Introduction: San Francisco for the Weekend

After re-qualifying for Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum (25 stays total with 4 coming from the Amex SPG card) status last year, I received a choice of two gifts.  Either double Starpoints for a month or 35% off an award booking good for up to 5 nights within the next 6 months.  The choice was easy - 35% off an award is a great deal!

Our calendar was already pretty full but we found a weekend (this weekend) to sneak in a quick trip to San Francisco.  And we seem to have incorporated all of the best practices around a weekend trip.

35% off a Starwood redemption

Flights were relatively cheap on United and The St. Regis San Francisco looked to be the perfect place to use my 35% discount points!  In the past, we've stayed at the W and Westin St. Francis but have always wanted to try out the St. Regis...but it has always been WAY too expensive.  Most of the Starwood properties in San Francisco are located pretty close to each other (Union Square area) and to other things to see/do in the city so we know our way around.

The hotel is a category 6 property normally requiring 20,000 points per night.  With the 35% discount, each night would cost 13,000 points.  The hotel is retailing (prepaid rate) for $530 per night or $617 AI.  So using points, I'm getting 4.7 cents/point which is a fantastic redemption.

Prepaid rate for this weekend at The St. Regis San Francisco

I'll have a full review after our trip but we are really looking forward to a weekend away and trying out a new spot.  Thanks Starwood for the great Platinum gift!  I only wish I had more time to stay 5 nights instead of 2.