NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[SaraPosh]

Re: Cash and Points

I am staying March 20-24 at the Dolphin using Cash and points. I actiually called spg hoping to use the 50% off rack rate promo, as the Dolphin was not listed as availablke under C&P. I was told by the CS rep that cash and points was, in fact, a choice, while the 50% was not, not that I was going to complain.

We booked (for March) in mid -December.

Just my experience... Sara

 

[maggiew]

Sarah,
Did you call the Starwood number or did you call the Dolphin directly for the Cash and Points offer?

Maggie

 

[SaraPosh]

I called SPG directly.

As I said, I was actually looking to see if the 50% off rate would work (it wouldn't) and the rep OFFERED the info about the cash and points. At that time, the Dolphin was NOT listed onthe SPG website as a participating hotel, so I jumped on the offer.

For the record, for $60 plus 4000 starpoints a night we got a resort view with balcony room.

HTH, Sara

 

[bobbiwoz]

Everyone here is an alert consumer, and you have to be! DH had to call, write, send copies but finally, just last week, he did get the points for our Halloween weekend stay at the Dolphin.

Bobbi

 

[prncess674]

Please note that if you use a cash & points award then you will not receive STAY credit towards elite status. You will however earn starpoints for dollars spent at the hotel. This and the 50% off type stay are considered AWARD stays. AWARD stays do not earn STAY credit.

 

[Stevencweber]

That is not true. I just double checked on the activity page of my spg account. I got credit for the stay and starpoints, and it even noted that I used a 50% off cert.

 

[Disbug]

sarahposh~ Has anyone heard if Cash and Points can be booked after Jan 1, 2004? I noticed you booked before the end of the year... I see it states it is good through March 31, 2004 so I was wondering if they would still book this?

 

[ehallison]

We didn't get night or stay credit in January for a cash & points stay - but we did get the starpoints for the amount of cash we actually spent.

 

[Disbug]

I tried to book the Dolphin for Cash and Points and it is not available at either resort for March 2004. I did not check any other dates!

 

[SaraPosh]

Disbug...

That's a bummer... I booked my cash and points room for March 20-23 back in November. It was not listed as available on the website. but it was when I called SPG to inquire about a 50% off room. From what I understand, there are a very limited number of rooms available for these promotions... I think I just got really lucky! So sorry that you weren't able to find some of that same luck...

Sara

 

[Disbug]

Thanks, sarah! it really was a bummer, but sometimes the deals are there sometimes not! I did not want to use all my points though for 2 free nights... That is what made the cash and points so attractive... You could really stretch those points!

 

[laurabelle]

Originally posted by ozziewags
Hey Dolphinboy........GO RAMS! About the instant rewards. I think you are correct. When I was there I called down and asked about points for food, massage, etc. and the front desk quoted me the totals. I was platinum, but that fact was not brought up at the time, unless they knew it by my room number or something. But I do not think you have to be platinum to use your points for rewards. I opted to keep my points building for free nights. If I were you I would ask again. Call at night and ask Andrew at the Swan. I also think James is very knowledgable and helpful at the Dolphin. Again,GO RAMS!

Does anyone know how much the points are worth towards food and services?

UPDATED POST:
I found the Starwood number and called. The woman I spoke to said, well, it's a very expensive way to use your points...
1,500 points = $20 Yikes!!!

 

[schuh61]

I just recieved my Starwood preferred guest platinum Am-Ex. .....Any perks at the Dolphin...JWill be there in July just thought I would ask!

 

[mrslane]

Although I have few points, I am a SPG. I am going to make reservations at the Dolphin for June using the teacher discount. Can I also ask for [ossibly receive an upgrade because I am a SPG? I doubt I have enough pts. to purchase one. I'm trying to read this entire thread to see if my question has been answered, but my computer is not behaving 100%. Thanks!

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by mrslane
Although I have few points, I am a SPG. I am going to make reservations at the Dolphin for June using the teacher discount. Can I also ask for [ossibly receive an upgrade because I am a SPG? I doubt I have enough pts. to purchase one. I'm trying to read this entire thread to see if my question has been answered, but my computer is not behaving 100%. Thanks!

Only if you have elite status are you entitled to comp upgrades

Gold Status

Stay just 10 times (or 25 nights) a year, and earn Gold status. Receive all the benefits of a Preferred Guest® with the following enhancements:

• More Starpoints: Earn 3 Starpoints(SM) for every eligible U.S. dollar spent -- a 50% bonus over Preferred Guests, more than any other program -- so you earn free nights faster.
• Automatic Room Upgrades: As an elite member, you don't need to redeem Starpoints for a room upgrade --- you'll automatically be given a Preferred Room at check-in when available.
• Faster Airline Awards: Enjoy a lower minimum transfer threshold when converting Starpoints to frequent flyer miles -- exchange just 1,500 Starpoints versus 2,500 for Preferred Guests.
• Little Extras: Take advantage of a morning newspaper, 4 p.m. late checkout, check-cashing privileges up to $300, and access to the Gold Preferred Guest special customer service telephone number for reservations and information.

Platinum Preferred Guest®
Stay 25 times (or 50 nights) a year, and achieve Platinum status. Enjoy personalized attention and unparalleled rewards at an extraordinary collection of hotels and resorts worldwide as well as the following enhancements:

• Our Best Room: You'll automatically be upgraded to our best available guest room at check-in.
• Platinum Concierge: No other program offers such highly personalized service as our Platinum Concierge(SM). Call to make reservations and secure upgrades, redeem awards, book opera tickets and baby sitters, or get information on local restaurants and sights.
• Complimentary Access: Enjoy complimentary access to the hotel gym and Executive and Club Level floors at Westin® and Sheraton® Hotels & Resorts.
• Welcome Gift Upon Arrival: Choose a complimentary gift such as a refreshing bowl of fruit or snack, an in-room movie, or bonus Starpoints(SM) every time you stay at one of our hotels or resorts in Latin America, Asia-Pacific, or North America*, or receive a complimentary local or regional amenity from the General Manager at check-in**.

It never hurts to ask for a complimentary upgrade at check in but don't be disappointed if you are turned down especially when staying on a deep discounted room (teacher/nurses rate)

 

[mrslane]

THANKS! I thought this may be the case. Teachers have to watch every penny!

 

[bard721]

Is there any special occassion you will be celebrating? I spent my 40th birthday at the Dolphin with my DH. When I was checking in the hotel in mid June 2001 I said we were there as part of my birthday celebration. Needless to say, I was very happy to be there and said so. We paid the teacher's rate and ended up with a room on a high floor with a breathtaking view of Spaceship Earth. We watched the nighttime fireworks several nights from our window. In addition we were given a voucher for a free meal for two at any restaurant at either the Dolphin or Swan (excluding Shulas). We both had lobster for the first time in our lives plus appetizers, deserts, and drinks! It was great!

 

[mrslane]

Originally posted by bard721
Is there any special occassion you will be celebrating? I spent my 40th birthday at the Dolphin with my DH. When I was checking in the hotel in mid June 2001 I said we were there as part of my birthday celebration. Needless to say, I was very happy to be there and said so. We paid the teacher's rate and ended up with a room on a high floor with a breathtaking view of Spaceship Earth. We watched the nighttime fireworks several nights from our window. In addition we were given a voucher for a free meal for two at any restaurant at either the Dolphin or Swan (excluding Shulas). We both had lobster for the first time in our lives plus appetizers, deserts, and drinks! It was great!

WOW! DH and I go each year in celebration of our anniversary. Although I cannot get the $149 on the exact date, we are still planning on going "in recognition of" our day one week later. Our favorite restaurant is Kimonos, should I say? How happy were you to get the special treatment? Thanks for your prompt reply!

 

[bard721]

I was absolutely stunned to get the treatment we did. It was beyond anything I could have imagined. I will say that I have read other's posts that suggest being a happy friendly person when you check in. I was somewhat skeptical about this until my experience and that of others I have read. Check in staff have a certain amount of flexibility with perks and they will most likely not reward the rude, the unpleasant, or the grumpy. I am by nature a polite and friendly person so it was no effort for me to be nice.

 

[mrslane]

Originally posted by bard721
I was absolutely stunned to get the treatment we did. It was beyond anything I could have imagined. I will say that I have read other's posts that suggest being a happy friendly person when you check in. I was somewhat skeptical about this until my experience and that of others I have read. Check in staff have a certain amount of flexibility with perks and they will most likely not reward the rude, the unpleasant, or the grumpy. I am by nature a polite and friendly person so it was no effort for me to be nice.

You must be a teacher too, as well as a WDW fan. Having worked at WDW, and everywhere else for that matter, it is easier to want to go out of my way for people who are nice and happy. I will try the bard721 method before relying the SPG points I have!!!