sheraton bellevue and the westin bellevue -- mattress run weekend july 5-7

so last weekend, we did another mattress run in seattle. i am aiming for spg gold status (10 stays per year). as a point of reference, spg platinum status is a bit more ambitious, requiring 25 stays per year.

2013 stay #8
we drove down to bellevue and checked in at the sheraton bellevue. it's an older hotel, nice amenities. we booked using the mobile app so as to capitalize on the 500 mobile app booking bonus and 2nd trimester double points promo. we booked the AAA rate, and they came up with two types of packages. both were fully refundable. one offered a room, the other offered a room and a free buffet breakfast. for the exact same price. so, obviously, i booked the free breakfast. and when i tipped the waiter at the hotel restaurant, i made sure to charge the tip to my room: you still get SPG points for that kind of thing.

2013 stay #9
for the next night, i opted to book at the westin just a kilometer down the road. the westin bellevue is a category 5 hotel which was having a hot rate AAA promotion. because it was specifically excluded from the 2nd trimester promotion, i ended up booking on points hound for their double dip -- earning extra pointshound points on american airlines plus earning my stay credit and starwood points. i can confirm now that this works as advertised.

the westin was actually a pretty nice hotel. a pristine lobby. the check-in agent was training someone else, and so she was very careful to do everything by the book. for instance, for the first time ever, i was asked for my AAA membership (luckily i actually am a member!). she made sure that she acknowledged my preferred plus status (which everyone can get by having their co-branded amex ... which i no longer have), and she made it a point to let me know that she upgraded my room to a higher level. very nice.

and then there's the room:

blanky and friends make an appearance by accident ...

a regular room, a nice view. and perhaps the most important qualifier: clean. i enjoyed the leaf-shaped bars of soap. there is one sitting in my bathroom at home now.

conclusion: another two successful stays and on track for gold status by the end of the month. i don't think i'll be able to make platinum. and the bf was only slightly (?) irritated by having to pack up and move halfway in between. but one day, i'll convince him that it was worth it.