Starwood Hotels is taking its brand to the streets—literally—by partnering with Uber, the popular ridesharing company. Meeting planners and their attendees who use Uber can now earn Starpoints through the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) program every time they use the car service.
The way it works is SPG members around the world first link their SPG and Uber accounts at SPG.com/uber. Then, within 24 hours after their first stay at any Starwood hotel, they can begin earning points every time they use Uber, whether or not they’re currently staying at a Starwood hotel. All members will earn one Starpoint per every dollar spent on Uber rides up to $10,000 per year.
If members use the car service during their stay at a Starwood hotel, they earn additional points. Preferred members will earn two per every dollar spent; Gold or Platinum members will earn three points; and Platinum 75-plus members will earn four points. The partnership is available in every market where Uber operates: the U.S., Canada, Brazil and parts of Europe.
To kick off the new partnership, Starwood and Uber are offering an SPG SuiteRide in Dubai, London, Mexico City, New York and San Francisco from 2 pm to 7 pm local time on Feb. 28. Those who link their Starwood and Uber accounts can select the SPG vehicle option on the Uber app, and will get a door-to-door branded experience as well as 15,000 Starpoints.
The Uber ride will incorporate amenities from one of Starwood’s brands. The Westin Hotels experience, for example, includes a 10-minute Headspace meditation session, a Westin Heavenly Robe and a Westin White Tea Travel Set. W Hotels’ branded experience plays off its hip attitude, featuring LED mood lighting, music inspired by W and a Bliss Spa travel pack. The St. Regis ride includes fresh flowers, jazz music, Beyond: The St. Regis Magazine and the St. Regis Bloody Mary book. In the Aloft ride, travelers will get a mini-refuel kit and free Wi-Fi to inspire the tech-savvy traveler.
“The great thing about this deep partnership is the ability for registered members—including planners—to earn any time they take Uber,” says Maire Griffin, director of communications for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “Even better, they’ll earn more while in-stay at any of Starwood’s 1,200 hotels around the world. We’re excited and know our planners and travel pros will be equally excited about this partnership.”
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