Fast Track to Marriott Rewards Gold with One Stay for World MasterCard Holders in Asia-Pacific

October 26, 2016 by Mark Chua in Deals

Now that the integration of Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) and Marriott Rewards has begun, it is possible to get the Marriott Rewards Gold status with just ONE stay if you hold an eligible World MasterCard credit card - they are not hard to get and the lowest income requirement from Citibank requires just S$30,000 income per year (unlike the Visa Infinite ones that start from S$120,000). With this promotion, you will also be able to get SPG Gold and Gold Elite status in The Ritz-Carlton Rewards program - all in one stay!

Get SPG Gold with One Stay (APAC) - World MasterCard Holders

May 11, 2016 by Mark Chua in Deals

I've written about the opportunity to get Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) Gold Status with just one stay instead of 20 nights on multiple occasions. All you have to do is to simply register here with an eligible World MasterCard that is issued in Asia-Pacific (excluding Japan) and then make one eligible stay at any property in the region - you will then earn instant Gold Preferred Guest status for a year. This amazing deal has now been extended until 14 July 2017 but do note that this upgrade offer is a one-time upgrade per member.

Get SPG Gold in ONE Stay - World MasterCard in Asia-Pacific ONLY

November 13, 2015 by Mark Chua in Deals

If you live in Asia-Pacific, this is one of the rare few good things that can happen to you (where hotel and airline loyalty both are concerned anyway). Any World MasterCard® cardholder with residence in Asia-Pacific with the card issued in the AP region (excluding Japan) can get SPG Gold Status in just ONE STAY.

Get SPG Gold with ONE night instead of 25 nights + Targeted Welcome Bonus

March 13, 2015 by Mark Chua in Deals

Almost a year ago, I wrote about how you can get the Starwood Preferred Guest Gold with just ONE night stay instead of 25 nights. Learn how to get 1,500 bonus Starpoints to sweeten the deal!

Hotel Review: Sheraton Towers Singapore (Pool King Room)

Sheraton Towers Singapore

January 10, 2015 by Mark Chua in Hotels

The Sheraton Towers Singapore has undergone a S$20 million refurbishment programme which was unveiled in 2013. The 420 carefully-appointed guestrooms and swimming pool has been redesigned in a transitional style. Strategically located off Orchard Road on Scotts Road, the Sheraton Towers Singapore is conveniently accessible by the MRT (Newton station). If you are feeling hungry during your stay, the famous Newton Circus Food Centre is just within minutes of walking from your room (or suite!). Check out my experience in a Towers Pool Room and find out how to get SPG Gold in just one stay.

Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) - Going for GOLD

March 26, 2014 by Mark Chua in Points

The Westin Singapore officially opened its doors (again) in November last year after an absence of 12 years. To many frequent travellers, the addition of a new Starwood property spells excitement as there is more to choose from. Like other Starwood properties, The Westin Singapore participates in the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program which allows you to earn Starpoints on eligible hotel spend.

There are three main tiers in the SPG program - Preferred, Gold and Platinum. Within the Platinum category, there are further sub tiers to reward the frequent and business travellers. Unlike other hotel programs that expire with every year (through a re-qualification process, you may reach a lifetime status under this program, disabling the need to re-qualify for Gold or Platinum statuses - a major incentive to remain to SPG! However such lifetime statuses are difficult to qualify and usually requires a minimum period of 10 elite years.

Amongst other benefits, the SPG Gold tier allows for a 4pm late checkout, an upgrade (that does not include suites) and a welcome gift (in the form of bonus Starpoints, a welcome drink or complimentary internet access). Full details on the Gold tier benefits can be found here. The usual qualification process requires 10 eligible stays or 25 eligible nights in a calendar year. However, if you hold a World MasterCard in the Asia Pacific region (excluding Japan), you can qualify for the Gold status with as little as just one eligible night stay.

You may sign up for this promotion here.

Upgrade to the Gold status will take up to 4 weeks after your stay. For a cheap way to gain this status, you may consider the Aloft Kuala Lumpur property at Kuala Lumpur Sentral or the Sheraton Singapore if you do not wish to leave the country. Do remember that you need register for the program first, and you have to book directly with the hotel (not through Agoda or online travel agents) in order to qualify for this promotion. Also do note that status earned after 1 April of each year will last longer in absolute terms.

Additionally, if you book before 6 April 2014, you may qualify for the Book Early or Stay Longer promotion (in Asia Pacific properties only), giving you up to 50% and 10% off respectively. So go on and get your well-deserved Gold status with SPG and enjoy your Gold benefits for a year.