Starwood Preferred Guest - The President took my upgrade!

The President was at the Indy Westin last night. Didn't see him, but there were secret service/SWAT types with dogs all over the place. Entrance to the hotel was blocked for about an hour while his motorcade approached and unloaded.

When I checked in, I was given a king/non-smoking on a non-SPG floor. I didn't like the room (I've stayed in this hotel weekly for the last year, and know the room layouts; the room was small and had a poor configuration. I won't get into the toothbrush and toiletries that were still in the bathroom). I asked for a different room, and was told that only doubles were left. I really prefer a king-size, so decided to stay put.

I understand the security reasons for blocking off the top couple of floors, but it seems the rest of the travelling party (media, etc) had been given priority on room selection. Does making a good impression outweigh keeping frequent guests (with reservations booked months in advance) happy?

I've stayed with Presidents in hotels on three occasions. That kind of makes me sound like Monica Lewinski, doesn't it?. . . What I mean is, I happened to be staying in a hotel at the same time as The President on three occasions. (Once each with Reagan, Bush I & Clinton.) In all three experiences I found the place to be chaos. The hotel staff are so focused on everything they've been instructed to do over that 12-hour period that they forget everything else.

With the even higher levels of security going on today, I can't imagine what it must be like. I'd cut the staff some slack on this occasion and expect things to return to normal next visit. The pressure on them while he's in-house is intense. It's natural that they'd lose sight of a few otherwise important issues -- like you. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

(Edited to correct spelling)

[This message has been edited by AZ Travels the World (edited 05-13-2003).]

Sorry to hear the news -- a bad room is a bad room, whether the president or 700 conventioners are in town and staying at the hotel that night.

BTW, we first the news about George W. staying the night in Indy sometime last week, so a hotel that is used to huge crowds for conventions and sports stuff could have been prepared. Then again, I have had lousy rooms in Westins and Sheratons that were nearly empty, so you never know.

This is the best Starwood property in Indy and the only one downtown for that matter. How has it worked out for you in the past?

I was once in the Hilton Caracas when there were 10 presidents from varying Central American and Caribbean countries in the hotel meeting with Venezuelan president Hugo Chavez. They would not even let our taxi drive to the front of the hotel. Armed security controlled all of the elevators, x-ray machines in the lobby, etc. Crazy.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by quinella66:
The President took my upgrade!</font>

Same thing happened to me.

Sincerely,
Al Gore

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ORDBoyInLAX:
Same thing happened to me.

Sincerely,
Al Gore</font>

I completely disagree with the politics behind this statement, but it is very funny and clever nonetheless! http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Pietro:

This is the best Starwood property in Indy and the only one downtown for that matter. How has it worked out for you in the past?</font>

Overall, it has worked out very well, with a few ups and downs. I love the heavenly bed, but wish that they had a lounge for platinums. Suite upgrades don't appear too often; I haven't had one since February. I asked one time, and was told that they have 23(?) suites, and about 50 platinums staying there on an average weeknight.

I stayed at a Hilton in D.C. in march (that one where Reggaen was shot) -- and Bush senior was there. I mean: Bush senior. But nevertheless, the Hotel was Fort Knox.

This is ridiculous!! All that security- mania -- it´s in no other country that strict and rude. All other guests have to suffer under restrictions. Sorry, I stayed there.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">
Originally posted by ORDBoyInLAX:
Same thing happened to me.
Sincerely,
Al Gore
</font>

Best quote of the day. Very funny!!!

[This message has been edited by Bookexp (edited 05-13-2003).]

President of what? You make it sound like there is only ONE PRESIDENT in this world.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tfong007:
President of what? You make it sound like there is only ONE PRESIDENT in this world.</font>

There is. Just ask him. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AZ Travels the World:
There is. Just ask him. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>


There is one president in this world. And Donald Rumsfeld is his prophet.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by AZ Travels the World:
There is. Just ask him. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/smile.gif</font>

BRAVO!!!!!!!!!!!!!! :P

I have this one picture of Bush reading a children's book upside down. Its quite amusing.

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tfong007:
I have this one picture of Bush reading a children's book upside down. Its quite amusing.</font>

It also, unfortunately, happens to be fake.
If you're interested, you can go to this site and see the details (great site for this kind of urban legend stuff, by the way):

http://www.snopes.com/photos/bushbook.asp

During the GOP convention in 2000, I spent one night in the hotel where George W. and his family were going to be staying later that week. Security was so tight. No one could enter the hotel without a key as the guards would stop people and check their credentials. If you had just arrived and were registering, the guard would escort you to the desk and wait while you got your room key.

Not sure how this relates but I was at the Waldorf when Clinton was there (staying and for a dinner a couple years back)

The hotel was chaos but at check-in I received the largest suite I have even gotten anywhere. The bathroom alone was bigger than two rooms at the Sheraton NY.

Wizzy---

You should have called the Plat desk and had them do a Plat over-ride. You migvht not have bumped George W. , but maybe one of his up tight SS guys would have ended up in the back of one of those black Tahoes.

I bet George W. isn't even an SPG !!!!!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Pietro:
[B]Sorry to hear the news -- a bad room is a bad room, whether the president or 700 conventioners are in town and staying at the hotel that night.
[B]</font>

Sorry, but I have to disagree with that.

Staying in the same hotel as the most influential and powerful man in the world* is not the same as sharing lobby with 700 overweight sales rep's in cheap suits.... http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/biggrin.gif

* to clarify, I am not a staunch Republican or Bush supporter, but the above title goes for anyone who holds the office of US President.

Stayed at the St. Regis Beijing for four nights last year. My last night coincided with Mr. Bush's one night stay during a token State Visit. The hotel's rooms division manager called me several times long distance 2 weeks before my arrival to apologize for inconvenience as I would have to be moved to Sheraton Great wall for last night, offered free stay at Sheraton and 1/2 price at St. Regis, limo airport transfers, guaranteed advance upgrade to best suite.
When I checked in the front desk staff knew my situation and were very pleased to tell me that i didnt have to move for the last night.. Still honoured 1/2 price rate and free limo transfers (normally $80US each way). GM met me at breakfast to also apologize.
Very nice treatment.
FYI, Secret service and state dept folks who arrived in the advance party were very lax about security. They spoke in loud voices in elevators, restaurant, lobby about fairly detailed codes and plans for the visit!! Guess they thought I was the only white guy there and must be one of them. The hotel was occupied by only 7 non-US State visit related people.
Thankfully my flight left PEK half hour before they closed it for the arrival of AF1.

I have always wondered do government officials like the president need to pay for their stay? Who picks up the tab? How does the whole thing work?

Stayed at the Westin Indy the same night. At check-in was told no king available despite my reservation. Helpful desk clerk spent 10 minutes on computer, and even went to personally check on whether a particular room was ready. Finally found a king for me. Like Wizzy, my room was tiny, with one of the smallest bathrooms I've seen in a hotel. View was only of neighboring (and nicer) Marriott. Prez entered from underground entrance so, as far as I know, guests did not see him. Still, quite a neat event.

I too was there with the President. My room wasn't ready because of him. Nice property generally, but on my last stay, with the Pres, no Molten Brown, my little suite had a poor configuration (couldn't see the TV from the bed) and a total mishap with an incoming fax.

I know exactly what you guys mean! One time I was in line 7-eleven, and the man in front of me took the last Beef Jerky strip!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by tfong007:
I have always wondered do government officials like the president need to pay for their stay? Who picks up the tab? How does the whole thing work?</font>

It depends upon the nature of the event. If on official government business, it's picked up by The White House. If it is a campaign event, it's picked up by the campaign or the state/national party, depending upon the event.

They are BIG tabs, too -- especially when the President is involved. Huge blocks of rooms for several days leading up to the event. For the standard rooms for staff, secret service, media, etc. they pay government rates. For the President's suite, they pay a considerable sum, though I understand it's not typically the published rate for the Pres. Suite.

He doesn't need to, especially when the White House packs up and travels with him. His suite upgrade is guaranteed!

I heard that Air Force One offers better amenities that the UA First Suite or other F products from SQ, LH, etc, etc. Any truth to that rumor? :-)) But what a bummer since no points are awarded!

<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by thomasrich:
Wizzy---

I bet George W. isn't even an SPG !!!!!</font>