Starwood Preferred Guest - No black out dates? sure... Just tried to book a room at Sheration Pentagon South Ale

I just tried to book a free night for 3,000 points at the Sheraton Pentagon South Alexandria for 3,000 points (3/14 - 3/15). The online redemption process couldn't book the free room. So, I called spg and they said that even though rooms are available, they couldn't book a room for me because they're over their 20% limit of booking rooms on points.


What's up with that? I thought that I could book one no matter what if there were rooms available. Instead they said I could pay $303 for a room. Anyone able to help me out or know who I can contact?


Thanks,
rays

I just tried to book a free night for 3,000 points at the Sheraton Pentagon South Alexandria for 3,000 points (3/14 - 3/15). The online redemption process couldn't book the free room. So, I called spg and they said that even though rooms are available, they couldn't book a room for me because they're over their 20% limit of booking rooms on points.


What's up with that? I thought that I could book one no matter what if there were rooms available. Instead they said I could pay $303 for a room. Anyone able to help me out or know who I can contact?


Thanks,
rays

I'd Email the Starwood Lurker, If he hasn't contacted you by now.

The guarantee for award nights only apply for standard rooms/rates. Looking at the availability for 3/14-3/15 at the Sheraton Pentagon South Alexandria, the only rates that are available are for corporate rooms, therefore no standard rooms are available which means there isn't any standard SPG award availability.

The guarantee for award nights only apply for standard rooms/rates. Looking at the availability for 3/14-3/15 at the Sheraton Pentagon South Alexandria, the only rates that are available are for corporate rooms, therefore no standard rooms are available which means there isn't any SPG award availability.

I don't think that's correct, but I'm sure Lurker will chime in when he returns to work. There might not be SPG award availability at the standard rate, but I'm sure something could be booked for more points. I've seen this occur in NYC in the 10,000 point category. While I wasn't able to book a room at 10k points, they could book one for 11,500. Fortunately I decided to wait unti the day of arrival and was able to book at 10,000 points.

'No capacity controls' is for standard rooms only. Some hotels have been reported to play games with what counts as a standard room, but if the prevailing rate at this property is > $300 it's plausible that there aren't any standard rooms.

(This hotel is a bit odd.. prices are either very low or very high, I've seen rooms on offer for $800+ only and frankly the property is a dump at least the last time I was there.)

In any case, not all hotels offer upgraded rooms for more points. IIRC none of the DC-area properties do :(.

The "20% limit" comment is a bit troubling though. My hunch is that it's an agent trying to explain something but not doing so correctly.

When I last stayed there, the east half had been redone, and the west half was under restoration.

I walked a few floors, and all rooms were identical. Sort of reminded me of one of the old Howard Johnson's that were prefab assembled.

Rooms were quite decent, and staff was very polite.

When is Easter/spring break? DC prices are very high during those seasons.