NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[Mouseteacher]

wld

Please call the Swan at their direct number (area code 407). You can access that number on the website. Just tell the operator that you want to attach your spg # to your reservation.

 

[DolphinBoy]

Hey Disnurse,

I just checked out Starwoods web site. Dolphin & Swan are listed as Category 4 resorts. Therefore they technically require 1250 points for an upgrade.

I was dyning to know, so I finally did the research myself. Bummer

 

[Troyfus]

Platinum level!

Starwood matched my Hyatt Diamond status, so now we will be checking into the Dolphin as Platinum guests this January. This will be such a blessing for my family. We will cherish every minute of this vacation together. I'm hoping the magic soaks into their bones as it did mine so many years ago.

Here are some of the things I learned and used from this board.
Enroll into SPG
Apply for the Starwood Amex Platinum card
If you have a Platinum Amex card, get upgraded to Gold status
If you have a high level status with Hyatt or Marriott then request Starwood to match it.
Watch this board for Starwood promos that will get you additional points (i.e. 1st purchase ==> 4000 pts)
"No"s from one customer service agent might be a "yes" with another

Just keep reading these posts, and gain the insight of those who have traveled the road before you.

THANKS to all of you my friends who have helped me out so much.

 

[ozziewags]

AMEN!!!

 

[dreaming]

HELP - I'm on information overload, planning a trip to wdw this christmas but also want to start thinking about starwood discounts for next holiday season for their westin hotel in key largo. So, can anyone give me just a little info about how this actually works - if I apply now will the discounts be good at any starwoods hotel at any time? how can I maximize my discounts for the westin in key largo, and has anyone ever stayed there? I'm so confused because i've got a million and one facts in my head to remember about my upcoming trip to bc I just don't think I have the energy to do more research to figure this one out so any info would be appreciated to get me started on this resort in the keys or any web sites that have pointers for the keys similar to these great dis boards. thanks

 

[emagirl]

disnurse - how long did it take before you got a reply to your 1st email requesting an upgrade to Gold status?

I Just sent off a similar reqiest and was wondering when I could expect to hear something.

 

[Mouseteacher]

emagirl ~

Please call Starwood directly and speak with CM. If you have a plat. AMEX cc, they should upgrade you immediately to *gold*.

 

[Samsma]

Has anyone else had trouble getting this? I called yesterday after I received my AmEx Starwood card, and they acted like I was crazy. Said the only info they had was 1000 points. I had to fax them a copy of this internet offer. They said it would be resolved within the month. Glad I'm not going anywhere soon or boy would I be upset!

 

[ozziewags]

They offered 4000 pts. last spring/summer, but I have only seen 1000 pts offered on Starwood for the fall. It depends on when you joined. Same with Inside Flyer. They offered 2500 pts for $60 last spring/summer, but now I think the offer is for 1000 pts.
Many of us had trouble getting our 4000 pts. for getting our AmEx card, but we had the emails that came to us with the offer when we joined, so if you have that, it might help.

 

[disnurse]

emagirl
Pretty much within 24 hours they replied. And once again after I re-emailed regarding other cards it was the same day. Also status was changed on spg.com at that same time. Who ever works the email seems very efficient and nice

 

[disyidkid]

Sofifi97 - last summer I stayed at the Dolphin and had a similar experience with an unplesant employee who refused to take off the resort fee. I didn't do anything that day, but the next day when that person was off duty I spoke to another person who deleted the fee immediately.

It's worth trying again!

 

[emagirl]

Hi everyone,
I just got off the phone with SPG and requested an upgrade to Gold status (because I have a platinum AmEx card). The rep was very nice and after a few questions she told me I was upgraded to gold - easy as that!

Now for my questions...
Will this Gold status appear on my profile on the SPG website? If so, how long does it usually take to register on their site?

Will they issue me a new card (I haven't received my first one)?

Other than calling back, how can I check to make sure I am actually at Gold?

Thanks to anyone who replies.

 

[Troyfus]

Emagirl,
Check now! When they upgraded me, it was almost instantaneous that I saw it updated on their site. Go check your status online at the SPG website, then come back here and give a big Yeehah!

 

[Mouseteacher]

emagirl ~

It will appear on the website. I can't remember how long it took to appear. I, too, never received a gold card. So, last week I went on the site and found a place where you can log on to if you have lost your card and need a new one. I did this and was able to print a paper copy of my gold card. The site tells you that a new card will be mailed to you.

 

[emagirl]

Thanks for the replys but nothing so far. I just checked and it still tells me how I can reach Gold status under where my name is.

I checked under My Account and it doesn't state any level. Boy it would just be my luck if the rep didn't enter it in and I had to go through this again.

 

[livsea2]

It should list you at some type of level. The basic is preferred guest, then gold, platinium. Did you sign in? If you did and it says preferred guest you we're upgraded yet. I would wait until the day after then try again. GOOD LUCK!

 

[emagirl]

I'm GOLD!!!!

Thanks to EVERYONE who helped me out and it sure DOES pay to be persistant!!!

Now, I've got to start adding up those points.........

 

[Mouseteacher]

Congratulations ! I knew it would work for you. Yes, start racking up those points - I have 10,000+ and looking forward to a summer stay.

 

[emagirl]

Now, I was thinking about all of the wonderful info I've read on this and related threads and ...

Does the Gold Status only last for a year? (unless of course you meet the status by nights/stays during that year)

My trip is June 03 but we may return sometime between then and the June 04. What happens Nov 26, 2003 for me? (one year after upgrad to gold.) Could I call again and request an upgrade to gold based on the Platinum Amex again or is that just a one time deal?

Boy, this gets complicated, doesn't it?

 

[Mouseteacher]

I'd be interested in the answers to the questions too. Also, do you loose any points that haven't used in a year's time?