starwood points

[opal]

I have ressies booked for Jan at Swan and I am furiously working to get points. I have a bunch from a amex promotion that won't post until probably early December. How close to my reservation date can I apply the points to get the free nights?

 

[hookedup]

You can book free nights anytime if you have the points available. You can book it online or via starwood spg 800# once your points are posted. I have booked stuff two days out. As long as there is availability, so the risk you run is that there may not be any free rooms left when you go to book it.

 

[opal]

I already have the room book under a regular reservation. Can I call them an apply the points to get some of the night free with points on the existing reservation? If so, can I do that right up to the last minute?

 

[hookedup]

I dont think that you can apply points to an exsisting reservation and convert all of your nights to free ones - but I would call to ask.
As far as I understand it they pull the free rooms inventory from a separate block of rooms. If you have enough points for your entire trip then I would keep my current reservation and when you have enough points go online (or call) and book it. Then cancel your current one. Make sure you cancel before the cancellation deadline (I think it's a week but you should double check).
If you dont have enough points for your entire stay then I would call SPG and explain the situation and book the nights you have points for inconjuntion with your exsisting reservation. I know that there have been people on this board who have mentioned that they have paid for a night or two and used points for a night too.
And certainly I would call SPG and ask them all of your questions NOW, afterall I don't work for them (but I should I use their program so much )
Good luck!