SPG Points from Explorer package

[Richierich2]

I was just at the Westin Kaanapali VIllas North property, I rented a studio for 10 days @ Rental by owner.com

I went to the timeshare presentation, and declined to buy (had already just stopped by a broker in Lahina and saw I could by the same thing for half) though they really get you excited about the extra staroption points.

I know now the best options is a resale through TUG or ebay.

At the end of it though they got me hooked to do a explorer program by showing me the increasing prices to rent next year @ expedia, and by going back for another presentation getting 50,000 SPG Points. (looks like a 5 day trip at Westin hotel to Whistler)

I called in to asked if I could actually change it to an explorer package @ Princeville since I want to go there in a year or so anyways, and but before I could ask about switching it so told me how to cancel it (which I have till the 10/22/11)

So if I can change it to Princeville and pay maybe $1000 more than renting from a owner on the TUG board, is it worth it for the SPG points to go to Princeville and tell them no again?

Since finding this site I am addicted to reading everything I can about Starwood and trying to figure out if it is best system for me. (which maybe just renting timeshares from people who don't use them) or buying a resale, though I have another 20 questions about that later.

Richie

 

[YYJMSP]

You can buy Starpoints directly from SPG.

The regular price for 20,000 SPG points is $700. That is the most that you can purchase per year per account. If you and your spouse each have a SPG account, you can purchase 40,000 SPG points for $1,400.

They often go "on sale" for quite a bit less.

So, 50K SPG points for an extra $1000 is probably a wash if you were planning on going anyways...