Starwood has been offering this SPG50 award for 1000 Starpoints that discounts the hotel’s rack rate by 50% up to 5 days. The problem is that there is no way to check the actual rack rate online, or what rooms/suites are offered under this rate plan.
When I was in Bali the other week, and wanted to check out the rather expensive St Regis resort over there, decided to check if the price using this award would be lower than any other publicly available rate. I just hate spending time over the phone especially when in Bali, but then remembered that Starwood offers chat.
Had a chat session with SPG representative who confirmed that St Regis Bali had SPG50 loaded for two different kinds of suites: the St Regis suite for $375 and Ocean View for $400.
Issued the SPG50 award for 1000 Starpoints and made the booking. Saved around $150 by using this award compared had I booked this same suite at the “full” price.
When you use this award , you get exactly the same benefits as on the paid stay. The stay will post as a qualifying one to your SPG account, it is eligible for all promotions, and you will most definitely earn points as well.
Of my several hundred SPG stays, this was my first time using this rate plan. I have a hunch that it is only worthwhile if the paid rates are extremely high or if you are looking to book a suite.