You know something is good, when everyone who knows about it is grumbling about it being covered. Enter SPG & Marriott Moments. To the disgust of those already on the train, we can’t help but mention that these programs are amongst the most cunning ways to use points. They’re neat because they unlock experiences many people would never be able pay for – and we’re not just talking hotels. From air shows to concerts, sporting events and private chef dinners – this is the best kept secret that’s not secret at all.
Let’s start with your latest miss. For 90,000 Marriott Points, or 30,000 SPG points, you could’ve just booked the following. Three nights in a Club Suite with Executive Lounge access at the Habtoor Grand, Autograph Collection Hotel in Dubai. COMPLETE WITH: round trip car transfers, 3 day VIP passes to the Dubai Jazz Festival with Duran Duran, John Legend, Ricky Martin, with complimentary private bar and gourmet food during the festival. Oh, and a one hour massage. And single day concert tickets to John Legend were available for just 5,000 SPG points.
Zero To…
Even if you started with no Marriott Points or SPG Points to speak of, you can instantly purchase enough to win future offers. In this last example, points would’ve cost $682, a truly excellent value. Three nights of hotel suites, drinks, concert tickets for two and a massage certainly ain’t bad. And there are so many more opportunities. Bayern Munich VIP tickets, three star Michelin dinner at Brooklyn Fare on points, air show access. The offerings are endless, and many go completely unnoticed. Especially, internationally.
Future Offers
You can check out all current Marriott Moments opportunities here. SPG Moments can be viewed here as well. Some offers are in auction form, while others are straight up points “purchases”. Basically, some will be a set number of points, first come first serve. If you already have points, it’s all free. For these, you want to monitor the offer sites. An “upcoming sales” category will usually give heads up when something will launch. Things such as VIP Bayern Munich Experience are gone within hours, not days.
Its not that we have not been paying attention, its just that it seems like an incredible waste of points.
One mans dirt…
Bought a pair of 49er tickets with on field access, tailgater hosted by Michael Mina (famous SF chef) and club level seats. Bid for 29,000 for me and went with my teenage son. I thought it was fantastic (although Dubai jazz festival sounds even better). Was it worth it? Yes.
I’m totally with you. Ignore the critics. These represent great value in terms of memories and cents per mile. Sounds awesome. I’m a big Michael Mina fan.
Great seats to Taylor Swift? Maybe (I’m not a fan but my daughter would go nuts).
Visit to an intolerant authoritarian country – no thanks.