Starwood Lurker IV

We wanted you to be among the first to know that starting in March, we’ll be making some changes to our Cash & Points offering. It’s been a member favorite ever since we introduced it to the industry in 2002, and was made even more important with our 2011 announcement of redemption nights counting toward elite and lifetime status.

Knowing this, we’ve worked very closely with our hotels to make some changes that will both improve the availability of Cash & Points and enhance the program overall.

Beginning March 5, Category 1 and 2 hotels worldwide will be included, and you’ll be able to redeem for upgraded room types including suites. In addition, for the first time, we will be updating the Cash & Points pricing on standard rooms to encourage more availability. You can book at the current pricing until March 5th.

Many of you have also asked about our annual Category changes. As with past years any adjustments will take place in early March, and as soon as we have the list we will post it here. Currently we’re estimating mid-February to have this finalized.

To learn more about the upcoming Cash & Points changes, please visit spg.com/C&Pchanges

Best regards,

Christopher Carman
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

marlee1421

Great information. Thanks for the update.

rooivalk

basically, the cost has gone up in both points and cash across every category.

with this change, C&P really becomes unattractive seeing as the cash portion doesn't earn Starpoints. greater availability, but a devaluation to the C&P program IMO.

aubreyfromwheaton

Dear Lurker(s):

Will SPG increase the bonus on the Amex or the earning on the Amex to compete with the frequent 50k + bonuses on other cards or is this a pure devaluation of the program?

Many programs have devalued but at least offer more ways to earn more points (I.e Ultimate Rewards, Membership Rewards, Skymiles etc)

rooivalk

then that just devalues the program even more for those outside the US.

KENNECTED

IIRC, this is the first across the board increase for the Cash & Points program. If I'm wrong, please correct me.

The new rates also include club rooms and suites and it appears the SPG is trying to make the program more transparent and reach a wider audience across the board.

If this allows for more availability and prevents one less, "I can find C&P availability at X property...." in this forum it's a win-win!

travelswithmyself

Mixed feelings. Like the ability to book even suites at C&P rates, but the cost of C&P has gone up by 25% in both points and cash.

Hope it will really result in an increase in the availability of C&P bookings...

Another thing, will it make hotels less likely to upgrade C&P bookings of standard rooms to suites? Time will tell...

vrbaba

Its a definite devaluation (~25%), but I am not sure its completely unattractive yet. Its still better than other programs in terms of offering C&P.

Nevertheless, I did not expect this, and makes me think harder about comparing it with other programs (whereas it was a clear winner before).

TallestHotelInJapan

Absolutely! This is called "DEVALUATION"! Grrrrr! SPG is attractive at the current stage. Why such changes to the bad?!





Unfortunately, this is very true.

anchor79

So what is their next step? Besides anticipated category increase for most hotels this year, will the award booking on points in each category will increase as well?

rooivalk

don't think SPG wants to shoot themselves in the foot. double devaluation? I don't think point redemption cost will change but most hotels should go up in category. so bang, double devaluation to the C&P program.

RogerD408

Now talk about a phrase that can be read so many ways:
At least they didn't go the way of MR! Talk about a real joke on its members!

YMCMB

The deltas:

Cat 1: +300 Starpoints, +$5
Cat 2: +400 Starpoints, +$5
Cat 3: +700 Starpoints, +$10
Cat 4: +1,000 Starpoints, +$15
Cat 5: +1,200 Starpoints, +$20
Cat 6: +2,000 Starpoints, +$30
Cat 7: No change

vrbaba

In defense of MR, they never had a true C+P, and still do not. So, I look at the facts and call it a status quo, and not necessarily a joke. It is still better than before, just not what most expected (to go the way of SPG).

KENNECTED

Well why don't we tell SPG to eliminate the Cash and Points program all together?