Starwood ‘cash and points’ changes now launched – and the sky has not fallen in

Last month, I wrote about the changes that Starwood was making to the ‘cash and points’ awards available at Sheraton, Westin, W, aloft, Luxury Collection etc hotels.

As of 5th March, these changes are now in place.

Basically, Starwood Preferred Guest gave with one hand and took away with another.  They increased the cash element of ‘cash and points’ awards, but at the same time they were made available at many more hotels than previously.  The previous rates were, frankly, too low to persuade a lot of properties to take part it seems.

What has happened is that a few amazing ‘cash and points’ bargains have disappeared.  They have been replaced, though, by a far wider range of options.

In general, I am OK with this development.  Here is an example.

We were booked (but unfortunately have now cancelled) into the Westin Athens Astir Palace resort in late May.  At the time I booked, which was under the old ‘cash and points’ regime, ‘cash and points’ was not offered.

Now it is.

For the dates we had booked, the rate was Euro 305 including tax, or 12,000 Starpoints.  That valued 1 Starpoint at 2.5 Eurocents.  (We actually did better than this, because we used the ‘5 nights for the price of 4’ deal that Starwood runs.  But let’s ignore that from the example.)

The same room is now available under ‘cash and points’ for 6,000 SPG points plus $108 including tax.  Transferring to Euros, this values 1 Starpoint at 3.7 Eurocents.

‘Cash and points’ is therefore a far better deal, and also lets you book the hotel with just half the Starwood points that you would otherwise require.

These examples also show why the Starwood Preferred Guest American Express credit card is a good deal.  Once a year – usually starting in November – it is available with a 20,000 SPG points sign-up bonus.  Even at 2.5 cents per point of value, that is €500 of free stays you can get from the introductory bonus.  You can also transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Starwood at a 2:1 ratio.

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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.