Author Archives

Born in Pierre (SD). Lived in Vermillion, Rapid City, Lincoln (NE), Bozeman (MT), Portland, Seattle, and Denver. Travel is Life...

• Starwood Preferred Guest Increased Sign-up Bonus

  By mat(the)writer on March 17, 2016 • ( 2 )

  Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) has two co-branded American Express credit cards. The sign-up bonus on the SPG personal and business cards is usually 25k points after meeting the minimum spending requirement. Once a year, the sign-up bonus on both cards… Read More ›

• American Airlines Award Chart Devaluation

  By mat(the)writer on March 15, 2016 • ( 1 )

  Just a friendly reminder: American Airlines’ award chart will be devalued on March 22. First and Business class are taking the biggest hit. If you have miles to burn, now might be a great time to use them. Awards can… Read More ›

• New Years Eve – Denver

  By mat(the)writer on January 16, 2016 • ( 0 )

  

    Tuesday Element Denver Park Meadows $89 – 2015 points for December stay + 2500 points to use SPG Keyless Wednesday Westin Denver Downtown Free Night Certificate Thursday Hampton Inn Federal Center Best Rate Guarantee – $78 (receive $50 AmEx… Read More ›

• Hong Kong and Japan: A Combined Effort

  By mat(the)writer on January 5, 2016 • ( 5 )

  

  In December 2015, Mom, Dad and I traveled to Hong Kong for two nights, and then to Japan for 8 nights. The idea was mine, but Dad was integral to the vision, and execution. Mom was along for the ride…. Read More ›

• Sinai: Searing in Sand and Sun

  By mat(the)writer on October 1, 2015 • ( 8 )

  

  In the summer of 2009, I devoted two weeks to the Sinai Desert. I loved my initial impressions of Egypt. Serenity and beauty abound. Egypt beams with radiant energy, from the ever-shining sun, and all those damn pyramids. I experienced… Read More ›

• Twin Cities: A Viking Weekend

  By mat(the)writer on September 27, 2015 • ( 3 )

  Saturday Hotel Ivy, a Luxury Collection Hotel SPG Category 5 Free Night Certificate Sleek, Modern, Stylish Sunday Doubletree by Hilton $55 + 12,000 points (received $50 statement credit) Upgraded to suite with access to Executive Lounge

• Denver: Road Trip with a Friend

  By mat(the)writer on June 2, 2015 • ( 1 )

  

  Wednesday Radisson Denver Southeast 15,000 Club Carlson points Upgraded to business room on top floor with view of lake, mountains, and double rainbow   Thursday Radisson Denver Southeast FREE (last night of any award stay is free – benefit ended… Read More ›

• My Favorite Cities

  By mat(the)writer on May 29, 2015 • ( 4 )

  

  • Jerusalem – layers, energy, spirituality • Amsterdam – bicycles, canals, cafés • New York City – culture, arts, diversity • Athens, Greece – history, monuments, markets • San Francisco – cable cars, piers, redwoods What’s your favorite city? (Western… Read More ›

• Arizona Bound: Dancing in the Desert

  By mat(the)writer on April 21, 2015 • ( 0 )

  

  Friday Denver – Comfort Suites DTC FREE – Best Rate Guarantee   Saturday Albuquerque – Hampton Inn University Midtown $119 (Best Rate Guarantee – will receive $50 American Express gift card)   Sunday Scottsdale – The Phoenician SPG Category 5… Read More ›

• Win a $25 Amazon Gift Card

  By mat(the)writer on March 27, 2015 • ( 3 )

  Welcome Million Mile Secrets Readers! Follow my blog for a chance to win a $25 Amazon gift card. Enter a valid e-mail address at the top-right corner of http://www.matthewriter.wordpress.com. One new subscriber will be randomly selected on Friday, April 3,… Read More ›

• Bucket List

  By mat(the)writer on March 17, 2015 • ( 0 )

  

  Machu Picchu, Peru – remnants of a lost civilization Brazil – Rio, futbol, beaches, rainforests, shamans Nepal – Himalayas, trekking, tigers, monkeys, Buddhist temples India – Varanasi, the River Ganges, Hinduism, spice plantations, Indian cuisine, Rama Empire Maldives – Indian… Read More ›

• Colorado Condo and Denver Best Rate Guarantees

  By mat(the)writer on January 17, 2015 • ( 1 )

  Saturday – Sunday – Monday Tannenbaum by the River – Breckenridge, CO $40 (thanks to friends) Condo with deck overlooking stream   Tuesday Holiday Inn Express Denver Tech Center FREE (Best Rate Guarantee)   Wednesday Sleep Inn Denver Tech Center… Read More ›

• Denver, Colorado: A Winter Foray with Best Rate Guarantees

  By mat(the)writer on December 26, 2014 • ( 1 )

  

  Friday Aloft Denver International Airport $76 (Best Rate Guarantee: matched rate + 2000 SPG points) (counts toward Free Night Promotion) Modern, funky, friendly   Saturday Hilton Garden Inn Denver Tech Center $97 – $50 Gift Card (from previous BRG) =… Read More ›

• Portland, Oregon – On the Road Again

  By mat(the)writer on December 18, 2014 • ( 2 )

  

  I arrived in Portland at the beginning of October 2014. I unloaded my belongings into an apartment for two days, but never slept there. The nonsmoking apartment smelled of cigarettes, an upstairs neighbor directed a garish tirade at his girlfriend,… Read More ›

• Best Rate Guarantees

  By mat(the)writer on December 7, 2014 • ( 0 )

  Best Rate Guarantees (BRG) – Hotel chains guarantee their website carries the lowest price for a room. If you find a cheaper rate, submit a BRG form. The hotel will likely match the rate, and reward you. Below are my… Read More ›