Starwood’s “Better By The Night”4th quarter promotion is quite confusing. There are now 4 different points/miles earning opportunities embedded. I just went and registered for all of these and thought that it would be a good idea to write a piece explaining each of the components.
1. Double points for one or two nights stays and triple points for stays of three nights or longer
This is the easiest part. You will get double or triple BASE points depending on the length of your stay.
2. Online (250 points) or iPhone (500 points) booking bonus
You will receive 250 bonus Starpoints for making the booking through SPG.com or 500 bonus Starpoints by booking using the SPG iPhone app.
3. FourSquare check in (250 points) bonus
If you link your SPG & FourSquare accounts and do virtual check in while staying in the property, you will receive additional 250 Starpoints per stay.
4. Air Canada Aeroplan bonus (1000 miles per stay) miles
You will receive 1000 Aeroplan miles per stay for up to five stays. This is in addition to the above bonuses and you don’t have to credit towards miles.
You can do registrations for the first three simultaneously but you need to remember to link your SPG and FourSquare accounts.
The Aeroplan offer requires a separate registration. You need your SPG and Aeroplan account numbers.
Here’s what SPG Platinum members can expect to earn on a $150 night that is booked at SPG.com:
300 Base points (2 points per dollar spend)
150 Platinum Bonus points (50% bonus)
500 Platinum Amenity points
300 Double points for the Better by the Night promotion
250 SPG.com online booking bonus
250 FourSquare check in bonus
1000 Aeroplan miles
= 1750 Starpoints + 1000 Aeroplan miles
If you use SPG branded Amex card to pay and use the iPhone app to book, you can earn even more points
Conclusion
At first, the SPG’s “Better By The Night” promotion appears underwhelming. It is actually quite ok if you can take advantage of all the side promotions.
