Thanks, Ozziewags for the info on Swan Club Level renovations. I didn't think they were completed just yet, but I guess we'll find out for certain on Sunday. I was told it actually doesn't take that long to "switch out" the rooms, but it is done on a rather slow schedule, so it will take awhile before the entire hotel is done.
I just got off the phone with Starwood to secure our Club Level upgrade, using points, and I wanted to caution everyone to make sure BEFORE they call that they know as much as possible about the Starwood system - especially how many points any sort of upgrade should cost.
I spoke with a very nice young woman, who was pleasant and helpful, but clearly didn't know what she was doing. We had made our reservations thru Dreams (to get the gov discount) so I knew this transaction would be a little complicated, especially if you had never done one before - and clearly this person had not. Thankfully, I had upgraded with points on a Dreams reservation before, so I knew it could be done - and I told her that.
After being placed on hold, the Starwood rep eventually figured out what she needed to do. She came back on the line, told me it would be 1,000 points per night, then said she had to have someone else make the change, so I was put back on hold again.
When she returned all was set - BUT she told me she had given me the wrong information and it was now 1,500 points per night!
Thanks to this board - and the Starwood site - I knew that was wrong. I asked when the points had been raised - she told me in January. I then explained that the cost had been 750 per night last year and raised to 1,000 points in 2003 - as per the information on the website. The 1,500 points per night was for an upgrade to a better view and that was not what I was requesting.
Back on hold for me -with the loudest "on hold" music blaring in my ear <G>. It was a long wait - but when she returned I was told that yes, I had been correct, it was only 1,000 points per night and my reservation was fixed.
Before I got off the phone I asked for an email confirmation of the change. Again, this was something I had learned last year and since this transaction hadn't gone as smoothly as I had hoped, I wanted to make sure I had some documentation.
I think later today I'm going to call the Swan directly, just to make certain all is set.
Cant' imagine how my family will react if we arrive at the hotel - and don't have a room!!!!
Dead End Kid
?
After reading on the board that people who actually HAVE points are being turned down, I'm not counting on an upgrade. But, as you all have said, it doesn't hurt to ask!
