NEW...DOLPHIN/SWAN..."questions and answers"...tips and hints!

[dreamflight99]

Subject: Earn triple Starpoints through January 31, 2003

As a Platinum Preferred Guest®, you are invited to share in a special earning opportunity. You'll earn triple Starpoints(SM) for every stay through January 31, 2003, at more than 200 participating hotels and resorts in the U.S., Canada and Latin America.

There is no limit to the number of bonus Starpoints you can earn. Just think how quickly a few business trips will turn into free nights.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Offer is valid for select, pre-registered Starwood Preferred Guests. Reservations must be consumed between November 1, 2002, and January 31, 2003. Offer is valid at Triple Play participating properties. Only the two base Starpoints earned will be tripled. No additional bonus Starpoints earned from the stay — including, but not limited to, the Starwood Preferred Guest 50% elite bonus or the online booking bonus, etc. — will be tripled. All promotions associated with Starwood Preferred Guest are subject to the general terms and conditions of the Starwood Preferred Guest program, which are subject to change without notice. Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Void where prohibited by law. Not to be combined with other offers or promotions.
© 2002 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

I guess it's only for platinum members. Maybe this means something is in the works for the GOLD members!


*Yes, thank you. My ear is MUCH better!

 

[adisneyfan2]

Thanks HookedUp & DF99 -- I will try, try, try again with SPG for the upgrade & let everyone know how it goes!

Glad to be going though, whether I'm "gold" or not!

 

[RobMax]

Well - the town car thing goes on and on for us. We need two car seats so looks like we will have to rent one of the van services for our trip from the airport.

Grrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr,

Glenn

 

[MOM POPPINS]

RobMax: We were given 2 car seats from yourride, We needed 2 seats in December and September this year and were given them on both trips. Did you encounter a problem asking for 2 seats ? Yourride has vans for the same price as the town car and they are very comfortable with plenty of room!

By the way thanks for all the good wishes from my "disney friends". I have a sonogram next Thursday and will pass along the due date

 

[adisneyfan2]

They say three times is a charm, & it must be! Called and got a very nice agent who asked if I had a Platinum AmEx card. I said yes (the SPG is a Plat AmEx, right?) she said she didn't need my cc#, and had upgraded me to SPG Gold Preferred almost before I knew what happened. Interestingly, I after I called I logged on to post my success when I stumbled across the SPG thread (which I had never seen before.) I was glad I called first, because I read there that the complimentary Gold upgrade is designed for regular AmEx Platinum cardholders ($395/year) NOT SPG Platinum cards. I wouldn't have had the nerve to call if I had known better! I'm just glad I wound up with an agent who apparently didn't realize the difference either. I guess that explains why so many of us had to call repeatedly! Oooops!

 

[adisneyfan2]

Three quick ones:

For upgrading or maintaining status, does SPG follow the calendar year (Jan-Dec) or a rolling 12-month year, for counting hotel stays/nights?

Also, now that we have Gold status, I called the Dolphin to inquire about requesting an upgrade. The agent told me that was up to the front desk, and we would have to take our chances and ask when we arrive. Unfortunately, our flight gets in pretty late so we won't make it to the Dolphin until after 11pm. Our trip starts 12/27 -- a pretty busy time, so I would think by 11pm without a prior request, there wouldn't be much left. Is this the same as SPG? Just call again and hope for a friendlier agent? Or wait until closer to our arrival?

Last: Do any corner King rooms in the East wing (with views of Epcot) have adjoining rooms? (Hey, it never hurts to dream, does it?)

Thanks!!!

 

[disnurse]

does anyone know if any dolphin rooms have been renovated or what the schedule looks like for them??

 

[sofifi97]

I'll be visiting WDW 12/29/02 for 4 nights and have the Swan booked at the Nurse rate for a standard room (booked thru Dreams) and am looking to upgrade this room without incurring further cost.
I've read through many posts on this 18 page thread, but have some questions still. Please help and accept my advance apologies if I repeat any questions, I tried really hard not to.

1) I received a spg card after a stay at a westin in sept. '00. I called today to find out how many points I had and they told me my acct was inactive and therefore all points were voided. My other hotel/air reward programs keep my credits for 3 years(sometimes more). How do I keep a current acct with spg so this won't happen again?

2) So, now I have zero points in my spg acct. I'm considering a transfer of some amex membership reward points to sufficiently fund my newly re-activated acct w/ 3000 spg points (750 per nt) enough for 4 night upgrade to CL. I was told by a Starwood agent that I had to wait until checkin to request CL and that there is no guarentee that I'll get it. I've read on the board though that CL priviledges can be given to guests on other floors... if so, then what would be a circumstance that a CL upgrade wouldn't be available? Also, is it true that I can't request this until check in? I don't want to xfer amex pts unless I'm relatively sure I will get the upgrade, for fear that I may loose those points to inactivity. I can't xfer them back to amex, so this is important to me. Also nervous I might not get upgrade due to high occupancy Holiday season stay.

Many, many thanks in advance for any information.
sofifi97

 

[dreamflight99]

ARE YOU EXCITED...OR WHAT?! I KNEW you could achieve this, adisneyfan2! And, contrary to the info on the SPG site, associates knowingly upgrade American Express Platinum "SPG" members, not just "regular" PLAT. CC members. I know, as my sister is an AMEX SPG CC holder, and was upgraded. As I was speaking to my SPG platinum preferred concierge service (making a ressie), I mentioned this to the associate. She "CONFIRMED" these upgrades are being offered as a "test" pilot process, to see how it is received by the members! (VERY WELL, I PRESUME!) I am a regular PLAT. AMEX CC holder, as well as the PLAT. SPG and the PLAT. Delta Skymiles, (And BLUE TOO...okay, I have TOO MANY AMEX accounts! ), and was surprised when they upgraded my sister to GOLD SPG. So...it is not truly a fluke~and you ARE deserving!! CONGRATULATIONS!

**ALSO...I believe SPG follows the 12 month from "date of issue" (OF SPG card). Yet, I may be incorrect here. Jump to the SPG thread and post this one!

I recall JEN had to ontain a room next door or across the hall, as the CORNER KING did not have a connecting door. She didn;t mind, and actually preferred the privacy with her DH! And...just because you are arriving late, does not mean all the UPGRADES are gone! Please, ask...ask...ask! Also, it NEVER hurts to call again...directly to the DOLPHIN, during the early day...(M-F) and inquire about UPGRADES again. Someone (Another ANGEL) may be able to assist you PRIOR to your arrival. It has happened in the past, and lightening frequently strikes the same place twice..or more! LOL. Please, keep asking and being tenacious. Look where it has landed you so far!? *YOU ARE GOLD SPG!!!

RobMax...Glad MOM POPPINS eased your mind about the transportation...and the car seat issue. Hope it all goes well.

MOM POPPINS...I can hardly wait. You've been on my mind since I heard the news. Relax, get some rest...and stay Healthy and HAPPY!

disnurse...supposedly, there are some being renovated as I type this to you. Yet, openly...they are slated to BEGIN renovations in 2003, finishing by the fall. Keep your fingers crossed!

Sofifi97...usually one stay in a calendar year will do it! You may also call customer service and ask if they could "RE-OPEN" your account and deposit some of the points you lost as a "gesture of goodwill, etc." (HEY...it NEVER HURTS to ASK!). Apparently, you were under the presumption SPG was comparable to your other preferred frequent travel membership programs, where the points never expire. PLEASE--EMAIL CUSTOMER SERVICE AND EXPLAIN THIS EXACTLY AS YOU HAVE POSTED IT HERE. They are Superior with the types of situations, and may be able to meet you half way, or better.

Upgrades to CL are almost ALWAYS fulfilled. I do know this upgrade can be GRANTED 5-days from your intended arrival. Call the DOLPHIN/SWAN and inquire about the stipulations. Most everyone on this board has upgraded to CL w/o any problem. Most all have this feature/upgrade reserved prior to their arrival, and the points are taken out at check-in, etc.

Your point transfer idea is wonderful. Yet, please try to regain some of the points you lost through customer service @ spg.com. The associates here are wonderful, and have the power to deposit points into your account for any reason they see fit. This is certainly a valid reason (you presumed they had no expiration). Let me know how this transpires. Thanks...hope this info helps a bit.

 

[sofifi97]

df99,
Thank you so much... what a kind soul you are to share all your knowledge!
I will heed your advice and email spg cust. svc. If I have any luck, I'll let you know... wish me luck.

sofifi97

 

[adisneyfan2]

Thanks to everybody on these boards we learned how great the S&D are, joined SPG, have started collecting points with our new SPG AmEx, AND got upgraded to Gold status! I shudder to think where we might have been without these boards..... You all are the greatest! Thanks again everyone!

P.S. DF99, thanks for all the encouragement. As you have said all along, persistence pays! I will post the question about the SPG year on the SPG thread too.

 

[dreamflight99]

Here's some PIXIE DUST to help a bit ****************************************************************************************************
Also, Thanks for the KIND words! I am happy to help folks, and love hearing the WONDERFUL stories of the magical visits they all experience. I wish you the BEST of luck. Keep in touch!

adisneyfan2...I'm so happy you have found this fun & humble thread to be beneficial. We are all here to help and touch one another's lives through our love of the MAGIC! We are all FAMILY on this DIS board...and this thread keeps us ALL CONNECTED!

Just came in from a refreshing walk in the RAIN (With my DISNEY Umbrella...with EARS on the TOP!) LOL. It was so nice, and my DH accompanied me. Also, today DD obtained her Driving permit. Just yesterday, she was in a stroller pointing at the Castle...where did the time go?

 

[Mouseteacher]

adisneyfan2 -

Way to go! Congratulations, I knew it would happen for you. This Board is the best and everyone is so helpful especially df99 with all her knowledge and encouragement.

Now, just email or call the Dolphin on the upgrade about a week before arrival with your request. Keep checking the spg site and check your reservation status. You may be see a surprise there before your arrival. That's what happened to us.

 

[wld]

Just one more quick question on the upgrade to gold issue. Who do I call?
Just reserved a week at the Swan with the nurses rate!!!!!

 

[dreamflight99]

wld...the number for SPG is listed on the back of your preferred card, or on the site @ www.spg.com. Call this number for customer service, and inform them of the item/membership you currently hold~making you eligible for upgrade (Platinum membership in OTHER travel programs, Platinum AMEX, (SPG too), etc.) and LET THE UPGRADE BEGIN!

mouseteacher... Thanks for the kind words. Everyone on this thread is supportive and encouraging, supplying the necessary "extra" push many may need to achieve their DREAMS! (At least DOLPHIN/SWAN..DISNEY Dreams! LOL). It's such a great feeling to read the posts where DISers have received upgrades, special treatment, or the "seemingly" impossible. You know from experience the sense of elation attached to these feats (when you "checked" your ressie on SPG and noticed the upgrade!). Pursuing these matters is exciting and fun, achieving them...is "a horse of a different color" indeed! Each person contributing on this thread makes it truly pleasurable to open to this site each day, and read the posts. Our common interest binds us all together.

Enjoy the WEEKEND~~Happy SATURDAY!!

 

[sofifi97]

df99,
Sorry to ask another question so soon, but if I understood your last post to 'wld' correctly you were talking about an upgrade to Gold SPG status so long as the member has an existing platinum affiliation with Amex... does that hold true ONLY to the SPG Platinum from Amex, or any Platinum Amex?
I happen to have an extra Amex I applied for but never used, it's a Platinum Cash Rewards Amex (works like Optima- no annual fee credit card, not the regular $400 annual fee charge card ).

Again, many sincere thanks

Sofifi97

 

[WolfpackFan]

Yippee - I am now SPG Gold. Here is the conversation -

SPG: Starwood Preferred Guest, how can I hep you?
ME: I just received a Platinum AmEx card and would like to see if it would be possible to have my SPG upgraded to SPG Gold.
SPG: Absolutely, no problem at all - what is your SPG number?
ME: told him the number
SPG: What is your AmEx number?
ME: told him the number
SPG: Congratulations, you are now Gold, you will receive a new card in 4-6 weeks.
ME: Thank you very much

It's as simple as that folks. This was after being turned down Thursday.

Now, what does that Gold status actually get me

Thank you so much DF99 for the advice to keep trying.

PS - I just checked www.spg.com and sure enough, it shows me as being SPG Gold.

 

[dreamflight99]

CONGRATULATIONS! YOU ARE NOW G~O~L~D SPG ...YEAH! I loved the commentary/conversation, wolfpackfan. LOL. That GOLD status gets you quite a BIT MORE than Preferred. Here's what you get:

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(SM) 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 Upgrades: 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, check-cashing privileges up to $300, and access to the Gold Preferred Guest special customer service telephone number for reservations and information.

So...MUCHO CONGRATS on your FABULOUS UPGRADE! SPG definitely IS the BEST KEPT SECRET of the WDW DOLPHIN/SWAN RESORTS!

sofifi97...The upgrade does NOT just refer to the SPG PLAT AMEX CC...but just about ANY PLAT "AMEX" CC will suffice. Just tell the associate you have a PLATINUM AMERICAN EXPRESS ACCOUNT (follow the conversation wolfpackfan used~posted above!), and LET THE MAGIC BEGIN! Bon Chance...let us know what happens!

 

[happytrails2u]

Originally posted by WolfpackFan
Yippee - I am now SPG Gold. Here is the conversation -

SPG: Starwood Preferred Guest, how can I hep you?
ME: I just received a Platinum AmEx card and would like to see if it would be possible to have my SPG upgraded to SPG Gold.
SPG: Absolutely, no problem at all - what is your SPG number?

Hi all,

The "Gold" upgrade is really a coin-toss and depends on the representative you speak with at Starwood, as indicated in Wolfpack's conversation.

The upgrade was/is intended for holders of the Amex Platinum Card ($395.00 per year), not to be confused with SPG Platinum Card, which is fee free for the first year - - then $35 or so per year going forward.

Avoid the word Starwood in your request, i.e., "I have an Amex Plat Card and would like to be upgraded to Gold." Period. The persistence factor IS the main ingredient to anything your hearts desire.

It's akin to the 70's show "Columbo." Boy, what a pain in the neck he was to the suspects, but he just kept coming (scratching the head) "geez, do you mind if I ask just one more question. And just when you think he's done..."OH, and just one more quick thought, do you happen to know if???" "Well thanks so much, you've been a terrific help!" Always non-threatening, cordial, polite, but persistent. "Now, Mam, if I may be so bold...you're under arrest!" LOL.

FYI: On another note, a little birdie, with angel wings , mentioned that the entire third and fourth floors of the Swan have been renovated. There are also four Swan Studios on each floor. Two of four (on each floor) have balconys and are priced at $189.00 per eve. with the nurse's/teacher's/govt. rate. Thought some of you might be interested.

OT: ...just returned from a two day trip to NYC and stayed at the new Westin Times Square. It's very trendy and eclectic. The rooms are furnished in "W" style, not traditional Westin, warmer tones. Personally, I prefer the warmer, richer tones. Its location is at 8th and 43rd. There is also a Shula's Steak House there or will be soon (didn't have the time to check it out).

Happy weekend to all and congrats to those that have achieved their Gold status. Next stop...Platinum.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Just came back from being outside and as usual need to check the boards. We are experiencing a beautiful warm Indian summer day! This type of weather is always a bonus in the northeast and many people were out and about today.

Congratulations on going GOLD ! I believe this level can up your chances of receiving a complimentary upgrade to CL if available.
Good luck.