As a blogger I am always really thrilled to be able to bring my awesome readers unique inspiration and the inside scoop on fabulous opportunities. That said, today I am so excited to tell you about the most incredible giveaway! American Express and Starwood Hotels and Resorts are giving one lucky The Sweetest Occasion reader 100,000 Starpoints redeemable at any of the Starwood properties to plan the vacation of your dreams! (Insert some pretty serious squeals of joy over here.) I am an absolute travel fanatic so the opportunity to share that experience with you is killing me with glee right now!
Wondering how to win? It’s simple! American Express and Starwood are also giving me 100,000 Starpoints to take my own dream vacation and I’d love your input on where to go, what to see, where to eat and what to do. Have a favorite restaurant in Montreal or beloved memories of a ski resort in the Rockies? Tell me all about it! Comment here with your travel inspiration for my upcoming trip between now and Monday, August 22nd at 9am EST and one lucky winner will be announced that day!
But the awesome doesn’t stop there! Between now and August 22nd American Express will be running a promotion providing new Starwood Preferred Guest Cardmembers with up to 30,000 in Starpoints (10,000 at First Purchase and 20,000 more by spending $4,500 in 3 months). The limited time offer also includes $0 introductory annual fee for the first year. So basically, if you’re a travel junkie like me and you want to plan a killer trip, apply for the Starwood Preferred Guest card, charge up the batteries for your camera and start making memories!
For my own trip, I’m loving The Liberty Hotel in Boston, one of my absolute favorite cities. I can never get enough of strolling along the Freedom Trail, visiting the museums, wandering through Quincy Market and eating some of the best seafood and pastries you’ll find anywhere. (Mike’s Pastry in the North End is not to be missed.)
{What I’d wear in Boston: Striped tank, flare pants, flats, bag, sunglasses, necklace, belt.}
I’ve also heard the most amazing things about San Antonio lately where the Sheraton Gunter Hotel looks right up my alley. I already know I could get lost for hours exploring the River Walk and the Alamo.
{What I’d wear in San Antonio: Dress, bag, boots, glasses, scarf, belt.}
That said, I think I have my heart set on jetting off to the Sunset Key Guest Cottages, a Westin resort in Key West. I mean, it’s Key West! After a really busy, life-changing summer I’m thinking long lazy days of sunshine, icy cocktails and the slow pace of island life are just what I need.
{What I’d wear in Key West: Bathing suit, sandals, cover up, tote bag, sunglasses, sun hat.}
(Editor’s Note: To give you a sense of how the points translate, 10,000 Starpoints alone could get you a free night at a Category 4 hotel, such as a Westin or W hotel, and 30,000 Starpoints could get you up to two weeks-worth of free nights at a Category 1 hotel such as the Four Points by Sheraton. In other words, the winner is going on one heck of a honeymoon or vacation!)
This post was sponsored by American Express.
Catherine
Monday 22nd of August 2011
Choices, choices, choices! If you are able to pick a place to visit, anywhere in the world, Rome, Italy would have to be your destination of choice. Rome has everything - great food, beautiful landscapes, and a rich history. There are so many wonderful places to visit and exciting things to see and do. Visiting the Colosseum at night is just as breathtaking as a visit during the day, and the Trevi Fountain will amaze you by its shear size and beauty. The Sistine Chapel and St. Peters Basilica are also extremely powerful and a must to visit, as they embody the spirit and essence of all of humanity. Rome is an amazing city and will open your eyes to the beauty that the world has to offer. Wherever you visit, enjoy - and travel safe!
Eve
Monday 22nd of August 2011
One of my favorite childhood memories was visiting the Deer Valley Lodge in Park City, UT with my brothers and dad. That place is beautiful any time of year. We visited late summer and it was warm and I remember going to this outdoor theatre with him for see a play. I would love to do the same thing with my family now!
Astrid
Monday 22nd of August 2011
What a lovely giveaway :) I would definitely go to Buenos Aires!! What is not to love about this joyful city. There are so many things and different neighborhoods that you would never be bored. You can walk all the city and enjoy of the european architecture of the city and watch the contrast between the old and modern designs its truly a wonderful combination. If you are interested in design and handmade goods you definitely should go to palermo soho its a really cozy neighborhood surrounded by the best stationary paper stores, clothes stores and small little goods surrounded by coffee and restaurant all over the streets!! Its a really happy place!! If you prefer a quieter place you can walk through the recoleta neighborhood enjoying all the great avenues surrounded by lovely trees and great restos. If you are in a mood of the modern neighborhood you can walk all over Puerto Madero the old Buenos Aires port now filled with top restaurants!! The best meat you'll find it at La Cabrera, The best ice-cream at Persico, The best vietnamese food at Sudestada, The best sushi/peruvian at Osaka, the best bar Thames 878 a hidden bar full of creativity!! It is a great place to get new ideas surrounded by lots of creative young artists! You could also head up to mendoza and enjoy the wonderful wine tour a really lovely trip not to miss! And the best part you can practice your spanish ;)
Nikki H
Monday 22nd of August 2011
One of my favorite vacations i've taken was when my hubby and i went to Maui. We loved the beaches, shopping, relaxing drinking Pina coladas, driving the Road to Hana in our rental Jeep, awesome food at multiple restaurants like Aloha Plate and the luau, and spending time together. We really loved the Pina coladas from the little shacks on the Road to Hana! We still talk about them to this day(5 years later) and say none can compete with those. I can't want to go back for another!
Thanks for this awesome opportunity!! Nikki!
Miss Cupcake
Monday 22nd of August 2011
You must fly to Portland, Maine for vacation!! Eat at Fore Street for a fancy dinner. Make sure to order the mussels. Walk about the Old Port for photos and shopping. Don't miss Angela Adams' store or funky art at Abacus. Make sure to have a scone and fougasse at the Standard Baking Co. Breakfast at Becy's dinner is a must as well. A grilled blueberry muffin NEEDS to happen. Get a massage at The Inn By the Sea's spa and take advantage of their crazy shower. Stop by Portland Head Light for lighthouse photos then catch a ferry to Peak's Island where you can rent a bike and ride around before heading back to Portland for a delicious meal at Duckfat. Make sure to get a milkshake And the fries. This is no time to skimp. There's sailing and lobstering and kayaking.....more eating....I could go on for days!!!!