Here’s a quick round up of some noteworthy points and miles happenings:
30% off at Select Club Carlson Properties: Save 30% on your stay (using promo code 30PCTOFF) when you book select Carlson Rezidor hotels throughout the Americas at radisson.com,countryinns.com or parkinn.com by December 11, 2012, and stay during specific dates between December 21, 2012 and March 2, 2013.
1,500 United Miles with a $50 Purchase at Gilt.com: Last year, Gilt ran this same promotion, but without a spend requirement, thus making it possible to get 1,500 bonus miles for as little as $10 (related post). Gilt later implemented a $50 minimum spend requirement, making it hardly worth it to purchase an item just for the bonus miles. It looks like this promotion is back again, but I’d say it isn’t worth it, unless you’re really eying something at Gilt, Gilt City, or Jetsetter, and were planning to make a purchase anyway. The promotion states that you can earn 1,500 award miles at your first purchase of $50 or more, and 5 miles for every $1 spent during your first 6 months of membership. You can also use promo code ‘GILTNEW25 for $25 off of a $50 purchase or receive 20% off your entire purchase ($50 Maximum) using the code GILTNEW20. Both codes are valid until August 21, 2013.
Virgin Atlantic Transfer Bonus via American Express (for Hilton HHonors points): From now through December 29th, there will be a 35% transfer bonus from American Express Membership Rewards points to Virgin Atlantic. I’d never consider transferring AmEx MR points directly into Virgin Atlantic points just to keep them there, so the key to making the most of this transfer bonus is recognizing the favorable transfer ratio from the Virgin Atlantic program to the Hilton HHonors program. I personally have never transferred MR points into Virgin Atlantic to later convert to Hilton HHonors points yet because I’ve been fond of transferring MR points to British Airways Avios to use on domestic American Airlines flights, but if Hilton is in your plans sometime soon, then this might be a good option.
The normal transfer rate to HHonors (when going via Virgin Atlantic) is 1:2, but with this bonus you will be getting 2.7 HHonors points for every 1 Membership Reward point. HHonors points are not near as valuable as some other types of points for most redemptions, but this can still be a good way to boost your HHonors balance if you are looking to empty out your Membership Rewards into a hotel program. You can learn more about the transfer bonus by following Gary’s post here.
Holiday Inn Resort Promo: Buy 2 nights, Get 1 Free: Holiday Inn has a “Stay 2, Get 1 Promotion” that’s seems appealing at first, but comes with many rules and restrictions. The promotion states that if you stay 2 consecutive nights at a Holiday Inn Resort (except the Waikiki Beachcomber) between now until February 28, you’ll get an additional night free. Registration is required, and the promotion is only open to US citizens. Be sure to be well aware of the specifications, though. There are many details that may take away the appeal from this seemingly great offer. Most notably, it is limited to one free night per household per trip. Your stay also has to be booked at least 45 days in advance through a specific source, so if interested, then its best to read through the requirements thoroughly before jumping in.
That’s it for now, guys!
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