SPG And Swan Upgrades

[AndyMcV]

Hi Gang

I emailed SPG.com today to ask how many points it costs to upgrade from a standard room to a club level room or a room with club level priviledges at the Swan or Dolphin. Here's what I got back...

Upgrades on paid rates in either the Walt Disney World Swan or the Walt Disney World Dolphin are 1,000 to 1,500 Starpoints per night. Please be advised, you cannot request an upgrade on a paid rate outside of five days before arrival.

I have just over 7000 points. So... my 2 questions are...

1. Because I only have 7000 points is it 1000 points per night or is it 1500 points per night. I'd like to know exactly because we'll probably be staying for 7 nights.

2. Are they saying that I can only request SPG point upgrades 5 days before our stay, ie. I couldn't book and request the upgrade now?

Thanks
Andy

 

[nab486]

Yes, you are understanding it correctly. It is 1000 points PER NIGHT and you cannot do this until 5 days prior to your arrival. We went ahead and booked the room we wanted (upgraded) and are going to call to see if we can switch it 5 days prior. I just didn't want to risk not getting the room ( we are doing some free nights with points anyway and just don't want to move)

 

[thirdtrip]

I just returned from the Swan and did all the things that SWD said to do to get Club level and was not successful until check-in. At check-in is when you will have the most success in possibly getting a club level upgrade. It worked for me and I couldn't have been more pleased as they gave me my original room with Lake/Resort view and club level access to the 12th floor.

 

[jmcross]

I called SPG and was told that it's 1500 points to upgrade to CL. Anyone told it was 1000 points recently at check-in?

Thanks,

Joanne

 

[hookedup]

As far as the 1000 or 1500 at the S/D this has been a confusing point since I became an SPG member. I have called many times to ask this question and have been told DIFFERENT answers each time. I have been told the points can vary due to room type (i.e., balcony, preferred view for 1000, and 1500 for club level) and have been told 1000 for CL and 1500 for CL. It seems it depends on whom you speak to.

I do not like to use points to upgrade at check-in because I have had front desk clerks give me the run around at different SPG hotels. I will do it the 5 days out and I have had times that CL is not available, but when I ask again at check in the hotel has offered me a premium room on a non-CL floor and added CL access to my account.

Something to remember - if you are booking your stay on award points you can upgrade at any time using points. In otherwords, if you are staying at an SPG property on an award stay you don't have to wait until the five nights out to use points to upgrade. You can even book it at the time you make your points reservation.

Hope that was helpful