I have been playing this point game for a very long time. Back in 2007, we spent a long free November weekend in Boston. (Boy, do I long for the days before the kids had tons of weekend activities and we were free to travel.) It was the only time we were in Boston as a family. I can’t wait to go back now that they are older and can do more and appreciate this great city. Hopefully we will go again soon!
Anyway, when we did go, we stayed for free of course on Starwood points at the The Westin Boston Waterfront. This resort is a Starwood Resort and a SPG Category 5. We stayed 3 night and used 12,000 Starpoints per night. The rooms run about $200 per night. We saved about $600 using points.
I remember the hotel being sleek and modern and there was an indoor pool for our lazy afternoons and a good restaurant for breakfast. The hotel was not in the center of the city but on the water and very close to the Boston Children’s museum which my kids LOVED at that time. We took a lot of means of public transportation to explore the rest of the city, which for the age of my kids at the time, 4, 4 and 5.5, was an attraction all in itself.
I just want to note that based on the low price of the room, economically, we would have been better off just paying for the room instead of using 36,000 Starpoints. However, for my family at that time, it was the only way we were going to take the trip. So for us it was worth it as it was a great weekend and even if not worth the points in dollars, it was worth the points in experiences and memories!
