Starwood Preferred Guest - SPG35HI promo says rate is single/double occ BUT SPG allows only single

Rec'd a promo flyer re: SPG35HI 35% off rate of $108 for Sheraton Princess Kaiulani. When my son called yesterday to book for himself & his wife, Starwood said that rate was only for a "1 person" reservation. The fine print on the mailer clearly says "Rates apply to single/double occupancy."

Anyone else run into this or have suggestions?

Why not book it online at spg.com? I don't know what dates they're traveling, but even without the SPG35 you can get rates of $115 there for double occupancy by clicking on promotional rates. Now if anyone traveling has status with UA, you can get it for even less - $83 - but you should be prepared to show your UA card at checkin.

traveling Jan/04. Tried spg.com yesterday & also just now. Cheapest rate that comes up is $189.

It's probably the case where the only room that was available when he first called would allow only one occupant.

I would call the Customer Contact Center in order to know for sure, but it seems that the SPG35HI rate may be sold out and another has taken its place.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 08-25-2003).]

CVV...I don't know what your original offer entailed, but if your son is a United Airlines Premier, Premier Executive or 1K level member, as letiole mentioned above, there is a 50% offer on up to 4 nights through May 31, 2004 running at:

http://www.hawaiiexclusive.com/uaprem/index.cfm

...that you might want to try booking via the web or by phone. It carries the promo code "unprhi". No coupon required for this one, but as letiole mentions, they will need to present a United Premier card at check-in in their name (and having stayed on this promo a few times, I have indeed been asked to show my card).

You'll also find there an additional offer for up to 2 nights at 50% off on future dates, by a free coupon returned to you for filling out the form. This coupon will feature the promo code "uabounce". Coupon must be presented on this one, at check-in.

You might try this to shake loose a room.

Failing that or if your son is not a United Premier, I would recommend you book the single under the original promo and then call the hotel directly to see if they'll force a double for him manually, with the same discount. But keep in mind there may be a differnce in price between a single room and a double room at the Kaiulani, that you may be asked to accept.

BTW, I believe there may be a similar American Airlines promo out there for their elites, as well.

Good Luck!

[This message has been edited by PremEx (edited 08-25-2003).]

Thanks for your input. Will follow your advice.