Starwood Introduces 2015 Summer Promo

Starwood noted today in a press release that per a study written about by the Washington Post, almost 30 percent of Americans report working during the weekend. To help guests plan their weekend getaways they’ve introduced a new website as well as a summer promotion.

The website is spg.com/weekends.

Here’s are some of the things the new website has, according to the press release –

One thing on the website caught my eye.

Secrets of hotels? Sounded really cool. I entered the page, and watched the video which you can see by going here. The video talks about a few lesser-known facts about The Liberty in Boston, The Westin St. Francis San Francisco on Union Square, and Le Méridien Tampa.

There was also an “offers” page on the website, which listed two items whose links took me back to the regular spg page – A prepaid and nonrefundable up-to-15% off rate for weekends in the Americas, and a 35% off rack rate which included breakfast.

The press release mentioned the summer promotion at the very bottom.

The registration page is not live yet, and there is no further detail on their website.

Last year’s summer promotion was a lot more generous. Called “Earn Away Get Away” you could earn double or trip points from May through the end of July. Double if during the week and triple if the stay included a Sunday night. There were some properties excluded though and no word yet if this year’s promo will be valid at all properties.

I’m a little disappointed in this year’s summer promotion, as it will not be a great fit for people traveling during the week or taking a longer vacation. It also means that since registration doesn’t open until June, travelers in May won’t be able to participate. This promo may not be right for me, but there may be some out there that are planning to stay a bunch of weekends in June and it makes sense for them.

I’ll register for the promotion once it goes live. 1,000 bonus Starpoints isn’t much and I don’t see incentive to change any hotel plans around, but free Starpoints are still good and if I happen to have a stay that qualifies I’ll take it.

What do you think of Starwood’s new promotion?