckles in some posts by those that are still 'trying to get a life' while traveling around the world staying at *wood properties in the pursuit of that " SPG pot-o-platinum " at the end of the promo..er...rainbow
The accompanying detritus of this being the rampant complaining ( 1st reply straight of of the post), oft written whining, numerous threats { but granted a real consideration to *wood} to spend more money with other programs and occasional rudeness in the rush for points/freebies....besides the utter transparency of their actions to those they are trying the most to influence...
however, there is the 'occasional entertainment perk' that some like me will glean from these diatribes
Yes, I know I don't have to read, comment or even be here...that I choose to do so. FT provides me with a place to get timely info about *wood promotions, hotels and fellow members comments on places I want to visit or know more about, and for me to share my experiences too.
I really am thankful to the SPG program & Starwood for any promotions and perks that are offered to me as a {platinum}member, and as others have stated, to the efforts of the LURKERS, who IMHO maintain their cool professionalism [with tongue-in-cheek occasional well justified acerbic replies
].FT ADMIN; cudos to you for providing a place where I can get *wood SPG info, special and advanced offers, have a somewhat direct line to Starwood management.... and reinforcement in the knowledge that of all the stressful things in my life, anticipation & announcement of SPG 2Q promos is not one of them...oh, and for also giving me a place to come and read some daily chuckles in some posts by those that are still 'trying to get a life' while traveling around the world staying at *wood properties in the pursuit of that " SPG pot-o-platinum " at the end of the promo..er...rainbow
Apr 17, 10, 1:06 am
#161
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: South Germany
Programs: Miles&More Senator , SPG Platinum, IC Platinum Ambassador, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 289
I say thank you to SPG and Lurker of course. For me this is better than nothing. If I will make 6 stays until end of july = 2 nights on a weekend = Platinum for next year 
Then I was fast in 2010
Then I was fast in 2010
Apr 17, 10, 2:07 am
#162
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,050
Originally Posted by worldtrav
Does SPG have a soft landing to Gold after umpteen years as Plat?
Apr 17, 10, 2:09 am
#163
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,050
Originally Posted by camsean
In Indonesia there are 2 hilton, 5 hyatt & 11 spg....
Look at all the extra choice you have now
Look at all the extra choice you have now
Apr 17, 10, 2:11 am
#164
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: Italy 90% - Rest of the World 10%
Programs: Marriott + Hilton. Fly BA and AZ
Posts: 2,912
Originally Posted by fred8ab
I say thank you to SPG and Lurker of course. For me this is better than nothing. If I will make 6 stays until end of july = 2 nights on a weekend = Platinum for next year
Then I was fast in 2010
Then I was fast in 2010
Apr 17, 10, 2:25 am
#165
Join Date: Nov 2008
Programs: SPG-Plat, Hilton-Diamond, Club Carlson-Silver, Cathay-Diamond, Virgin-Gold
Posts: 2,139
Well as promo's go its pretty useless to me and the fact the earning has gone up from last year is not great either!
I have scheduled 26 nights, 16 of which in cat 7 and the rest cat 5 or 6, but its over 4 stays for for the 15k I will be spending at Starwood in this promo period my reward is, 1 free weekend night!
I know different promo's work for different people but I must say this seems very uninspired and to offer a promo so similar to a previous year just make it worse seems a bad move!
I have scheduled 26 nights, 16 of which in cat 7 and the rest cat 5 or 6, but its over 4 stays for for the 15k I will be spending at Starwood in this promo period my reward is, 1 free weekend night!
I know different promo's work for different people but I must say this seems very uninspired and to offer a promo so similar to a previous year just make it worse seems a bad move!
