I’m Giving Away 60,000 Starwood Starpoints

by Gary Leff

Key Links:

  • Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card
  • Starwood Preferred Guest Business American Express card

I mentioned yesterday that I was going to be giving away 60,000 Starwood Starpoints — 30,000 apiece to two lucky winners.

American Express offered the points to help you “stretch your summer” with a last-minute getaway.

Two summers ago American Express introduced a 30,000 point signup bonus on their Starwood cards for the first time. I got the card for the first time in 2001 — with no signup bonus at all.

Way back in May 2002 when I first started this blog I wrote, “the credit card I recommend most often for earning miles is the Starwood American Express, because points transfer 1:1 into most airline programs and you get a 5k mile bonus for transferring 20k points — equivalent to earning 1.25 miles per dollar on all purchases.”

My Starwood Amex has gotten me an overwater bungalow on Bora Bora and an ocean pool villa in Phuket.


    (Sala Pool Villa at the Westin Siray Bay, Phuket)

It’s gotten me stays at the W hotels in Hong Kong, Seoul, New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Seattle. And free stays at the Le Meridien in Chiang Rai, the Sheraton on the river in Bangkok, the Parker Meridien in New York. Not to mention the St. Regis in DC, the Diplomat in Hollywood, Florida, the Westin Beijing, and the Le Meridien Barcelona. And many, many more stays over the years.


    (Bar at the W Seoul)

30,000 points may not seem like a ton in a world of 50,000 and 100,000 point bonuses. But Starwood points are the single most valuable currency there is. They’re flexible with more and more airline mileage transfer options than anyone else and with ways to stretch points on hotel stays with cash and points awards — a category 4 property like the Sheraton Nassau, Westin Hilton Head, or Walt Disney World Dolphin runs 4000 points and $60 per night, those 30,000 points can go a long way.

Whether you win points, earn them as a signup bonus for using the card, or both you can use book last minute hotel rewards, planned in advance hotel rewards, or transfer your Starwood points to airline miles to redeem for premium cabin international awards.

I actually don’t like getting away much during the summer. I live in the DC area, the place clears out in August. That never made sense to me. I want to leave when it’s cold. Why would I want to go someplace warm when it’s warm at home? Maybe that’s just an excuse, since summer is also my busiest time at work. I can’t take more than a weekend away. But everyone else around me looks to make summer their time for relaxation and enjoyment, and never wants it to end…

So here’s the contest, 30,000 points to each of two readers who tell me how they plan to stretch their summer.

How To Enter

  1. Enter with an answer to the question, “What Starwood hotel or resort property would you like to visit — in the coming weeks — to ‘stretch your summer’ and make the most out of the last days before the Northern Hemisphere cools down, before the leaves turn, and before we’re expected to pretend we’re no longer on break?”
  2. This is the official entry post. Leave your entries as a comment to this post.
  3. You may enter only one time per 24 hours, you need to wait at least 24 hours from your previous entry to enter again. Make sure not to leave more than one comment in this thread every 24 hours under any circumstances or you will disqualify yourself.
  4. Contest ends, and your last chance to enter, August 14th at 5pm Eastern time.
  5. The winner will be chosen at random. In the usual fashion for giveaways, with the assistance of Random.org.
  6. All judgments, interpretations, and decisions by me are final. By entering you agree to that, agree not to give me a hard time, acknowledge that I am trying to give points to my readers and not taking any points from American Express or Starwood to do this. So please please please and you agree not to give me a hard time or sue me. There, that’s my legalese, thank you!

Two winning readers will each receive 30,000 Starpoints, which can be redeemed at their discretion under the Starwood Preferred Guest program rules. To win you have to either have or open a Starwood Preferred Guest account (since the points need somewhere to go.) American Express is going to ask for a W-9 form from the winner, which tells me that as a prize it’s probably considered tax-reportable. (They say the retail value of the prize is $750.)

So…. for a chance to win 30,000 Starpoints, what SPG property would you use to stretch your summer?


    (View of pool from my room at Le Meridien Chiang Rai – a category 2 property, 3000 to 4000 points per night)

Got questions about this contest? Email them to me, as they may get lost in the entry comments.

(Note that the links to the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express card and Starwood Preferred Guest Business American Express card offer a referral credit to me, they also represent the best currently-available offer. I appreciate your applying through those links very much.)

About Gary Leff

Gary Leff is one of the foremost experts in the field of miles, points, and frequent business travel - a topic he has covered since 2002. Co-founder of frequent flyer community InsideFlyer.com, emcee of the Freddie Awards, and named one of the "World's Top Travel Experts" by Conde' Nast Traveler (2010-Present) Gary has been a guest on most major news media, profiled in several top print publications, and published broadly on the topic of consumer loyalty. More About Gary »

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  2. Since I live close to Orlando – I would go to the WDW Swan – stayed there recently and it was great!

  9. I would use the Starwood points to stretch my summer at the W Montreal, which I am headed to in three weeks. (And as a fellow DCer, I disagree. I get out of here in August to places where it’s a more pleasant 70-85 degrees.)

  10. Given how little time is left in the summer, I’d take a quick trip to the W Vieques. Looks like a perfect long weekend getaway!

  12. Count me in. I’m a big fan of Starwood ever since staying at Le Meridien Khao Lak. I’d love to visit again and extend the summer season.

  15. What Starwood hotel would I like to visit? This one!

    The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Grand Cayman
    Seven Mile Beach, P.O. Box 30620, Grand Cayman, KY •
    T: (345) 945-3800

    King room please! 😎

  17. I would use it to stay at The St. Regis Rome. The last time I was in Rome, I was a student on a tight budget and stayed in a hotel with no air conditioning in the middle of July. I had to take multiple cold showers in the middle of the night just to be able to tolerate the heat. The St. Regis Rome seems like a step up from that…

  25. I would visit the Westin Maui for a final relaxing beach break before winter starts back.

  33. One of my favorite spots is the Westin New Orleans Canal Place. It’s close enough to home to make it a quick getaway – a great way to stretch summer a bit since we’ve used up most vacation days already this year. Waking up to a view of the French Quarter with the Mighty Mississippi as a backdrop is SO relaxing!

  36. I would use the points to stay at the Tambo del Inka resort and Sherston Iguazu for my upcoming trip to south America!

  43. Your first link for the Amex shows 10k points, but the additional 20k after the 5k spend is not mentioned.

  44. Tambo del Inca in Peru. In fact, I have one night booked for September. I would love to stay for a couple of days more unfortunately I don’t have the points so I have to stay at cheap moms and pops hostel.

  45. Le Royal Meridien, Chennai.

    Everytime I drive to or from the Airport, I pass this Hotel and say to myself “Someday, I will be able to afford a stay in that hotel”.

    Now, I can finally afford to stay there but staying there on points would be super sweet too.

  46. Anyone having issues with Business AMEX link?? It’s stating “Offer no longer available”…

  55. I’d stretch my summer at the St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort! Going to PR soon but not staying at the St. Regis 🙁

  59. I would spend a week at the Meridien Barbarons to enjoy the never ending sunshine!

  68. I’m trying to use your referral link so you get credit (personal version) and getting an error from AMEX saying the offer is no longer available.

  70. Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon / Vail Valley! Nothing like getting out of DC in August for the fresh crisp air of the Colorado mountains 🙂

  73. W Montréal. Heading to the Adirondack’s to pick up dd after camp and would go there for the best smoked meat sandwich in the world at Schwartz’s. It’s one of my favorite cities in North America.

  75. I would spend my nights at the The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali, indulging in the memories from 30 years ago when I first visited Maui and making new golden memories to carry me through the coming winter.

  87. Quick weekend trip from Baltimore to NYC for some R&R, good food including brunch at Norma’s in the LeMeridien, shopping and some time in Central Park. Would love to try the W Union Square since it’s the only W in NYC I haven’t stayed at yet.

  89. Without a doubt, I’d love to go back and visit my favorite city in the world via the St. Regis San Francisco!

  92. Also, the landing pages work, but the APPLICATION pages do not. When I click through the links, and click “apply now”, I am told “Thank you for your interest in this offer. At this time this offer is no longer available.
    Please click here for our current offerings.”

  117. Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit, A Luxury Collection Hotel

    250 Sukhumvit Road, Bangkok 10110, Thailand

  127. To stretch my summer, I’d like to try the W Hollywood I’ve heard so much about!

  135. Nothing says summer like stretching out next to the pool at the St. Regis Princeville

  136. Westin Taipei…since I will be introducing my husband to my extended family for the first time!

  146. In the coming weeks — in an effort to make the most out of the last days of summer and to stretch it out as much as possible – I would love to go to the W Retreat & Spa – Maldives. As you know, The W Retreat & Spa – Maldives is a tropical playground in the Indian Ocean that’s perfect for relaxing, playing, and recharging for your next adventure.

  156. To stretch the summer, I could use 28,000 Starpoints to stay two nights at the Le Méridien Etoile in Paris.

  190. I would have to take my wife to The Lanesborough in London. It is not tropical, but luxury is my goal.

  192. No question – the Prince de Galles in Paris. Yes, it’s under renovation until early next year, but I’m willing to wait to the end of summer 2013…

  216. The best for this would be several nights on a cash & points award at the Luxury Collection Hotel Naca Island, Phuket !

  217. I’m using the Westin Melbourne to stretch my summer. When I arrive in November it will be late spring in AU.

  218. Vieques W! I would bring my mother who has been a huge help in taking care of my baby girl the past 9 months while I have been working overseas and across the country

  232. I would also stay at the W Montreal vs the cheapest hotel I can find in Montreal when I go there in a few weeks 🙂

  238. definitely the Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado (going to machu picchu at some point)

  240. Westin Verasa Napa for me. Was there three summers ago and loved it. Can’t beat wine country.

  242. I would return to the St Regis Princeville, one of my favorite places in the world

  246. Hmm…how about The Westin Denarau Island Resort & Spa, Fiji? That sounds like a nice summer stretch…

  253. I would love to visit the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel & Spa in Anchorage, Alaska before summer ends! 🙂

  258. I’d stretch my summer by spending 10 days at the Sheraton Changbaishan Resort in China and spend my time golfing, hiking, and mountain biking!

  263. Le Meridien Ile Des Pins in New Caledonia.

    A Category 6 Resort with PHENOMENAL Cash & Points Availability, and 17k a night for reward nights in August & September. Getting the signup bonuses for Personal and Business Cards would get you a week there easy, which it wouldn’t do for the Bora Bora resorts.

  277. I’d drive down to florida to spend 7 nighs in Sheraton Sand Key Resort on cash-and-points rate.

  289. I am headed to NYC to stretch the summer in a few weeks – would love to be able to spend some of that time at the St. Regis NYC!

  309. Would definitely visit a friend of mine who just moved to London and stay at the W London

  310. I will pick St. Regis Bora Bora Resort as I never been to that country and it will make a great honeymoon for me and my soon-to-be wife =)

  311. It would be cool to see if the LC Liberty Hotel in Boston is really haunted, especially if I can redeem the points for a stay on Halloween!!

  316. I’d stretch my summer (and the points) at the Aloft Portland Airport at Cascade Station in Portland, OR.

  326. I would stay 4 nights at the Sheraton Westport in St. Louis because I’m already scheduled to go there and the bonus starpoints would save me MONEY!

  329. What Starwood hotel or resort property would you like to visit?

    Sheraton Maui Resort

  336. I’d use it on at the Sheraton Waikiki, as my wife and I are finally taking a trip there.

  339. The Westin Paris. Live in Paris and I have family coming to visit, so would put them up in there!

  342. Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam! We stayed there this spring (thank you, SPG points!) and would go back in a heartbeat.

  354. I’d like to get away from this brutal summer in the NE U.S. Since it’s winter in Australia, I’d spend some time at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney.

  358. I would use the points for three nights at the Sheraton Sand Key resort in Clearwater, FL. I’ve never been there, it’s close to Washington, DC, my home base, so we can go for a long weekend, it’s got a lot of child friendly attractions so it works for my 4 year old and we might retire to FL one day, so it’s a chance to check out a potential retirement home!

  368. With two kids, my pick would be to return to the wonderful Dolphin in Orlando, Florida.

  370. Le Meridien Chiang Mai — we just got back from Thailand, and my wife got sick on the last leg of our honeymoon — so much left to explore!

  380. I would use the Starwood points to stretch my summer at the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort

  383. W Barcelona – nothing better than catching the last rays of summer on the beach and having the nightlife steps away.

  391. I would like a couple of days at the Sheraton Puerto Rico Hotel & Casino, San Juan, PR.

  394. I would stay at the Sheraton Station Square in Pittsburgh! I’m going for my brother’s wedding at the end of the month, and would love to stretch my stay in Pittsburgh there!

  412. W Hoboken – looking over the Hudson River and the breath-taking NYC skyline from my private balcony. For the busiest city in the World, looking at it from the other side of the river, you would never expect it — it looks so peaceful. The W Hoboken is an outstanding Starwood property and I’d love to spend a few nights there.

  415. I would love to stretch my summer by staying at the Chatwal – a luxury Starwood property In New York city!

  417. I would like to stretch my summer at the new St Regis Bal Harbour. Living in miami is great but would love to pamber my girl for a weekend!

  425. I’d make a late-summer break for the new St. Regis Bal Harbor. Looks like a great property.

  444. Sheraton Buenos Aires, because BsAs is nicer in the cold weather than when it’s hot.

  457. I have to agree with a poster above. The Moana Surfrider is gorgeous! Though I’m also looking to get to Paris, would would love to stay at the Westin Paris – Vendôme.

  458. I live in Arizona and don’t want to extend summer at all ;> But everything’s better by the sea so I would love to take a break at SUNSET KEY GUEST COTTAGES, A WESTIN RESORT.

  473. The St Regis in Kauai!! I love Kauai but never have enough points for the St Regis. I just look upon it from afar…

  481. Take me to Le Méridien Versailles in Montreal! Somewhere where the history is rich and the weather not so hot!

  526. If I’m dreaming, Westin Paris – Vendôme. In a more realistic, but still French vein, Le Westin Montreal.

  561. St Regis,Singapore – so I can have a comfortable place to rest after I eat my way through the hawker stalls.

  567. I’d like to stay at the Westin Grand Vancouver! We’re planning a trip out to the Pacific Northwest as our end-of-summer vacation.

  580. My wife and I were recently married but haven’t had an opportunity to go on a honeymoon yet! We’re considering a trip to Asia and would love to visit the Le Meridien Chiang Rai in Thailand.

  581. St. Regis San Francisco — give me some 65 or 70 degree late summer/early fall days rather than the 100 degree temps of Texas summer.

  584. I applied for using your links. Had to do it 4 times this morning to finally get the 30k to show up. Would love to use the points to take the kids back to Asia for them to learn their culture / roots.

  589. Also applied for my wife Nina using your link and she got approved instantly. Sadly my application says wait 14 days for the reviews and we both have similar credit scores and she’s a home maker so she’s using my salary info!! Ce La Vie!!

  592. Would love to stay at Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove in Seychelles. I’m a recently certified Scuba Diver and have read so many good things about the Diving in Seychelles, so staying at this Category 6 property would no doubt make a totally amazing diving trip…

  604. Oooooh so many choices. Unfortunately, I’m due in 6 weeks so can’t travel too far at the moment (or else I’d say something exotic like the W Maldives). It would be lovely for hubby and I to do a staycation at The Phoenician before the baby comes!

  621. Would love to take the kids to Disneyland and stay at the Sheraton at the park in Anaheim.

  624. I’d use my Starwood miles to visit my family:
    The Westin Melbourne: 205 Collins Street
    Melbourne, Australia.

  640. I’d like to try and stretch my vacation out to the Westin St. John Resort & Villas — using FF miles for the first time

  654. St. Regis San Francisco would be perfect in the Fall and it would also be harvest time in wine country.

  664. W Retreat & Spa – Maldives – but I’m not picky. I will settle for anywhere with sun and a beach 🙂

  668. If I get the points, I’d definitely want to go to either the Westin Maui or the Westin Ka’anapali. My dream vacation this coming Thanksgiving season is to go to all 4 islands for an ultimate Hawaiian experience. I would like to spend 1-2 nights in each island, and I have stays planned for 3 islands already, and a nice Westin would be quite fitting for the 4th and the best island in my opinion, Maui. Thanks!

  683. I would love a weekend away at the Westin Bayshore. The property is literally in my backyard and after three months of home renos I really could use a few extra days to stretch my summer for just a few more days!

  690. One of my favorite North American properties used to be the Sheraton Bal Harbour, Miami Beach FL. I’ve many fond memories of that property and the location was great. I’d love to be able to stay at the property that has replaced it, The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort. I’m sure it would give me strength to survive the upcoming winter season 🙂

  702. I’d stay at the The Westin Tokyo, since I had to cancel my beginning-of-summer trip to Asia.

  703. I have never been to Paris and I would love to go in the fall and stay at the The Westin Paris – Vendôme. To be able to see sights that I have merely read about would be so exciting and the trip of a lifetime. The LEft Bank, Notre Dame, Louvre, The Mona Lisa, The Eiffel Tower, Versailles, a dinner cruise down the Seine. Oh, I would LOVE to have the points to go here.

  718. St. Regis Florence is where I would spend my time. They are the best people in the business!

  719. I’ve never been out of the country so I’d choose the west in in the cayman islands for 4 days.

  727. The Hotel Eden in Rome, Italy. First week of September. Italians are done with their holiday in August, and most American families have to be back for the children to go to school. Great time to go there and enjoy nice weather without the crazy crowds!

  735. I plan on stretching my summer in New Orleans where it’s hot a little longer than in NYC. I’d use the Starpoints to stay at the Sheraton New Orleans. I plan on taking my partner and it would be an honor to win these points to use for the trip. We’re going in September. Thank you!

  740. I’d be going to Bora Bora for sure! I’ve wanted to go there for so long. I’m trying to convince my wife that we need to go for a celebration trip once I graduate with my masters!

  742. I’d stretch my summer by taking my girlfriend to the Le Méridien Tahiti and reenacting Couples Retreat!

  756. St. Regis Bahia Beach – decided on the St. Regis Princeville last year instead, but definitely want to hit up Bahia Beach at some point

  759. I would use the Starwood points to stretch my summer at the Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa

  765. I’d love to head out to The St. Regis Aspen for some off-season (or best season) summer fun.

  769. I’d like to stay at the St. Regis Aspen (but unfortunately it’s too expensive…)

  794. Westin Verasa Napa for their great Platinum upgrades, wine tastings in lobby, and pool!

  802. Your picture of the Sala Pool Villa at the Westin Siray Bay in Phuket sounds great to me! Thanks.

  815. The Sheraton Waikiki.. The best views on Oahu, better than it’s pricier neighbor in my opinion.

  817. “What Starwood hotel or resort property would you like to visit — in the coming weeks — to ‘stretch your summer’ and make the most out of the last days before the Northern Hemisphere cools down, before the leaves turn, and before we’re expected to pretend we’re no longer on break?”

    The St. Regis Bora Bora Resort would be a great way to end my “break.”

  823. I would use my Starwood points to stretch my summer and practice French with the bellhop at the W Montreal. Thanks for this contest!

  847. I am about to start a 2 month work assignment away from the family so anywhere would work just fine….
    Westin Edmonton would allow family to visit and enjoy long weekend in September!

  848. I would stretch my summer for 3 nights at the Sheraton Sand Key in Clearwater, Florida!

  852. I’m going to be in Italy at the end of August/ first weeks of Sept. I would stretch my summer by hopping over to Sardinia and staying at 1 of the three Luxury Collection Horels . Sounds amazing!

  859. Surprisingly, the Westin in Plano TX, which combines a great pool and whirlpool with walking distance proximity to my favorite tequila bar ever, and some excellent memories of combining said tequila bar with hotel whirlpool with hotel room

  863. I would love to extend my summer at Le Meridien Bora Bora. When I was on a long term stay at another Le Meridien they would play a travel show on the hotel tv channel of this hotel. It looked fabulous.

  865. I guess it’s not terribly exotic, but I’d go with the Sheraton Park Hotel at the Anaheim Resort. We’ve been wanting to see Cars Land since it opened at California Adventure. 🙂 30,000 points could get us 5 nights there! Pretty awesome!

  879. Sheraton Gunter in San Antonio, because it is the perfect getaway spot for my wife and I.

  881. St Regis Bora Bora. I don’t even know what the weather will be like, but that’s ok!

  938. Id love to start my South African safari holiday (using SPG C&P in Capetown) a bit early by going to Le Meridian Fisherman’s Cove in the Seychelles -a relaxing holiday of sun, sand and tropical drinks before searching for the big five!

  957. I’ve always wanted to see San Antonio-so it’s the Westin on the river walk! Please!

  965. To see the amazing scenery before the snow comes, I would go to the Sheraton Anchorage Hotel and Spa!

  987. W Los Angeles. Weather much better than where I’m at, plus the service is always outstanding!

  995. I would stay at the Westin Maui. My boyfriend and I are getting married on Maui (just the two of us – no guests) and it would be great to be able to stay at a nice hotel for a few nights!

  1001. The Sheraton in Bangkok is amazing. Thinking about going in a few weeks and these points would help.

  1008. Just got back from a night at the Sheraton Lima, but this was only an overnight air connection. I’d love to spend a few days there.

  1013. The St. Regis in NYC for the final days of the US Open. Nothing like taking summer out on a bang

  1025. Westin Maui! The retail value for tax purposes seems a bit on the higher side, but what are the chances that I’d win anyway?

    On the plus side, I have been looking forward to the 30k starwood this summer, and wanted to apply through one of the bloggers I regularly read. I like your trip reports, and yours was also the first blog that mentioned about the Starwood offer, so I used your link! I’m instantly approved for the card, so I can’t wait to get it!

  1033. I’d go to the W Retreat & Spa in Vieques during my upcoming trip to Puerto Rico and enjoy the beautiful beaches, experience one of the world’s most active bioluminescent bays in the world, and do some scuba diving!

  1035. I would love to visit Thailand so it would have to be westin siray Phuket I have heard Phuket beaches are better than Honolulu!!
    Imnotarunner at gmail Dot com
    Thanks for this opportunity
    12:40am

  1040. Sheraton Yogyakarta would be my escape – at least I’d get a couple of weeks away with the 30,000 points and it’d be satay ahoy for dinner every night!

  1075. Hotel Danieli, Venice

    During either day during October 24-27, 2012
    Special trip for our family in Europe, Thanks

  1095. I’d stretch my summer by staying at The Liberty in Boston, MA. Ilike to see that old buildings are put to new use!

  1098. School starts in late August. I would use the points to catch a breather before the chaos begins. I would plan on visit the Westin Princeville in Kauai, Hawai’i.
    Thanks

  1102. LE PARKER MERIDIEN New York to stretch out my honeymoon. Just got back from Turkey.

  1128. I’d spend 5 nights at Le Méridien Nice (with 4th night free comes out to 9600 points per night)

  1150. I’d stretch my summer by going to the Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach…

  1161. I’ve been stretching my points/miles too much. Always going for economy and lower category hotels. For once, I’ll love to stay at a Category 6 Sheraton Bijao Beach Resort – An All-Inclusive Resort and vacation like a queen.

  1163. Practically, I’d take my family to the Manhattan Times Square. Aspirationally… that will have to wait for another day!

  1164. I would go to my most favourite hotel in the world, the Royal Hawaiian on Waikiki Beach 🙂
    Not sure I can enter your competition, however, because I am from Australia and we are not allowed to get the SPG credit cards(if I could, I WOULD)!!! Anyway, here’s hoping your comp is open to the Aussies.

  1174. I would stay at the Royal Hawaiian, which is the same hotel I stayed on my honeymoon.

  1209. Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas sound amazing. That’d be my #1 choice to stretch the summer, and I’d get to play tennis too? Sign me up!

  1219. Since I’ve always wanted to visit Bora Bora, I would stretch my summer at the St Regis Bora Bora!

  1220. Hands down, I would stay at the Andaman on Langkawi Island… a sure means to decompress for the summer.

  1223. Definitely use them at the St. Regis in Florence!! Have been dying to try out this Cat 7 property!

  1226. I’m embarrassed that I’ve never been to Paris, so my summer stretcher would have to be the Westin Paris Vendome.

  1233. I would have to say we would stretch our summer by heading down to the Swan or Dolphin at Walt Disney World! I know there are a lot of other great Starwood properties…but we have a child now so we go where is the best with the kiddo!!!

  1241. Would love to spend the points at Le Meridien Fisherman’s Cove in Mahe Seychelles

  1259. I would use the points to help pay for hotels on my honeymoon to Japan this September. It would be nice to stay in a top notch hotel like The Westin Tokyo and it would be really cool to stay across the river from an old castle like The Westin Nagoya Castle.

  1267. I would stretch my summer at the Le Meridien Chiang Rai. Looks Amazing and a fantastic value!

  1280. I would use the Starwood points to relax at the St. Regis Florence in Florence Italy. Beautiful, magical and inspiring! 🙂 30k points lets me stay there 1 night.

  1286. I need me some yummy Thai food and beaches! I would stay at The Naka Island in Phuket. Nothing says stretching the summer like sky blue waters and doing nothing but sipping on a drink with rum in it!

  1295. The Sheraton Doha, because I am set for an overnight and I’d love to see this hotel and stay a day.

  1298. Sheraton Uptown Albuquerque – It might not seem that exciting, but we have family nearby and the hotel is big dog friendly.

  1306. Without a doubt, Sheraton Reston because I love the friendly staff there and my stay usually precedes an early morning departure from IAD for an exotic vacation!

  1314. Westin St. John Resort & Villas in order to stretch my wife and my “summer” legs 🙂

  1319. The Westin Tampa Harbour Island
    (Would be great to add a few nights to our budgeted Florida vacation!) 🙂

  1322. I want to visit the St Regis in Deer Valley to see some nice mountaintops before they are covered in snow!

  1327. If I get the points, I’d definitely want to go to either the Westin Maui. My dream vacation this summer is to go to all 4 islands for an ultimate Hawaiian experience. I would like to spend 1-2 nights in each island, and I have stays planned for 3 islands already, and 3 free nights at a nice Westin would be quite fitting for the 4th and the best island in my opinion, Maui. Thanks!

  1338. The St. Regis Bora Bora is definitely on my travel list and i’d love to Stretch My Summer there with Starwood!

  1399. I would stay at the Westin Ka’anapali as well, it is a wonderful resort and it does not get better than Hawaii.

  1419. Right now I have a one in 1413 chance for Two nights at the Westin Excelsior in Florence Italy for me and my lovely wife!

  1430. I could join my wife in Capetown…or a short trip to the Westin in Seattle is good too.

  1433. I would love to stretch my summer at the Le Meridien in Koh Samui! Great blog, thank you for all the great information

  1453. I would love to stay at the The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas in Kauai, Hawaii at the beginning of September.

    4800 Points + $90 per night = 6 Nights for $540

    About 3.5 cents per point

  1462. will take my husband and toddler to the westin diplomat because you rave so much about it. hopefully we’ll be upgraded to a suite with our gold status.

  1471. I’d like to stretch my summer by visiting The St. Regis Princeville Resort in Kauai.

  1475. I would stay at the St. Regis Bali Resort – been once before and would love to return.

  1535. I use the points to finally take my wife to Paris – the Prince de Galles hotel. She really deserves this!

  1540. I would stretch my summer by going to New Orleans for a few nights, maybe try the W New Orleans for a couple nights?

  1543. We would love to stay at the Le Méridien Piccadilly in London. A great place to use as home base to explore the city.

  1559. I just want to spend a week on an island in the South Pacific, any SPG resort will do, that Phuket one seemed pretty awesome.

  1560. I’d spend 3 nights with my wife at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Hotel in Bangkok, Thailand.

  1584. Hotel Ivy, Minneapolis. When it gets cold, it gets really cold, so enjoy while it lasts 🙂

  1600. Sheraton Park Tower, London, UK – circular tower shape means every guest room has a view!

  1615. Westin in Taipei. Nothing extends the vacation than humid weather and some good ol home cooking from the streets. Nothing cools it down like shaved ice.

  1618. Tambo del Inca in Peru. My grandsons and I are looking forward to going to Peru, a stay here would be a fantastic treat after all the hostels we usually stay in.

  1621. Sheraton Mirage Port Douglas, Queensland, Australia–Why let summer end–it is just beginning “Down Under”

  1630. I’d love to go to the newly renovated Hotel Alfonso XIII, in Seville. It was gorgeous when I was there a few years ago and I’d love to see it after the renovation.

  1633. I’d like to get away from this brutal summer in the NE U.S. Since it’s winter in Australia, I’d spend some time at the Sheraton on the Park in Sydney.

  1637. I would stretch my summer at The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida!

  1646. I’d stay at the Sheraton Inner Harbor in Baltimore, where my fourth and final child will be a freshman at JHU this fall.

  1653. I’ve always wanted to go to the Naka Island, Phuket! Thanks for this great contest!

  1677. The Sheraton Luxor should have a bit more warm weather compared to the mid Atlantic.

  1691. I would love to spend 5 days at the Sheraton Fuerteventura Beach, Golf & Spa Resort Canary Isle

  1693. OK, this time I’ll say the Westin Grand in Berlin. I’m going there in August and I’d cancel the other hotel!

  1711. I would stretch my summer this year at the same place where I stretched my summer last year: the W Vieques Retreat and Spa!

  1715. Sheraton Maui for sure! End of summer master beach party with my sisters! Thank you!

  1716. St Regis Bora Bora for our fabulous end of summer celebration! Keeping my fingers crossed!

  1729. I would definitely go to the WDW Swan. I love Orlando, Disney, and Universal, and I have never had the opportunity to stay at the Swan before. 🙂

  1736. The Westin Trillium House, Blue Mountains, Ontario…nothing says summer like hiking!!!

  1743. W Washington D.C. !! It has a great view of the white house and other monuments, and the rooftop bar has an absolutely awesome scene…and nice rooms, of course!

  1752. I teach African Politics, but know very little about the country of Cameroon. I would stay at the Douala property while doing some field research.

  1753. Sheraton Iguazu would be a dream. I am heading there in November and yet to book accom.

  1757. Let’s stretch it all the way to St. Regis, Bora Bora. One more off the bucket list. Thanks a bunch!

  1781. W St. Petersburg – that’s where I want to spend the last days of summer. Truly awe-inspiring!

  1782. Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa Gold Coast in Australia. I have always wanted to visit down under

  1862. My husband has always wanted to see a certain museum in Brussels so I would use the points on a whirlwind stay at the Le Méridien Brussels and let him visit this museum

  1877. Would love to take my wife back to the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani on Waikiki, where we spent part of our honeymoon four years ago.

  1908. Would have to be the WDW Dolphin – weather in Florida is sooo much better than in the UK it’d be like a proper summer! 😀

  1926. I would love to stretch my summer at The St. Regis Princeville Resort in Hawaii!

  1956. I’d like to spend 3 nights with my wife at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand.

  1976. That’s easy. I’d spend three glorious days at Le Méridien in beautiful Nice, France. Ahhhh!

  2073. Sheraton Grand Sukhumvit Hotel Bangkok. Great hotel, even better service and attentiveness to detail

  2084. W Hoboken – looking over the Hudson River and the breath-taking NYC skyline from my private balcony. For the busiest city in the World, looking at it from the other side of the river, you would never expect it — it looks so peaceful. The W Hoboken is an outstanding Starwood property and I’d love to spend a few nights there.

  2090. The W Seoul, I have heard Seoul Is an amazing place to live. Would be great to check it out!

  2116. Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort & Casino. Love the idea of how easy it would be to get to. Hurricanes, not withstanding.

  2118. gosh…so many people entering but i guess it is a better chance than CA lottery ticket. for me, it would be W in Hong Kong

  2164. I would stretch out my summer with a five night stay at the Keauhou Beach Resort and Spa in Kailua-Kona.

  2170. OAHU, Hawaii – Sheraton Princess Kaiulani

    I would love to go there and enjoy my freedom (vacation) 😉

  2176. I’d stay at the гостиница Националь in Moscow. I remember it from the bad old Soviet days, and would love to see how it’s been restored.

  2186. @vagabondish I’d spend 5 nights at Le Méridien Nice (with 4th night free comes out to 9600 points per night)

  2189. I’d stretch my summer with a stay at the St. Regis San Francisco and enjoy the City’s Indian summer! The best way to truly lengthen a summer.

  2199. I’ve been to Thailand many times, but never to the north. I’d like to try Le Méridien Chiang Rai.

  2210. I would definitely go to the WDW Swan. I love Orlando, Disney, and Universal, and I have never had the opportunity to stay at the Swan before. 🙂

  2224. I didn’t pick an exotic city but the new W in Boston. I’ve heard they have incredible Spa by Bliss!! Having came a cruise last year with a Spa also by Bliss and being a California girl, I’d love to visit this historical city!

  2244. Given the insane hot temps, I actually want to cool off – which is perfect bc I’ve always wanted to try Le Meridien in Montreal.

  2284. Westin Costa Navarino!

    Heading to Greece at the beginning of September, and it’d be a great upgrade on our current hotel booking!

  2323. What Starwood hotel or resort property would you like to visit — in the coming weeks — to ‘stretch your summer’ and make the most out of the last days before the Northern Hemisphere cools down, before the leaves turn, and before we’re expected to pretend we’re no longer on break?”
    W Retreat & Spa, Maldives.

  2343. Would love to stay at Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove in Seychelles. I’m a recently certified Scuba Diver and have read so many good things about the Diving in Seychelles, so staying at this Category 6 property would no doubt make a totally amazing diving trip…

  2349. I´d love to go to St. Regis Llasa. I had not known about it until I read todays update. And yeah, I am from Norway.

  2363. The Moana Surfrider! Though I’m also looking to get to Paris, would would love to stay at the Westin Paris – Vendôme.

  2372. Westin Paris Vendome. Just wait a wee bit till the tourists leave and Paris becomes awesome!

  2377. I would use them at the W Chicago. Haven’t been to Chicago in a while, and it’s only 7500 Avios from NYC, each way.

  2428. I’d stay at the W Lakeshore in Chicago. The proximity to the beaches, the Loop, and Wrigley Field make that hotel the ideal place to go to stretch my summer.

  2468. To stretch my summer i’d like to take a weekend trip to
    Kauai at The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas

  2472. Sheraton Stockholm. As a jumping off point to pick up a bottle of Aquavit and a Pipi Longstocking doll replacement for my granddaughter. The Aquavit is for me.

  2475. I’d take my mom on a staycation at the Moana Surfrider. She’s always wanted to go there! 🙂

  2505. I would like to stretch my summer at St. Regis San Francisco. I think I have enough VX points for a free flight there.

  2512. Le Royal Meridien Kochi (India) is only a Cat 2 so you can stay for 1600pts + $30 each night or 3000 pts / night.

    Cash price is over $100 for the dates i am interested in.
    Beautiful property.

  2516. I would extend my summer into October at the Sheraton Atakoy which is the official hotel for the WTA year end championships being played in Istanbul.

  2523. I would spend 3 nights @
    Four Points by Sheraton Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai

    AWESOME TIMES!

  2547. I’d spend a few days in Vancouver at the Westin Grand and hop on a bike for a long weekend adventure.

  2564. Westin St John in the US Virgin Islands is where I would extend my summer. No passport required. Recently reunited with my high school sweetheart after 23 years!
    4800 points plus $90 night would get us 6 days of ISLAND LUXURY!

  2568. Looking forward to spending our 2nd honeymoon at Le Méridien Ile des Pins, New Caledonia

  2590. I’d like to spend 3 nights with my wife at Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand

  2594. I would like to stay in St. Regis Monarch Beach, Dana Point and enjoy the royal hospitality and the heavenly beach and golf course.

  2641. Walt Disney World Dolphin for sure! My boys are 12 & 14 and not only am I running out of summer, I am running out of time for them to truly enjoy the park before they think they are “too cool” for it! 😉 My kids haven’t been to Disney since they were 1 & 3 – too long! The park is expensive, food is expensive, and if I could get the hotel for free – that would make this trip suddenly doable! Cross my fingers!…

  2660. Stretch my summer out during our winter down in Perth or Sydney Australian when they have summer and I am bundled up from -23!

  2685. Stretch spot: I might go for the St. Regis in for a couple of days to break up the trip to Uruguay to meet my (new) fiance’s family.

  2689. A wonderful place to stretch out summer is at the
    Westin Kierkand villas. Between the location, the staff and the zen-like resort – you are instantly in vacation mode – and I can put myself there with just a thought!!

  2717. That Starwood resort in Bora Bora sounds pretty nice to me, that’s where I would go

  2751. I’m the boss, so I can postpone summer’s end as long as I want!
    Would love to go to the St. Regis ROME in the breezy late summer!

  2757. I’d treat my sister to the oh-so beautiful Tambo del Inka Resort & Spa, Valle Sagrado and go to Macchu Picchu!

  2765. would love to try out the St Regis BKK, as well as the Schloss Fuschl Resort & Spa in Austria.

  2767. I’d take my family to the Le Meridien Chiang Rai since we will be taking a 4 month trip through SE Asia.

  2778. Sheraton Lisboa Hotel & Spa because if the whole world perished but Lisbon prevailed, Great Goddess would be able to reconstruct the world from Lisbon alone.

  2797. I would spend three nights at the brand new Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter watching the Saints take on the Chargers!

  2811. I would use the points at Four Points by Sheraton Victoria Gateway and take my mom for her birthday.

  2843. If I could I would stay with my family at the Wesin Pari Vendome!!!!….along with going to lauduree close by for some macaroons

  2845. Sheraton Tel Aviv. And how can I tell that it has been 24 hours other than recording my time in the post? BTW it’s 9:58am in Tokyo 🙂

  2850. The best way to wrap up summer is a few nights at the Westin Annapolis during the Annapolis sail boat show.

  2855. I’d like to spend 3 nights with my wife at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok Thailand!
    Thanks

  2859. I would definitely go to the WDW Swan. I love Orlando, Disney, and Universal, and I have never had the opportunity to stay at the Swan before.

  2867. I’d stay at the Mauna Surfrider in Waikiki Beach Hawaii to make summer last longer. Can’t see at what time I posted yesterday. I’m crossing my fingers that it is later than I posted yesterday!

  2876. The only way to stretch my summer out is down in Perth or Sydney Australian when they start their summer! So I would stay there!

  2921. The St. Regis in New York in midtown, close to Central Park, walkable to the Met, and in the center of the city.

  2940. Never having been to the Carribean, I’d love a stay at the Westin St. John Resort & Villas !

  2991. I would stay 4 nights at the Four Points by Sheraton French Quarter to watch the Saints take on the Chargers

  2993. Kuwait city to visit my military deployed spouse to take the bite out of living in very arduous conditions for anyone, not to mention a 45 year old grandmother.

  3027. W Hotel Milan, Italy – it will be the first “W” hotel to open in Italy. Opens May 2013

  3034. I plan on stretching my summer in New Orleans where it’s hot a little longer than in NYC. I’d use the Starpoints to stay at the Sheraton New Orleans. I plan on taking my partner and it would be an honor to win these points to use for the trip. We’re going in September. Thank you!

  3043. I’d stretch out my summer with my beautiful girlfriend at the Sheraton Sydney for 3 nights!

  3052. I owe the bf a trip to Hawaii – I’d extent my summer at the Westin Maui. Fingers crossed!

  3053. I’d like to spend 3 nights with my wife at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand!

  3055. I want the W Leicester Square London, even if it is just for one night. @$400+ a night, the points would be amazing.

  3058. St. Regis Mauritius Resort
    Le Morne, Mauritius
    It would be amazing to be there especially for its opening Sept 15th!

  3086. W Barcelona – a beautiful hotel in Barcelona – before taking a repositioning Trans-Atlantic cruise (a bucket list item) back to the US.

  3099. Planning a trip to sydney and don’t have the hotel yet. Would love to stay at the Wwstin Sydney

  3109. I would definitely go to the WDW Swan. I love Orlando, Disney, and Universal, and I have never had the opportunity to stay at the Swan before…

  3111. I would use cash and points for six nights at the Hotel Des Indes, The Hague. My daughter is moving there next month and we need a place to stay while finding her an apartment.

  3113. I actually want to cool down. I’d do cash and points at Le Meridien Versailles Montreal.

  3141. I would really like to stretch my summer with a long weekend at either the Equinox Golf Resort and Spa in Vermont or any of the Starwood hotels in NYC!

  3162. I would love to go to Le Meridien Chiang Rai – your photograph is amazing, and that location looks gorgeous!! And relaxing!

  3213. I would really like to stretch my summer with a vacation to the St. Regis Bora Bora Resort! Would also love to use the points at any of the great NYC properties when I visit this Christmas.

  3286. Four Points LAX! Because crashing a wedding party for the free beer was the best layover I ever had. Nothing better then waking up at 6am on the floor not knowing where I am.

  3301. I’d like to spend 3 nights with my wife at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok, Thailand!

    Thanks!

  3307. I’m headed to Cambodia to volunteer so I would stretch out my summer at the Le Meridian Angkor in Siem Reap Cambodia for a little R&R before my volunteer time and THEN I woudl go to Chaing Rai to the Le meridian to relax get a massage before I came back to the states.

  3337. Since today is my Bday, I wish I get a set of points as a Gift! A great option is to use them to explore the Brand New St. Regis in Abu Dhabi

  3373. Need something close! And need to cool down. Le Méridien Versailles-Montréal all the way.

  3379. I’d like to visit the Maldives and stay at the W. It’s a place that I’ve always wanted to go and I hear the service and the views are amazing!

  3411. I would love to visit the St. Regis in Hawaii. Visited a few of the Islands a couple years back and would love to go back!

  3415. W Downtown NYC, as I’m planning to pop the question to my girlfriend, but I very well can’t do it at the Country Inn & suites!

  3420. Le Méridien Piccadilly, London. It is within walking distance to shopping streets and tourist places. It has a renovated Club Lounge.

  3426. I’ve heard great things on the Westin Diplomat. Their trees shouldn’t even change colors

  3427. The St Regis Princeville, Kauai. It’s been over 110 in Las Vegas these past few months – I’d like to get to somewhere in the 80’s.

  3469. Would love to stay at Le Méridien Fisherman’s Cove in Seychelles. I’m a recently certified Scuba Diver and have read so many good things about the Diving in Seychelles

  3479. Gary! The Grand Mauritian Resort and Spa looks like the speed I’m at right now in mid-August.

  3512. Having just come back from here and having stayed at another brand, I would like to return and stay at the Le Westin Resort & Spa, Tremblant, Quebec

  3515. I’m trying to put together a trip to Paris Sept to celebrate our 25th anniversary. The points could make a stay at the W Paris – Opéra possible.

  3539. I’m changing my original answer to St. Regis in Bora, Bora. I’m planning a trip to Bora Bora in May for my husband and my 10th wedding anniversary!

  3548. I’m dreaming of a trip and stay at the St. Regis Bali. More realistically, I’d use them for the W W New York Times Square.

  3578. I would LOVE to have an opportunity to stay at the St. Regis New York if I won this contest. 🙂

  3587. I would love to stay at the Meridien in Vienna… great hotel in the center of my favourite city

  3609. I’d make a trip down to the Sheraton Virginia Beach. Not the fanciest hotel on the list, but an easy run for a local beach trip! And the treat Platinums great!

  3611. I would spend my nights at the The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka’anapali, indulging in sun and sand!

  3612. I would love to visit the St. Regis Princeville Resort on Kauai. Next year is my 5 year anniversary!

  3622. The W Maldives — seeing constant references to Maldives on these boards makes me want to go!

  3637. I’d love to stay at Hotel Pulitzer in Amsterdam! The location is central and very convenient.

  3643. I think your photos have sold me on the Le Meridien Chiang Rai. That is a place I’ve wanted to visit for awhile.

  3644. I would most like to visit the St. Regis Bali Resort. My wife and I have always wanted to see Bali!

  3800. Would be so great to watch the U.S. Open with SPG Auctions and stay at the St. Regis in New York!! Trip of a lifetime!!

  3802. I would take my wife to Costa Rica to the WESTIN GOLF RESORT & SPA, PLAYA CONCHAL – AN ALL-INCLUSIVE RESORT

  3814. Would take my mother to Vancouver B.C., either Victoria or Vancouver. Or to Portland OR. I’d love to take her somewhere else but (gasp!) she won’t fly!

  3823. I’d like to to stay at the Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok Thailand. I plan to take her for vacation.
    Thanks

  3824. I’d love to stretch my summer at Sheraton Niagara Falls since I’ve never been to New York.

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