Confusion with Starwood ( Swan and Dolphin) SPG discount rates

[cherylp3]

I was trying to use the 1000 points for a %50 percent off room discount.

I called SPG and was quoted a rate that was less than the rates posted on the site. It was not %50 off any of the rates listed on the SPG website.

I said this to the Customer service rep and they did not care.

I am a loyal SPG customer but this has me upset.

Note: I chose to book with Disney instead.

Just ranting
Cheryl

 

[bicker]

Typically, % off is computed from posted room rack rates, not other discounted rates, such as rates you might find on the Starwood Preferred Guest web site.

 

[webray]

Typically, % off is computed from posted room rack rates, not other discounted rates, such as rates you might find on the Starwood Preferred Guest web site.

Bicker is right. You were probably quoted the correct price. You typically don't get two discounts, or can't use a coupon on top of an already discounted price.

 

[cherylp3]

From the Starwood website:
50% Off Regular Rack Rates

For just 1,000 Starpoints®, you can stay at any participating Starwood hotel or resort for up to five consecutive nights for 50% off the regular rack rate.

Call your Customer Contact Center to redeem Starpoints for 50% Off Regular Rack Rates. Unlike Free Nights Awards, 50% Off Regular Rack Rates awards are subject to availability.

-Note I started the conversation asking if there was availablity.
She said yes.
The number I called was 888-625-xxxx

-Cheryl

 

[bicker]

There you go... the discount is off "Regular Rack Rates" -- not SPG web site rates. Glad you were able to clear that up.

 

[cherylp3]

What would Rack rate be?

I see 2 rates on the website: One that is $249 and one that is $199.

Again if I have things wrong I apologize.

-Cheryl

 

[bicker]

Rack Rate is typically posted on the back of the door to the room. Some traditional rooms with two double beds at the Dolphin have a rack rate of at least $469 per night.

 

[Chuck S]

Rack rates are the full price of the room without discounts...and depending on the company, it could also be interpreted to mean full price, highest season rate.. For instance, Starwood could consider their full price room on new year's eve to be the "rack rate", and all other seasonal rates already "discounted".

Disney generally considers their "seasonal" rates to be the rack rate before discount.

 

[cherylp3]

August.

I also don't undertand how they can give Teachers a major Discount and not give a SPG customer a closer discount.

-Cheryl

 

[bicker]

Even in August the rack rate is at least $459 per night.

I'm sure the teachers feel they deserve a better discount than SPG customers.

 

[cherylp3]

I'm sure the teachers are SPG customers - If they aren't they should be.

 

[AyaneEin]

Cheapest rate for Friday night on SPG.com was $159.00 (internet rate)... rack rate was $339.00... so it isnt worth it to redeem at this time... and I called the Dolphin direct and there is no RN/teacher/police discount (I'm an RN & usually this is best rate) for Friday night... Sometimes its just luck of the draw and what day your looking for... luckily I used DVC rent and am at BWV for $189.00!!!!
Allyson

 

[cherylp3]

Note although this has me "Upset" with SPG this booking snafu.

It won't stop me from using or considering SPG or Swan/Dolphin in the future.

I now understand that this "reward" is not very rewarding to me.

The only Sheraton I won't use again is the one in Tampa.

-Cheryl

 

[Lives4Disney]

Cherylp3 - I agree that this reward isn't very rewarding!

When would it be?? I have 13000 plus points and will have more after our August stay. What is the best way to use them?? What is the most rewarding??

Thanks -

Lives4Disney

 

[cherylp3]

My favorite way is cash and points ( The Swan and Dolphin aren't listed. )

That and free nights.

-Cheryl

 

[katallo]

August.

I also don't undertand how they can give Teachers a major Discount and not give a SPG customer a closer discount.

-Cheryl

I have to agree with this. It's not that I think teachers and nurses don't deserve the discount but this has been a constant for years. I've just noticed government workers are included. I live in Maryland and probably 60% of my neighbors work for the government. Sorry, but let's switch professions once in awhile.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

Should SOG change their policy too?

 

[cherylp3]

SOG is funded by the military. While Starwood is a private entity.

2 seperate matters.

Also, I personally have no qualms with military and/or govt. rates.
Those seem to be "common" in the industry.

Cheryl

 

[Hieatt]

Best value for use of points depends on what the best rate is at time you are going. If you can get a rate under $200, IMO a suite upgrade (which is same number of points as a free room) is the way to go. You can upgrade to a suite from lowest category of paid reservation... and a 1BR suite, which is huge, goes for around $500 discounted. If rooms are going for more, just turn in the points for a free room.

I would never use the "50% off award." It's too easy to get the 50% off rack rates without using points, for instance with AAA or an Entertainment card. The SPG 50% off award is subject to the same availability as these other discount programs, so there is no benefit to using it unless you don't have one of these other memberships/cards.

 

[Lives4Disney]

Hieatt - OK....Let me get this straight as I am new to SPG and their points and trying to work them to my best advantage. I can book a room at a great discounted rate of maybe $139/nt and upgrade to a suite from that?? (Do suites come with the club level amenties & lounge use??)

If that upgrade is possible, that would be fantastic. Right now I am staying 3 nts club level and I am just saving up the points. I will probably have 20,000 or so after this stay.

Thanks for the info!

Lives4Disney