Thursday, September 27, 2012

Audience Reward Trivia update 09-27-2012


Audience Reward Trivia update 09-27-2012

There seems to be a change in the Audience Rewards program; where we previously had different sets of questions for each of the partner programs, there is now one set of questions which is listed on each of the partner sites. The questions can only be answered once, so you need to pick which partner program you want to earn the points in. I’ve listed all 4 links below; though personally, I’ll be using the SPG link as I value their points more than Delta or US miles.

  • Who is the director of the revival of Evita
            Michael Grandage

  • What legendary drama teacher-actress was in the original production of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf on Broadway?
           Ute Hagen 

  • What was the last musical to play the Longacre theatre?
             La Cage aux Folles

  • In what theatre is Annie playing this season?

            The Palace theatre

  • True or False? Christian Bale is reportedly NOT a fan of the Newsies film.

           True

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Earn SPG Points for Dining Without a Hotel Stay

I have to admit that for most of us this probably doesn't happen very often, so this may not be a major miles opportunity, but over the years there have been various occasions where I have found myself dining (or having drinks) at a hotel where I'm not staying.

A unique and easily forgotten benefit of the Starwood Preferred Guest Program is the ability to earn points at the same rate you would for a hotel stay on dining or drinks without a stay.  I believe there is a $15 minimum to earn points and technically you are supposed to ask for your points and provide your SPG number at the time of purchase but as I recently found out, it's easy to get the points after the fact as well.

I recently had dinner at the Sheraton in Cuyahoga Falls, and despite paying for the meal using an SPG American Express card, I wasn't able to remember to ask for my points and provide my SPG number while I was at the hotel.


Here's an example email that could be sent when asking to have your points credited to you SPG account:
To:research(at)starwoodhotels(dot)com
Re:Earning Points for Dining without Stay
Dear SPG Researchers, 
It's my understanding that I can receive Starwood Preferred Guest points from dining at SPG properties without actually staying at the hotel.  I recently dined at [Restaurant Name] at the Sheraton in [City Name].  I have attached a digital copy of my receipt to this e-mail.
I would appreciate if you could look into getting the points added to my account (Member # XXXXXXXXXX).  Also please let me know if this is the best way to be submitting this type of request or if I should be doing something differently.
Thank You for your Assistance,
PointsCashMiles
pointscashmiles(at)yahoo(dot)com
SPG Member #:XXXXXXXXXX

After sending the e-mail, I immediately received a response that my message had been received and by the following day, the points were in my account.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

Club Carlson 50% bonus on purchased points

So the Club Carlson Global Getaway Sweepstakes has ended along with the 100 free points per day.  If you haven't already seen the points ahow up in you account they should be appearing there in the near future.  Now you may be wondering what to do with these points and that's where the Club Carlson current 50% bonus on purchased points comes in to play.

Club Carlson points usually cost $7.00 per 1,000 so with this 50% bonus offer you can get 1,500 points per $7 not bad considering a low end free night takes 9,000 points.



If you weren't able to participate in the Global Getaway Sweepstakes, this could be a way to top off an account cheaply.  I think the obvious use here is the cash and points redemption.  If you managed to get at least 2,000 points for this promotion which was easily obtainable as this required entering less than half of the days the promotion ran, it would only take $14 to get the additional 3,000 points you need for a cash and points stay at the 5,000 points plus cash level.  This might not generate huge savings, but it at least makes all those contest entries worth your while.


Additionally it may be worth looking at a category 1 free night redemption.  If you managed to get 3,000 points out of the promotion you only need 6,000 more points for a low end Category 1 free night and you can pickup these points for just $28.  There might not be a ton of category one properties you want to stay at (in fact only 17 total in the US) but it could be a good deal if one of the hotels match up to your travel plans. 

I don't think the bonus is good enough to just buy points outright, but if you have a specific redemption in mind, this could be a great deal.

Audience Rewards Trivia - still no update

I thought we were back on the new questions every 10 days schedule for Audience Rewards Trivia Questions, but there is still nothing new posted after 12 days. I'll keep an eye on the situation and have the questions and answers posted here for you as soon as they are available.

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Audience Reward Trivia update 09-13-2012

I know I've been slacking lately hopefully this coming weekend will give me a chance to finish up a few things I've been working on.  In the meantime, here are today's trivia questions and answers

Audience Reward Trivia update 09-13-2012

There seems to be a change in the Audience Rewards program; where we previously had different sets of questions for each of the partner programs, there is now one set of questions which is listed on each of the partner sites. The questions can only be answered once, so you need to pick which partner program you want to earn the points in. I’ve listed all 4 links below; though personally, I’ll be using the SPG link as I value their points more than Delta or US miles.
Your Trivia Questions and Answers for 09-13-2012:
  • Andrew Keenan-Bolger, of Newsies, is a co-founder of what web series?
Submissions Only 
  • The director of Old Jews Telling Jokes has also directed all but which of the following?
Avenue Q Off Broadway
  • Comedienne, Lewis Black, is from what state?
 Maryland
 
  • Who choreographed the revival of Evita?
Rob Ashford
  • Michael Shannon, of Grace, is featured on what film series?
           Boardwalk Empire 
 
  • How are Andrew and Celia Keenan Bolger related?
             They Are Siblings
 
  • True or False? Aside from the current revival, Annie has never been revived on Broadway?
False

  • Who is the director of the revival of Evita
Michael Grandage

Monday, September 10, 2012

Audience Rewards Trivia Update 09-03-2012

So I'm not exactly sure how I missed this last week - I'm going to blame the Holiday...

Audience Reward Trivia update 09-03-2012

There seems to be a change in the Audience Rewards program; where we previously had different sets of questions for each of the partner programs, there is now one set of questions which is listed on each of the partner sites.  The questions can only be answered once, so you need to pick which partner program you want to earn the points in.  I’ve listed all 4 links below; though personally, I’ll be using the SPG link as I value their points more than Delta or US miles.
Your Trivia Questions and Answers for 09-03-2012:
  • At what theatre is The Performers set to play this year?
The Longacre

  • Which of the following Broadway shows has Anne L. Nathan, of Once, NOT been in?
Billy Elliot

  • What is the name of Stacee Jaxx’s band?
 Arsenal
 
  • True or False? Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf is generally over 3 hours long.
True

  • How many original Newsies cast members are making their Broadway Debut?
          12 

  • What is the last song of Act I of Evita?
           A New Argentina

Milepoint Premium Membership Update

I wrote about milepoint premium membership recently as I think it's a great deal and have taken advantage of it myself.  As of Saturday it was reported by View From the Wing that there were less than 500 packages remaining so I'm guessing there can't be that many left.  As of right now, the offer is still available.

Monday, September 3, 2012

Holiday Reminders and Updates


First of all, Happy Labor Day.   I hope everyone's enjoying good weather and time with friends and family.  I'm taking a break from all that for a couple hours for my fantasy football draft and I thought I'd write a quick post in case anyone else is sitting in front of a PC instead of partaking in Holiday festivities.  Since I've been away from the computer all day, I don't really have anything new but I'll list a few reminders or updates on previous topics as well as mention a couple things I've come across today:


There's still time to earn 100 free Club Carlson points each day through September 24th through the Club Carlson Global Giveaway.  You could still earn over 2,000 points and as an added bonus they are giving away some nice trips as well. Full Post from 08-17-2012


Your Hyatt Platinum status may be expiring... If you signed up for the free 90 day trial of platinum status from Hyatt / Visa Signature, it has likely expired.  If you're looking for a way to extend this, consider signing up for a Milepoint Premium membership, it includes Hyatt Platinum status though Feb 2014, 2,000 United Miles and more.  Full Post From 08-30-2012


15% Cash back for IHG hotels at Mr. Rebates has ended so it's now back to the usual 6% - still a pretty good deal in my book Full Mr. Rebates Post from last week


View From The Wing is giving away 2 - $250 Fairfield Suites (Marriott) cards


Mommy Points has a posting on how to earn 500 US Airways miles for $5.99