I upgraded to gold using platinum card. I never stayed in a spg hotel. It says I have 2 nights left to re-earn gold and 17 to earn platinum. Does this make sense?
yes - Need total of 10 stays for gold and 25 stays for platinum status. Even if you haven't stayed, they start you off with 5-8 stays when logging in or using your amex. So it's often very quick to get to gold. Sometimes they will roll it over to the next year. it's good until 2/2015
you may like many of the starwood locations. The Sheratons are better than the Four Points in many cases even if it's only a 1K cost diff, they are more upscale. the Westins and "W"s are pricey but great locations and customer service.