Starwood Preferred Guest - What rate do you stay at?

I've been staying at the same SPG property for almost 50 nights this year, and have stayed under many different rates. Lately, I have been staying under more promotional rates rather than corporate rates, as these rates tend to bundle amenities together which I often use. For example, I love the rates which bundle together hi speed internet, breakfast, taxes, and valet parking, and STILL come below my corporate rate.

I bring this subject up as lately I've been staying under the Honeymoon package rate (breakfast, parking, taxes, champagne) which blows my corporate rate out of the water. Remember, I stay at this hotel a lot, so it's a little funny when I keep on getting congratulated for getting married every week!

Is it bad form to keep on booking this rate? Or is booking any promotional rate fair game, as long as no exclusions are listed on the rate? Thanks all!

Do you feel guilty about it :)

I try to book the cheapest cancellable rate I can. I use weekend rates when I can, SPG online cancellable rates, cancellable AAA rates and corporate rates. Whatever comes in the cheapest. If it happens to be a promotional rate, so be it.

Book whatever rate is the best rate for you. It seems as if your corporate rate is not very good at that property. Maybe you should negotiate a better rate yourself with that property if you intend to keep staying there as often as you have been? It's worth a shot .. especially if you include those ammenities that are important to you, and comes in cheap enough so you don't have to do all that shopping around every time you book there.

-David

I know that I wouldn't feel bad about booking a rate that would save me money, unless it was a rate where I might be asked for an ID (ie: Government rate, AARP rate, etc.) that I didn't have. If the Honeymoon package rate works for you and saves you money, then run with it.

If it were a big deal...the hotel would ask for proof that you are really on a honeymoon. :)

No. It's fine to book any promotional rate you want. The hotel isn't going to price the package so that they'll lose money. They may be losing some money by having you at a rate lower than your corporate rate, but for all the nights you spend there you deserve the promo rates.

This raises a similar question. Is it okay to reserve a "handicap accessible" room if you don't need an accessible room, but it is the cheapest rate available?

I've never felt right about booking an accessable room because I would hate to think that someone who really needed didn't get it because I may have it blocked. Kind of like using a handicap stall in a bathroom - what if a guy in a wheelchair comes in and has to wait for me! I'd be mortified and embarassed beyond belief. Otherwise, I have no qualms booking a rate that's published.

If you have stayed there 50 nights, though, you might try introducing yourself to the reservations manager, or even the GM, and show them how you've had to work hard to get competitive rates. They might make a rate for you that you can just keep booking.

I've done that at a number of properties, including the Westin Boston Copley and the W New York (Lexington Ave.). The managers at those properties were always very accomodating and happy to hear from a frequent guest. It's a good time to give some quality feedback about the hotel, services, etc.

This raises a similar question. Is it okay to reserve a "handicap accessible" room if you don't need an accessible room, but it is the cheapest rate available?


I'm sure there will be varying opinion on this, but I believe it's okay.

First, my understanding of the laws assure accessibility, not exclusivity. But someone may have greater knowledge than me on this. And at some properties, these are moderately larger rooms (to facilitate easy movement with a wheelchair).

Second, IME, I find that when the accessible room is the cheapest available, it is usually within a couple days before check-in -- otherwise, there are regular rooms available at the same rate. So, the chances of snaring the room over someone that truly needs it is minimal.

Last, even if there is a last minute "need" for an accessible room which you have reserved, a smart hotel manager would call you and offer you an upgraded room at the same rate -- thus satisfying two customers.

I stay in a hotel in Atlanta quite a bit, and I've getting to know the management staff has been very worthwhile. They're great to me actually.

If you let the GM of the property know your situation and what you're doing and introduce yourself, I'm sure he/she would be accommodating and might also find it humorous. I've had GM's in the past give me SET codes specifically for the properties for good rates if I book in advance.

I suspect it would also be better for management to honestly know if they're a big hit with the honeymooner crowd or not.

It might keep them from investing additionally in that heart shaped beds and silky robes due to the popularity of their package.

Especially if you're all alone in there hoovering the chocolate covered strawberries every night. :D

I've been staying at the same SPG property for almost 50 nights this year, and have stayed under many different rates. Lately, I have been staying under more promotional rates rather than corporate rates, as these rates tend to bundle amenities together which I often use. For example, I love the rates which bundle together hi speed internet, breakfast, taxes, and valet parking, and STILL come below my corporate rate.

I bring this subject up as lately I've been staying under the Honeymoon package rate (breakfast, parking, taxes, champagne) which blows my corporate rate out of the water. Remember, I stay at this hotel a lot, so it's a little funny when I keep on getting congratulated for getting married every week!

Is it bad form to keep on booking this rate? Or is booking any promotional rate fair game, as long as no exclusions are listed on the rate? Thanks all!

Are you checking in alone or with someone different everytime .. that is hilarious ... or is it really smart customer service.

This raises a similar question. Is it okay to reserve a "handicap accessible" room if you don't need an accessible room, but it is the cheapest rate available?

No.

I have booked accessible rooms in the past when it is the lowest available rate. I simply indicate in the "special requests" box, that I do not need the accessible room. This way they can move me to another room if it is needed. I don't see anything wrong with this.

Do you feel guilty about it :)

I try to book the cheapest cancellable rate I can. I use weekend rates when I can, SPG online cancellable rates, cancellable AAA rates and corporate rates. Whatever comes in the cheapest. If it happens to be a promotional rate, so be it.

-David

I am totally with you. I am a state employee, and depending on state per diems, that is usually the best rate. In Michigan, that's usually $65 across the board (including the very nice Sheratin in Lansing.) BUT not all properties participate with the state, so I try AAA or Entertainment sometimes too.

Also, so far, my state rate is completely portable. I.e. I get state or government rates when I travel to other states, too. Not as good as Michigan's but often the best deal!