Starwood Preferred Guest - Platinum Benifits

Being new to Starwood Platinum level, I have a question. Does anyone know if I should expect at least a continental breakfast at properties that do not have a lounge? I was thinking of the Hawaiian properties, especially. Does it matter if I'm a free stay or not?

You shouldn't expect it.

You will probably get it at some properties, but Hawai is an almost impossible shot.

I stayed at the Mauna Lani, the Westin Maui Prince, and the Kapalua Bay hotel in June. There was no continental breakfast at any, nor any other free food except the platinum amenity. The amenity at the Orchid was exceptional, the others were much better than average. Lack of breakfast was a big drawback and compared unfavorably with the Hilton Waikaloa. At the Hilton, the concierge lounge serves a pretty excellent continental breakfast, then from noon-4 they have drinks and cookies, and then from 5-7 or so they have mass appetizers. Very nice. But God forbid you need to eat in any of their absurdly priced restaurants...

This is probably the largest lament from the old Westin Gold people... we used to get a full continental (room service or dining room) breakfast each day, which was later reduced to a $8/day pp credit. Westins rarely seem to have any lounges.

Some Westins still will give you coupons for Continental Breakfast, but usually only upon request. Just this Tuesday I asked nicely at the Westin LAX and was give the coupons. They were valid for a Continental Breakfast (tax and tip included!) at the restaurant, or $9.50 credit towards any other breakfast order. I was surprised when I was seated that I was told they were good for 100% of the cost of the breakfast buffet ($13.50). But as I hate buffets, I opted for the credit towards an order of Eggs Benedict ($11.00) and paid the few bucks difference.

But I do miss the days of the guaranteed complimentary Full American Breakfast at Westins. I just loved the Westin Maui's breakfast every morning..."on the house".

I guess its welcome to the cost cutting & ROE era... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

Hilton, even for a mere Gold, provides for a free continental breakfast. The program info states if the hotel does not have a lounge, then you can get the breakfast in the restaurant. I wish SPG had this free breakfast perk. I guess it does not hurt to ask....have not done that at SPG...but might as well start now.