NEW-STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST-Questions/Answers

[DianeV]

Forgive if this is somewhere in all the posts but I cant read them all!

I joined SPG right before our trip to the Dolphin the beginning of July. I got the points added to my account from what I can see online but never received any card.

Should I have a card?

Also what is this about having a AAA membership and getting a better kind of card?

thanks!
Diane

 

[Mouseteacher]

DianeV~It can take quite a long time to receive the card. However, you can print out a temp card fom the spg website. Also, on the website, there is a place where you can request a card again. AAA gives your Preferred Plus level membership.

Gail~ I received an upgrade when I stayed at the Sheraton Boston this past April. I had a corner room with a great view of the city. On the door was a small brass plaque that said "Starwood Preferred Guest Room". I always ask at check-in and I have never been refused for my 4 Starwood stays - I am Gold level. I asked at check-in at my Dolphin stay a few weeks ago and got a balcony room with an Epcot view - a terrific room!

 

[Elysiannn]

Hope someone can answer my questions. I'm a newbie to SPG, Starwood and the Dolphin.

I am a SPG member and have applied for the SPG amex but won't have it when I travel in 13 days.

Can I still use the SPG check-in? Or will I be in the normal check-in line?

Since I can't pay for the Dolphin with my SPG amex as long as I use my SPG membership # will I get points for that stay?

And finally - is the Flyer special a good idea to bag 1000 points? I noticed that it's been downgraded to 1000 points from the 2500 points.

Thanks in advance!! Ely

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by Elysiannn

Can I still use the SPG check-in? Or will I be in the normal check-in line?

The SPG Check in line is only for SPG GOLD & PLAT members.

 

[ptlycloudy]

Does anyone know what instant awards are available at S/D ie; massage etc. and how many points they are?
If any one has used the massage service there what is it like? Do they come to your room or do they have a spa? I would like to do something for my DH.
Thanks

 

[coach4448]

Originally posted by prncess674
The SPG Check in line is only for SPG GOLD & PLAT members.

Really?
I've used it every stay, and am not yet Gold. Also used SPG line when staffed at other Starwood hotels and have never had a problem or noticed that it was marked for GOLD or PLAT members only.
Stayed at the Swan last weekend and used SPG line, no problem.

 

[emagirl]

I am bumping because I too would love to hear from anyone who has info on Instant Awards like ptlycloudy.

Thank you!

 

[disyidkid]

The last time I was at the Dolphin, the starwood check-in simply stated "Starwood Guests" - no gold, platinum or any other designation. So I suggest you have a good time and go ahead and use the Starwood check-in.

 

[coach4448]

Response from MWood at WDW Swan & Dolphin:

Dear Sir/Madame,

When staffed, the Starwood Preferred Guest check-in desk is open to all members of the Starwood Preferred Guest program. Have a good day.


Melissa Wood
Reservations
WDW Swan and Dolphin
1500 Epcot Resorts Blvd.
Lake Buena Vista, FL 32830

 

[paras4ri]

Thanks for the followup coach4448. I've stayed at several Sheraton hotels, including the Dolphin, in recent months and have never noticed any restrictions regarding the SPG check-in.

 

[Debbie7452]

I agree with the majority here. SPG line was not restricted to "elite" members. Sounds like some people really need that pixie dust fix...

However, since I never encountered a wait at the "regular" check in desk, it is a very moot point indeed.

Happy, worry free travels to all!

 

[mbkteach]

I honestly don't recall if I saw a sign at the Swan. But, as someone said, there was no line anyway. In New Orleans, there was sign at the Sheraton that said Starwood Platimum Members. I was about to get in line at the next counter, and the preson at the Starwood counter offered to help me...she said the "Platinum" thing doesn't matter. On a subsequent visit to that hotel, I went to the Starwood Platinum counter and no one ever questioned that I wasn't "platinum".

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by mbkteach
I honestly don't recall if I saw a sign at the Swan. But, as someone said, there was no line anyway. In New Orleans, there was sign at the Sheraton that said Starwood Platimum Members. I was about to get in line at the next counter, and the preson at the Starwood counter offered to help me...she said the "Platinum" thing doesn't matter. On a subsequent visit to that hotel, I went to the Starwood Platinum counter and no one ever questioned that I wasn't "platinum".

Yes if there are no elites waiting to check in the agent should call over the next person in line and assist them. They won't just twidle there thumbs hoping an elite walks in. However a Platinum should be waited on first. Frankly, being assisted first is a VERY SMALL perk for those of us who spend well in excess of a 100 nights a year in hotel. Please don't begrudge me this small perk. If a line is marked for those with a special designation then you really shouldn't use that line if you do not have that special designation. I am sure the reason the agent said "plat doesn't matter" was because there were no other SPG Elites waiting for assistance. If however the elite line had patrons waiting I am sure you would have been directed to the standard hotel check in line. I assure you that SPG values there Platinums and Golds and THEY DO MATTER. . Those of us who stay week in and week out are the ones keeping the hotels in business paying ridiculous rates. We are not staying on el cheapo rates.

 

[Mouseteacher]

I have received several e mails from Melissa at the Swan/Dolphin. I have only stayed at the Swan, Dolphin and the Sheraton Boston. Their spg desks did not limit to Gold or Plat. JM$.02!

Btw, I agree, Gail. Time to move on.

 

[safetymom]

Please try to keep your comments helpful. Please find another topic to comment on and discontinue the current discussion. Thank you.

 

[prncess674]

Originally posted by coach4448
Thanks disyidkid.
I'm not the kind of person that would take advantage of something that I shouldn't be using. (Regardless of the previous posters rude insinuation)
Of all the Starwood properties I've stayed in I don't recall ever seeing a check-in for gold or plat specifically.

Here's a picture of the sign you must be ignoring. This sign is in EVERY SPG hotel.

 

[PrincessDadx2]

New Topic - What is the best way to use your points at the Swan/Dolphin. I have 40,000 points and I trying to decide whether to use them to get a suite for 2 nights that I need in January or save them for 5 days in a standard room at another time.

Are the suites worth it? I do hate being stuck in a hotel room with my toddlers.

 

[SueEllen]

I think it is safe to say that there are different types of check in areas at different Starwood properties. While some may have special check in for only gold or platinum members, that does not mean it applies to ALL Starwood properties.

There are two very important points to keep in mind here--first circumventing the word filter is not permitted and can result in immediate post priviledges removed.

Second is the no fighting rule in the Posting Guidelines.

Please let's try to keep this thread on the topic at hand. Safetymom has already asked for this above.

Thank you.

Sue Ellen

 

[dreamflight99]

SPG special "check-in" desks/areas at Starwood resort properties~also assist OTHER non-SPG members when the check-in lines are long, and no members are in need of assistance. While the Dolphin designates a separate area/desk for the needs of it's SPG members, it is not EXCLUSIVELY for GOLD/PLATINUM members. (*BTW...I'M a PLATINUM MEMBER). The sign at the Dolphin simply states...SPG MEMBER CHECK-IN, and is not present on the desk most of the time.

Yet, many properties simply have a little sign at the counter...off to one side. Some state SPG MEMBER CHECK-IN, and others reflect the sign posted by prncess674.

Starwood, and most all associates representing this wonderful corporation, is in the business of assisting ALL guests! Everyone is as important as the next. Simply because I have attained the Platinum status with this company, does not represent/reflect I am MORE important than a basic entry-level member at check-in. The TRUE rewards come PRIOR to this, with complimentary upgrades and CL, No BLACK-OUT dates, guaranteed reservations, etc.

I've seen the sign (GOLD/PLAT only) on counters at different properties, but as SueEllen pointed out, it is NOT the standard. The individual properties offering this specific service do so to alleviate long lines (as the majority of members frequenting these properties are not Gold/Plat) while checking-in. YET...even these associates would NEVER turn away ANY SPG member! After all, I've stood in line at the grocery store, and placed all my items on the belt...only to see the sign "10 items or less" AFTER I've arrived at the counter! (ugh.... ). I certainly was not IGNORING the sign. We all make such errors, in our day to day "oblivion" and especially while we are traveling or on vacation...and none are intentional, illegal or destructive.

To be honest...most of the time, I use the REGULAR check-in counter, as no one is present at the SPG counter, or the line is actually LONGER!

Lets all be KIND and CONSIDERATE of one another, please! ALL members of SPG...whether you are BASIC or PLAT...are VERY SPECIAL!! Starwood welcomes everyone on every level. We all sleep under the same roof, and share/enjoy the same perks (ie: wonderful toiletries...heavenly beds...etc!). Even entry level members can purchase SPG points to receive upgrades and enjoy Club Level!

TTFN...DF99

 

[coach4448]

Thanks DF99! Very well put in your usual graceful and thoughtful way. In all the SPG properties I've stayed in I honestly don't recall seeing that sign, even in Europe.
Hope that you have made it home safe and sound, or at least will be going home now that air travel is moving again.
I've followed your posts for some time now, and you've been a great source of information as well as entertainment. Your posts are so well done and it's a pleasure to read of your adventures.
Sorry that you had to endure our wonderful friends Charly and Frances on your visit this time! I am glad to see them go and hope that Ivan keeps his distance. We could use a break here in FL!