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Via One Mile at a Time, you’ll soon have more options for earning and redeeming your Starwood points!
Starwood is partnering with Design Hotels as their newest hotel brand. Design Hotels is a group of independent, boutique hotels with ~290 locations in 50 countries. Some of their hotels are very unique!
It’s not yet certain if all of the Design Hotels locations will be a part of the deal. But Starwood specifically highlighted places like the historic Gramercy Park Hotel in New York City.
The full details of the partnership haven’t been released yet. But I’ll share what I know and show you some of the hotels that look interesting from Park City to Paris!
What’s the Deal?
Link: Starwood Hotels
Link: My Series on How to Earn and Use Starwood Points
Link: Design Hotels
Starwood is adding Design Hotels to their other hotel brands, which include Aloft, Element, Four Points, Le Meridien, Sheraton, St Regis, The Luxury Collection, Westin and W hotels.
Design Hotels are independent hotels known for their interesting locations, style, and cool vibe. While there are only 6 locations in the US, they have many hotels in Europe, Asia, and beyond!
Starwood hasn’t announced which hotels will be included, or how much award nights will cost. But this is exciting because we’ll hopefully have access to hotels in locations which don’t have a lot of other Starwood options!
Here are some interesting spots:
Park City, Utah – Washington School House
Montreal, Canada – Hotel St. Paul
Manhattan, New York City – Crosby Street Hotel
London, UK – Ham Yard Hotel
Paris, France – Les Bains
I love Starwood points because there are so many terrific ways to use them! You can book award nights with no blackout dates. Or stretch your points by using Cash & Points or booking Nights & Flights.
Plus, you can get the 5th night free on award stays of 5+ nights. Or move your points to ~30 airline partners and earn a 5,000 mile bonus for every 20,000 Starwood points you transfer.
I’ll let you know as soon as I hear which hotels are included, and how many Starwood points they’ll cost. Some Design Hotels cost as much as $2,000+ per night! So it will be interesting to see how they are factored into the award chart.
Keep in mind, there are also rumors that Hyatt will soon buy Starwood! So we could see a brand new award chart soon.
Need More Starwood Points?
Link: Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Link: Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express
The easiest way to earn Starwood points quickly is by signing-up for the American Express Starwood Preferred Guest personal or small business cards.
You’ll earn 25,000 Starwood points when you sign-up for each card and complete the minimum spending requirements.
And they’re great cards to use on expenses that don’t otherwise earn category bonuses, like your dentist, accountant, or florist!
If you’re not interested in award stays or flights, remember you can use Starwood points for fun experiences and exclusive access to events through SPG Moments.
Bottom Line
Starwood will soon add Design Hotels to its group of hotel brands. With 280+ hotels, this should open up plenty of new spots to earn and use Starwood points!
Design Hotels are independent hotels with a boutique feel and unique style. I’ve already spotted a few places I’d love to check out!
I’m curious to see which Design Hotels will be included in this new partnership. And how much award nights will cost.
Have you stayed in a Design Hotel before? Please share your experiences in the comments!
I am not sure I understand. They are up for sale. Is this to deflect possible buy out?
Kimpton properties haven’t made it into the IHG Rewards program yet, so it might be a while before any changes take place.