StarPoint Purchase?

[Billikan]

I have 8 certificates to purchase StarPoints. Each certificate is for 90,000 StarPoints for a purchase price of $1,875. So 720,000 SO for $15,000 or $0.0208 per SO. I realize that this is similar to other purchase offers, but I have to believe that these opportunities will be very limited up to the August conversion. Various places like TPG value SOs at @$0.026 and Marriott points at $0.009. This was prior to the recent announcements, but are values that reflect the 3x post August levels. I am interested in thoughts from the group. Should I exercise these options? Of course I would purchase on SPG AMEX to leverage the purchase and extra SOs.

 

[Sea Six]

Think about what you would use them for. Then do your homework as to whether the points are a better value than cash. In many cases, the points aren't worth the cost. I hear European travel is a good points value, but I rarely find domestic stays worth it, unless I have a good mix of free ones from my AMEX card. Domestic air travel is really hit or miss. If you get 25,000 miles for 20,000 points, that can be a deal maker, but you still have to price check.

 

[vacationtime1]

Two cents per StarPoint is a good price, but only if you know exactly what you will be doing with those points so you get the full benefit.

Otherwise, you have changed a flexible, liquid asset (cash) into something you may have difficulty using.

And, of course, if you earn as many StarPoints with your AmEx as you can conveniently use, there is no reason to buy any additional.

 

[Sicnarf]

Two cents an SP is definitely a good value especially with the conversion to MRP. I just booked 20+ nights at various Ritz Carlton in Hawaii and Europe for >50% off the cheapest published rates. Typically, I find 40%+ savings off the published Marriott hotel rates less so with Westins and Sheratons. And that's not taking into account the upgrade and club lounge access for Platinum members. I've also taken advantage of the conversion to AA and UA miles which further saved me 25-50% on airfares.

 

[lorenmd]

i exercised 6 of my certificates and i wish i had done more. i transfer them to american airlines miles and get the bonus 5k for every 20k and then i can get a round trip ticket to europe in the beds for my $1875. totally worth it for me.

 

[DavidnRobin]

There was a poll (consensus) and short thread on SP value.
Anyone’s opinion changed with the conversion in Aug? Mine hasn’t...

https://tugbbs.com/forums/index.php...illing-to-pay-for-starpoints-cents-sp.248944/

 

[Helios]

i can get a round trip ticket to europe in the beds for my $1875. totally worth it for me.

That’s the way to do it...

 

[Maui_ed]

Using points for hotels in Europe is the best way to extract value. Good plan.

 

[canesfan]

I usually use SP for European travel but I don’t have a trip scheduled. With the travel package of Hotel and Air how long is the hotel certificate good for?


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[Maui_ed]

We typically convert points to AA, getting the bonus as 4-star elite and the added bonus that AA adds at certain times of the year, then we use the remaining points for stays in great hotels. Currently in Venice, at the Westin Europa and Regina, just left Rome a couple of days ago, stayed at Le Meridien Visconti, heading to Edinburgh next, followed by London. Staying at the Sheraton Grand Hotel and Spa, and the Sheraton Grand London Park Lane. The entire trip was paid for using points, well, except for the taxes, that is! We have done a big European trip 4 times in the last 6 years. Flew first class the first 3 times and business class this last time. Good value for us. Already planning the next trip for October of next year.

 

[Sicnarf]

I usually use SP for European travel but I don’t have a trip scheduled. With the travel package of Hotel and Air how long is the hotel certificate good for?


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Travel cert is good for 1 year from date of issue.

 

[JudyS]

I have 8 certificates to purchase StarPoints. Each certificate is for 90,000 StarPoints for a purchase price of $1,875. ...

Just curious -- where did you get these certificates? Was it something you got by purchasing VSE from the developer? Or maybe by doing a lot of business with Starwood hotels?

 

[controller1]

Just curious -- where did you get these certificates? Was it something you got by purchasing VSE from the developer? Or maybe by doing a lot of business with Starwood hotels?

Those certificates are provided as an additional incentive for purchasing directly from the developer.