NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers
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Dead End Kid
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2001
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- 41
Need help/advice, please!!!!
Well, the good news is thanks to the Starwood AMX card, it was rather easy to earn the necessary points our family needs to upgrade to Club Level for our 5 night trip to the Swan in July.
The bad news - and where I need help - is that I can't get that upgrade locked down!!!!!
After reading these boards it seemed obvious that the "best" way to secure the upgrade was to call the hotel directly. That has worked for others in the past (but mainly at the Dolphin).
My first call was to the Swan. I spoke with Melissa, told her I wanted to upgrade using points. She seemed completely confused. She asked my "status". Thanks to all of you I was able to tell her "gold." She then told me I would be automatically upgraded to club level at check-in (for free) is there was a room available (IS THAT CORRECT???).
I wasn't sure about the "free" upgrade, but to be honest I don't want to risk not getting the upgrade. It is important enough to our family that we are willing to "pay" for it. After I explained that, she asked for my confirmation #. Now, we booked this reservation thru DreamsUnlimited, so we could get the gov employee discount. But I have an "official" confirmation number on my email from Dreams, so the reservation was located.
Melissa next told me the hotel does NOT upgrade with points. I had to call Starwood to do that - I told her Starwood told me to call the hotel. But she was very insistent that she couldn't do any upgrading. I certainly believed that she did not KNOW how to do an upgrade, but was not unsure if that is correct.
Question - Can the Swan give me that upgrade by using my Starwood points???
Next call - Starwood. First, I was on hold for several minutes. When I finally spoke with someone, she listened politely, then transferred my call. I told my story a second time. They asked for my Starwood #; my hotel reservation #; then put me on hold. I was on hold for a VERY long time. Next thing I knew, I was listening to that annoying "waiting music" - then the line started ringing and a third Starwood person picks up the phone. "Hi, can I help you?" I could barely hear him - and he could barely hear me. He kept asking me to speak up - certainly not his fault, but just more frustration.
So I went through my request a third time - again giving my reservation #, starwood #. I have to add, in each instance I told the Starwood person I was taking this trip in late July.
Finally this Starwood CM - Mike - asks again when I am arriving at the hotel. I tell him July 21 and he told me I could NOT upgrade until 5 days prior to my arrival. I know I had seen that information posted on the boards before, but would have certainly appreciated hearing it 10 minutes ago.
I wanted to ask him if I could call the hotel directly and upgrade, but the connection was so bad I didn't bother.
Question - Has anyone SUCCESSFULLY managed to upgrade to club level by calling the Swan directly a few weeks before your arrival.
Thanks so much for your help and for letting me tell you my sad story!!
Dead End Kid
Well, the good news is thanks to the Starwood AMX card, it was rather easy to earn the necessary points our family needs to upgrade to Club Level for our 5 night trip to the Swan in July.
The bad news - and where I need help - is that I can't get that upgrade locked down!!!!!
After reading these boards it seemed obvious that the "best" way to secure the upgrade was to call the hotel directly. That has worked for others in the past (but mainly at the Dolphin).
My first call was to the Swan. I spoke with Melissa, told her I wanted to upgrade using points. She seemed completely confused. She asked my "status". Thanks to all of you I was able to tell her "gold." She then told me I would be automatically upgraded to club level at check-in (for free) is there was a room available (IS THAT CORRECT???).
I wasn't sure about the "free" upgrade, but to be honest I don't want to risk not getting the upgrade. It is important enough to our family that we are willing to "pay" for it. After I explained that, she asked for my confirmation #. Now, we booked this reservation thru DreamsUnlimited, so we could get the gov employee discount. But I have an "official" confirmation number on my email from Dreams, so the reservation was located.
Melissa next told me the hotel does NOT upgrade with points. I had to call Starwood to do that - I told her Starwood told me to call the hotel. But she was very insistent that she couldn't do any upgrading. I certainly believed that she did not KNOW how to do an upgrade, but was not unsure if that is correct.
Question - Can the Swan give me that upgrade by using my Starwood points???
Next call - Starwood. First, I was on hold for several minutes. When I finally spoke with someone, she listened politely, then transferred my call. I told my story a second time. They asked for my Starwood #; my hotel reservation #; then put me on hold. I was on hold for a VERY long time. Next thing I knew, I was listening to that annoying "waiting music" - then the line started ringing and a third Starwood person picks up the phone. "Hi, can I help you?" I could barely hear him - and he could barely hear me. He kept asking me to speak up - certainly not his fault, but just more frustration.
So I went through my request a third time - again giving my reservation #, starwood #. I have to add, in each instance I told the Starwood person I was taking this trip in late July.
Finally this Starwood CM - Mike - asks again when I am arriving at the hotel. I tell him July 21 and he told me I could NOT upgrade until 5 days prior to my arrival. I know I had seen that information posted on the boards before, but would have certainly appreciated hearing it 10 minutes ago.
I wanted to ask him if I could call the hotel directly and upgrade, but the connection was so bad I didn't bother.
Question - Has anyone SUCCESSFULLY managed to upgrade to club level by calling the Swan directly a few weeks before your arrival.
Thanks so much for your help and for letting me tell you my sad story!!
Dead End Kid
Dead End Kid
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2001
- Messages
- 41
Just wanted to pass along some info I've learned these past few days, in hopes that others won't be disappointed when planning upgrades using Starwood points for the Swan.
After my initial call on Monday (see post above), I tried again today. This time I went around in circles - first with Starwood people (who told me to call the hotel directly to try and upgrade sooner than the 5 days); then from Swan people, who insisted they could not upgrade with points. Also, having a DreamsUnlimited reservation in the system meant only one person could get into the computer to alter the reservation (and she had already left for the day).
Some of the people I spoke with were very nice and tried to be helpful - others were not as interesting in trying to solve my problem. Overall, I still kept thinking that all I needed to do was find the ONE person who knew how to make this happen, but after several calls, at several different times of the day, I knew it was a losing battle.
Bottom line - I will have to call Starwood 5 days before we leave and hope for the best. One Swan CM did tell me there was only 1 non-smoking room on Club Level left - and just a few smoking rooms for our dates. So I am not at all optimistic about getting this upgrade, even using my points.
It certainly won't be the end of the world - we stayed at the Swan last year and had a great time. But it was disappointing to plan and plot for the upgrade, only to discover it could not be accomplished quickly and easily with just one phone call. Or even two!
I couldn't help but think, "what real value does a perk like upgrading with points have if you can't use it when you want?"
I really hope others have far more success than I do - and if anyone has any tips to pass along, I'm sure there are many of us who would like to hear them.
Thanks
Dead End Kid
After my initial call on Monday (see post above), I tried again today. This time I went around in circles - first with Starwood people (who told me to call the hotel directly to try and upgrade sooner than the 5 days); then from Swan people, who insisted they could not upgrade with points. Also, having a DreamsUnlimited reservation in the system meant only one person could get into the computer to alter the reservation (and she had already left for the day).
Some of the people I spoke with were very nice and tried to be helpful - others were not as interesting in trying to solve my problem. Overall, I still kept thinking that all I needed to do was find the ONE person who knew how to make this happen, but after several calls, at several different times of the day, I knew it was a losing battle.
Bottom line - I will have to call Starwood 5 days before we leave and hope for the best. One Swan CM did tell me there was only 1 non-smoking room on Club Level left - and just a few smoking rooms for our dates. So I am not at all optimistic about getting this upgrade, even using my points.
It certainly won't be the end of the world - we stayed at the Swan last year and had a great time. But it was disappointing to plan and plot for the upgrade, only to discover it could not be accomplished quickly and easily with just one phone call. Or even two!
I couldn't help but think, "what real value does a perk like upgrading with points have if you can't use it when you want?"
I really hope others have far more success than I do - and if anyone has any tips to pass along, I'm sure there are many of us who would like to hear them.
Thanks
Dead End Kid
Thanks dead end kid for the info. As I was going to try this for my next trip.
I agree the upgrade and points thing is very inconsistant. Some lucky some not.
I won't hold out to much hope. I remember someone saying you could still access the privledges of club level w/o staying on that level, maybe they would do that if they were out of rooms. Although to me it wouldn't be the same. Good luck!
I agree the upgrade and points thing is very inconsistant. Some lucky some not.
I won't hold out to much hope. I remember someone saying you could still access the privledges of club level w/o staying on that level, maybe they would do that if they were out of rooms. Although to me it wouldn't be the same. Good luck!
This is a very entertaining, informative thread with tons of information. If I
ever had the time to process it all, it might make a lot more sense, though.
After going through all the gyrations of signing up for Starwood, getting the American Express Card, signing up for AT&T online billing, etc. to collect points, I am now surmising (from some recent posts) that upgrades are largely a crapshoot. As I've read on threads elsewhere, it appears that WDW resorts are filling quickly for late July and Aug. when we will be at the Dolphin--so it sounds like upgrades will be difficult period--points or no points. Add to that a late-night check-in and I'm not too optimistic about our prospects for an upgrade.
Perhaps I'm misreading the situation, but I just don't get a strong sense that I have much control on where I'll land at the Dolphin. Right or wrong?
ever had the time to process it all, it might make a lot more sense, though.
After going through all the gyrations of signing up for Starwood, getting the American Express Card, signing up for AT&T online billing, etc. to collect points, I am now surmising (from some recent posts) that upgrades are largely a crapshoot. As I've read on threads elsewhere, it appears that WDW resorts are filling quickly for late July and Aug. when we will be at the Dolphin--so it sounds like upgrades will be difficult period--points or no points. Add to that a late-night check-in and I'm not too optimistic about our prospects for an upgrade.
Perhaps I'm misreading the situation, but I just don't get a strong sense that I have much control on where I'll land at the Dolphin. Right or wrong?
Fargoman2...you are correct...up to a point. I strongly believe PERSISTENCE is the key!
If you feel strongly about something in particular, you have to go after it. Call and request it. If you don't get the answer you want, call again. And again and again (depending on how much it means to you. You will get different answers from different CM's ... so keep calling until you get the answer you want.
Yes, it can be time consuming, but it is worth it. I really wanted a balcony with a nice view. I pushed for the balcony and just requested the EPCOT view. I had the greatest King corner with a balcony! It had a view of MGM (not EPCOT like I requested)...but I did get the balcony that I wanted the most. 
I suppose in the end it is the luck of the draw and what is available. But when you call, tell them about your late night arrival, your concerns about that and explain how much it means to you to have what you want and how it is so important to you and your family to make your vacation special.
I hope this helps ... go fo it and think positively!
If you feel strongly about something in particular, you have to go after it. Call and request it. If you don't get the answer you want, call again. And again and again (depending on how much it means to you. You will get different answers from different CM's ... so keep calling until you get the answer you want.
Yes, it can be time consuming, but it is worth it. I really wanted a balcony with a nice view. I pushed for the balcony and just requested the EPCOT view. I had the greatest King corner with a balcony! It had a view of MGM (not EPCOT like I requested)...but I did get the balcony that I wanted the most.
I suppose in the end it is the luck of the draw and what is available. But when you call, tell them about your late night arrival, your concerns about that and explain how much it means to you to have what you want and how it is so important to you and your family to make your vacation special.
I hope this helps ... go fo it and think positively!
Dead End Kid
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2001
- Messages
- 41
I agree 100% about persistence. Over the years I have made many, many calls to Disney CRO to get the room I wanted at the rate I wanted. But in this case it didn't work and I was doubly surprised because I thought it would just take 1 phone call. I called at least 7 times - over two days to both the Swan directly and Starwood customer service. And while I managed to find several different CM's at both organizations that were sympathetic to my plight, in the end, no one could do what I needed.
I am really hoping that others have better luck. However, the main reason I posted was to let everyone know what happened, so they would be prepared. I was under the impression that all I had to do was call, they would check to see if I had the points (and I finally did) and then I'd get my upgrade. I guess I was really surprised when it didn't happen that way, and I learned there are other "rules" involved.
Don't forget, my experience was with the Swan - it appears that others on the boards have been successful in getting the upgrade, with points, at the Dolphin, locked in several weeks before their arrival. So Fargoman2, don't give up hope yet.
It is certainly worth a few phone calls to try for the upgrade. And unlike Disney, these numbers are toll free!!
When I called, I was often placed on hold while they investiaged my request and I'm uncertain if there was something else in the reservation that was working against me.
Items that I thought miight have made it harder for me: 1) time of year - we are going in July and the Club Level is already nearly booked. I suspect at slower times it wouldn't be as hard to upgrade with points or even for free (as a gold card member); 2) Hotel choice - anything on Disney property is a premium - my wife has a friend who has used Starwood Points to book free rooms at the Sheraton 4-Points in Kissimmee in June and July with no problems(only need 2,000 points per night for those rooms); 3- DreamsUnlimited reservation makes it harder for any of the CM's to alter the reservation (only 1 staff member at the Swan "knows" how to do that and she never seemed to be available).
4) Also, we do have that great gov rate, so pehaps Starwood is more inclined to "bend" the rules for folks paying full price or a higher rate. Personally, I think that is smart business, so I can't object to that reasoning.
I intend to call 5 days ahead - there still is a slight chance a room will be available and if it is, I know we can get the upgrade with our points. And if we don't, I ask again at check-in - never hurts to ask, right???
Good luck!
I am really hoping that others have better luck. However, the main reason I posted was to let everyone know what happened, so they would be prepared. I was under the impression that all I had to do was call, they would check to see if I had the points (and I finally did) and then I'd get my upgrade. I guess I was really surprised when it didn't happen that way, and I learned there are other "rules" involved.
Don't forget, my experience was with the Swan - it appears that others on the boards have been successful in getting the upgrade, with points, at the Dolphin, locked in several weeks before their arrival. So Fargoman2, don't give up hope yet.
It is certainly worth a few phone calls to try for the upgrade. And unlike Disney, these numbers are toll free!!
When I called, I was often placed on hold while they investiaged my request and I'm uncertain if there was something else in the reservation that was working against me.
Items that I thought miight have made it harder for me: 1) time of year - we are going in July and the Club Level is already nearly booked. I suspect at slower times it wouldn't be as hard to upgrade with points or even for free (as a gold card member); 2) Hotel choice - anything on Disney property is a premium - my wife has a friend who has used Starwood Points to book free rooms at the Sheraton 4-Points in Kissimmee in June and July with no problems(only need 2,000 points per night for those rooms); 3- DreamsUnlimited reservation makes it harder for any of the CM's to alter the reservation (only 1 staff member at the Swan "knows" how to do that and she never seemed to be available).
4) Also, we do have that great gov rate, so pehaps Starwood is more inclined to "bend" the rules for folks paying full price or a higher rate. Personally, I think that is smart business, so I can't object to that reasoning.
I intend to call 5 days ahead - there still is a slight chance a room will be available and if it is, I know we can get the upgrade with our points. And if we don't, I ask again at check-in - never hurts to ask, right???
Good luck!
dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2001
- Messages
- 3,388
Deadendkid..."Melissa" gave you incorrect information, as the ONLY SPG level which is "automatically" upgraded to Club Level is Platinum. CLUB LEVEL is guaranteed for Plat., no matter the capacity of the property, as CL is honored from ANY ROOM/SUITE for PLAT. Members. Swan/Dolphin offer a FREE UPGRADE to a "preferred view" for GOLD SPG members.
BUT...and this is a VERY IMPORTANT "BUT", *Melissa gave you the information. Period. You now have the name of the associate whom gave you the information (Right or Wrong) about an upgrade based upon your SPG status. The only way a resort will ever have consistency in customer service, is IF they are held accountable for the information their associates provide the guests. Upon check-in, you kindly inform the front desk associate you called and spoke with "MELISSA" in reservations, (Write her name on your Reservation confirmation info) and she informed you of your "automatic" upgrade based upon your SPG GOLD status. They will honor your request, especially when provided with the specific information (name of associate whom provided the info) you will be presenting.
This has happened to me MANY times at MANY properties over the years. ALWAYS, try to get the name of the associate you are speaking with at the time the information is provided. You followed the GOLDEN rule of resort planning.
IF you would please go to the "other" DOLPHIN INFO hints and tips thread on this board, you'll read where a DISer just returned from the Dolphin, where she had the Teacher's rate of $129.00 per eve. She "ASKED" for Club level upon check-in, and was UPGRADED for FREE! So, the great rate you have is no indication of the upgrade you'll receive. I would not worry so much, as they can upgrade you upon "check-in" by calling Starwood from the front desk. I have used this option, so I know it exists! So, relax...as you WILL have CL...one way or the other! (Your posts reflect a VERY DETERMINED/TENACIOUS Spirit!) And if there is ANYTHING else you desire upon check-in, PLEASE ASK! It never, ever hurts to ASK! Take Care...DF99
BUT...and this is a VERY IMPORTANT "BUT", *Melissa gave you the information. Period. You now have the name of the associate whom gave you the information (Right or Wrong) about an upgrade based upon your SPG status. The only way a resort will ever have consistency in customer service, is IF they are held accountable for the information their associates provide the guests. Upon check-in, you kindly inform the front desk associate you called and spoke with "MELISSA" in reservations, (Write her name on your Reservation confirmation info) and she informed you of your "automatic" upgrade based upon your SPG GOLD status. They will honor your request, especially when provided with the specific information (name of associate whom provided the info) you will be presenting.
This has happened to me MANY times at MANY properties over the years. ALWAYS, try to get the name of the associate you are speaking with at the time the information is provided. You followed the GOLDEN rule of resort planning.
IF you would please go to the "other" DOLPHIN INFO hints and tips thread on this board, you'll read where a DISer just returned from the Dolphin, where she had the Teacher's rate of $129.00 per eve. She "ASKED" for Club level upon check-in, and was UPGRADED for FREE! So, the great rate you have is no indication of the upgrade you'll receive. I would not worry so much, as they can upgrade you upon "check-in" by calling Starwood from the front desk. I have used this option, so I know it exists! So, relax...as you WILL have CL...one way or the other! (Your posts reflect a VERY DETERMINED/TENACIOUS Spirit!)
And if there is ANYTHING else you desire upon check-in, PLEASE ASK! It never, ever hurts to ASK! Take Care...DF99Dead End Kid
Earning My Ears
- Joined
- Aug 22, 2001
- Messages
- 41
Your post was very encouraging! I did as you suggested and looked at the "other" Dolphin hints thread and read about that great free upgrade with the nurse's discount someone had recently gotten. For a June visit - which was another surprise. Good for them!
My big concern is that there won't be any rooms left on club level for our 5 night stay in July. That was why I was rather frantic about getting the upgrade on my reservation now, and not waiting the required 5 days before we arrive.
Yes, Melissa, the CM at the Swan I spoke with did indeed tell me I would get an automatic upgrade to Club Level because I had gold status. But she also told me I would get that free upgrade "if there were rooms available." Therefore, I am not counting on the front desk honoring that information, because I'm unsure if there will even be a club level, standard view room for my family.
I know there aren't that many club level rooms open for my stay because during one of my many other calls to the Swan, I asked them to check for me. That CM told me they only had 1 non-smoking and just a few smoking rooms (we really need a non-smoking room due to my son's allergies). The CM actually got me a bit nervous, saying I needed to get my upgrade ASAP, before all the rooms were gone. So I ended up making so many different phone calls, to the Swan and to Starwood, each time getting nowhere.
I am still more than willing to spend my points on club level, and hope to discover that a room is available when I call 5 days before the trip. If not, can I ask to get club level benefits, even if we are on a different floor??? I'd be happy to "pay" for them with my points.
Is that ever done?
Thanks again for all of your help - and your encouragement!
Dead End Kid
My big concern is that there won't be any rooms left on club level for our 5 night stay in July. That was why I was rather frantic about getting the upgrade on my reservation now, and not waiting the required 5 days before we arrive.
Yes, Melissa, the CM at the Swan I spoke with did indeed tell me I would get an automatic upgrade to Club Level because I had gold status. But she also told me I would get that free upgrade "if there were rooms available." Therefore, I am not counting on the front desk honoring that information, because I'm unsure if there will even be a club level, standard view room for my family.
I know there aren't that many club level rooms open for my stay because during one of my many other calls to the Swan, I asked them to check for me. That CM told me they only had 1 non-smoking and just a few smoking rooms (we really need a non-smoking room due to my son's allergies). The CM actually got me a bit nervous, saying I needed to get my upgrade ASAP, before all the rooms were gone. So I ended up making so many different phone calls, to the Swan and to Starwood, each time getting nowhere.
I am still more than willing to spend my points on club level, and hope to discover that a room is available when I call 5 days before the trip. If not, can I ask to get club level benefits, even if we are on a different floor??? I'd be happy to "pay" for them with my points.
Is that ever done?
Thanks again for all of your help - and your encouragement!
Dead End Kid
Thank you all for the wonderful advice. Last night I called and upgraded my status to Gold with my Platinum card. Then I went to the Amex site and applied for (and got) a Amex/Starwood Platinum to use for the actual stay. Without you all I would never known about any of this.
Now here is my 1st question for those in the know:
Do CMs and other personnel at Disney have the option of trading Disney Dollar tips into cash?
The reason I ask is that if we buy DDs with our Amex/Star cards and get points, then we can give those out as tips. I would only do this though if they could exchange them for real money.
2nd queston:
If I will be arriving at the Dolphin around 1 am New Years Day, how far in advance should I call to ask for a special room? Spouse and I will be celebrating our Tenth Anniversary.
Now here is my 1st question for those in the know:
Do CMs and other personnel at Disney have the option of trading Disney Dollar tips into cash?
The reason I ask is that if we buy DDs with our Amex/Star cards and get points, then we can give those out as tips. I would only do this though if they could exchange them for real money.
2nd queston:
If I will be arriving at the Dolphin around 1 am New Years Day, how far in advance should I call to ask for a special room? Spouse and I will be celebrating our Tenth Anniversary.
P
Pkdcoastrs
Guest
Hi Dreamflight,
I was wondering if you could maybe help with a little question I have! We are staying at the Dolphin again for either 5 or 7 nights starting August 1 ! We are members of Starwood and have 1,316 points! Last year we were able to get a view of Epcot with a balcony just by request (well at first we thought we weren't...but our cast member tricked us and gave us the room we wanted...originally she said they were all out....how awesome is that!) Anyway, I was wondering if like a couple weeks in advance should we fax a "request" or something asking for a certain room. Do you know what people usually ask for? What does the Dolphin usually give?
Or should we call and use our Starwood points? Do you know how much we could upgrade for?...
Sorry for all the questions, but you seem to be the only person who know all this info!
If you do take your time to answer my questions, It would be so incredible and I'm thanking you in advance!
Thanks!
Mike
I was wondering if you could maybe help with a little question I have! We are staying at the Dolphin again for either 5 or 7 nights starting August 1 ! We are members of Starwood and have 1,316 points! Last year we were able to get a view of Epcot with a balcony just by request (well at first we thought we weren't...but our cast member tricked us and gave us the room we wanted...originally she said they were all out....how awesome is that!) Anyway, I was wondering if like a couple weeks in advance should we fax a "request" or something asking for a certain room. Do you know what people usually ask for? What does the Dolphin usually give?
Or should we call and use our Starwood points? Do you know how much we could upgrade for?...
Sorry for all the questions, but you seem to be the only person who know all this info!
If you do take your time to answer my questions, It would be so incredible and I'm thanking you in advance!
Thanks!
Mike
As a newcomer, I have so many questions. Fortunately, I found the DIS! Thank you for the answers to so many inquiries.
Here is a new one that will help me to learn how the system works and its value:
Given that someone has a Starwood Gold Preferred Guest card, An AMEX Starwood Platinum card, and a Disney Club card; which would be better:
Buying (4) 5-day park hopper tickets using the DC card for $10 off each using the A/S card and earning one point for each $
Or
Waiting till check-in at the Dolphin and charging the PHs to your room (if possible) with no DC discount, but earning 3 points each $ for Gold PG status and 1 point for each $ for A/S card.
How much is each Starwood point worth that the better of deals might be determined?
Thanks for any help on this one!
Six months and counting........Whoa! I need Tigger to help calm me down!
Here is a new one that will help me to learn how the system works and its value:
Given that someone has a Starwood Gold Preferred Guest card, An AMEX Starwood Platinum card, and a Disney Club card; which would be better:
Buying (4) 5-day park hopper tickets using the DC card for $10 off each using the A/S card and earning one point for each $
Or
Waiting till check-in at the Dolphin and charging the PHs to your room (if possible) with no DC discount, but earning 3 points each $ for Gold PG status and 1 point for each $ for A/S card.
How much is each Starwood point worth that the better of deals might be determined?
Thanks for any help on this one!
Six months and counting........Whoa! I need Tigger to help calm me down!
Troyfus - you don't earn Starwood points for WDW tickets charged to your room, or for gift shop purchases. Restaurant meals charged to your room DO earn the 3 points per dollar for gold and platinum Starwood members.
The value of Starwood points depends on how you use them - just as the value of frequent-flyer miles depends on what the ticket would cost if you had to pay for it. It takes 10,000 points for a free night at a category 4 hotel - like the Swan/Dolphin. Since you qualify for the government rate (currently $129) - that's probably not the best place for you to use your points. I try to save hotel points/airline miles for expensive hotels/airfares, and pay cash when I can get a good price.
By the way - you can get the Disney Club discount on tickets at the Dolphin! But if you hear about a price increase between now and then - it will be better to buy them before you go.
The value of Starwood points depends on how you use them - just as the value of frequent-flyer miles depends on what the ticket would cost if you had to pay for it. It takes 10,000 points for a free night at a category 4 hotel - like the Swan/Dolphin. Since you qualify for the government rate (currently $129) - that's probably not the best place for you to use your points. I try to save hotel points/airline miles for expensive hotels/airfares, and pay cash when I can get a good price.
By the way - you can get the Disney Club discount on tickets at the Dolphin!
But if you hear about a price increase between now and then - it will be better to buy them before you go.Room and board earns points.
Well It was worth a shot. You never know till you ask.
Out of curiosity, does the same go for packages? Room and food only part earn points?
Here's another that popped into my head just now. If I use the Camp Dolphin for my boys, would that earn points? It is a Hotel function, right?
Six months to learn how to fine tune these tips and max them out.....and counting........
Yeehah!!!
Well It was worth a shot. You never know till you ask.
Out of curiosity, does the same go for packages? Room and food only part earn points?
Here's another that popped into my head just now. If I use the Camp Dolphin for my boys, would that earn points? It is a Hotel function, right?
Six months to learn how to fine tune these tips and max them out.....and counting........
Yeehah!!!
I am really confused. My family and I are very excited about staying at the Swan. We are leaving in ten days and have two rooms booked at the teacher's rate. I have a Starwood preferred membership card, but having booked by reservation directly through the Swan, how are the points put on for future visits. Thanks in advance.
Barb
Barb
dreamflight99
<font color=deeppink>Princess of THIS Castle!<br><
- Joined
- Sep 7, 2001
- Messages
- 3,388
Save your points...and try to "ask" for the upgrade. In your request, ask for an "Epcot or MGM view", and request a balcony if you wish too (Also...non-smoking preference, upper floor, etc.). Thank you for the nice compliments. I enjoy assisting when I can. I would urge you to "save" the points you have and keep accumulating them for other offers, (as Nancy wrote...airfares/expensive hotels, etc.). You have a good chance (especially in August) of having your dreams come true. Tell the associate at the desk of the MAGIC you experienced on your last visit. I'm sure, it could happen again! If not, you may always negotiate and use points at the desk upon check-in. Happy planning!
P.S. BARB...just present your SPG card to the associate at the Swan during check-in. The points will be added to your account after you leave/pay. Enjoy!!
P.S. BARB...just present your SPG card to the associate at the Swan during check-in. The points will be added to your account after you leave/pay. Enjoy!!
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