Starwood Preferred Guest Hotel Picks

August 7, 2012 - Andy

Starwood Preferred Guest Program Overview
Starwood Preferred Guest Hotel Picks

Continuing along with SPG, let’s look at a few top redemption options right here in the US. I could easily come up with a list of 30 or 40 top great properties to stay at … add some of yours to the comments below … but here are a few that I’ve been lucky to have experienced.

THE PHOENICIAN, SCOTTSDALE ARIZONA

: Courtesy The Phoenician, Scottsdale

Part of the Luxury Collection, this true 5-star resort offers good value at 12,000 points a night or 48,000 for 5 nights as rates are normally around $500. More importantly it oozes class in a wonderful desert setting. 9 sparkling pools, bars and restaurants are amazing. I don’t play golf but looking at the course makes me want to start. A local restaurant tip is head to the Ocean Club next door to another starwood property the Westin and have dinner at the bar or first come high-tops in the bar area for world class people watching, a great piano player and singer, not to mention the best steaks I have ever tasted.

THE MOANA SURFRIDER WAIKIKI, HAWAII

: Courtesy Waikiki Beach Resorts.

A Westin resort that their website claims the “First Lady of Waikiki” welcomes guests with the grace of a bygone age and the comforts of a modern, world-class landmark. I haven’t stayed there but I’ve been there for a memorable meal, semi under the stars on a gorgeous evening, and wandered around the property whilst waiting for our reservation, and “Wow” is all I had to say, while enjoying the understated elegance and service. Howie mentioned he was here last year and reiterates how fantastic of a property it is. Traditional Westin rooms with fantastic beds and a bit of Hawaiian and Asian influence can be experienced here.

On the main drag of Waikiki this hotel stands out as the only beautiful architecture I could see for miles. 12,000 to 16,000 points a night depending on season.

THE ST REGIS PARK CITY, UTAH

: Courtesy The St. Regis Deer Valley.

This comes in at the highest at 20,000 a night minimum or 80,000 per 5, but that’s no surprise cos it’s a St Regis. I would call it good value as some hotels of the same brand portfolio command up to 35,000 a night such as nearby Aspen’s own opulent example.

The St. Regis Deer Valley looks majestically down on the historic mountain town of Park City. It is (as you would expect for such a high class hotel and location) ski in ski out. For those of you unfamiliar with the brand, They pride themselves on having butler service. Yes….you get your own butler. I have always been too embarrassed to get he or she to do too much for me, after all I’m not a visiting Prince from some far flung land, although I may have been in a previous life I feel But apparently your assigned personal butler will unpack for you, shine your shoes, maybe in this hotel carry your skis, and a lot more.

Many locals I have met in mountain towns across this wonderful country such as Telluride Co, Jackson Hole Wy, etc often state Summer is by far the best season for them. Im guessing the great outdoors becomes more accessible to them and festival season becomes alive and well. Check http://www.visitparkcity.com/events/ for a veritable feast of almost daily events! The world famous Sundance film festival calls Park City home also.

SHERATON FORT LAUDERDALE BEACH

: Courtesy Sheraton Fort Lauderdale.

This little gem recently had a multi-million dollar makeover and for me the best feature (as a beach bum) is it’s smack bang on the sand, which is unusual in Florida so called “beach hotels”. I love the swankiness of the W South Beach but it costs a fortune in cash or points. 30,000 points a night there. Those same points will have you chilling in it’s poorer cousin a few miles north for 5 WHOLE DAYS … with points to spare!!

That’s a bargain in my book, plus the beach is actually a little nicer up north and the water seems to sparkle a little brighter azure color. No kidding.

It’s a short cab ride or even walk away from Las Olas Boulevard where all the art galleries bars and restaurants are in Lauderdale. A balmy evening meal outside in November under clear skies and 80 degree weather is what I’m talking about.

There are plenty of water sport options close by with scuba diving, snorkeling, sport fishing, jetskiing and boating being on the list. The hotel is only 2 miles from the cruise terminal so a 5 day stay tacked onto a great Caribbean cruise anyone? 7000 points a night or 28,000 for 5.

I have focused on beautiful areas in this beautiful country, with an accent on outdoor living, stay tuned for Starwood properties in Europe comin’ up next!