so what exactly is the benefit of "gold" over preferred plus?

50% bonus on points, and better chance for an upgrade.

And a slightly lower point transfer minimum.

Is this the best thread for Preferred Plus discussions?

If so, does this status level include free wifi?

Maybe we can get an update of the benefits, since it seems it's been a while.

nope, this status level does not include free internet unless your rate includes it. the only benefit you get is really 4 pm checkout. Only reason for the status is being an SPG AMEX cardholder.

only changes/enhancements in benefits are the gold and platinum level. go to spg.com/morepower if you want to see what you can get if you become a gold member or plat.

Nicer/upgraded rooms are a perk as well. I was upgraded to the club floor at a Sheraton once. But maybe that's because the lounge wasn't staffed that weekend haha.

This status is also given to members of participating auto clubs like AAA.

I used to be corporate pref plus and got better upgrades than now as a gold.

Is preferred plus considered as an elite level?

Not by SPG. When SPG refers to elite levels, it means Gold or Platinum.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

I was wondering whether "Gold Preferred" is the same as Gold.

I understand the basic tier is Preferred, but what is "Gold Preferred" - is that the same as Gold? I'm confused as this is the status that's showing up when I log in. IIRC it used to be just plain "Gold"?

There should not be an additional classification of Gold status. Mind if I obtain some screenshots from you?

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Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Allow me to correct myself. The "Gold Preferred" level means Gold level, ie. no difference.

Wonder what I was thinking of when I typed the previous post.

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Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

I'm Preferred Plus via an SPG Amex card, and I'm 5 stays from being Gold. I am taking a big trip to Thailand this fall, so I'm wondering if there are any good reasons that I should try to get 5 more stays in to become Gold before the big trip. Any thoughts?

For five stays that you otherwise wouldn't make in any hotel, is the cost worth the benefits that you will receive during your trip to Asia? Would it be cheaper to just purchase the Gold benefits that interest you? Also, will you otherwise earn Gold this year or not? (Maybe the trip will cause you to earn Gold based on nights?)

That's what I'm trying to figure out. Is the only real difference between Preferred Plus and Gold the 3 points per dollar instead of 2? That would probably not be worth it. But if it upgrades the small suite I have reserved to a suite in the next class up on my honeymoon, that could be worth it.

We are staying at two hotels during an 11 day trip. I will likely become gold while at the first of the two hotels if I do nothing before I leave.