Buy upgrades at hotels using StarPoints?

[abdibile]

I read on TUG that instead of hoping to get upgraded in *wood hotels due to SPG status (gold or platinum) you could buy upgrades and pay for them using StarPoints.

Unfortunately I could not find how many StarPoints such an upgrade would cost.

Does anyone have a link to a list/table?

Does it make any difference if the original room was booked by cash / points / points & cash?

Could I still buy an upgrade when checking in after they told me that I do not get a free upgrade for the SPG status?

Thanks!

 

[LisaRex]

Unfortunately I could not find how many StarPoints such an upgrade would cost.

Does anyone have a link to a list/table?

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/starpoints/redeem/point_comparison.html

Doesn't matter how you book it, except third party bookings (e.g. Priceline) are excluded.

 

[BradC]

I've had really good luck with the 1000-1500 point "room upgrade" awards. They're not available at all hotels, but when they are, it's usually to a preferred room/view or club level.

We have an upcoming reservation at Lagunamar, and because of frequent-flier ticket availability, we decided to fly in a couple days early and use points at the Westin Cancun hotel. For the hotel stay, it was 7,000 Starpoints per night, but for an extra 1500 per night, we're guaranteed a club level room with a balcony, ocean view, and complimentary breakfast and evening drinks/appetizers in the club lounge.