Starwood Preferred Guest - Confusing Promo

I am looking to book 5 nites at the Westin Bohemian in Orlando, and when I logged into SPG I saw the 5 nites at 25% off promo (http://http://www.starwood.com/promotions/promo_home2.html?promoCode=X5Q) which promises "25% off our LOWEST AVALIBLE RATE". However, elsewhere on the SPG site, I can get this hotel at much lower rates than the rate that the promo is using to generate the discounted rate. Now, I would understand if the promo specified rack rates, but it doesn't...Not to mention that the SPGvacations rate blows the promo out of the water. Can someone help me clear this up? :confused:

Sorry to say, but it sounds like the "lowest rate" was just a ploy. Unfortunately, Starwood (like all the other chains) still does this to lure people from the other ones. It's basically false advertising...but they have gotten away with it. Other examples are the 20% off two night stay promo and the buy two days get the 3rd free.....except that the rates in both cases are bloated, so you're not only NOT saving money, but on the stay 2 nights get 1 free, you're only receiving credit for the 2 night stay.

I wish Starwood would be the first chain to step up and stop these crappy promos.

I also wish that they would make the SPGVacations rate, which we know is done by a third party packages company (site59?) avalible directly. Either that, or match those rates with the rate matching policy...

I also wish that they would make the SPGVacations rate, which we know is done by a third party packages company (site59?) avalible directly. Either that, or match those rates with the rate matching policy...


You just reminded me of the other compaint I have with rates...which is forget the "best rate guarantee" the website promotes. First off, if you find a lower rate, I think you get like 10% off that....(wow!)...but that's after you spend weeks going back and forth with them over if the site you found it on qualifies as a "competitor." Nice move on their part so they can keep the offer, but never actually have to pony up any $.

And shouldn't EVERY site qualify?!? I mean outside of like Priceline and Hotwire (where you don't know you'd get a Sheraton...etc.). You'd think so....but no.

I wish Starwood would be the first chain to step up and stop these crappy promos.

Until the day that you are on a business trip and extend your stay by a day for personal reasons using this promotion. Makes the expense report look much better, no?

I am not advocating this, just pointing out the potential target market. I feel the same about those free companion tickets.

starwood has a rate plan named "Lowest Rate Available." Unfortunately, it is not always the lowest rate available. :mad:

sound like this famous quote: "it depends on what your definitions of "is" is. ;)

Grrr...in this time of confusion while I wait for a reply from Starwood, the rates just went up 200 bucks for the trip...GRRRRR

Just right now, I am getting USD 1,121.25 (224.25 a nite) from the promo, but I am getting 1033.98 for the same room, same nites, WITH AIRFARE from spgvacations.com. How that first rate is 25% off the best avalible from Starwood, when both are right off the same site...Maybe its that new math. :-P

Just right now, I am getting USD 1,121.25 (224.25 a nite) from the promo, but I am getting 1033.98 for the same room, same nites, WITH AIRFARE from spgvacations.com. How that first rate is 25% off the best avalible from Starwood, when both are right off the same site...Maybe its that new math. :-P

spgvacations.com is a wholesale rate, so it isn't eligible for stay credit, although you can get a flat 500 Starpoints per night for booking there.

If stay credit is an issue, I'd go with the higher rate. Regardless, you are never going to see discounts based on a wholesale rate. These are probably based off the Best Available Rate, which fcotsty rightly points out as being the name of an actual rate plan, but could possibly not be the best rate available. It is, however, probably the best eligible rate available.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I view these offers as just another possible rate choice. The buy 2 stay 3 offer is working for me on a trip in November to W the Court. The price for a suite averaged to $266/nt, versus somewhere in the $350-$400 range for the regular price for each night. But most of the time it is not worth it, especially given the fact that it is essentially a prepaid reservation.