NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[Piper]

Thanks for the answer about the teacher's rate! Now to book a week-end in San Antonio!

 

[hightown]

laurieny,

I'm in Denver. Would recommend the Westin in Downtown Denver. It's supposed to be very nice and in an area with lots of restaurants, clubs, etc.

I would not recommend any of the Sheratons here in town. The "Tech" center one is a nice location for shopping, restaurants but is about a 2 1/2 star in my opinion. I recently booked one night there to be sure I didn't loose my Starwood points. Not impressed.

Another one I'm familiar with on Colorado Blvd is converted Holiday Inn and not in a part of time I'd want to vacation in.

Believe is one in Vail that should be nice. About a 2 1/2 hr drive from DIA.

Sharon

 

[Swan]

I have a problem that I have never had before. I know there is nothing anyone can do, but I would like to grumble about it. This year I decides to upgrade to CL before we go. I waited till the 5 days prior and called. They told me they only have kings so they cannot book 4 people into the kings. My kids are small and we usually always get a king with a fold out couch. But alas the mean computer will not let them book us. I know nothing else to do other then wait till I get there. Anyone else ever had this problem?

 

[Kapp]

of this new SPG/AMEX card promotion where double points are awarded over the Summer? I was told that I was part of the promotion and than told I was not. Seems it is a promotion for card holders that rarely use their cards, meanwhile those that do use their cards get nothing. Bad move on the part of AMEX and of Starwood.

 

[anitad]

Swan, I had this issue last October. I called on the 5th day before our stay and was told by Starwood that there were no CL available for upgrade using points. I called back the next day and the staffer told me that she would have to call the Swan directly and ask if I could hold. She was back with me in 30 sec. and told me that it was taken care of. When we checked in we were supposed to be on CL, but asked for a renovated room with CL priv. My advice is to keep calling Starwood to request the upgrade with points. You may even want to suggest that they call the hotel directly. Good luck.

 

[disnurse]

Swan- we upgraded at checkin at the dolphin. The cm couldn't have been nicer and really checked thru numerous rooms to find us a good room that had a spectacular view which was not on CL. BTW the view was a free upgrade and they were more than generous to find us such a great view when CL only had standard views left.

 

[Kapp]

Any have a room number/location of a Dolphin Jr. Suite that was just great? Looking for a great view of Epcot. Anyone know if any of them have been renovated yet?

Much thanks!

 

[opal]

My sil just called Westin to book a room for July. My brother is a goverment employee and she asked for the gov't rate. She was very rudely told that to quality for this rate he has to be there on gov't business, must be tax deductible etc. She said she was "reading it word for word from the rules". Is this a recent change? We were there in January and I just had to show proof I was a gov't employee. Anyone know if this info is on the SPG website or where I can call to find out?

 

[pbhunt]

You can book the government rate online with Westin & Sheraton. This issue comes up rather frequently with uninformed desk clerks. How many government employees are actually on government business at Walt Disney World? Have your BIL call and make the reservation so he can explain any specifics of his government job, if questioned and he/she can show their ID upon arrival. Nothing has changed, you just occaisionally get uniformed reservation "specialists"

 

[disnurse]

opal just call back and book the govt rate. The cm was misinformed. If you try booking online govt availability doesn't always show up even if it is available. Dreamsunlimited is and excellent option for the swan or dolphin for govt rates

 

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by Kapp
of this new SPG/AMEX card promotion where double points are awarded over the Summer? I was told that I was part of the promotion and than told I was not. Seems it is a promotion for card holders that rarely use their cards, meanwhile those that do use their cards get nothing. Bad move on the part of AMEX and of Starwood.

We got the postcard for double points in June and July for all charges over $2000 each month - and we use our card all the time. My husband uses the card for his business expenses, and our last 3 bills were over $2000, so I'm going to make sure we use the AMEX instead of other cards in June and July.

 

[Muffy]

We just got this offer too but it is for double points for June and July for charges OVER $8000 ea. month. I am now wondering if they are sending different amounts to different people?!

 

[Bimmy56]

We got the same card with $8,000. I just threw mine away. I know that occasionally there is someone who charges over $8,000. a month, perhaps with business expenses or something, but I would have preferred not to get a card at all, than to get one with such an outrageously hign level. It was almost like - ha, ha - here's a deal that you'll never get to use!!

 

[NancyIL]

Originally posted by Muffy
We just got this offer too but it is for double points for June and July for charges OVER $8000 ea. month. I am now wondering if they are sending different amounts to different people?!

Wow! You made me go back and look at my postcard again! Ours definitely says $2000. I think $8000 is absolutely ridiculous, and had ours said that, I'd be really irritated...to the point of threatening to switch to the HiltonHHonors Amex card!!

 

[Muffy]

Yes, I thought it was a ridculous amount! There is a post about it on the www.flyertalk.com. Evidently they are sending out this offer with varying amounts, $2000, $4000 and $8000. I think it is great that you got a realistic figure ($2000) Hope you make some mega points! Thanks for posting!

 

[The Pluto People]

We got $8000 !!! I'm going to call tomorrow and complain - and see if I can get the amount lowered. Wish me luck...

 

[opal]

You may recall from earlier posts, that I waited almost three months for my bonus points to post for the Feb. promotion for signing up for the SPG Amex card.

I checked my account today and a second bonus of 5,000 points was credited!!

 

[ozziewags]

Just an FYI.....my postcard says I can have double starpoints if I charge over $4000! Let us know if you get your amt. lowered! I thought $4000 was high, but $8000?

 

[mom23guys2]

Could the amount be based on how much you already spend? If you routinely put $2000 on your card maybe they give you a higher requirement than someone you hardly uses it. It is definitely annoying though.

BTW, I know this is off topic but has anyone stayed at the Westin in Dublin, Ireland. We may be going there this fall and I'd like to use my points.
Thanks

 

[JandD Mom]

Who have people been calling to get that amount lowered? Starwood? Amex? Who?

$2000 is much more realistic for us but I don't think I have ever gone over $8000 in one month.