Starwood Preferred Guest - Does Platinum with Amex Centurion last one year only?

I am a AMEX Centurion cardholder and was recently offered platinum status with Starwood. However, they were unsure whether I would be able to keep the elite level as long as I have the Centurion card or whether it was just a one year promotion and that I would have to earn it to remain platinum. Perhaps William could shed some light on the policy. Thanks in advance

Mine renewed automatically.

Someone from the Australia office also told me that as a Centurion member, I am able to confirm room upgrades 72 hours in advance.
She seemed very sure and said that she was reading right from the computer. Any info on whether this is true?

As an Amex Centurion, you get SPG Plat as long as you are Amex Centurion. And because you are Plat, you have the 72 hours guarantee. But don´t expect to much from being Plat. I had 3 stays last year with Starwood and 10 stays this year - not once I was upgraded to a suite. In Numbers: 0%. That is redicolous. I´ve made good experiences with Ritz Carlton. Although there is no official program, they treat Centurions very well. Some nice upgrades, even to big Suited (in Dubai, for 5 nites!).

SPG: Most times they even refuse to upgrade to Tower (at least in Germany). I give it another try this Thursday, but I don´t expect them to follow the rules this time. Last time I was disappointed: Westin Rotterdam. No upgrade at all, a room opposite of the elevator. Although booking system told: Junior Suites and regular Suites available.

There are many threads here on upgrades or no upgrades. As Plat (and Centurion)I have had good success. In Germany, I have received suite upgrades at the Arabella Sheraton in Munich and the Frankfurt Airport Sheraton and the Pelikan Sheraton in Hanover.

too bad that as a Centurion member in HKG...I think I can only get Hyatt Diamond and Hilton Gold...and not any Starwood elite membership...

tedhl: But you can get into the China Club and US holders can't!

sclee83, as long as you are an American Express Centurian Member, you will be a Starwood Preferred Guest Platinum member. It renews automatically every year just as sdix said.

joergi, we need to start improving your suite percentages, if possible. Please send me an email with your Starwood Preferred Guest number and the names and dates of stay where you were denied a suite upgrade when one was available. I would like our European hotel coordinators to become more intimately familiar with your situation.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 10-22-2001).]

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by sdix:
tedhl: But you can get into the China Club and US holders can't!</font>

well...I think for those of us who live in HKG (and, for me, a local born Chinese as well)...China Club is really just a place where you can find way overpriced Chinese food...better quality Chinese food can be had in so many other places in HKG, with a much much lower price tag...of course, it might worth a visit if you have not been there before, but not any more for me except for business occasions... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

i'd rather have Starwood Platinum... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

tedgl: Good to have someone from Hongkong here. ;-) We are staying two nites in Hongkong Dec 26th to Dec 28th (my 2nd visit to Hongkong. Do you have any recommandations where to go and what to see, where to get good food (beside expensive lounges)? We are staying at the Grand Hyatt Hongkong, in a Harbor View Suite on 31st floor. I am really looking forward. Eight years ago, I staid at the "Harbour View Hotel" next door to the Grand Hyatt (I couldnt afford the Hyatt those days, but I had some tea there and was really impressed).

O.K. What is the AMEX Centurion? I have never heard of this.

egarett: The Amex Centurion is the Card beyond the Amex Platinum, available only in UK, Germany and the US (and internationally, I believe). High flying fee - but many, many benefits. ;-) You will find many infos on the Amex Board.

AKA: Black Card