8 Nights in 5-Star Hotels for Free

After booking the flights for our 'Asian Hopper' trip, our next task was to sort out the accommodation for 1-week in Taiwan and 1-night in Hong Kong. 

Back in June 2018, I transferred almost all of my remaining SPG points to Marriott and redeemed 2 sets of 7-nights Cat 1-5 hotel + air package before the travel packages significantly devalued. I used one of the  hotel certificates to book 7-nights at Sheraton Grand Taipei for free. This hotel is conveniently located near Taipei Main Station and I've read good reviews about the executive lounge, which I'll have access to as part of my Platinum benefit. =) Total cost for these 7-nights would have been TWD 54,968 ($1,750), definitely not somewhere we would stay if we had to pay out-of-pocket.

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As for our 1-night in Hong Kong, I was able to use my first and last 'uncapped' anniversary free night from my Chase IHG Rewards Club Select Credit Card  (no longer available) to book a free night at the Intercontinental Hong Kong. Definitely a good value given I paid only $49 annual fee for the credit card for a room worth $292! This hotel is renowned for its amazing location on the Kowloon waterfront, with spectacular views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. 

I am looking forward to revisit Taiwan and Hong Kong after 7 years and 3 years, respectively. Stay tuned for the trip report!