Confusion with Starwood ( Swan and Dolphin) SPG discount rates

[Hieatt]

If you can get a rate of $139, DO NOT book a free room using SPG points - that would not a be an efficient use of points. Yes, you can definitely upgrade to a suite from any paid rate. I was told 10,000 points/night to upgrade to a 1 BR or Jr. suite, 20,000 points/night to upgrade to a 2 BR suite. The vast majority of suites do not come with Club Level privileges, although I understand there are a few Jr. and 1 BR suites on the Club Level floors (12 and 14 as I recall).

You can also book at your deeply discounted rates and upgrade to a standard Club Level room for 1,500 points/night.

I assume that if you wanted to upgrade to a suite on Club Level, they would guarantee it for 11,500 points/night.

Call the reservation line at the hotel directly to discuss these options - the SPG 800 number operators don't have all the details.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

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

I was responding more to Katallo but my point was that different "companies" provide discounts to different sectors. That's all.

I hadn't ever thought about it, but are you telling me that the US Military actually owns/runs SOG????? They fund it?

 

[cherylp3]

I would assume they fund some of it.

Example a SOG employee gets the following: We offer a comprehensive benefits package to all Full-Time and Part-Time employees, which includes: U.S. Army Non-Appropriated Fund (NAF) Retirement Plan, Medical/Dental, Life Insurance, Group Long Term Care, 401(k), Annual Leave and Sick Leave. Shades of Green is required to meet the same appearance standards as set forth by the Walt Disney Company for on-stage cast members.

 

[bicker]

Self-supporting and operated with non-appropriated funds, Shades of Green is reserved for active duty and retired members of the uniformed services, Reserves and National Guard, as well as active and retired Department of Defense civilians and their families.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

Yes, I went to www.shadesofgreen.org and read up on it. Thanks for the info.

 

[madge]

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

over on flyertalk, many of the SPG regulars comment that the 50% rack award is a joke. Internet only, AAA, special promos, etc are almost always better.

sorry it's been frustrating for you!

 

[madge]

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.

 

[madge]

upgrade to a standard Club Level room for 1,500 points/night.

CL upgrades are 1000 points per night, unless there has been a very recent change I'm unaware of.

Room Upgrades


Use as few as 1,000 Starpoints® for a room upgrade at any participating Starwood hotel or resort. Arrange for an upgrade within five days of arrival to a Specialty, Specialty Select Room, or Suite. You may upgrade from any category of room with a Free Night Award or a paid reservation. Category of upgrades and Starpoints needed for an upgrade are determined by each hotel and are subject to availability.

You can find more information online, call 1-877-STARWOOD, or ask at the front desk.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

CL upgrades are 1000 points per night, unless there has been a very recent change I'm unaware of.

You know, I have seen people post 1000 per night and 1500 a night quite a few times. Maybe the difference is when you request the upgrade...maybe it's more if you request at check-in?

I have no clue. LOL

I think my question got lost at the bottom of another page......Does anyone know what the Instant Awards are the Dolphin?

 

[madge]

You know, I have seen people post 1000 per night and 1500 a night quite a few times. Maybe the difference is when you request the upgrade...maybe it's more if you request at check-in?

I have no clue. LOL

I think my question got lost at the bottom of another page......Does anyone know what the Instant Awards are the Dolphin?

I believe there has always been confusion about how many points it takes for the upgrade at the S/D. In my experience, I have been charged 1000 points/night in Oct. 2004, July 2004, Sept 2003, etc. Each upgrade reads the same, except the date:

CAT 4 SPECIALTY UPGRD ONLY 1N Oct 07, 2004 -1,000

I'm not sure what other instant awards are available at the S/D, I only use my points for room upgrades, LOL.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I just called the Dolphin front desk and spoke with James. When I asked him what Instant Awards they have, he asked me what level my Starwood membership was. When I answered Platinum, he remarked that Platinum members get most of them for free. Upgrades, late check-out, etc. My guess is, we are all getting the Instant Awards, we just don't realize it, LOL. He did offer me the option of buying hotel credits though.....1500 points for a $20 hotel credit.

 

[madge]

I just called the Dolphin front desk and spoke with James. When I asked him what Instant Awards they have, he asked me what level my Starwood membership was. When I answered Platinum, he remarked that Platinum members get most of them for free. Upgrades, late check-out, etc. My guess is, we are all getting the Instant Awards, we just don't realize it, LOL. He did offer me the option of buying hotel credits though.....1500 points for a $20 hotel credit.

I'm glad you found your answers

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I'm glad you found your answers

Thanks!

Now the info is there for someone else......

 

[rparmfamily]

For those who collect and obtain status from SPG. There is an offer out there that allows you to earn 2x the daily status requirements. For example, If it takes you 10 stays or 25 nights to earn gold, now it will only take 5 stays or 13 nights if you are allowed to sign up for it.

SOG is really awesome to stay at. I wished everyone had the opportunity to tour the hotel as the rooms are huge and the customer service is great and the food is fantastic.

Also it was nice to see another FT member here.

Rex

 

[QueenOfCelts]

rparmfamily - Do you have info on the Instant Awards?

 

[madge]

Also it was nice to see another FT member here.

I love flyertalk

As far as benefits vs. instant rewards, they aren't the same thing. An upgrade is complimentary for a SPG Gold member, but to upgrade at the front desk to Club Level, it is an instant award. I sign the sheet every time. I've also seen, over the years, food credits, room credits, etc.


www.spg.com has all the info on benefits, but not much on redeeming points for awards.

 

[QueenOfCelts]

I love flyertalk

As far as benefits vs. instant rewards, they aren't the same thing. An upgrade is complimentary for a SPG Gold member, but to upgrade at the front desk to Club Level, it is an instant award. I sign the sheet every time. I've also seen, over the years, food credits, room credits, etc.


www.spg.com has all the info on benefits, but not much on redeeming points for awards.

WOW! It seems we both read that post the same way......

You (Madge) are much more patient than I.

It amazes me how many people respond to threads yet they really aren't clear as to what is being discussed. I am pretty sure so called "elite" members realize why they should reserve a less expensive room.

 

[madge]

WOW! It seems we both read that post the same way......

You (Madge) are much more patient than I.

It amazes me how many people respond to threads yet they really aren't clear as to what is being discussed. I am pretty sure so called "elite" members realize why they should reserve a less expensive room.

Patient? Me? LOL...my children might disagree with you I've been reading this board for a long time, and sometimes posts aren't intended to come across the way they sound. Rparmfamily is a first-time poster (welcome! )--it doesn't take long to see that the DIS is full of many different kinds of posters, some very experience and quite a lot of first-timers...not everyone knows the ins and outs of the Starwood Program, especially since it isn't owned by DIsney.

As I re-read my response, I don't think it makes much sense to someone that is new to the SPG program, though. There used to be a thread specifically about the Starwood Guest Program, but I can't seem to find it right now.

For elite (SPG Gold and Plat) members, it is wise to book a low category room to take advantage of the complimentary room upgrade. For Plats, this means a suite, CL access, etc. (I'm sure there are more perks, but I am only SPG Gold ) That makes good sense-- book a standard view and request a comp upgrade to a room with a view & balcony. Some of the other perks of elite membership include late checkout, higher points earned per dollar spent, etc.

Instant awards are totally different from benefits of the SPG program. As I mentioned in the other post, I always use 1000 points per night for CL access. That is considered an instant award, as is using points for money off a stay. Those awards vary at each porperty.

We love the SPG program--we stayed at a Sheraton in Nashville earlier this year and were comped to a lovely room with CL access, just for having Gold status. loved that! I'm susing point in September to stay at the Westin in Indianapolis (going to see Off KIlter )

I hope that makes more sense!

 

[rparmfamily]

I am sorry if I came off wrong on my first post but intended to come across promoting the use of the benefits for programs. As for bashing me for conducting my first post by implying that I have no experience I thought that was a little harsh. Like I said, Im sorry if I came off wrong but I did not appreciate it. I would like to think I have alittle experience since I travel 6 months out of the year and belong to the best resources in the world.

"I am pretty sure so called "elite" members realize why they should reserve a less expensive room." If this was the case then I would never hear or see Gold or PLT ask the questions that they do at hotels and the same for top tier members of specific airlines. If you know the program you belong too in and out, you will travel for a lot less, stay in nicer accomodations and become an assest to others.

One other note. If you belong to AAA you can become a Preferred Plus Guest and recieve almost the same benefits as a Gold Member minus the 50PCT points or miles bonus. It is definately worth the ugrades.

Take Care,
Rex

 

[rparmfamily]

Gold Preferred Guest®
Stay just 10 times (or 25 nights) a year, and earn Gold status. Receive all the benefits of a Preferred Guest® with the following enhancements:
More Starpoints: Earn 3 Starpoints® for every eligible U.S. dollar spent -- a 50% bonus over Preferred Guests, more than any other program -- so you earn free nights faster.
Automatic Room Upgrades¹: As an elite member, you don't need to redeem Starpoints for a room upgrade --- you'll automatically be given a Preferred Room at check-in when available.
Faster Airline Awards: Enjoy a lower minimum transfer threshold when converting Starpoints to frequent flyer miles -- exchange just 1,500 Starpoints versus 2,500 for Preferred Guests.
Little Extras: Take advantage of a morning newspaper, 4 p.m. late checkout when available, check-cashing privileges up to $300, and access to the Gold Preferred Guest special customer service telephone number for reservations and information.



Platinum Preferred Guest®
Stay 25 times (or 50 nights) a year, and achieve Platinum status. Enjoy personalized attention and unparalleled rewards at an extraordinary collection of hotels and resorts worldwide as well as the following enhancements:
Our Best Room: You'll automatically be upgraded to our best available guest room at check-in. Best room varies by property and includes select standard suite.
Platinum Concierge: No other program offers such highly personalized service as our Platinum Concierge(SM). Call to make reservations and secure upgrades, redeem awards, book opera tickets and baby sitters, or get information on local restaurants and sights.
Complimentary Access: Enjoy complimentary access to the hotel gym and Executive and Club Level floors at Westin® and Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts.
Welcome Gift Upon Arrival: Complimentary welcome gift.
Platinum members receive guaranteed room availability with 72+ hour notice of arrival and 4 pm late check out.*


Instant Awards(SM)


Redeem your Starpoints® for in-hotel indulgences, from a massage to dinner and more. Choose Instant Awards(SM) for spontaneous redemptions, so you can reward yourself at a moment's notice. Simply ask which Instant Awards are available when you check in. Instant Awards and points needed for Instant Awards vary by hotel.

Rex