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Starwood points are often touted as some of the most valuable in the game.  As a result of the extensive list of travel partners and the 5,000 mile bonus on increments of 20,000 SPG point transfers, you’ll seldom catch me without my SPG business card.  I have the personal card from American Express too, but I tend to keep the business version in my wallet.  Did you know the SPG Business card gives you Sheraton lounge access?

That’s right, if you have the SPG Business card in your wallet, and are staying at a Sheraton property, you should be getting access to their lounges.  Although it’s not something a lot of people realize, Sheraton lounge access is a great little bonus to the card.

a building with a glass roof

So how do I get Sheraton lounge access?

Technically, it’s easy…according to American Express:

Starwood Preferred Guest® Business Credit Card Members feel like VIPs with access to Sheraton® Club Lounges, which includes a complimentary daily breakfast, evening selection of premium beverages and hors d’oeuvres, and space for hosting a friend or colleague.Booking requirements apply.

…which makes it sound like an automatic benefit.  In practice, experience varies. I’d recommend checking Flyertalk for your particular hotel on how best to actually use this benefit.  (Here’s a great FT thread on Sheraton lounge access in general.)

Usually Sheraton lounge access will mean access to a nice space to enjoy your time, free food, computers, and a decent view.  They’ll often have alcohol for purchase available (sometimes free!).  Note that Sheraton Lounge access is only available to the cardholder and a single guest staying in the same room for the duration of their stay.  In practice, I’ve been able to bring 2 guests into the lounge.  Depending on the setup, there often isn’t any bouncer at the door, stopping people from going in; SPG would have no way of knowing…

(Have I convinced you to snag an SPG Business Card yet?  Ask a friend – there’s a great current offer on the card!)

My Experience with Sheraton Lounge Access

Most recently, I’ve used Sheraton Lounge access at the Sheraton Tribeca in New York.  My family found ourselves heading down to the big city for a long weekend last fall, and I booked the Sheraton for its location.  From the hotel, it’s just a hop on the subway to any other part of Manhattan.

a cityscape with a cloudy sky

Early morning view from the Sheraton Tribeca Club Lounge.

Upon check-in, we were offered a Club Level room and Sheraton Lounge access was added to my reservation.  Before we arrived, I called the front desk to ask about the Sheraton lounge access prior to checking in, and I also had my SPG business card in my wallet.  My AmEx Platinum card also gets me SPG Gold, but that’s beside the point.  I loved the lounge!  While the food wasn’t spectacular, it was free, and the outdoor deck on the 21st floor was awesome.  My favorite memory of that trip (and we did a lot in New York) was grabbing some late night pizza.  We took it back to the hotel and dined with the glow of downtown skyscrapers and the sound of traffic 200 feet below.

Did you guys know about this benefit?  What’s your favorite Sheraton lounge?


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