Ascott Star Rewards launches KrisFlyer miles conversions

Ascott Star Rewards (ASR) is the loyalty programme of The Ascott Limited, which operates numerous serviced residence brands including Ascott, Citadines, lyf, Oakwood, Somerset, and The Crest Collection.

Members enjoy additional benefits like room upgrades or late check-out, while earning ASR points on their stays. Unfortunately, the redemption scheme is basically a cashback programme where each point has a fixed value (like Accor Live Limitless), so there’s no opportunity for outsized value.

ASR has now strengthened its partnership with Singapore Airlines to allow members to convert ASR points into KrisFlyer miles. However, the rate on offer is so poor that it’s best avoided!

Ascott Star Rewards points can now be converted into KrisFlyer miles

ASR points	KrisFlyer miles
20 points	1 mile
Min conversion: 5,000 ASR points

ASR points can now be converted into KrisFlyer miles at a ratio of 20 ASR points = 1 KrisFlyer mile.

• A minimum conversion of 5,000 ASR points is required
• A maximum of 50,000 ASR points can be converted per calendar year
• Conversions are free of charge

I’m not sure about processing times, as I haven’t tested it myself- nor do I intend to!

That’s because 1 ASR point has a fixed value of 0.25 cents, so you’re effectively buying miles at 5 cents each. That is an insane price to pay, and almost on par with the appalling US$40 (~S$51) per 1,000 miles that Singapore Airlines charges KrisFlyer members for miles top-ups.

There is absolutely no reason why you should be spending ASR points in this manner. It’s hard to think of a use case for this, because even if you had an orphan balance, the minimum conversion of 5,000 ASR points would keep this from being a viable option.

How do ASR points work?

ASR points can be used to pay for stays at a fixed rate of 1 ASR point = S$0.0025. Members can apply points during checkout to reduce the total cost of a stay, and use cash to pay for whatever balance remains.

ASR points can also be converted into CapitaStar STAR$ at a rate of 10,000 ASR points = 25,000 STAR$. As 5,000 STAR$ = S$5 eCapitaVoucher, this is basically value neutral. 

Alternatively, you can use ASR points to purchase Priority Pass lounge passes, though the value is very poor.

ASR points have a hard expiry of 24 months, regardless of account activity. 

What benefits does ASR offer?

ASR has four tiers of membership:

• Classic: Earns 10 points per S$1 (2.5% rebate)
• Silver: Earns 12 points per S$1 (3% rebate)
• Gold: Earns 14 points per S$1 (3.5% rebate)
• Platinum: Earns 16 points per S$1 (4% rebate)

However, only the Gold and Platinum tiers offer any real benefits. 

	ASR Gold	ASR Platinum
Enhanced Wi-Fi	✅	✅
Late Check-Out (subject to availability)	✅ 2 p.m	✅ 3 p.m
Complimentary Preview Stay (by invite)	✅	✅
Full 24-Hour Stay		✅
Free Breakfast		✅ Europe only*
Free Airport Transfer  in Middle East		✅
*”Coming soon” to China and Japan

The best perks are, of course, reserved for the Platinum tier, with complimentary breakfast in Europe. Ascott says this will soon be expanded to China and Japan, though the timeline is unclear. Platinum members also receive a complimentary one-way airport transfer in the Middle East, with a minimum stay of five nights. 

They stand a higher chance of being invited for complimentary preview stays at soon-to-open properties, or to ASR Local Signatures and Ascott Privilege Signatures, which include events with Chelsea Football Club, Singapore F1 and Wimbledon.

The full list of ASR-participating properties can be found here.

ASR status match

It’s worth mentioning that ASR is running a status match opportunity that will basically match any hotel programme, including Accor Live Limitless, GHA DISCOVERY, Hilton Honors, IHG One Rewards, Marriott Bonvoy and World of Hyatt.

They will even match airline status from Singapore Airlines, Cathay Pacific, Qatar Airways and numerous other carriers.

Alternatively, you can also get complimentary status if you hold certain credit cards.

Tier	Match from
ASR Platinum	AMEX Centurion AMEX Platinum Charge OCBC VOYAGE UOB Visa Infinite Metal Card UOB Privilege Banking Visa Infinite UOB Lady’s Solitaire Card UOB Reserve
ASR Gold	AMEX Platinum Reserve AMEX Platinum Credit Cards
ASR Silver	All OCBC cards All UOB cards

All matched status is valid for one year, after which members will need to requalify under regular rules.

Conclusion

Ascott Star Rewards members can now convert ASR points into KrisFlyer miles at a rate of 20 points = 1 mile. However, just because you can doesn’t mean you should. This is equivalent to paying 5 cents per mile, which is incredibly overpriced compared to the alternatives.

If you do have ASR points, you’re better off spending them on upcoming stays, or cashing them out through the CapitaStar partnership instead.