Sponsored: How To Travel Your Way
Not all reasons for travel are created equal, but that doesn’t mean your experiences can’t be equally amazing. Whether you’re hitting the road for business, taking a weekend with the boys, or planning an unforgettable vacation with that special someone, the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express can get you there faster.
How? You can redeem Starpoints you earn with the Card at nine different hotel brands, each with something amazing to offer: St. Regis, Luxury Collection, Le Meridien, W Hotels, Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, Element, and Aloft. All together, the collection consists of 1,100 hotels in nearly 100 countries. You’d be hard pressed to find a great vacation where you couldn’t spend your Starpoints, no matter what you’re looking for. Every hotel chain tries to offer fitness centres, business centres, and concierge service—but Starwood Preferred Guest hotels and resorts go above and beyond.
This almost goes without saying, but your Starpoints can buy all kinds of luxury. Ever wanted a butler? Each of St. Regis’ 31 locations offers butler service. No matter what you need—suits pressed, reservations confirmed, luggage packed—they’ll get it done. Speaking of luggage, did you know that the Luxury Collection will have your luggage picked up at your home and delivered to your hotel room, keeping you updated by email?
Element hotels have a strong commitment to whole living and a green experience. Healthy food isn’t an afterthought for them—even if you have to eat and run, they have healthy grab ‘n go options that’ll help you stay honest while you’re travelling. They also go beyond just offering a recycling bin—all their appliances are Energy Star rated, they use recycling materials in their construction (like their carpets and cushions—100% recycled), and each of their hotels is pursuing the US Green Building Council’s LEED certification, the gold standard in green building.
Let’s say you’re part of the well-heeled but younger crowd—like Zuckerberg, you work hard, but you’re more comfortable in a hoodie instead of a suit. In that case, check out W Hotels, with their modern look (it’s pretty minimalist with bold colours), informal atmosphere, and vibrant cuisine. Imagine a dot-com HQ, just as a hotel. They also do the luggage forward thing—sans white gloves, though. Aloft is similar—it’s pretty ideal if you’re in town, on business, especially if your business is new media (ahem).
Just need to stop for a night in between point A and B, no frills required? Four Points keeps it simple—they’re in 30 countries and have all the amenities you need when you’re on the road. There are some frills, though; they have a “Best Brews” program that ensures great craft beer is on tap, wherever you are.
Want your vacation to be truly special? With so many hotels to choose from, you can get a truly unique experience. Each St. Regis hotel offers a one-of-a-kind signature suite, like the Astoria Suite in Singapore. Overlooking the Botanic Gardens, the room reflects the designs of hotelier Jacob Astor, featuring floor to ceiling windows, elegant style, and opulent master bedroom. Or, take a look at the Liberty in Boston, part of the Luxury Collection. It actually began life as a jail in 1851. The historic building was redesigned ten years ago, and now it’s a one of a kind luxury hotel. Or, maybe you want to get away from the world for awhile. Starwood has 128 beachfront properties, like the elegant W Retreat at Koh Samui—that’s Phuket’s more exclusive cousin. Relax at the spa, on the white-sand beach, in the lounge with signature cocktails—really, at this hotel, there is no end to the ways you can relax.
With the Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express, you get access to nine great brands that will cater to whatever type of trip you’re taking. Sign up now for a 10,000 Starpoint welcome bonus and start travelling your way.
