Starwood offers incentives for requalifying (or qualifying) for Gold or Platinum in 2013

Starwood Preferred Guest, the Westin / Sheraton / W / aloft etc scheme, has brought in a special gift for members who qualify for Gold or Platinum for the first time in 2013, or who manage to requalify.

There is nothing on the Starwood website about this new benefit.  However, the company has confirmed it and clarified the details in this Flyertalk thread.

Members who qualify for Gold for the first time or who requalify for Gold will receive either a 25% discount on a SPG hotel redemption or double Starpoints on all hotel stays for a month.

Members who qualify for Platinum for the first time or who requality for 2014 will receive either a 35% discount on a SPG hotel redemption or double Starpoints on all hotel stays for a month.

The discount on the points required for a hotel stay is good for up to 5 nights.

You will be emailed with your options once you have achieved the relevant threshold, with a website to visit to select your reward.  Once selected, the hotel discount must be used within 6 months, and the double points month must be within the following 3 months.

If you would like to use your double points award later in 2013, you can do so by simply keeping the email on one side and going back to the link when you are within 3 months of your preferred month. 

If you hit Gold today, for example, you would be able to select double points in May, June or July.  If you would prefer to earn double points in October, simply hold off from registering until August or September, by which time October will be available as an option.

Unfortunately, the offer is not available if you receive Gold status via your American Express Platinum card.  However, it does apply if you earn your Gold status by spending £15,000 on the Starwood American Express card.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (April 2025)

There are various ways of earning Marriott Bonvoy points from UK credit cards.  Many cards also have generous sign-up bonuses.

The official Marriott Bonvoy American Express card comes with 20,000 points for signing up, 2 points for every £1 you spend and 15 elite night credits per year.

You can apply here.

Marriott Bonvoy American Express

20,000 points for signing up and 15 elite night credits each year Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points by converting American Express Membership Rewards points at the rate of 2:3.

Do you know that holders of The Platinum Card from American Express receive FREE Marriott Bonvoy Gold status for as long as they hold the card?  It also comes with Hilton Honors Gold, Radisson Rewards Premium and MeliaRewards Gold status.

We reviewed American Express Platinum in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 27th May 2025, the sign-up bonus on American Express Platinum is increased from 50,000 Membership Rewards points to a huge 80,000 points. Points convert 1:1 into Avios (80,000 Avios!) and many other programmes. Some people may see even higher personalised offers. Click here to apply.

The Platinum Card from American Express

80,000 bonus points and great travel benefits – for a large fee Read our full review

You can also earn Marriott Bonvoy points indirectly:

• American Express Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

and for small business owners:

• American Express Business Gold (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• American Express Business Platinum (50,000 bonus Amex points)

The conversion rate from American Express to Marriott Bonvoy points is 2:3.

Click here to read our detailed summary of all UK credit cards which can be used to earn Marriott Bonvoy points.