Starwood Preferred Guest eliminated peak season award pricing in 2009 and is continuing the policy for 2010. In an email sent to members, SPG announced, “We’ll continue to stay focused on what matters to you in 2010. In fact, we’re pleased to announce that peak season Starpoints pricing will be eliminated again for next year.”

Prior to 2009, SPG required members to redeem an extra 4,000 or 5,000 points for award nights at all Starwood category 5, 6 and 7 hotels during peak travel periods.

While peak awards will be suspended again in 2010, they have not been eliminated entirely and may return when travel picks up again. For now, SPG members can enjoy another year of regular award rates without a surcharge when staying at hotels during the peak season. The only exceptions are Cala Di Volpe, Hotel Pitrizza and Hotel Romazzino–peak awards will still apply to these three Luxury Collection Hotels in Italy that are all category 7 properties.

Peak season awards are 16,000 points (normally 12,000 points) at category 5 hotels, 25,000 points (normally 20,000 points) at category 6 hotels and 35,000 points (normally 30,000 points) at category 7 hotels.