Dolphin: Better to contact SPG or the "D" directly....

[Kapp]

in wanting to "cash in" your SPG points for a room upgrade 5 days before you arrive? We are going to want to cash in our points for either Club Level or a better room (suggestions on which is better or harder to get from a check-in upgrade?) and have heard pros and cons from either calling Starwood directly or the Dolphin directly. I have heard that calling the Dolphin will result in the higher cost of points (1,250 or 1,5000 compared to Starwood's 1,000) but that you can get a better room. Any use to call one and than the other to make sure?

Any suggestions?

THANKS, in advance!

Kapp

 

[hookedup]

In my experience in general - using SPG points for upgrades, etc. I have found it best to start by calling SPG 800 and talking to the redemption agents. If you do not get the answer you think you should then try another agent there (I have found some are MUCH more knowledgeable and accomodating than others).
My least success has been in calling hotels directly. I have found the res agents on property to be recluctant to do it, not very knowledgeable and often referring me back to SPG to do the transaction.
Now the Dolphin staff may be different - I am referring to several SPG properties ranging from St. Regis to Westins all over the world.
Last time I did it at a St Regis I called SPG directly 3 days in a row and was told no availabiltiy (5 days out) the 3 day there was availablity and so I upgraded. Then later I called the property directly to confirm this and also asked about room type more specifically. On my arrival to the hotel we had gotten a much nicer upgrade than I had anticipated.
Just my 2 cents...

 

[wld]

As for which is easier to get at check in...We got a free room upgrade king with balcony and view just by asking two weeks earlier by email to the Swan

 

[swilphil]

If you go to the swandolphin.com website and click on special requests under reservations, there is a form you fill out and e-mail to the hotel. Good luck!!