Any Thoughts On Getting The SPG Mastercard For The Swan/Dolphin?

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

I'm going to WDW through work in June (May 29th to June 9th) and I booked the room on my work AMEX. I just realized that I can get an SPG Mastercard that give us 5000 spg points on our first purchase, 5000 points on the first paid stay at a Starwood hotel. We currently have 7000 points from our stay at the Swan 2 years ago. So when we go in June I could rack up 12000 - 17000 spg points. Which would mean a 10000 point free night?

So... my question is should I get the SPG Mastercard and has anyone had any bad experience with this card? Also would there be any issue with me cancelling the reservation off my work AMEX and putting it on the new SPG Mastercard?

Thanks
Andy

 

[bjakmom]

I'm thinking of doing this also - staying at Swan in June (will just miss you, checking in on the 10th!) with my nephew, then returning again in October with DH and some Fla friends. With 2 visits planned, I figured it would be well worth getting the card - if I don't like it I can just keep it for the year that it's free (I thought my offer was for spg Amex, not Mastercard - I'll have to compare the offers for each). Interested to see what answers you get from those who have and use the card.

 

[dreamflight99]

I've had this card for nearly two years, and enjoy it tremendously. I have accumulated numerous points through my starwood stays, and enjoy all the perks associated with membership. It is an AMEX credit card.

You should have no problem changing the "method of payment" from one card to another. I've also done this in the past, for similar reasons. The card fee is waived the initial year, and then is only $35 each year after. I find this to be very minimal, especially when compared with my black AMEX. Hope this helps.

^_^

 

[DisFlan]

We have the Starwood Amex and we're SPG Gold level members. We've used it at many Starwood hotels - they're almost always a cut above other places. We've never stayed at the Swan or Dolphin, but it looks like it would be a good deal. Points rack up fast when you use the card (not just at hotels) and can easily be used for free nights or upgrades. And as Dreamflight mentioned, it has a low yearly fee. We're happy with it.

DisFlan

 

[NancyIL]

The Starwood MasterCard is new, and is only for Canadians. Looks like a good idea, Andy! However, you can't use the points that you earn DURING that stay for a free room DURING that stay. (Hope that made sense.) If you have 10,000 points before you go on your trip, you could use the points for 1 free night, if available - but it would be for a standard room. You could use 1000 additional points per night to upgrade to Club level...if available.

 

[Dobie]

I have an SPG Amex. I charge everything I buy on it! I have a microsoft money account set up for it on my computer, so I treat it just like a checking account, and pay it off in full every month.

I love it! I am usually able to earn points for 3-4 hotel nights per year, which is how we fund our vacations. For example, I am currently saving to spend a week at the Sheraton in DC for summer '06.