NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[disneygals]

When I remembered that the one girl had said that they wouldn't see them available at the points line, I called the Dolphin directly, booked the suite, she said to call Starwood and convert the reservation to points. I hope I don't have trouble...haven't done it yet.

There was quite a bit of different info, I called a number of times trying to get my dh's Starwood number (didn't realize they had it under his work address and the wrong city too!) I was first told had to have the starpoints already transferred to book, then told have 7 days to transfer, then 2 weeks!

I am always so amazed with the DIS! and all the great info here.
Thanks all.

Vivienne

 

[Lisa BC]

Hi all!

Thank you for all the great information. I came across this site in a google search about 3 weeks ago, when I started planning our trip to Disney in Nov 2004. No I'm a total addict.... but I've learned so much, I know it will enhance our stay at WDW.

Now I'm an SPG, and planning on a stay at the Swan.

But, DH and I wanted to try out those "heavenly beds" before making a final decision on the Swan. I noticed on the SPG website that if you stayed in on the new Starwood hotels by March 31, that you would earn 1000 points per night! So I promptly made reservations for next weekend in Princeton NJ at the Westin. All the rooms have "heavenly beds". Yeah! We get to try the beds and earn some bonus points at the same time.

Do you think I dare ask for a complimentary upgrade to club level, since it is our first Starwood stay? If so, should I do right at the hotel at check-in or do it before hand via e-mail?

Thanks for the help!

Lisa

 

[jaygatz]

Lisa,

DW and I just got home from a one night trial run on the "Heavenly Beds" at the W in Atlanta, and I must say that they are exquisite! The 1000 point bonus drew us in as well. And, get this...upon showing our Gold SPG at check-in, we were upgraded to a Suite. It was unbelievable You really ought to try it out. The "Heavenly Beds" are out of this world.

 

[Lisa BC]

jaygatz,

I'm thrilled to hear that the beds met your expectations! We are really spoiled with our own bedding, but hopeful that we fall in love with the heavenly beds!

We are so looking forward to our first trip to WDW together, and excited about the possibility of also having a good night's sleep while on our trip, with all the perks of SPG to boot!

....also glad to hear that room upgrades do happen outside of the SPG resort properties.

Starwood is offering some decent rates in NYC so maybe we'll try out at W this spring.

Lisa

 

[Beader7]

Hello: I have learned so much from these boards and I thank everyone for sharing their welath of information!!! We are SOON staying at the SWAN. Every trip we have made to WDW I have DREAMED of staying there, and now we are!!!! Anyway, I joined the spg club, and also got a SPF AMEX. We got the promo that offered 5000 points on the first purchase. Havent gotten the points yet, but I am hoping!!! Anyway, we are really wanting to be able to use the CLUB LEVEL for a quick breakfast. Seems that in itself will ave us lots of money also!! We would love a balcony room too. (Any view is fine, as long as we can sit outside)
What is the AMONT of points needed to get CLUB LEVEL PRiv? What else should I be doing right now??? I am so confused. This is a BIG trip for us, so I want it to be very special!! We are taking our 14 and 16 year old daughters, and it could well be the last trip we take with them before they are adults. (I am SURE we will go back when THEY have families-lol)
Please, any helf will be GREATLY appreciated!!! I am so new to this???? ThanksThanks!

--When your heart is in your dream - no request is to extreme--

Sandy

 

[Lisa BC]

Hi Sandy!

I share your enthusiasm for the Swan at WDW, and as a new SPG card holder.... Starwood hotels!

Since I'm no expert on these matters, I would suggest that you post these very same questions on the Swan Dolphin thread. I'm sure Dream Flight or some other seasoned veteran will give you the best answers.

Good luck!

Enjoy your trip, I'm envious, as mine is 18 months away.

Lisa

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by Beader7
Anyway, I joined the spg club, and also got a SPF AMEX. We got the promo that offered 5000 points on the first purchase. Havent gotten the points yet, but I am hoping!!! Anyway, we are really wanting to be able to use the CLUB LEVEL for a quick breakfast.

I have been having an AWFUL time trying to get those points. All I have gotten so far...is the run around I was really wanting to use them for my upcoming trip, but I have about given up any hope of getting them...

 

[ozziewags]

pewing........don't you give up. Do you have the email or copy of the promo? Send it to them and call them and keep calling. Several of us had this same problem last spring for the same type of promo. They finally gave it to us, but we all kept after them. I also sent them my confirmation they had emailed to me with the date of the confirmation. They had no choice. Why do they do that? Promise something and then don't follow through? Not good business sense.

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by ozziewags
pewing........don't you give up. Do you have the email or copy of the promo? Send it to them and call them and keep calling. Several of us had this same problem last spring for the same type of promo. They finally gave it to us, but we all kept after them. I also sent them my confirmation they had emailed to me with the date of the confirmation. They had no choice. Why do they do that? Promise something and then don't follow through? Not good business sense.

Thanks for the encouragement I do have a copy of the promotion. I will try again. I agree...it's bad business. I already have a Delta SkyMiles AMEX and get 3-4 free tickets a year...I could give them so good business, but not when they don't hold up their end!

 

[jgates]

Hi Beader7, have you visited this thread yet? We have a tendency to get side tracked but we have a TON of valuable info. I believe (not 100% positive) that Club is now 1000 per night as of the last increase.

Come on over and read thru our pages and the answer is there. I know it was just discussed a few weeks ago again.

http://disboards.com/showthread.php?postid=3221275#post3221275

We were Swan Club level. I found it to be great - being a diabetic makes having close convenient quick food a necessity. We were on floor 12 so I would have died before I would have gone out on a balcony - just can't handle that!

 

[marymrg]

Pewing........I'm in the same boat as you. I made another call to AMex and they said 8-12 weeks. It seems as though I am in that timeframe now as I signed up on 1/17/03. I told the rep that I would be calling back. I am getting discouraged though because the rep told me I could get those points if I sign up someone else on the card. I told her I did that when I opened the card but this is not the same promotion. After she put me on "hold" she said...........8-12 weeks from opening up the card. I think I am going to email them right now and ask if I should cancel the card? If that gets me anywhere..........I'll let you know. I'm not trying to get "something for nothing" just what was promised. I already had an AMEX and would not have opened up a new account for the Starwood Amex if it weren't for the promotion.
Mary

 

[ozziewags]

I also remember asking to speak to a manager. Don't know if that will help you, but sounds like it won't hurt.

 

[tjmw2727]

Depsite being a gold preferred member for a few years now I just got "downgraded" boo hoo.

It seems that my Starwood stays are 13 months apart! Dolphin 12/01, and then a starwood resort in Hawaii 6/02, then our next stay was Dolphin 2/03. Our December trip was at the ASMo at a $49 AP rate, couldn't resist - should have stuck with the Dolphin. (or maybe not!)

I was at the Manele Bay In Hawaii (A Starwood Property) for several nights, June 02, in-between the other stays. They are not finding my Manele Bay stay in the "system" even though they can find my dining and incidental charges.

I am not having any luck having them credit my stay and getting my gold status restored. I have spoken with starwood, a manager and e-mailed customer service. I am going to so a "snail mail" letter tommorrow with all my facts and receipts.

Anyone else ever had this happen, any other tips or advice from my fellow starwood members? TIA

I am really not looking for a freebe but I met the requirements to keep my gold status. I don't like the idea of resorting to applying for the credit card and jumping through more hoops to get what I think I deserve.

Right now my DH is on his way to a Starwood property in RI and we have two more stays planned this spring one at anther Westin property and 10 days at the Dolphin.

Ok - I know there are more important things in the world right now - perhaps this is just today's distraction.

TJ
good thoughts to all who need them

 

[opal]

Just got a new membership card in the mail upgrading my status from Preferred to Preferred Plus as a result of having the Starwood Amex (after I got the Amex, I e-mailed about gold status and they replied I was not eligible). According to the letter it says my "new membership" entitles me to 2 starpoints for every U.S. dollar spent. Does that mean on all purchases I make with the card or just resort stays and purchases. I can't find any info on the spg site. Did anyone else get this???

 

[gm]

This may help some who hadnt had their points posted yet.

This happened to me a while back and I called Starwood Customer service and I told her that Amex is saying that it is Starwood who needs to post the points and so forth so she called the special Amex # they have on file and put all on a 3 way calling and it was taken care of right there and then. No going back and forth.

I suggest you tell starwood to call their americal express # they have on file and do a 3 way calling. It should not take that long to post points.

Good luck.

 

[anne60]

I went on the starwood site at the end of February and applied for the AMEX card. I now have Starwood preferred guest Platinum Amex card. My Starwood card (that I got in the mail after I got my amex card), says "Starwood Preferred guest". No plus, no platinum. Should it say something else? If my Amex is platinum, does that mean something?

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by anne60
I went on the starwood site at the end of February and applied for the AMEX card. I now have Starwood preferred guest Platinum Amex card. My Starwood card (that I got in the mail after I got my amex card), says "Starwood Preferred guest". No plus, no platinum. Should it say something else? If my Amex is platinum, does that mean something?

First of all...you are lucky you got your card! I have never gotten mine although I have contacted them 3 times! I do have the paper copy to use on my upcoming trip.

To answer your question...It should say GOLD across the top and the number should start with G. You have to call and ask to be upgraded to Gold. Just call Starwood and tell them that you have a Platinum Starwood AMEX card. Good luck!

 

[laurieny]

It takes forever to get the actual cards. I applied months ago and just got my preferred card. Have been gold for 3 months now and still no gold card. The one downloaded works just fine though!

 

[maggiew]

So, last night I had a dream that I received a complimentary upgrade to a suite at the Dolphin (Room 2 on the ground floor?? Don't know why. Dreams are funny). It was on the first floor and if you sat on the patio you had a perfect view of Illuminations.

I was booked at the Teacher rate and when I showed my Gold SPG card, the CM said, "Hold on a minute." and went to speak to her manager and came back and gave me this room.


I guess getting an upgrade has been on my mind. I just finished reading this 54 page thread and fell asleep with my Passporter guide in my arms. If only I am so lucky in June ...

Maggie

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by laurieny
It takes forever to get the actual cards. I applied months ago and just got my preferred card. Have been gold for 3 months now and still no gold card. The one downloaded works just fine though!

I Finally got my card last week...and then I got another one yesterday