If you got Gold status last year, its good for all this year. Ends Dec. 31, 2013. Once you get Gold status, its 20X easier to maintain each year. So if you like Grazie? Do your best to maintain Gold, and don't let it drop.
Absolutely. I hit gold mid-year last year and on a three-day trip over New Year's, came within 1,000 points of renewing again (I'm back next month, so will finish it off then). Was shocked at how quickly the points accumulated.
Anyone know if they've finished remodeling the just-opened-anyway Venetian gold room?
