This is the second post in a series about the different status levels in the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty scheme:
The second – somewhat hidden – tier of Starwood’s loyalty scheme is called SPG Preferred Plus. It comes with a couple of additional benefits that are worth having, although qualifying for it is a bit of an enigma.
Here’s our (brief) guide to Preferred Plus status.
Important Note: You’ll only receive these benefits when you book a hotel stay directly with SPG, either on their website, mobile app or by phone. If you book a stay using an OTA (Online Travel Agency) like Expedia, you’re not eligible to receive any of these benefits.
SPG Preferred Plus Status Benefits
1) Enhanced Room At Check-In
When you check-in, you’re eligible for an enhanced room provided there’s availability for the length of your stay. SPG define enhanced rooms as:
Rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms and rooms with preferred views. Enhanced rooms do not include suites. Not offered at Aloft and Element hotels.
2) 4pm Late Checkout
With this status you’re guaranteed the opportunity to check out at 4pm. The only exceptions to the guarantee are resort, conference center and convention hotels where it’s subject to availability.
These benefits are in addition to the benefits you receive with Preferred status:
- Collect points or miles
- Reward nights count towards elite status
- No blackout dates
- Complimentary internet
- Free bottled water
- Earn points when booking groups
How To Get SPG Preferred Plus Status
This is what’s a little confusing. The benefits for Preferred Plus are highlighted clearly on SPG’s benefit list. However, they don’t seem to list on their website how you can actually earn the status.
Doing a bit of research turned up the following options for qualifying for this status though:
1) SPG American Express Credit Card
SPG has two different American Express co-branded credit cards – one personal and one business. Both appear to offer Preferred Plus status as an unadvertised benefit for the primary cardholder.
2) Marriott Silver Status
In 2016 Marriott announced that they’d be merging with SPG. As part of the transition, it’s been possible to link your Marriott Rewards and SPG accounts to carry across your status from one scheme to the other.
SPG Preferred Plus status can be matched to Marriott Silver status and vice versa. Marriott Silver can be earned by staying 10 qualifying nights or by holding one of their credit cards.
In the next post in the series we’ll explore the SPG Gold benefits and all the different ways you can earn the status.
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