One of the great perks of being a centurion card holder is the associated travel benefits. Cardholders used to receive Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum membership automatically, now this has been downgraded to Gold membership as of January 2006. Let’s hope they bring back Platinum

Gold benefits from Starwood:

Earn Free Night Awards faster. Increase your rewards to 3 Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent — a 50% bonus over Preferred Guests.

Enhanced Rooms. Rather than redeeming Starpoints for a better room, you’re entitled to an automatic room upgrade at check-in when one is available. An enhanced room includes rooms on higher floors, corner rooms, newly renovated rooms, or rooms with preferred views.

4 p.m. late checkout, when available.

Complimentary weekday newspaper.

Gold Preferred Guest® special customer service telephone.

Check-cashing privileges up to $300.

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/gold_preferred.html