In early 2012, Starwood launched a new tiered program where if you stay 50+ nights in a calendar year you will receive 10 suite night awards which you can apply to a future stay. Each suite night is good for one night and can be confirmed five nights in advance of your stay (not at the time of booking like Hyatt).
Originally, when the program rolled out, those that had 50+ nights in 2011 automatically received these 10 suite nights regardless of their 2012 stays. Those suite nights were set to expire December 31, 2013. Those that hit the 50 nights in 2012 also had the suite nights expire December 31, 2013.
Last week Starwood announced that all Suite Nights that were set to expire on December 31, 2013 (so those earned for 2011 and 2012) will be extended through April 30, 2014. While this is great for those that have yet to use the awards, there is a pretty good reason why they haven’t been redeemed. They are actually difficult to use! While you can use them on a paid stay, a Free Night Award, or a Cash & Points stay, many hotels will not confirm you in advance.
So for those that have a few expiring, try to apply them to a stay Jan, Feb, March, or April. While I know many have complained about these certificates, I also know of many situations where these suite nights have gotten members some unbelievable rooms confirmed in advance!
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