How to get Starwood to offer you a ‘stay one night, get a free night anywhere’ hotel deal

Back in 2013, I wrote an article encouraging people to sign up for Starwood Preferred Guest even if they had no interest in staying with them in the short term.  This was because Starwood had been sending out very generous offers to members who had never stayed with them.

(Starwood Preferred Guest is the loyalty scheme for Sheraton, Westin, W, Luxury Collection, Aloft and St Regis.)

At some point I signed up my Mum.  I honestly can’t remember whether it was then or whether it was earlier this year when I knew she had a Starwood stay coming up.  That is not helpful for the purposes of this story, I admit!

Last week she received this great offer from Starwood Preferred Guest:

The great thing is that she already has two Starwood stays booked, at a Sheraton and a Westin in Canada.

One of those is currently an award stay but I will be switching it over to a paid night.  It was a marginal call as to whether it was worth booking it as a reward night in the first place given the cash cost.  I can now put the points towards another night out at the SPG Suite at The O2 instead.

The two stays will generate two free night vouchers, valid until 31st December 2015.  They are valid at Category 1-5 Starwood properties.  This does restrict the places where they can be used but I am sure I can find some value from them.

I don’t know how often Starwood sends out offers like this and I don’t know how long you need to have had a dormant account in order to get one.  It may be worth registering a Starwood account to find out, however, either for yourself (if you are not already a member) or for a family member.

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How to earn Marriott Bonvoy points and status from UK credit cards (September 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 Card

20,000 points 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 The Platinum Card from American Express in detail here and you can apply here.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. 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 Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card (20,000 bonus Amex points)
• The American Express Rewards Credit Card (10,000 bonus Amex points)

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on the American Express Preferred Rewards Gold Credit Card is doubled to 40,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 60,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £5,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

and for small business owners:

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

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The American Express Business Gold Card is TRIPLED to 60,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 90,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £6,000 within three months of approval. The card remains free for the first year. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

SPECIAL OFFER: Until 14th October 2025, the sign-up bonus on The Platinum Card from American Express is increased to 80,000 Membership Rewards points. This would convert to 120,000 Marriott Bonvoy points! The spend target is changed to £10,000 within SIX months of approval. T&C apply. Click here to apply.

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.