NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[chucknrita]

I also posted this in the Swan/Dolphin thread:

Please help me! Okay, do I sound desperate enough?
We stayed at the Poly concierge last month but visited the Boardwalk area and my husband liked it there better because of the proximity to ESPN Club and other "fun-looking" things to do. We can get the $129/night rate for a standard room using the gov't/military discount, but if I book that room what are the chances of getting a CL upgrade through points? I'm a Starwood Gold member and currently have 11,000 Starpoints and should have more by the time our trip comes around (December 2003). I figured I might as well try to use up the points since we won't be going back to WDW again for a while after this December trip. What does the Gold card get me as far as complimentary upgrades? I'd rather not pay more for a certain room or view if I can get it complimentary or through points. Also, is Swan or Dolphin better for us (me, DH and DS 3)? Thanks for all your help!

 

[mattkatie7]

I booked a standard room last year for 129. and was upgraded to a room with a balcony and a view of Epcot. The view at night was GREAT!!!!!! I am also a starwood gold.

 

[ozziewags]

Chucknrita......welcome. Not sure what to tell you about upgrades for gold. Many people have received them just by asking. Don't know when in Dec. you are going or how busy it will be. It always depends on availability. If you really want CL, you can use your points just by calling. If you want to take your chances by asking you might wait til it gets closer. If you do a search through these threads you will find more than enough info about these resorts. I have been to the Swan one time and we chose it because it is smaller and the beds are larger. (Q compared to D) I think I would be happy at either resort. Read through these posts, then decide what your priorities are and even views. Then call the S/D and make your wishes known. They will put it on your reservation. Good luck and keep us posted. When DF gets back from her trip, she can help you even more.(a few days only this time!)

 

[Mouseteacher]

chicknrita~ I received a comp upgrade to CL (I am gold spg and at that time I had no points). However, I was there the last week of August - a slower time than December. That may have got me the comp upgrade. It could be risky in Dec. depending on how close to Christmas you are going. I am sure DF will have more when she returns from the beach trip!

I stayed at the Dolphin and liked it very much. I don't think you would be disappointed with either resort.

 

[chucknrita]

Ozziewags and Mouseteacher,
Thanks for your replies. I'm scheduling our trip for Dec. 13-19; hopefully we'll miss the Christmas crowds. We were at Poly concierge last month from Dec. 19-25 and it wasn't too bad. I noticed a bigger crowd in the concierge lounge on Sunday, Dec. 23; probably the Christmas crowd checking in. Have either of you stayed at Swan/Dolphin the week before Christmas?

 

[Pkdcoastrs]

Wow I haven't posted on this thread in a while. Well anyways we recieved another envelope with an invite to do the Sheraton Vistana Villages again this year. Last year we went down for the same offer and did the tour but came out with some problems. My parents were considering and took home some papers, but never signed anything, and Vistana tried to charge us all these fees and say we had agreed to purchase, so we had to sue, etc...blah blah long story

But what stinks is that I just remembered and read that if you participated in this offer less than a year ago, you can't take advantage of the great deal!

For only about $299 you get 5 days/4 nights at a hotel. But I'm not exactly sure which one because last year we were given the Dolphin to stay at, not sure if it's still the same.

Just wanted to let everyone else know who is a Starwood member be on the lookout for the offer!

This would have been a good opportunity to be able to get down to WDW with my family this year, but now it won't be possible probally for a few years

Oh well.....

Mike

 

[pewing]

Originally posted by mattkatie7
I booked a standard room last year for 129. and was upgraded to a room with a balcony and a view of Epcot. The view at night was GREAT!!!!!! I am also a starwood gold.

When did you go? Did you request an upgrade?

 

[mattkatie7]

Easter week. Yes, I called the front desk and requested a balcony room with a view if possible. I also called about one week before arrival and they assured me my request would be honored.

 

[pewing]

Thanks for the info mattkatie7! I think I will call and request. I am going April 26th (the week after Easter this year)

 

[pewing]

One more question...for now I actually have ressies for 3 rooms at the Dolphin for my upcoming trip. Does that lessen my chances of upgrading? My husband and I are staying in one...and four of his co-workers are in the other two. I could just ask for an upgrade to our room but I kind of hate to do that Anyone know? Advice welcomed...as always

 

[mattkatie7]

Pewing, Ask for a resort view. I sent you a pm.

 

[Mouseteacher]

pewing ~I had reserved 2 rooms and the Dolphin honored my request on both rooms.

 

[disnurse]

do starwood points expire or does the account close if no activity within a year. I know I have carried starwood points on this account since 2001 but have been using this card a few times a year. May skip disney next year but would hate to lose all my aquired points

 

[ozziewags]

Good question....I would like to know also. I got my card last spring and have two Westin stays since then, but one was in Dec. and one was in Jan. and the SPG site only credits one stay. Is that because it is Jan. and they only count them from Jan to Jan?

 

[mattkatie7]

Yes.

 

[Mouseteacher]

Do you lose your points if not used in a year's time?

 

[disnurse]

ozziewags
you should still show both stay points, my april 2001 points are still in my account but I have used spg for stays 2 or 3 times a year. I'm wondering if your spg stays idle for over a year.

 

[Muffy]

My SPG stays from this summer have disappeared on my acct. I was wondering if it had something to do with it being a new year? My recent stay at the Dolphin have not shown up yet. Does anyone know if you earn points by staying at the Dolphin if you use only points to pay for your stay? Thanks!

 

[pewing]

I doubt it. I do not know for sure, but I know with my SkyMiles...you don't earn miles for flights on 'award tickets'.

My 2cents worth

 

[JOC]

Does Starwood match other cards as far as benefit levels? If I'm Loews platinum, will Starwood match that?