When to use points to upgrade
 

I am SPG Gold. Does it pay to 1500 points to upgrade 4 days out or just wait and hope for a free upgrade at checkin?

Hi, I think it depends on a number of things. Which hotel is it, how important is an upgrade to you, etc.

For what it's worth, upgrading to the Towers at the Sheraton in Hong Kong using points is considered a very good use of points. For one thing, it's impossible as a Gold to be upgraded to the Towers as part of any complimentary upgrade. In order to gain the wisdom from the SPG regs, you'll probably need to be more specific in your desires and locales. :)

Sorry that I did not provide full details.

First stay is in Santiago Chile.

Second is at Buenos Aires Argentina, Convention Center

Thanks

Others may disagree with me, but "if" your point-paid upgrade at the Sheraton CC in BA were to the Park Tower, I'd say go for it....Have stayed there several times, and found it to be a very nice hotel with nice amenities. Of course, its also right next to the CC, so depending on your point balance you might not want to spend them......In part probably depends on what amenities YOU value, and what type of upgrade they can provide.

Have a great trip! Best wishes, Dave

For a Platinum, is it worth using points to upgrade at Sheraton Palace Moscow?

As a counter point, I asked for an upgrade using points to the Towers at the Sheraton HK. The lady told me that I would get a non-harbor view room if I do that, whereas I was given a harbor view room on the 14th floor otherwise. I choose the later and didn't regret it. The view was stunning.