I am a new Platinum. I understand the hotel may offer a gift at check-in. I have found fruit or food in the room, and other times have been given a choice including 500 bonus points? Is there a difference between domestic and international properties? Can I request the 500 bonus points if not initially offered?
I understand the access is guaranteed to the club/exec level even when not staying on that floor. However at some hotels (like Sheraton La Guardia) I have been given a coupon for a free breakfast. Is this an added bonus, a requirement, or a substitution for not allowing me on the club floor?
Starwood Lurker
Aug 1, 03, 6:53 pm
The Platinum welcome amenity of choice program is active everywhere except for the European/African/MiddleEastern properties. Also, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis branded properties in the North American Division are exempt from this program. Instead, at these locales/brands you get a local welcome amenity delivered to your room either shortly before or shortly after your arrival.
These are the Terms and Conditions of Membership regarding club/executive lounge access:
"Access to the Club Level when staying at Sheraton hotels even when not staying on the Club Level floor(s). Access to the Executive Level when staying at Westin hotels, even when not staying on the Executive Level floor(s). At any time a lounge is full, the hotel may require a member to wait until space is available or may elect to offer an alternative location providing amenities equal or greater to those available in the lounge. If a lounge is closed for any reason, such as renovation, the hotel may consider it not having a lounge during the closed period and is not required to offer alternate accommodations."
Sounds like the lounge may have been closed and the hotel offered coupons instead, although - clearly - they do not have to.
Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services
guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com