Shh! Possible Starwood Award Price Glitch at This Resort!
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Update: One or more card offers in this post are no longer available. Check our Hot Deals for the latest offers.Thanks to Million Mile Secrets reader Mike B for giving us the heads-up that the Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is pricing award nights much lower than it should.
This hotel should be a Starwood category 6 location, which normally costs 20,000 to 25,000 Starwood points per night. But Mike B let us know that some time yesterday, the price dropped to 12,000 Starwood points!
That’s a terrific deal for a hotel that can cost $800+ per night! It’s not clear if this is a glitch or on purpose, and I can’t find an explanation for the sudden price drop.
It’s tempting to book at such a good rate! Let’s look at the deal.
Cheap Award Nights at Westin Grand Cayman
Link: Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa is on the list of Starwood category 6 hotels, and should cost 20,000 to 25,000 Starwood points per night. But for reasons unknown, the price (and category) dropped yesterday, and you can book award nights for 12,000 Starwood points!
Starwood did make category changes to other hotels on March 7, 2017, but that doesn’t explain the sudden price drop.Million Mile Secrets reader AQ has already jumped on the deal, booking a stay over New Year’s Eve weekend for 12,000 Starwood points per night. I checked the paid rate for New Year’s Eve and the prepaid price is $873 plus tax!
This hotel charges a $60 per night resort fee, even on award bookings. But look at the cash price including taxes!
So you’d spend 12,000 Starwood points for a room worth $1,074 ($1,134 cash price – $60 resort fee). That means you’re getting a value of ~9 cents per Starwood point (~$1074 cash price / 12,000 points).
Keep in mind, this hotel isn’t always so expensive. But during popular times you’ll pay at least $500 per night. That’s still an amazing deal for 12,000 Starwood points.
Note: Because this could be a mistake, do NOT book non-refundable flights or activities until it’s clear the hotel will honor the rate.Need More Starwood Points?
Link: Starwood Preferred Guest® Credit Card from American Express
Link: Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card from American Express
Link: AMEX Starwood Card 35,000 Point Offer Review
Don’t forget about the limited time increased sign-up bonuses on both AMEX Starwood cards!
With the personal AMEX Starwood card, you’ll earn 25,000 Starwood points after spending $3,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. And 10,000 more Starwood points for spending another $2,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
And with the AMEX Starwood small business card, you’ll earn 25,000 Starwood points after spending $5,000 on purchases within the first 3 months of account opening. And 10,000 more Starwood points for spending another $3,000 on purchases within the first 6 months.
But remember, you’re only eligible to earn AMEX sign-up bonuses ONCE per card, per lifetime.
With both versions, you get:
- 2 Starwood points per $1 you spend at Starwood, Marriott, and Ritz-Carlton hotels
- 2 stay credits or 5 night credits toward Starwood elite Status
- Access to AMEX offers, which can save you money on everyday purchases
- Free in-room internet at participating Starwood hotels
- No foreign transaction fees
The $95 annual fee is waived the first year on both cards.
Bottom Line
The Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort and Spa has award nights available for a much lower price than normal. You’ll pay only 12,000 Starwood points per night for a hotel where rooms cost $800+ during peak times!
This should be a Starwood category 6 resort, and should cost 20,000 to 25,000 Starwood points per night.
So this is a fantastic deal!That said, it’s not clear if this is a mistake. So don’t make non-refundable travel plans until we’re sure the hotel will honor the price!
Thanks to readers Mike B and AQ for sharing this deal!
Have you seen any other Starwood award price glitches? Or can you explain the strange pricing? Please let me know in the comments!
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