The new Starwood Blog seems to be getting its footing, with some improved content, and it hasn’t been officially launched yet. I’m hoping that my early criticisms are overcome. In the meantime I noticed that they’re detailing the new Westin Arlington Gateway (which I reported on last week). But they don’t quite have their facts right: In addition to the reliably comfortable and spacious Westin rooms and appointments (with available in-room WiFi) Rooms at this brand new construction do not offer wireless internet. Their high-speed access is wired (and $14.95 at that). Wireless is available in the public spaces, though.
New Coca Cola Loyalty Program
Coca Cola has launched MyCokeRewards.com. Collecting points starts out with their 20 oz bottles but will spread across their product line. Delta and Hilton are redemption partners, and so far it looks like about 950 cokes gets you enough miles for a free domestic flight. Lounge passes are even an option. So far the financials don’t seem to work out to make it worth buying Coke just for the miles (unlike the recent Airtan/Wendy’s promo). But it’s enough to get me to buy Coke over a competitor that isn’t offering points. My bet is it won’t be long until we see redemption codes for sale on eBay…
Starwood’s New Blog
Starwood has launched a blog called The Lobby. So far it’s only marginally better than the lame attempt from Priority Club, but it’s a start. Entries are mostly quick puff featurettes on properties and things to do in cities centered around Starwood properties; think paragraph-long versions of airline inflight magazines. Now, they’d be really onto something if they provided real special rates (not just faux specials that are more expensive than standard rates), ‘behind the scenes looks’ into new hotel construction or a ‘Day in the Life of a Starwood General Manager’. In other words, they could sponsor real Starwood employees to really blog. Until that happens I’ll probably check into this one occasionally, I can’t help myself, even if I wish for more…
Spirit Air Launches a Frequent Flyer Program
As expecting since B. Ben Baldanza left USAirways as VP of Marketing to become President and COO in January 2005, Spirit Air has launched a frequent flyer program called Free Spirit. Details of the program include 5 (!) status levels and a co-branded Mastercard. All points earned in the program, from flying or partner activity (so far the credit card is the only partner) count towards status. It’s somewhat unclear what status gets you outside of bonus miles, the ability to nominate a member for status (once you reach VIP) and the ability to have a plane named for you (if you’re their top points-accumulating customer for the year). Discount coach only earns 50% of miles flown unless you have status, and there’s a screwy mileage expiration policy. FREE SPIRIT miles older than 6 months…
Scoring that hotel upgrade
Hotel Chatter ran some advice today on scoring a hotel upgrade, and the suggestions are substantially similar to the advice that I offered in November while guest blogging at Marginal Revolution. Read theirs and re-read mine.
The Westin Arlington Gateway is Now Open
The Westin Arlington Gateway had its official opening and ribbon-cutting today. I went over for the event and toured the property. I’d been over a few months ago while it was still under construction and I had to wear a hard hat. (We started out at the hotel’s temporary offices in a building behind the Holiday Inn down the street, saw a mock up of a guest room, and then headed over to the property.. After being taken out for a nice lunch, that is). The new building is a site to behold inside! That new hotel feel is just great, and the design is pretty sweet. It’s very light and airy, modern in look and feel. It reminds me of the Westin Melbourne, at least for the lighting. The top two floors aren’t done…
Free iTunes with Avis Car Rentals
Register to receive free iTune downloads for renting cars with Avis through June 30. You’ll receive an “email containing your music download code(s) for the iTunes Music Store® just days after you complete your rental.” Rent 1 to 4 days for 5 songs, and 10 songs for renting 5 days or more.
10% Off Midwest Airlines Flights
Courtesy of Hertz, Midwest Airlines is offering 10% off on flights costing $200 or more using promo code HGMIDWEST. The discount is valid on tickets purchased by May 15, 2006 for travel through June 15, 2006, with travel to Florida and Phoenix blacked out April 13-15, 2006 and travel from Florida and Phoenix blacked out April 21-23, 2006. (What’s going on then?) This is a nice replacement for the now-expired Diners Club 10% off. Hat tip to Samir.
United to partner with TACA
United made a move towards shoring up its significant weakness in Latin America via an announced codeshare with TACA. Necessary approvals are expected in the second quarter of the year. Not a replacement for Mexicana dropping out of the Star Alliance, but sorely needed.
3000 bonus Starwood points with first stay after registering for Starwood Preferred Business
Register for Starwood Preferred Business with promotion code PBAN and you’ll receive 3000 bonus Starwood points with your first stay by April 30. Plus your company earns a point for every (“eligible”) dollar spent with Starwood hotels on top of regular Starwood points earned by an individual. And since in this free agent nation we’re really just consultants anyway, we’ve all got personal companies…
