Starwood Points, Upgrades, s/d

[KIS]

I'm very new to this whole scene. I've never been to WDW and only found out about this board in June.

Did you like the Dolphin? Where did you stay?

I think it's a good thing to inquire about the points since that sounds like your strategy for maximizing on your vacation plans for the next year.

We're going April 24 because that's when the break is for my husband's school. I am far from experienced, but I would imagine going when the spring break season is over would be the optimal time. There might even be a lull when park attendence is down before the summer rush.

KIS

 

[SandiH]

I just called to upgrade my status to gold - told them that I had a Plantinum Card - they said I already had the starwood amex linked to my card and that my status is Prefered Plus. Didn't feel like arguing with her (politely of course) about how my card does say Plantinum on it.

What exactly is prefered plus???? Don't see it anywhere on the web site. Is it new? Do I stay persistant and call back?

Thanks!

 

[EpcotKilterFan]

The Platinum on the AMEX card has nothing to do witn your SPG status. Gold is the level you get when you are and SPG AMEX cardholder. Many of us have had trouble getting the Gold status when we call. So keep trying.

I am not sure about Preferred Plus.

Hope that helps some....

Debbie

 

[Muffy]

Call back and try to get Gold. Preferred Plus is nothing special. Keep trying, you are entitled to it.

 

[wintermom]

SandyH
Let me know if you get the gold status. I also have an AE starwood prefered platinum card but when I read the questions/answers on the spg site it says you must have a
number of stays to achieve gold, it does not metion that having
the spg AE platinum card will quilify you.

I wonder if the rules have changed? Let us know if you are able
to upgrade to gold. I am staying at the Swan on Dec 27 and
would love to have a better chance of upgrading if possible.

Thanks,
Wintermom

 

[leopardspot]

I am on the phone with the 1-888-625-4988 number right now. I am an AMERITRADE member. I gave the code "AP2" and my Ameritrade number and they said they couldn't do it. Just gave me preferred plus. Then I said I had the Starwood Amex and they upgraded me to GOLD. What will the GOLD status do for me? I am going in 3 weeks.

 

[wintermom]

Thanks everyone,

Ok I just upgraded to gold.

I called the number on the back of my starwood card, selected
option #3 and said I had a platinum card and could I be upgraded
to gold. She said no problem asked for my starwood # and
credit card # and said it was done and my starwood # stays
the same.

Ok now what do I do, my reservation is at the Swan on Dec.29th
for a standard room. Do I ask for an upgrade when I check in
or how does that work?

Wintermom

 

[momtotwinglesx4]

Originally posted by wintermom
Thanks everyone,

Ok I just upgraded to gold.

I called the number on the back of my starwood card, selected
option #3 and said I had a platinum card and could I be upgraded
to gold. She said no problem asked for my starwood # and
credit card # and said it was done and my starwood # stays
the same.

Ok now what do I do, my reservation is at the Swan on Dec.29th
for a standard room. Do I ask for an upgrade when I check in
or how does that work?

Wintermom

Bumping for an answer to this, because I'm in the same boat

Except I'll be checking into the Dolphin.

 

[Mouseteacher]

E mail a comp request for an upgrade through the swandolphin website. Then, ask again upon check-in. I have received comp upgrades to Club Level on our Dolphin stay a year ago and an upgrade to Jr. Suite with balcony with gorgeous views on our Swan stay this past July. I am a Gold level spg, too.

The S/D is very accomodating to its spg members.

 

[KIS]

Mouseteacher,

I recognize that name.

Do you mean that you requested both an improved view AND a upgrade in level via email? Can you do that? I thought spg were only allowed one feature when requesting an upgrade. Or, does all that have to do with time of year?

KIS

 

[SandiH]

on not getting gold the first time I called for the upgrade due to having the AMEX card.

Since I first registered, my SPG number had been changed - I found out when I reviewed a reservation using my CC number and not my SPG number. It used to be A... and now it's B... I called SPG about a reservation and then questioned the staff member about my number and requested to be upgraded to Gold since I had the AMEX card. After a few minutes on hold, she said that I was upgraded to Gold! I'm wondering if I was upgraded before since she said my number wouldn't change and it already had been switched to B... I guess I"ll know for sure when I receive my "real" card in the mail.

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement.

BTW, with the Amex card and Christmas coming, I'm allready earning major points for upgrades on our June trip!

 

[TedO]

I'm an SPG Gold member and just booked a couple of nights at the Swan this month using Cash and Points and I'm wondering if anyone has had any luck upgrading at either Swan or Dolphin when they have used the C&P offer or another SPG Promotion?
Can you email the S/D via their website if you booked the res. thru Starwood ?
Thanks,
Ted

 

[wintermom]

TedO

I thought the cash and points deal was only avaliable through
the end of November ??

When did you book and for what days in December?

Wintermom

 

[TedO]

Wintermom,
I already had reserved 2 nights at the Swan at the Entertainment rate for the weekend after Christmas (12/26 and 12/27) and on Monday this week, just happened to notice on the Starwood Preferred website that they had extended the Cash and Points offer until 1/3/04. I called Starwood and got my reservation changed to the Cash and Points, saving me a little over $100 per night not including taxes. It cost 4000 per night in Points but I think it's worth it.
Now I'm just wondering what the chances of getting a complimentary upgrade with Cash and Points would be since I booked through Starwood. I'm guessing not that good so I may just call 5 days in advance and use some more points for an upgrade.
Ted

 

[wintermom]

Ted,
Thanks for that information, I am going to try that too!
Wintermom

 

[wintermom]

Ted, its Wintermom again, this is strange but now when I go to the SPG site and go to the cash and points offer I see where it has been extended but the Swan nor Dolphin shows up as participating hotels. Oh well, guess I'll use the points for an upgrade if I need it, or..... another vacation at Spring Break!

Wintermom

 

[TedO]

Hi Wintermom.
I also noticed that the Swan and Dolphin do not show up in the list of participating hotels on the STarwood website but you might want to give Starwood member services a call and check anyway. I just called to see about extending our stay for 1 more night and they did say the offer was still available at both. Couldn't hurt to try - good luck!
Ted

 

[swilphil]

Originally posted by TedO

Can you email the S/D via their website if you booked the res. thru Starwood ?
Thanks,
Ted

If you want to request an upgrade, you may go through the www.swandolphin.com website. Click on Reservations, then Special Requests. They make the room assignments on the Friday before you arrive. You can check your reservation at the starwood website.

 

[Mouseteacher]

TedO~ I stayed at the Swan this past July using the Cash and Points promotion - we were upgraded to a Jr. Suite with balcony! I am Gold spg.

 

[tjmw2727]

Wow, good information, I was thinking I would get a corner room with no windows on cash and points LOL.

I am spg gold and booked three nights cash & points in Feb followed by three nights at the AP rate. I have never faxed in advance, requested via website or asked at checkin for anything but always got at least a balcony room. A few times we got a wonderful view of Epcot. For me just a good rate at a nice hotel is worth the price. Any upgrade I get will be truly appreciated for the gift it is.

For those wondering I just booked the C&P for $60 and 4000 on November 25th for February.

HTH

TJ