Thoughts on *wood offer today to purchase points

alotofgolf · Apr 16, 2014

$.02625 per point

what is the consensus view of the offer from our resident experts?

Ken555 · Apr 16, 2014

alotofgolf said:
$.02625 per point

what is the consensus view of the offer from our resident experts?

Well, how much value can you get from them? Usually it makes little sense to purchase points, tho there are exceptions...and I'm sure we'll now read all about those from others...

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DavidnRobin · Apr 16, 2014

The value of buying SPs depends on how many you already have, and how many you need to use (or can use).

For me - that is too much to pay. For you - depends...

sjsharkie · Apr 16, 2014

Ditto. You need to figure out where you want to go and when. Based on room rates, you can determine whether or not it is worth it. Generally, $.02 per point is a common rate used with high demand international destinations being the best value for using them.

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Henry M. · Apr 16, 2014

Also consider that points get devalued almost every year. Even if you can get good value today, don't get them unless you can use them relatively soon (within a couple of years).

LisaRex · Apr 17, 2014

That's an average value for a SP. But, as others have said, it depends on what you want to do with them. If you want to stay in NYC or Boston over Christmas or stay at a ski resort in the winter? You'll probably come out ahead v paying retail.

The best returns are usually realized in major metropolitan cities where everyday rates are in the $300s, including Europe.

Absent a solid plan and some number crunching, I'd pass.

vacationtime1 · Apr 17, 2014

LisaRex said:
That's an average value for a SP. But, as others have said, it depends on what you want to do with them. If you want to stay in NYC or Boston over Christmas or stay at a ski resort in the winter? You'll probably come out ahead v paying retail.

The best returns are usually realized in major metropolitan cities where everyday rates are in the $300s, including Europe.

Absent a solid plan and some number crunching, I'd pass.

I agree; the price is good, not great.

Our best StarPoint values have been in Europe and/or doing the "5 for 4" thing (Starwood gives you five nights for the price of four), preferably with sufficient status to get an upgrade.

Otherwise, you are purchasing a currency subject to annual devaluation. The devaluation just happened for this year, but if you don't make your plans within ten months or so (the next devaluation), you won't get what you think you are paying for.

alotofgolf · Apr 18, 2014

thanks for response

understand the number crunching...pretty much always do that when redeeming as well as the "5 for 4" (except emergency situation)

questioning the cost because other then getting the *points free (AM EX card, purchase) I haven't seen them in this neighborhood before but the devaluation questions always linger

DavidnRobin · Apr 18, 2014

alotofgolf said:
questioning the cost because other then getting the *points free (AM EX card, purchase) I haven't seen them in this neighborhood before but the devaluation questions always linger

SPs via SPG AMEX are not free - and I am not talking about the annual fee, but the fact that you can get other CCs that give cash back (typically 1% - yes... I know there are some better) - so... The SP cost could be considered buying them at least 1 cent per dollar spent. (fuzzy math alert...) when using SPG AMEX.
btw - we have accumulated a lot of SPs using our SPG AMEX.

Thoughts on *wood offer today to purchase points

alotofgolf

Ken555

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

DavidnRobin

sjsharkie

Henry M.

LisaRex

TUG Review Crew

vacationtime1

TUG Review Crew: Veteran

alotofgolf

DavidnRobin