Photo courtesy of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide, Inc
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide announced a partnership with Uber on Wednesday that allows Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program members to earn Starpoints any time they use the transportation service, anywhere in the world.
To start earning Starpoints with Uber, SPG members must first link their SPG and Uber accounts and complete one stay at any Starwood hotel worldwide. After that, members can literally sit back and enjoy the ride and watch their Starpoints accumulate.
"This new partnership with Uber accelerates our SPG members' drive to rewards and is just one more way that Starwood is combining high tech and high touch to transform their travel experiences," said Adam Aron, CEO, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, via a press release. "It is especially satisfying for us at Starwood to be partnering with a cutting edge and innovative pioneer like Uber. It is truly impressive to see how Uber has revolutionized transportation for the better."
Points will be awarded based on SPG membership level, with bonus points awarded for Uber rides while staying at a Starwood hotel.
Preferred members will earn one point for every $1 spent on any Uber ride and two points for every $1 spent while staying with Starwood.
Gold and Platinum members will earn one point for every $1 spent on any Uber ride and three points for every $1 spent while staying with Starwood.
And Platinum 75+ members will earn one point for every $1 spent on any Uber ride and four points for every $1 spent while staying with Starwood.
The partnership is available in every market where Uber operates, including in the United States, China, Brazil and Europe.
"When we looked at how to make the Uber experience even better for our millions of riders worldwide, a partnership with Starwood was a natural fit," said Travis Kalanick, CEO of Uber. "There's a Starwood property in the majority of the 291 cities where Uber operates. With this first-of-its-kind partnership, SPG members can now get an extra reward for taking an Uber anytime anywhere."
In celebration of the partnership, Uber and Starwood will be offering an "SPG #SuiteRide" to members in five cities on Feb. 28. The #SuiteRide experience-available from 2 p.m. to 7 p.m. local time in Dubai, London, Mexico City, New York, and San Francisco-will include door-to-door Uber transportation across Starwood's nine brands: St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, W Hotels, Westin, Le Meridien, Sheraton, Four Points by Sheraton, Aloft and Element. As part of the package, members will also receive 15,000 Starpoints each, good for a free night at any type of Starwood hotel.
#SuiteRide experiences from Starwood brands include:
• Westin Hotels: an invitation to indulge in its signature well-being amenities, including a 10-minute Headspace meditation session, a Westin Heavenly Robe, and a Westin White Tea Travel Set.
• W Hotels: a blend of iconic design and contemporary luxury will immerse riders in an extraordinary experience featuring LED mood lighting, music inspired by W, and a Bliss Spa travel pack.
• St. Regis: a luxurious ride combining classic sophistication with modern sensibility where riders will enjoy fresh flowers; jazz music; Beyond, The St. Regis Magazine; and the St Regis Bloody Mary book.
• Aloft: a modern, fresh and fun experience including a mini-refuel kit and free Wi-Fi for the tech-savvy traveler.
To participate in the #SuiteRide experience, Uber riders just need to link their Starwood and Uber accounts and select the "SPG" vehicle option within the Uber app.
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