Starwood Privilege - worth it?

[Cyberon]

I'm thinking of signing up for this program and wanted if anyone here had signed up for it and their thoughts on the program.

As far as I know, the only real benefits are dining benefits within Australia.

I heard the cost was around $339AUD. Has anyone got a better deal?

 

[ric_melb]

I have been a member of Star Privilege Pacific and its predecessors for over 10 years, and find that it combined with Starwood Gold makes for a great package. Starwood Gold of course has to be earned by staying, unless its complimentary through a credit card.

My latest renewal was at $339, but its possible it maybe cheaper at times.
Personally I have had great value out of it, through the standard features of the card, plus the various vouchers they provide you with.

The basics are 10% off most accommodation rates, and 50% off food when two people are dining. Also 15% off beverage costs. You don't have to stay in the hotel to get the dining benefits, plus dining also gains points. You get 4 vouchers that give you dining for 8 people at 50% off. So if 4 people have a buffet dinner at $75 a person, you save $300. Almost covers your membership.

I think the key is that you have to use Starwood hotels. If your use of them is infrequent its not worth it, if it's frequent its more than worth it.

Link to benefits follows:

Member Benefits - Dining & Accomodation Hotel Deals | Star Privilege Pacific

 

[SponsorSFC]

I took out the card last year specifically for a trip to Le Meridien Ile des Pins. I certainly got my money's worth there with the expensive food and drinks becoming much more palatable with the discounts.

I let it lapse this year though as I would not have used it. If you are going somewhere like a resort that you would be dining on property a lot then it easy to get value, but if you are staying in cities where there are a lot more quality off property options then it becomes less enticing.

 

[Cyberon]

Thanks all for your very helpful responses! The dining advantages definitely sound more appealing than the accomodation ones.
Can multiple certificates be used in 1 session at a buffet? ie if I had 10 adults and 2 kids dining, how could one use the certificates to maximise the discount? use the 1 X 8, 1 X 2 and how are kids treated?


It would have been nice if IHG had something to replace their Priority Privilege dining club.

 

[thatsthatmattressman]

IHG does have a replacement it is just not as good.

It is here: http://www.australianfrequentflyer....g-dining-rewards-program-replacing-61264.html

No you cannot use more than 1 certificate nor can you use more than 1 card at a time. They sometimes (3 times a year) allow you to use your card and not sacrifice your certificate and often up to 10 people.

Thanks all for your very helpful responses! The dining advantages definitely sound more appealing than the accomodation ones.
Can multiple certificates be used in 1 session at a buffet? ie if I had 10 adults and 2 kids dining, how could one use the certificates to maximise the discount? use the 1 X 8, 1 X 2 and how are kids treated?


It would have been nice if IHG had something to replace their Priority Privilege dining club.

 

[oz_mark]

IHG does have a replacement it is just not as good.

The replacement program has itself been killed off. http://www.australianfrequentflyer....dining-rewards-program-termination-72928.html

 

[Gold Member]

I paid $199 for the SPP card only (no vouchers). Will pay itself off handsomely after my upcoming 6 night stay in Ile De Pins.

There's also a Velocity 3000/5000 ($199/$339) bonus points offer going around at the moment. Don't forget to quote your Velocity number when making payment.

 

[Cyberon]

Thanks for all the great info in this thread!