{"id":4271,"date":"2013-04-17T06:19:41","date_gmt":"2013-04-17T12:19:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4271"},"modified":"2014-04-14T13:23:06","modified_gmt":"2014-04-14T19:23:06","slug":"starwood-hotel-stays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4271","title":{"rendered":"Starwood Hotel Stays"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"attachment_4273\" style=\"width: 901px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-5.png\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4273\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-full wp-image-4273\" alt=\"SPG Hotels\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-5.png\" width=\"891\" height=\"219\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-5.png 891w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-5-300x73.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 891px) 100vw, 891px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4273\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Starwood Hotels in which I&#8217;ve stayed over the last year.<\/p><\/div>\n<p>The Starwood Preferred Guest\u00ae Credit Card from American Express <img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" alt=\"\" src=\"http:\/\/klldabck.com\/imp.aspx?l=3133&amp;c=15031\" width=\"1\" height=\"5\" border=\"0\" \/>has been good to me over the course of the last year. \u00a0I&#8217;ve had over 10 stays in various SPG properties across the world. \u00a0Four hotels across the US and four more hotel in Europe have helped me to feel like royalty.<\/p>\n<h2>S. San Francisco Four Points (Category 2: 3000-4000 Starpoints)<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4284\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-11.png\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4284\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4284\" alt=\"nice hotel\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-11-300x280.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"280\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-11-300x280.png 300w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Picture-11.png 465w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4284\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Four Points By Sheraton South San Francisco<\/p><\/div>\n<p>A quick weekend trip late last summer to San Francisco was a great way to see the city by the Bay.\u00a0 With a direct flight from my hometown to the Oakland airport, this was a no brainer.<\/p>\n<p>My wife had never seen this unique city, so it was imperative that we explore the city.\u00a0 We wrote up a list of <a title=\"Eight Great things to do in\/around San Francisco\" href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/2012\/03\/18\/eight-great-things-to-do-inaround-san-francisco\/\">Eight Great Things to do in SF<\/a>.\u00a0 I&#8217;d recommend them to anyone who hasn&#8217;t visited.<\/p>\n<p>You also need to be sure that you take a ride on the <a title=\"Historic Cable Car Ride in San Francisco\" href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/2012\/12\/17\/historic-cable-car-ride-in-san-francisco\/\">historic cable cars<\/a> because there is nothing like riding in one of them.<\/p>\n<p>This hotel was really affordable on points, but not so great on location.\u00a0 It is located in South SF, which is far from the action.\u00a0 It would be fine if you had a rental car, but trying to take the local transportation ate up a lot of our time.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Stayed 3 nights.<\/li>\n<li>Value: $450<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Salt Lake Sheraton (Category 3: 7000 Starpoints)<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4282\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/DSC_0314.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4282\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4282\" alt=\"sleep number\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/DSC_0314-300x200.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"200\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/DSC_0314-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/DSC_0314-1024x682.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4282\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Max enjoying the soft bet at the Salt Lake Sheraton<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Depressingly this hotel changed from a category 2 hotel to a category 3 early this year. \u00a0Fortunately I stayed there five times before it changed. \u00a0 Their park and fly is the most generous in the Salt Lake City area. \u00a0Their 24 hour shuttle to the airport adds more value to staying there.\u00a0 The outdoor pool is a bummer for winter stays, but great for hot summer days.<\/p>\n<p>Max really loved the soft pillows and the king sized bed.\u00a0 McDonald&#8217;s is right next door for an affordable breakfast next door.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays: 5<\/li>\n<li>Value: $550<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Dallas Texas Element Hotel<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4274\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_0559.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4274\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4274\" alt=\"Airport Hotel Dallas\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_0559-300x225.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"225\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_0559-300x225.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_0559-1024x768.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4274\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Dallas Element Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Element hotels are very unique.\u00a0 They all have suites with kitchens, living areas, and have a very modern feel.\u00a0 I wish they were more abundant across the world because they&#8217;re a great place to stay.\u00a0 Their continental breakfast in the morning was five stars as it came with fresh fruit, waffles, and all the other normal breakfast stuff.<\/p>\n<p>The shuttle picked us up from the DFW airport and dropped us back off in the morning, which made it stress free.\u00a0 It was located right next to a shopping mall with quite a few restaurants, so having dinner was easy.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays: 1<\/li>\n<li>Total Value: $120<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>North Charleston, SC Aloft Hotel<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4275\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2528.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4275\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4275\" alt=\"North Charleston Hotel\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2528-300x224.jpg\" width=\"300\" height=\"224\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2528-300x224.jpg 300w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2528-1024x764.jpg 1024w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4275\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Aloft Charleston Hotel<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Talk about modern feel, this place feels like the future.\u00a0 It could be the setting for a Back to the Future 17.\u00a0 Although I&#8217;d never decorate my house with these decorations, it is a fun place to stay for a night or two.\u00a0 After a work trip to North Carolina, we zipped down the coast to see Myrtle Beach, and Charleston.<\/p>\n<p>You won&#8217;t regret the time that you spend in this romantic city.\u00a0 Make sure you bring along the love of your life, because the charm in this place will drive your love even deeper.\u00a0 Although the breakfast wasn&#8217;t included, it was pretty reasonable.\u00a0 The outlets are super close and will provide great shopping for the night before or the day following your stay.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays: 2<\/li>\n<li>Value: $220<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Four Points Dornbirn, Austria-Category 2 Starwood Hotel<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4277\" style=\"width: 234px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2465_2.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4277\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4277\" alt=\"hotel spa\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2465_2-224x300.jpg\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2465_2-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2465_2-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2465_2.jpg 1936w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4277\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Four Points by Sheraton in Dornbirn, Austria &#8211; The Spa<\/p><\/div>\n<p>I&#8217;ve already raved about this place in a <a title=\"Starwood Alpine Europe Hotel Review 1\" href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/2012\/07\/25\/starwood-alpine-europe-hotel-review-1\/\">previous post<\/a>. The spa alone will be worth the night in the hotel.\u00a0 Located right on the border with Switzerland and Germany, Dornbirn is a great way to experience the Alpine Europe life.\u00a0 Take a trip to Lake Constance and enjoy the historic downtown.\u00a0 You&#8217;re not too far from the mountains so you can do some hiking as well.<\/p>\n<p>The spa is for adults only, so if you have kids with you, tell them to hang out in the room, because they won&#8217;t let you in the spa unless you&#8217;re over 18.\u00a0 Enjoy this place and make sure you don&#8217;t make the mistake that I did and only stay one night.\u00a0 Call this place home!<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays:1<\/li>\n<li>Value: $125<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Four Points Bolzano, Italy-Category 2 Starwood Hotel<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4286\" style=\"width: 310px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Sheraton-Bolzano.png\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4286\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4286\" alt=\"sudtirol hotel\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Sheraton-Bolzano-300x163.png\" width=\"300\" height=\"163\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Sheraton-Bolzano-300x163.png 300w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Sheraton-Bolzano-1024x558.png 1024w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/Sheraton-Bolzano.png 1490w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4286\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Four Points by Sheraton in Bolzano, Italy (Photo Courtesy of their website)<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Although this place is located in a bit of an industrial area, you won&#8217;t feel like it when you are swimming in their pool that is on the top floor.\u00a0 Spend some time in the steam room or sauna on the top floor as well.<\/p>\n<p>Just down the road is a huge grocery store that is within walking distance, so it makes for a great snack stop or a cheap breakfast.\u00a0 On the way here you\u00a0 need to stop at the <a title=\"Reifenstein Castle \u2013 A Moment to Reflect\" href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/2012\/11\/25\/reifenstein-castle-moment-reflect\/\">Reifenstein Castle<\/a> to explore the best preserved medieval castle in Europe.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays: 1<\/li>\n<li>Value: $130<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Sheraton Padova, Italy-Category 3 Sheraton Hotel<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4287\" style=\"width: 235px\" class=\"wp-caption alignleft\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/256.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4287\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4287\" alt=\"Hotel by venice\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/256-225x300.jpg\" width=\"225\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/256-225x300.jpg 225w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/256-768x1024.jpg 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 225px) 100vw, 225px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4287\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Sheraton Padova<\/p><\/div>\n<p>This is a great springboard to Venice.\u00a0 I stayed here for two nights in my way to Venice. We had rented a car and it was a little tough finding the entrance to the hotel, but is right off the freeway.<\/p>\n<p>Their customer service is excellent. I emailed them two times before arriving and they answered all of my questions. They also answered questions about Venice and Padova. Their shuttle to downtown Padova was really convenient.<\/p>\n<p>The rooms were great but the AC was turned off and it got a little hot.<\/p>\n<p>Parking was 6\u20ac per day and there wasn&#8217;t anywhere near to eat breakfast besides the hotel. The room had a small fridge where you could put a few things.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays: 2<\/li>\n<li>Value: $300<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Four Points Milan City Center-Category 4<\/h2>\n<div id=\"attachment_4278\" style=\"width: 234px\" class=\"wp-caption alignright\"><a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2968.jpg\"><img aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-4278\" decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\"size-medium wp-image-4278\" alt=\"hotel milano\" src=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2968-224x300.jpg\" width=\"224\" height=\"300\" srcset=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2968-224x300.jpg 224w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2968-764x1024.jpg 764w, https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2013\/04\/IMG_2968.jpg 1936w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 224px) 100vw, 224px\" \/><\/a><p id=\"caption-attachment-4278\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Four Points by Sheraton Milan City Center<\/p><\/div>\n<p>Staying in the downtown area is always going to burn more points than staying in the fringes of town.\u00a0 This was an area where it would be worth paying for a bit of my hotel.\u00a0 We only stayed here one night because we wanted to enjoy some time in the Lake Lugano area as well.\u00a0 The location of this place is great.<\/p>\n<p>You&#8217;re within walking distance of the major landmarks of the city if you have the time to take a stroll.\u00a0 You&#8217;ll never regret visiting the Duomo or the Galleria.\u00a0 Just make sure you bring your credit cards (without foreign transaction fees) because this place is the mecca of fashion.<\/p>\n<p>They provided us with free umbrellas on the day that it was raining, which was super convenient.\u00a0 Half of this place has been renovated, and the other half hasn&#8217;t.\u00a0 Ask for a newer room unless you need more space.\u00a0 You&#8217;ll want to use the cash &amp; points option here because it isn&#8217;t worth 10,000 Starpoints.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Total Stays: 1<\/li>\n<li>Value: $100<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2>Use the Starwood Hotel Chain<\/h2>\n<p>You&#8217;ll never go back to the Super 8 or the Motel 6 again.\u00a0 There is nothing like living like a king.\u00a0 This is the only way to do it without being independently wealthy.\u00a0 Over the last year I&#8217;ve conservatively saved $2000 by staying in the Starwood Hotel chain.\u00a0 All of my points have come from the below mentioned credit card.<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;re not ready to give up the stiff sheets at the Super 8, or the stain on the mattress at the Motel 6, just keep on paying the cheap Howard Johnson rate.\u00a0 When you&#8217;re ready to stay in a luxurious chain without breaking the bank, get the card below.\u00a0 <em>[Disclosure:\u00a0 We receive a commission when you sign up for this card through our link.\u00a0 We would really appreciate your support so we can continue to provide you $$$ saving tips.]<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The Starwood Preferred Guest\u00ae Credit Card from American Express has been good to me over the course of the last year. \u00a0I&#8217;ve had over 10 stays in various SPG properties across the world. \u00a0Four hotels across the US and four &hellip; <a href=\"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/?p=4271\">Continue reading <span class=\"meta-nav\">&rarr;<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,92,24],"tags":[33,1186,847,952,1185,833,447,1081,1082,198,1080,834],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4271"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=4271"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4271\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4271"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=4271"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/worldwanderlusting.com\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=4271"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}