Frequent flyer programs seem to be much more popular than hotel loyalty programs, but I’m not entirely sure why. If you do find that you often stay at the same hotel chain, it’s definitely worth signing up for their free program. You’ll earn points for stays at all of their properties, and for hotel groups like Starwood, that can include Sheratons, Westins, W’s, and more (including Disney’s Swan and Dolphin Properties. Those points can certainly add up, and they can be traded in for free future stays and more.
What is that “and more”, you ask? Well, the Starwood Preferred Guest program allows guests to bid their points for once in a lifetime experiences in theater, music, sports, television, and movies. Last weekend, my daughter and I were invited to attend one of the SPG Moments, a Family Fun Day at Totem – Cirque du Soleil. We arrived at 1:30pm, and from 1:30pm-3:00pm, we were treated to private performance workshops with the actual Cirque du Soleil performers, as well as a Q&A with the company manager. My daughter learned how to use Devil Sticks with the “Tracker” from Totem, how to jungle from the show’s Professor, and how to dance the finale dance with two of the show’s dancers. We also got to hang out in the Tapis Rouge tent, where we were treated to fruit punch and wine, as well as some fabulous appetizers and desserts.
When the show started, we were seated in the VIP Rouge section – right in the third row of the show. The whole experience was fabulous, and it’s something my daughter and I will never forget.
Through this partnership with Cirque du Soleil, Starwood Preferred Guests can also get ticket discounts and pre-sale discounts to performances.
Check out the Starwood Preferred Guest Moments page for more information.
Disclosure: My daughter and I received this complimentary experience courtesy of SPG.
