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Ever since Starwood’s merger with Marriott, a few exciting
new redemption opportunities opened up for those with Starpoints.
By the far the most lucrative new redemption is Marriott’s Travel Package, where you can redeem your points for a seven night award stay
plus a set amount of airline miles (depending on the travel package you
choose).
Let’s take a closer look how we can use our Starpoints for
maximum value. Assume that theoretically you have earned 90,000 Starpoints from
a combination of your sign up bonus and daily spend.
You could convert your 90,000 Starpoints to 110,000 Alaskan
Air miles directly, or you can instead convert your Starpoints to Marriott at a
1 to 3 ratio, giving you 270,000 Marriott points.
With Marriott’s Travel Package, you can convert 270,000
Marriott points for 120,000 Alaskan Mileage Plan miles plus a seven night stay at
any Marriott Category 1-5 hotel.
Even if you don’t use your hotel certificate and just want
to convert your Starwood points to Alaska Mileage Plan miles, you’re still
actually saving 10,000 Starwood points over converting your Starpoints directly
to an airline.
Throw in a free seven night hotel stay, and it’s easy to see
why the Marriott travel package is one of the best bargains out there. Besides
Alaska Mileage Plan miles, you can choose from a variety of airlines including
American Airlines & Southwest. If you convert choose United as your partner
airline, you’ll receive an additional 10% bonus
As an added bonus, AMEX platinum cardholders receive
complimentary SPG gold status, which is automatically matched by Marriott when
you link both accounts.
Marriott Gold members receive complimentary lounge access
and room upgrades.
I had a fantastic seven night stay using my seven night
certificate at the Bangkok Marriott Sukhumvit. With its extensive complimentary
lounge offerings and sumptuous breakfast spread, I found myself barely spending
anything, while having a relaxing week long Chinese New Year vacation.
Redeeming your points
for a Marriott Travel Package:
The process of redeeming your points for a Marriott Travel
Package is relatively simple, if not cumbersome. Award packages can’t be booked
online, and require contacting the Marriott hotline. A quick call and a few
minutes later an e-certificate good for seven nights free at any Category 1-5
hotel will placed into your account, along with frequent flier miles around a
week later.
Your e-certificate is valid for one year, but usually can be
extended by Marriott. If you want to stay in a higher category hotel, you can upgrade
your award by calling in and paying the difference in points.
Using the certificate is a bit complicated, as you need to
first find and book a standard award reservation for your desired dates.
After you book you award, email Marriott support to apply
your certificate. You should shortly get a confirmation email with an updated
reservation.
How to Quickly Earn
90,000 SPG Points
The current sign up bonus for both the SPG AMEX Personal
Card & the SPG AMEX Business Card is 35,000 Starpoints each. After
completing the minimum spend for both cards, you’ll need to spend an additional
$7000 before having enough Starpoints for a Marriot Travel Package with the
maximum amount of airline miles.
View Current Travel Reward Card Offers Here
Overall, the Marriott Travel Package is one of the best award
deals around, as you essentially get a free week long hotel stay, along with
the same amount of points as you would have received if you merely transferred your
Starpoints to an airline.
