Starwood Preferred Guest - Starhot rate (for family of employees) not eligible for Starpoints or elite benefits

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to collect Starwood points while staying in a room booked with a Starhot rate (my friend is an employee).

Thanks very much,
TB

Hi there,

Just wondering if anyone knew if it was possible to collect Starwood points while staying in a room booked with a Starhot rate (my friend is an employee).

Thanks very much,
TB

No.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Starwood Lurker is correct, as usual. ;)

Any additional comments are purely editorial. :D

Dan

No.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services



And he was "Sincere" about it too.

From Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary
2 : marked by genuineness : TRUE
- sin·cere·ly adverb
- sin·cere·ness noun

:D

If I recall from some long ago posts I thought the employee rate was available only to employees and their immediate families? You might want to be prepared to pay a higher rate if you're asked for ID at check in. :p

If I recall from some long ago posts I thought the employee rate was available only to employees and their immediate families? You might want to be prepared to pay a higher rate if you're asked for ID at check in. :p

I was going to say something about this as well, but if the employee follows proper procedure, they will have secure a letter of introduction to give to the person, for whom the room is booked, to present at check in. Without that letter of introduction a higher rate is very likely to be charged. :)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Here's another question on the topic. If I'm staying with my friend, who is an employee on a StarHot rate, will I be able to present my Platinum (or Gold) card and receive amenities, ie SPG preferred floor room, lounge access, or (dare I even say) suite upgrade?

Here's another question on the topic. If I'm staying with my friend, who is an employee on a StarHot rate, will I be able to present my Platinum (or Gold) card and receive amenities, ie SPG preferred floor room, lounge access, or (dare I even say) suite upgrade?

Nope, not if the reservation is held in the name of the employee, which it would have to be in order to get the Starhot rate. But, as always, YMMV.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks very much for the information. I didn't figure we'd have any luck, but it was worth a shot!

TB

Does this mean that only employees and families can use the rate or can they give it to freinds? What if you just claim to be family or do you need to share the same last name?

Does this mean that only employees and families can use the rate or can they give it to freinds? What if you just claim to be family or do you need to share the same last name?

Only immediate family members related to the employee can use this rate. I can't even get it for my sister-in-law unless she is staying with my brother. ;)

You have to present a letter of introduction from the employee's HR department. If you don't have it when you check in, then you will be paying a higher rate. If the employee lies about your familial association, they are liable for immediate dismissal.

A lot of hotels have what they call a Friends & Family rate, which can be booked for family members who do not qualify for the Starhot rate and for friends of Starwood associates. This rate isn't eligible for Starpoints or stay credit either, IIRC.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks for the info! Would this freinds and family rate be close to the Starhot rate or is it not a great deal? Can Starwood employees give as many of these freinds & family discounts as they wish?

thanks!

Thanks for the info! Would this freinds and family rate be close to the Starhot rate or is it not a great deal? Can Starwood employees give as many of these freinds & family discounts as they wish?

thanks!

The Friends and Family rate varies depending upon what hotel may be offering it. It is usually at least $80 - $100 higher than the Starhot rate. I don't think there is a limit to the number of rooms as long as it does not exceed 9 on a single arrival date or times it can be booked per year for a single person; however, that would be in the ultimate control of the hotel as the rate plan is both capacity controlled and subject to black-outs.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I am sure the employee booklet states this, unfortunately it is not available on the web, and asking the HR rep gives away your intentions should one get a negative answer (better to be sorry and ask forgiveness than to ask ahead of time, no? ;)

Immediate family obviously includes: self, siblings, parents, children.
Does it include: uncles/aunts, nephews/nieces, or first cousins?

...Does it include: uncles/aunts, nephews/nieces, or first cousins?

No, and not for inlaws other than your spouse's mother and father either.

Better you should ask HR rather than risk your employment, no? ;)

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

No, and not for inlaws other than your spouse's mother and father either.

What!?! I can get Starhot rates if I marry off my child to a Starwood employee?!? :eek: This is a strategy that I did not know!

(I'd better get busy working on that first kid. It's gonna take a while to get it up to marrying age.)

Only immediate family members related to the employee can use this rate.

Is an employee's registered domestic partner (i.e., relationship officially recognized by the state, such as in CA, DC, and VT) eligible for the Starhot rate?

Is an employee's registered domestic partner (i.e., relationship officially recognized by the state, such as in CA, DC, and VT) eligible for the Starhot rate?

Yes.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I have a friend that works for Starwood, and has told me to book a friends & family room online using Starhot, and to then give him my confirmation # so he can get me a letter for the room.
When I go to the Starhot site, it says it's for family only... is there a friends version?

...When I go to the Starhot site, it says it's for family only... is there a friends version?

No, but there is a separate Friends and Family web site url. I would ask him for that one instead of Starhot if you want to book the Friends and Family rate.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I heard that if you worked for Starwood you can get a discounted rate on occasion at some of its hotels:

The StarHOT rate: Discount Rate on rooms with rates varying between $29, $49, $69, and $89. With 50% F&B Discount in restaurants and outlets.

Booking website here:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/rateplankey_search.html?section=promotion&category=STARHOT&layout=1&EM=VTY_CORP_STARHOT

The StarFriend rate: Discount Rate on rooms for Friends.

Booking website here:
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/rateplankey_search.html?section=promotion&category=STARFRIENDS&layout=1&EM=VTY_CORP_STARFRIENDS

The SilverHOT rate: Disounted rate available for retired Starwood associates


I played around a bit and there are certainly some nice rates around - e.g. W Hotel New York for $89 a night!

Anyway, you need a letter from HR if you a "friend" and presumably some form of ID if you actually work for the company.

Anyone actually tried using these ever? Heck, for $89 it's worth a shot isn't it?

Anyway, you need a letter from HR if you a "friend" and presumably some form of ID if you actually work for the company.

Anyone actually tried using these ever? Heck, for $89 it's worth a shot isn't it?


What's worth a shot? Essentially stealing a rate you are not entitled too? :rolleyes:

Question is whether Starfriend rates earn points/stay credit.

Question is whether Starfriend rates earn points/stay credit.

In my experience, some do, some don't. My best friend has a family member who works for Starwood. I've stayed with him from time to time on StarHOT rates. Sometimes, the stays have gotten credit, other times not.

If I had to guess, the times we received credit it was probably not a true StarHOT/Starfriend rate, but some sort of discount afforded to the employee by the property.

You will need paper work from the employees hotel to use these rates. I have used them a few times and they always ask for it.

These rates are clearly for employees of Starwood or their Friends & Family. If you are neither, I question the integrity of one attempting to use them.

As an ex-employee of Starwood, I know from experience hotels are very strict about requiring documentation upon check in. After this post, I suspect there will be an alert sent asking them to be stricter.

I feel this thread should be deleted, just as any other thread asking for non-public discount codes.

i beg to differ regarding a general requirement to check for proper ID. I often do use the Travel Agent rates of Starwood. these are typically 25% to 50% below the best available rate and earn full stay and points credit. Maybe 1 out of 20 stays i had to present my ID to proof I am entitled to this rate.

Regarding using such rates:
Of course we are all and always after the best deal for the money and there are many grey areas, where I would not hesitate to interpret rules in my favor. The OPs idea though would be a bit too far fetched in my book though.

As a beneficiary of the StarHot rate (my friend's family member works for SPG so we travel together when possible), I can say from the half dozen experiences that you will need the form (a numbered certificate) that states the person checking in, the actual SPG employee, the property the employee works at, the name of their supervisor or manager of the property and their signature, the property the certificate is to be used at, the reservation number from the StarHot site, the date(s) of stay, along with a "stamp" that makes it official. I think there's other info on there, but you get the idea.

That document is collected upon check-in. Failure to produce it will result in a cancellation/no show of the reservation, along with the standard first night charge (at least that was what I have been informed).

This rate is for the benefit of the employees of SPG, not for the general audience. In addition, it usually provides a 50% discount off food and beverage, which makes a lot of the restaurants in the hotel cheaper than outside eateries. No points are awarded for such stays, and status benefits (i.e. upgrade) will not apply when using these rates, at least that is the standard procedure.

I've been able to stay in the Paris Westin for under $100 a night when the lowest rate available was over $450. There is also a limit on the number of days the rate is good for, i.e. you cannot be there for 2 weeks on that rate. It's a great benefit for SPG employees and they certainly deserve such a perk.

Anyone actually tried using these ever? Heck, for $89 it's worth a shot isn't it?

Well depends on your risk-taking approach. Sure it sounds like only an $89 gamble - but how embarassing would it be to 1) be caught out 2) to arrive to your hotel half way around the world only to be told to pay Rack rates or have no room and 3) to have your record noted as attempted to StarHOT rate when not eligible. It wouldnt be nice if your file is now noted as jamesgbbc; platinum preferred guest *aka dodgy starhot rate user* :D ;)

Seriously? So you KNOW you are not entitled to the rate, you KNOW you have to have some form of ID (in this case, a letter from Human Resources) and you think that it’s “worth a shot?” I was talking to my PC and she told me that Starhot/Starfriend fraud is a legitimate reason to close or freeze your SPG account. It’s called FRAUD! I certainly for one, do not think it’s ethical or right to try and steal an employee rate.

It’s people like this that get the whole Starhot/Employee program yanked from everyone else. :td::td::td:

Question is whether Starfriend rates earn points/stay credit.

No, it doesn't.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I understand that its for employees and their immediate families but I can't seem to recall if the employee has to travel with us too? IF they don't doesn't that leave a big space for discrepancy? Not to mention, non US employees. Does this mean that there are just a whole bunch of loopholes all over the place?

I understand that its for employees and their immediate families but I can't seem to recall if the employee has to travel with us too? IF they don't doesn't that leave a big space for discrepancy? Not to mention, non US employees. Does this mean that there are just a whole bunch of loopholes all over the place?

Dear bettymak,

Greetings.

Albeit all the confusing advices you have been given, mine would be:

STARHOT rates require the employee to be present together with paper documentation from the HR department of the employee.

STARFRIEND rates do not require the employee to be present but paper documentation from is mandatory.

Do not hesitate to write to me if you have any other enquiries.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Dear bettymak,
STARHOT rates require the employee to be present together with paper documentation from the HR department of the employee.


Incorrect. Certain family members as detailed in the policy can travel on Starhot even if the employee is not travelling with them. Paper documentation is of course mandatory.

Incorrect. Certain family members as detailed in the policy can travel on Starhot even if the employee is not travelling with them. Paper documentation is of course mandatory.

Dear tyn,

Greetings.

That's right.

STARHOT rates are only for employees and their family members. Employees are to submit names of family members to their respective HR department. Documentation is still necessary.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Welcome to FlyerTalk, bettymak!

Let me get this straight. So my brother that works for a Sheraton in the UK, for example, will need to provide his HR all the names of the people in his immediate family (including me) and when I tell him that I would like to book a hotel in say, San Francisco, HR would then be able to present to me something that would allow for me to check-in in San Francisco without him being there? What if there are time constraints that would now allow me to get this original document from him? I would think a faxed copy would not work? He's trying to get a hold of his HR and it seems a little hard, because he works nights. Therefore any help here would be great.

Let me get this straight. So my brother that works for a Sheraton in the UK, for example, will need to provide his HR all the names of the people in his immediate family (including me) and when I tell him that I would like to book a hotel in say, San Francisco, HR would then be able to present to me something that would allow for me to check-in in San Francisco without him being there?

You will need a letter of introduction from your brother's property on their letterhead for each and every person checking in under the Starhot rate. He does not have to be present. You only need this letter. He does not have to give them a comprehensive list up front of all his qualifying relatives...only of those traveling at a given time.

What if there are time constraints that would now allow me to get this original document from him? I would think a faxed copy would not work? He's trying to get a hold of his HR and it seems a little hard, because he works nights. Therefore any help here would be great.

Anything less than the actual letter of introduction would have to be agreed to by the hotel in question in advance. If they do not agree to an alternative, then my suggestion is this...have your brother go to HR during their business hours to get the letter(s)...then have him overnight them to you so you can take them with you at check-in.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Let me get this straight. So my brother that works for a Sheraton in the UK, for example, will need to provide his HR all the names of the people in his immediate family (including me) and when I tell him that I would like to book a hotel in say, San Francisco, HR would then be able to present to me something that would allow for me to check-in in San Francisco without him being there? What if there are time constraints that would now allow me to get this original document from him? I would think a faxed copy would not work? He's trying to get a hold of his HR and it seems a little hard, because he works nights. Therefore any help here would be great.

Sorry to be rude here, but are you really complaining about the STARHOT policy? With all due respect, if you don't like the restrictions in place to prevent abuse of this program, then feel free to book standard rates where you will not have to comply to these policies...of course, you will also have to pay standard prices.

This is a very nice program that Starwood puts out for their employees, and one that my family and I benefited from greatly when I worked there. This program allows these associates to travel to places they may not otherwise be able to afford.

Is an employee's registered domestic partner (i.e., relationship officially recognized by the state, such as in CA, DC, and VT) eligible for the Starhot rate?

William, correct me if I'm wrong, but the employee's domestic partnership does not have to be recognized by the state for them to be eligible for the rate, right? IIFC, it simply needs to be a domestic partner, as recognized by the benefit program. When I worked for Starwood, domestic partners were required to complete a form (and have it notarized) that stated they were in an exclusive relationship that was intended to be permanent and they lived together for a year or more.

I bring this up because I think this is an important distinction for the GLBT community, as some of us don't live in progressive states that recognize our relationships. I think it speaks volumes about Starwood's policy that they recognize the importance of equality in the workplace, regardless of the restrictions the state places on them.

Starwood's treatment of their Gay and Lesbian employees are one of the reasons I remain loyal to the company.

William, correct me if I'm wrong, but the employee's domestic partnership does not have to be recognized by the state for them to be eligible for the rate, right? IIFC, it simply needs to be a domestic partner, as recognized by the benefit program.
That's how the terms read:
Family Discounted Room Rates: Discounted room rates will be made available to immediate family members of eligible associates. Immediate family consists of a spouse, domestic partner*, children, siblings, parents and parents-in-laws. Family members receive the same benefit, whether or not they accompany the associate. Discounted rooms for family members are considered part of the associate’s 25-room night allotment. Any associate who misrepresents the eligibility of an individual to obtain a discount, to which that individual is not otherwise entitled, is subject to discipline, up to and including termination of employment.
* As defined in our benefit plans
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/rateplankey_search.html?section=promotion&category=STARHOT&layout=1&EM=VTY_CORP_STARHOT

William, correct me if I'm wrong, but the employee's domestic partnership does not have to be recognized by the state for them to be eligible for the rate, right?

Dear BosTravel,

Greetings.

In countries like Singapore, same sex marriages aren't legalized at the moment(maybe decades later) which leaves the tricky part where there isn't a official document to serve as a "recognition" when compared to heterosexual marriages.

Another point to note is that the term "domestic partners" apply to every one, regardless of sexual orientation. Therefore, if one employee tends to switch "partners" regularly, it gets difficult to define the eligibility.

Hence, I am afraid I would not be able to provide any straightforward answer to your query. Not sure if William is able to.

The best definition would come from the HR departments of individual employees. It might be a condition that two parties must be staying together for at least a year or two or otherwise.

One thing I am pretty certain is that if you would like your domestic partner to enjoy the STARHOT rates and benefits, you should submit his/her names to respective HR departments.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Hello~ My son is a Starwoods employee, and I'll be traveling to a conference and sharing a room with a colleague next month. Can I use the rate even though she's not related-- as long as I make the reservation?

Thanks...

Hello~ My son is a Starwoods employee, and I'll be traveling to a conference and sharing a room with a colleague next month. Can I use the rate even though she's not related-- as long as I make the reservation?

Thanks...

Dearest samson803,

Greetings.

As long as the reservation is made under your name and you have with you, the authorisation form and your passport when checking in, that should be alright.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

5 or 6 years ago my mother retired from a Westin Hotel after working for them for 34 years. Yes, that is a very long time. When she retired she was told retired employees were no longer eligible for hotel discounts, as they had been in years past. Recently on this site I read about StarHot or Legacy rates. I called the HR department of the hotel where she was employed. They confirmed they have reinstated discounts (Legacy Rates ), but because my mom retired before 2009 she is not entitled to anything even after working for the company for 34 years. This sounds so unfair. I have since found a document on the internet dating back to 2007 which refers to "SilverHot" rates for retired associates. It would be great if any body had some input or information on this. Also, any ideas of who I should address this with on a higher level where perhaps she can be issued a "Legacy Card".

5 or 6 years ago my mother retired from a Westin Hotel after working for them for 34 years. Yes, that is a very long time. When she retired she was told retired employees were no longer eligible for hotel discounts, as they had been in years past. Recently on this site I read about StarHot or Legacy rates. I called the HR department of the hotel where she was employed. They confirmed they have reinstated discounts (Legacy Rates ), but because my mom retired before 2009 she is not entitled to anything even after working for the company for 34 years. This sounds so unfair. I have since found a document on the internet dating back to 2007 which refers to "SilverHot" rates for retired associates. It would be great if any body had some input or information on this. Also, any ideas of who I should address this with on a higher level where perhaps she can be issued a "Legacy Card".

Personally, while it may seem unfair, this Legacy program benefit was not formulated until 2009 and my understanding is that it is not retroactive for former employees who left the company prior to it being in effect. Even some current employees do not qualify for it because it requires a combination of years of service as well as some other parameters.

FWIW, I have never heard of SilverHot rates for retired associates and I've been with the company for 13 years now. So, I am not sure there is anyone at a higher level that you can contact for a better answer. I guess you could start here: http://www.starwoodhotels.com/corporate/contact_us.html

But, I would not expect a better outcome.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Also, any ideas of who I should address this with on a higher level where perhaps she can be issued a "Legacy Card".

I hope you have sorted out the issue after I have sent you the details of the department to contact. If not, feel free to respond to my last email sent to you.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

FWIW, I have never heard of SilverHot rates for retired associates and I've been with the company for 13 years now.

This is just a guess, but I'm guessing that SilverHOT might be a program programme in the EAME division. Of course, it might also just be a mistake created by some HR intern.

Thank you for your response. I am hoping to pursue this a bit further. I am hoping Starwoood will acknowledge that someone who has retired at age 65 and worked for a company for 34 years is deserving of this "perk".

below is the link which refers to the "SilverHOT" for retired employees. It is in section 4.3
http://www.starwoodpressclub.com/index.php?id=35&L=5&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4785&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=18&no_cache=1

This is just a guess, but I'm guessing that SilverHOT might be a program programme in the EAME division. Of course, it might also just be a mistake created by some HR intern.

Not really. Thanks for guessing though. We have it in AP as well.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

This is just a guess, but I'm guessing that SilverHOT might be a program programme in the EAME division. Of course, it might also just be a mistake created by some HR intern.

Perhaps; but I have never worked in EAME or AP, so I have never heard of it.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thank you for your response. I am hoping to pursue this a bit further. I am hoping Starwoood will acknowledge that someone who has retired at age 65 and worked for a company for 34 years is deserving of this "perk".

below is the link which refers to the "SilverHOT" for retired employees. It is in section 4.3
http://www.starwoodpressclub.com/index.php?id=35&L=5&tx_ttnews%5Btt_news%5D=4785&tx_ttnews%5BbackPid%5D=18&no_cache=1

No problemo. I have sent an email reply to your previous mail.

By the way, the Legacy program for retired employees is available for NAD region as well.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Hello,

I have been looking for the answer to the above and i can not seem to find it.

Can you use your points to upgrade a starfriend room reservation. I am aware that these are less restricted than the starhot rates, and what with this rate sometimes being eligible to earn points -i would think you would be allowed??

Hello,

I have been looking for the answer to the above and i can not seem to find it.

Can you use your points to upgrade a starfriend room reservation.

Only if you inquire at check-in as an Instant Upgrade award.

I am aware that these are less restricted than the starhot rates, and what with this rate sometimes being eligible to earn points...

This rate is not eligible to earn Starpoints and stay credit. You would be able to earn Starpoints on any eligible incidental charges, however.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Only if you inquire at check-in as an Instant Upgrade award.



This rate is not eligible to earn Starpoints and stay credit. You would be able to earn Starpoints on any eligible incidental charges, however.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com


Thank you for the fast reply.

I know it is any ones guess, although what in your opinion is the likelyhood of being allowed to upgrade with points at check in holding this kind of reservation?

Thank you for the fast reply.

I know it is any ones guess, although what in your opinion is the likelyhood of being allowed to upgrade with points at check in holding this kind of reservation?

That would be very much a YMMV situation and I would not even want to venture a guess. My best advice is to ask at check-in and they will tell you at that point what the possibilities are.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

That would be very much a YMMV situation and I would not even want to venture a guess. My best advice is to ask at check-in and they will tell you at that point what the possibilities are.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks,

I thought that would be the answer....

Well at least i know it is a possiblity.

My brother is a Starwood employee. So I'm eligible for the StarHOT rate, but what if I travel together with my girlfriend? Do we have to pay a higher rate, because she's not (yet) a direct family member?

My brother is a Starwood employee. So I'm eligible for the StarHOT rate, but what if I travel together with my girlfriend? Do we have to pay a higher rate, because she's not (yet) a direct family member?

If you travel together staying in the same room, you do not become ineligible because the person staying with you is not family. If your brother tried to make a reservation for someone who was not family and an eligible family member was not staying with this person, then it would be a problem.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Wonderful. Thanks for your swift reply.

My brother-in-law is a Starwood employee so my wife will be eligible for the StarHOT rate. We're planning to travel down to Florida and would like to stay at the Westin Diplomat Spa & Resort. Are StarHOT guests entitled to the 50% discount on food & beverage in the various restaurants on the resort? The brother-in-law will NOT be travelling with us. The food price is fairly steep at this resort so the 50% would help out a lot if they honour it. :)

Thanks in advance.

My brother-in-law is a Starwood employee so my wife will be eligible for the StarHOT rate. We're planning to travel down to Florida and would like to stay at the Westin Diplomat Spa & Resort. Are StarHOT guests entitled to the 50% discount on food & beverage in the various restaurants on the resort? The brother-in-law will NOT be travelling with us. The food price is fairly steep at this resort so the 50% would help out a lot if they honour it. :)

Thanks in advance.

if you are eligible for the starhot rate, you are also eligible for the 50% discount. The discount applies to all meals..

...The discount applies to all meals..

Not necessarily. Some hotels and some outlets at some hotels may not participate. However, at the outlets that do participate, there is not a problem getting it for all the meals they serve

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I was on a Star Hot at the RH in Oahu and the food discount was limited to certain restaurants. It was not allowed for bar food on the beach, and alcoholic beverages were verboten.

We also could not use it for room service, or at their fancy restaurant. Points were given for the monies we did spend on alcoholic beverages.

The room was garden view, in the historic building. They offered no hope of an upgrade on this rate.

Hi there,
My husband and I will be traveling on his brothers Starhot (employee sibling) rate in March and I am wondering whether we would be able to still receive platinum benefits (we are plat. starwood). I understand from reading the posts that we will not gain points for the stay but how about other perks or upgrades? (i.e. internet access, room upgrade, etc.) Any help would be appreciated--we definitely respect that we are getting a hot rate and do not want to abuse the program so I thought I would ask here.
Thanks!!!

Hi there,
My husband and I will be traveling on his brothers Starhot (employee sibling) rate in March and I am wondering whether we would be able to still receive platinum benefits (we are plat. starwood). I understand from reading the posts that we will not gain points for the stay but how about other perks or upgrades? (i.e. internet access, room upgrade, etc.) Any help would be appreciated--we definitely respect that we are getting a hot rate and do not want to abuse the program so I thought I would ask here.
Thanks!!!

I don't think you get any of the perks of the spg program unless you are paying with an eligible rate. Starhot is not an eligible rate so you may not get all the perks, but you might get lucky and the front desk agent will provide you free internet and club access.

please see this thread for more details..http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/452235-starhot-rate-friends-employees-not-eligible-starpoints-elite-benefits.html

I would echo the reply above...definitely do a search before posting a new thread.

Having said that, no, (officially) you would not receive Platinum benefits if you are on a Starhot rate. It doesn't hurt to ask the front desk and maybe they will throw you a bone (maybe internet access or something similar), but they are not required to give you any of the benefits.

I have had the good fortune to use the Starhot rate a few times in the past with different levels of acceptance from the hotels.

The Royal Hawaiian would not budge and gave us the tiniest room that I have ever seen.

The Sheraton in Edinburgh, and the Westin's in Hilton Head and Tucson were more accommodating, offering us club access but I have never gotten a suite upgrade while using the Starhot rate.

I have had the good fortune to use the Starhot rate a few times in the past with different levels of acceptance from the hotels.

The Royal Hawaiian would not budge and gave us the tiniest room that I have ever seen.

The Sheraton in Edinburgh, and the Westin's in Hilton Head and Tucson were more accommodating, offering us club access but I have never gotten a suite upgrade while using the Starhot rate.

From my understanding, the Starhot is a fraction of the hotel's going rate, and is intended to be a benefit for employees (and extended to immediate family). I would think that the rate is pretty much aligned with the actual "cost" of the room. To expect (or even request) anything over and above a standard room, IMHO, is in poor taste. Not unlike flying on a buddy pass, then asking for an upgrade, miles, segments, etc.

From my understanding, the Starhot is a fraction of the hotel's going rate, and is intended to be a benefit for employees (and extended to immediate family). I would think that the rate is pretty much aligned with the actual "cost" of the room. To expect (or even request) anything over and above a standard room, IMHO, is in poor taste. Not unlike flying on a buddy pass, then asking for an upgrade, miles, segments, etc.

You may be right, but what if you had a friend or family member who worked for starwood and you were going on your honeymoon or having a special occasion? upgrades may be in poor taste but there are events where upgrades are not in poor taste.

You may be right, but what if you had a friend or family member who worked for starwood and you were going on your honeymoon or having a special occasion? upgrades may be in poor taste but there are events where upgrades are not in poor taste.

Why do you book Starhot rate into the cheapest room for honeymoon? :confused:

what if you had a friend or family member who worked for starwood and you were going on your honeymoon or having a special occasion?
Then you have a choice - a nearly free room, or an upgraded room.

upgrades may be in poor taste but there are events where upgrades are not in poor taste.
No, upgrades aren't in poor taste. But expecting (and even worse, arguing about) an upgrade is always in poor taste.

Why do you book Starhot rate into the cheapest room for honeymoon? :confused:

2 words, save money. Not only that but you get discounted food and bev at participating hotel restaurants... and you would not necessarily be booking a cheap room.. you get a standard room and put a note in the reservation that you are on your honeymoon and if you get the right people to look at it, they will give you a complimentary upgrade along with amenities, especially if you notify them in advance.

2 words, save money. Not only that but you get discounted food and bev at participating hotel restaurants... and you would not necessarily be booking a cheap room.. you get a standard room and put a note in the reservation that you are on your honeymoon and if you get the right people to look at it, they will give you a complimentary upgrade along with amenities, especially if you notify them in advance.

I get where you are coming from regarding saving money, but even for a special occasion such as your honeymoon, I don't feel a hotel needs to go above and beyond when staying on a super discounted rate. That mindset can only lead to disappointment which is the last thing anyone wants for such a special event.

2 words, save money..

It is your honeymoon we are talking about, right? :confused:

...you would not necessarily be booking a cheap room.. you get a standard room...

Standard room is the cheapest room.;)

It is your honeymoon we are talking about, right?
And what's wrong with saving money on your honeymoon? Do you also subscribe to the "six month's salary" for an engagement ring?

It is your honeymoon we are talking about, right? :confused:

No, I was using that as an example.. if you have a special occasion, and you in turn had a family member who worked for starwood, Wouldn't most people use the discount knowing that a honeymoon is very expensive?

I have had the good fortune to use the Starhot rate a few times in the past with different levels of acceptance from the hotels.

The Royal Hawaiian would not budge and gave us the tiniest room that I have ever seen.

The Sheraton in Edinburgh, and the Westin's in Hilton Head and Tucson were more accommodating, offering us club access but I have never gotten a suite upgrade while using the Starhot rate.

From my understanding, the Starhot is a fraction of the hotel's going rate, and is intended to be a benefit for employees (and extended to immediate family). I would think that the rate is pretty much aligned with the actual "cost" of the room. To expect (or even request) anything over and above a standard room, IMHO, is in poor taste. Not unlike flying on a buddy pass, then asking for an upgrade, miles, segments, etc.

Let me just say that I did not argue or request anything additional.

I simply let each property know that I was a Plat.

I knew what I was getting myself in for with the rate and was happy to secure a cheap room and 50% off food and beverage.

Then you have a choice - a nearly free room, or an upgraded room.


No, upgrades aren't in poor taste. But expecting (and even worse, arguing about) an upgrade is always in poor taste.

Anyone who expects an upgraded is not very smart.. nobody should expect anything. After all, it is a room. If you intend on staying in your room 24 hours a day, then I can see why you should ask for an upgrade. If you request an upgrade, and you get it, great. If you don't, oh well. After all, as long as you have a nice comfortable bed, a functioning shower, great service, what more do you need? If it's a once in a lifetime sort of thing like a honeymoon, I would think the hotel would do their very best to ensure a great experience including an upgrade, if a room was available, regardless of what rate was booked.

You may be right, but what if you had a friend or family member who worked for starwood and you were going on your honeymoon or having a special occasion? upgrades may be in poor taste but there are events where upgrades are not in poor taste.

A couple of things here:

- If you have a friend who works for Starwood, then you are not elegible for the Starhot rate. There is a separate "friends and family" rate I believe.

- I don't believe that either rate is elegible for upgrades. However, perhaps the Starwood rep can augment the conversation with the actual terms and conditions of each.

- In my opionion, however, if you want the perks of being a Platinum, you should book a qualifying rate that has those benefits attached. I go back to the airline analogy. Let's say I am a DL platinum, but my spouse/partner etc. works for Delta. Using a buddy pass, I'm lucky to get a seat at all, let alone one that I like, or want. However, I'm free to book the cheapest ticket I can find, and I'm quite likely to get an upgrade. I can ask till I'm blue in the face, with whatever "special occasion" story I can come up with, but the buddy pass rules are the rules.

- As the Starhot rate is so low, shouldn't the hotel use whatever upgrades in it's arsenal for the higher rate customers (which are pretty much everyone else?), SPG or otherwise?

- Understanding that most upgrades (and freebies like parking, etc.) have a cost attached, why would the hotel want to give those away, assuming the rate is a break-even deal? Just not smart business sense, as then they'd be losing money.

Of course, the hotel is free to do what they want, but it all comes down to the company's official policy, and I'd wager that this type of rate is just not elegible for anything above and beyond the discount.

A couple of things here:

- If you have a friend who works for Starwood, then you are not elegible for the Starhot rate. There is a separate "friends and family" rate I believe.

- I don't believe that either rate is elegible for upgrades. However, perhaps the Starwood rep can augment the conversation with the actual terms and conditions of each.

- In my opionion, however, if you want the perks of being a Platinum, you should book a qualifying rate that has those benefits attached. I go back to the airline analogy. Let's say I am a DL platinum, but my spouse/partner etc. works for Delta. Using a buddy pass, I'm lucky to get a seat at all, let alone one that I like, or want. However, I'm free to book the cheapest ticket I can find, and I'm quite likely to get an upgrade. I can ask till I'm blue in the face, with whatever "special occasion" story I can come up with, but the buddy pass rules are the rules.

- As the Starhot rate is so low, shouldn't the hotel use whatever upgrades in it's arsenal for the higher rate customers (which are pretty much everyone else?), SPG or otherwise?

- Understanding that most upgrades (and freebies like parking, etc.) have a cost attached, why would the hotel want to give those away, assuming the rate is a break-even deal? Just not smart business sense, as then they'd be losing money.

Of course, the hotel is free to do what they want, but it all comes down to the company's official policy, and I'd wager that this type of rate is just not elegible for anything above and beyond the discount.

you are correct about the friends rate but I was just using examples..as for the rate being ineligible for upgrades and using upgrades for higher paying customers you are correct.. but for a once in a lifetime sort of experience, I'm sure they would do something nice. There is no such thing as a rate being ineligible for an upgrade. Any rate is eligible for an upgrade (complimentary upgrades notwithstanding). As for business sense, its not about business but about going above and beyond in service. It's all about putting yourself in the traveler's shoes. If I'm a front desk manager of a hotel and I see someone at a starhot rate or even a starfriends rate and they are on a honeymoon, I would most definitely upgrade them, not because of business sense but courtesy and creating a memorable experience because a honeymoon is not something that happens on a regular basis, much like a birthday, things of that nature. That is how you make business. I can understand peoples' distaste for upgrading people who pay low fees. If it was your sister on a honeymoon, wouldn't you want her upgraded, regardless of what price she paid, even if she booked through priceline or hotwire to save money? Granted PLT's should be upgraded 1st, but I'm sure not getting upgraded just once won't ruin their loyalty to starwood.

There is no such thing as a rate being ineligible for an upgrade. Any rate is eligible for an upgrade (complimentary upgrades notwithstanding)..

I doubt that is accurate.

However, as I mentioned, the policy is Starwood's (and the individual hotels) to define and enforce as they see fit.

Thank you everyone for your replies....I was not clear on the policies and of course, want to respect the program (both Starwood Plat. and the wonderful privilege of being able to, on occasion, utilize my brother in law's position for a wonderful trip). Appreciate the insight/advice and will just add our # to the reservation and see what happens.
Thanks again!!!

If I'm a front desk manager of a hotel ....

But you are not, and I cant imagine any hotel employing you as one

But you are not, and I cant imagine any hotel employing you as one

Clearly he hasn't thought it through....

Mr. Platinum, we are thrilled to tell you that your upgrade has been forfeited to an employee....wait, the brother of an employee, from Bisbee, who says he's here on his birthday! Isn't that great? I'm sure you understand!

Clearly he hasn't thought it through....

Mr. Platinum, we are thrilled to tell you that your upgrade has been forfeited to an employee....wait, the brother of an employee, from Bisbee, who says he's here on his birthday! Isn't that great? I'm sure you understand!

But you are not, and I cant imagine any hotel employing you as one

clearly both of you have no understanding of service. I guess you'd prefer to have your sister spend her honeymoon in an accessible room with a roll-in shower, rather than a nice upgraded room. I'm sure you're thinking well, people will lie with just about anything to get an upgrade, you are right, but there are honest people out there as well.

clearly both of you have no understanding of service. I guess you'd prefer to have your sister spend her honeymoon in an accessible room with a roll-in shower, rather than a nice upgraded room. I'm sure you're thinking well, people will lie with just about anything to get an upgrade, you are right, but there are honest people out there as well.

Service to who? :rolleyes:

I'd much rather have the conversation with my sister telling her that her nearly free room is not the honeymoon suite versus telling the Platinum that I gave away his/her suite to my sister for nearly free!

Clearly he hasn't thought it through....

Mr. Platinum, we are thrilled to tell you that your upgrade has been forfeited to an employee....wait, the brother of an employee, from Bisbee, who says he's here on his birthday! Isn't that great? I'm sure you understand!

To change the subject a little bit albeit on the subject of upgrades, how about this? a hotel has, for example, 94 upgradeable rooms (including suites)..they have 95 PLT checking in..94 plats check in, and you are the last one to come.. FDA says to you, sorry sir but all suites/upgraded rooms are sold out..we have rooms on a floor below the SPG floor.. I would guess you're the type of person who would cry and say why? Am I not as important a PLT as another PLT? or Are you the type of person who would just accept it and say its just a room, no big deal?

but there are honest people out there as well.

Yes there are. The people who honestly spend 75++ room nights in your hotel chain deserve the benefits that are honestly published and promised.

Service to who? :rolleyes:

I'd much rather have the conversation with my sister telling her that her nearly free room is not the honeymoon suite versus telling the Platinum that I gave away his/her suite to my sister for nearly free!

an upgraded room DOES NOT have to be a suite.. it can be an enhanced room with a view, etc. Why must you think an upgraded room can only be a suite? You are assuming an upgrade can only apply to suites and that is incorrect.

Yes there are. The people who honestly spend 75++ room nights in your hotel chain deserve the benefits that are honestly published and promised.

So what? You'd go crazy if an upgrade room was not available? What if there are more plats checking in than upgraded rooms available? you're gonna jump on a table saying hey, I'm guaranteed a suite, its a promise, I'm supposed to get a suite.. you do realize that there are probably only X amount of rooms considered an upgraded room? If a hotel has say 400 rooms, I'd bet maybe 20 to 30 percent of the total amount of rooms would be considered an upgraded room.

To change the subject a little bit albeit on the subject of upgrades, how about this? a hotel has, for example, 94 upgradeable rooms (including suites)..they have 95 PLT checking in..94 plats check in, and you are the last one to come.. FDA says to you, sorry sir but all suites/upgraded rooms are sold out..we have rooms on a floor below the SPG floor.. I would guess you're the type of person who would cry and say why? Am I not as important a PLT as another PLT? or Are you the type of person who would just accept it and say its just a room, no big deal?

Hotels generally do not generally upgrade on the "first come first served" principle. There is a heirarchy, just like w/the airlines, and the upgrades are assigned based on loyalty to the brand and hotel, rate, etc.

Hotels generally do not generally upgrade on the "first come first served" principle. There is a heirarchy, just like w/the airlines, and the upgrades are assigned based on loyalty to the brand and hotel, rate, etc.

of course not, but if the 94th plat (from my previous example) was assigned to a different room, and you had the last suite, the FDA would unblock your suite and give it to the Plt guest who is checking in, especially if he/she asked for an upgrade. It has been known to happen that rooms will be swapped around, even if its already pre-assigned.

an upgraded room DOES NOT have to be a suite.. it can be an enhanced room with a view, etc. Why must you think an upgraded room can only be a suite? You are assuming an upgrade can only apply to suites and that is incorrect.

And your point is...???:confused:

If you are ever in the position as a Front Desk manager to have to explain to a Platinum or similar that you gave away his suite/upgraded room/whatever to an employees family member at a Starhot/MARH/etc. rate, chances are that you would be acting contrary to policy and not only would probably have a very unhappy Elite member, but your GM would probably not be amused either.

AGAIN.....it all depends on the specific hotel/company policy re: the eligibility of upgrades for these low low rates. If your company supports it, so be it. If not, so be it. So again, I would encourage you to find out the specific policy as it relates to your opinion and live with it.

I doubt any rational hotel would knowlingly forgo an elite upgrade for an employee rate reservation. If, OTOH, they have plenty of inventory that would otherwise sit empty, it's up to the management of the hotel if they want to spend the money. As I've pointed out before, upgrades are usually not free to the hotel and employee rates are at cost. Suites in particular cost more to use, clean, maintain. Many properties, however, maintain a no favors no waivers policy for this type of reservation for this reason.

Did you ever consider that upgrading a non-SPG member (or HH, MM, etc.) as a reward for enrollment might have even stronger goodwill effects than upgrading an employee room?

On a side note, I tried VERY hard to work an upgrade on Continental (and it was a full business class ticket by the way), and the agent politely explained that if he violated CO's policy, he would be fired. (I verified this later, he was quite correct. They don't play).

of course not, but if the 94th plat (from my previous example) was assigned to a different room, and you had the last suite, the FDA would unblock your suite and give it to the Plt guest who is checking in, especially if he/she asked for an upgrade. It has been known to happen that rooms will be swapped around, even if its already pre-assigned.

No. If my upgrade priority was higher than arrival #94, most properties would leave my room assignment alone. It's all about heirarchy, not who arrives first or last.

Similar with who gets walked in an oversell.

So what? You'd go crazy if an upgrade room was not available? What if there are more plats checking in than upgraded rooms available? you're gonna jump on a table saying hey, I'm guaranteed a suite, its a promise, I'm supposed to get a suite.. you do realize that there are probably only X amount of rooms considered an upgraded room? If a hotel has say 400 rooms, I'd bet maybe 20 to 30 percent of the total amount of rooms would be considered an upgraded room.

Actually, someone in this position would simply pick up the phone and call the Platinum desk at SPG and have them sort it out if there was no one at the hotel who could help. What position my reservation is on the heirarchy should determine my room assignment. Clearly every hotel has different layouts, size and facilities so expectations need to be realistic, making the juming on tables unnecessary.

Actually, someone in this position would simply pick up the phone and call the Platinum desk at SPG and have them sort it out. What position my reservation on the heirarchy should determine my room assignment.

and if the 94 plats have already checked in and your suite was given to another plt? you're gonna call the Plt desk as a result or even go so far as to open a customer complaint file? I'm not trying to be a smart *** but it seems you and I have to agree to disagree.. all I can say is if the hotel decides to upgrade a person on a low rate for a special occassion, good for them, if they don't thats fine too.. after all, its only a request.. nobody should expect anything.. if you keep your expectations low, then there won't be any shock or surprises.

and if the 94 plats have already checked in and your suite was given to another plt? you're gonna call the Plt desk as a result or even go so far as to open a customer complaint file? I'm not trying to be a smart *** but it seems you and I have to agree to disagree.. all I can say is if the hotel decides to upgrade a person on a low rate for a special occassion, good for them, if they don't thats fine too.. after all, its only a request.. nobody should expect anything.. if you keep your expectations low, then there won't be any shock or surprises.

Depends on the circumstances. If I were to find out that an employee rate res was in a better accomodation than I, you bet I would vocalize that somehow, or at least have a discussion with the GM or MOD. I've found that the latter is really a great way to resolve issues, btw. The demonstrative behavior (table jumping) that you used in your example is not my style.....

As to expectations.....SW, and others, lay out their terms and conditions quite plainly, and if the hotel in question does not uphold those on their end, then that's a problem.

FWIW, if a property has 95 Platinums and a fairly limited inventory, I for one would be duly impressed with their popularity, they must be doing something right to have that kind of demand.

That said, generally the higher the rate, the higher the expectations. And vice versa.

95 bottles of beer on the wall 95 bottles of beer ,if one of those bottles should happen to fall there'd be 94 bottles of beer on the wall.

This thread in my opinion has gotten off track and flaming the simple question of Star Hot rates and what they deliver.

What you do get:
Cheapest standard room ,no view *
50% off food and beverage ( no alcohol ) for those registered in the room
Most properties room service not allowed and the 50% discount may apply only to certain restaurants on the property, not all

What you don't get
No additional perks ie, parking, late checkouts, water bottles, internet or wi fi*
No lounge access where available
No stay credit or points for your stay ( see exception below)

What you may get:

If you get lucky and the occupancy is low, a friendly desk clerk may up your accommodation to a higher floor ,better view and even a suite. Just kindness and luck on this. Perhaps status or familiarity would bias his kindness
You do get points on any additional monies you spend for food and beverage that you will pay when you settle your account.

From my experience the true benefit is the rate itself ,especially at resorts, and the food discount in whatever restaurant it applies.It saves a bundle.

Other folks have posted on how to procure a Star Hot rate , along with the paperwork and documentation necessary to substantiate your eligibility so I won't go into that here.

One caution that I have experienced is that the star hot rates are not available for booking too far into the future. Some resorts release them at either 30, 60, or 90 days out depending on the property.I could even be wrong on the 60 and 90 day out release and it may only be 30 days.I'm not sure.

Hope this helps

Granted PLT's should be upgraded 1st, but I'm sure not getting upgraded just once won't ruin their loyalty to starwood.

Have you ever READ this forum? "I have been a Plat for 50 years but had to wait an extra 20 seconds for check in and then there wasn't a pen on the desk in my room and only two washcloths instead of three, and I asked them for points to make up for it all but the GM refused, so after all this trouble I am NEVER staying at a SPG again and am changing my allegiance to HoJo. SO THERE!!!" ;)

you are correct about the friends rate but I was just using examples..as for the rate being ineligible for upgrades and using upgrades for higher paying customers you are correct.. but for a once in a lifetime sort of experience, I'm sure they would do something nice. There is no such thing as a rate being ineligible for an upgrade.
For once in a lifetime sort of experience, I purchase a suite - not demand/request/expect that I be upgraded to one.
YMMV.

you are correct about the friends rate but I was just using examples..as for the rate being ineligible for upgrades and using upgrades for higher paying customers you are correct.. but for a once in a lifetime sort of experience, I'm sure they would do something nice. There is no such thing as a rate being ineligible for an upgrade. Any rate is eligible for an upgrade (complimentary upgrades notwithstanding). As for business sense, its not about business but about going above and beyond in service. It's all about putting yourself in the traveler's shoes. If I'm a front desk manager of a hotel and I see someone at a starhot rate or even a starfriends rate and they are on a honeymoon, I would most definitely upgrade them, not because of business sense but courtesy and creating a memorable experience because a honeymoon is not something that happens on a regular basis, much like a birthday, things of that nature. That is how you make business. I can understand peoples' distaste for upgrading people who pay low fees. If it was your sister on a honeymoon, wouldn't you want her upgraded, regardless of what price she paid, even if she booked through priceline or hotwire to save money? Granted PLT's should be upgraded 1st, but I'm sure not getting upgraded just once won't ruin their loyalty to starwood.

I don't agree. If you are booking the cheapst rate possible, you can NOT expect any upgrade, esp if it is NOT eligible for upgrade. To expect to be upgraded just because it is "once in a lifetime" (not true for most ppl, BTW) event is arrogant and entitled. If you want to make it special, PAY for it to be ensured.
As a Plt, I WOULD be upset if a Starhot reservation got a better upgrade than me. A honey in NOT a good enough reason. That person is ALREADY getting a fantastic gift - a massive discount at a nice hotel. Sorry, expecting anything more would be wrong! If you want the upgrade, PAY for it!

I don't agree. If you are booking the cheapst rate possible, you can NOT expect any upgrade, esp if it is NOT eligible for upgrade. To expect to be upgraded just because it is "once in a lifetime" (not true for most ppl, BTW) event is arrogant and entitled. If you want to make it special, PAY for it to be ensured.
As a Plt, I WOULD be upset if a Starhot reservation got a better upgrade than me. A honey in NOT a good enough reason. That person is ALREADY getting a fantastic gift - a massive discount at a nice hotel. Sorry, expecting anything more would be wrong! If you want the upgrade, PAY for it!

How would you even know if a starhot rate or even a priceline/hotwire rate got an upgrade? Mgmt or even the staff is not even allowed to share rates with other people so there is no way for you to even know. There is such a thing as courtesy. If it were me on my honeymoon and I put a comment that we are on our honeymoon, I would not expect anything at the starhot or priceline/hotwire rate. But when I check in and get an upgrade, I'd be thrilled. I never said anything about expecting or whatever the case may be. I said request which does not mean a guarantee and if one was available, perhaps they would provide great service to make a memorable experience. If they said none was available, I would not cry about it. Certainly a GM would not be angry about the reasoning for the upgrade. Again, an upgrade DOES NOT mean a suite. An upgrade can mean an enhanced room with a view or a corner room, etc. It's humorous to me that people here think an upgrade only applies to suites, and we all know thats not necessarily true. There are hotels that do not even have suites, but a room on the executive floor, etc. And again, no rate prevents one from being upgraded. I mean, if a guest had a bad stay and a hotel wanted to make up for it by upgrading someone, what are they supposed to say? Sorry but your rate prevents me from upgrading you but here are some things to make your stay better. That's just not the case.

If hotels do honeymoon upgrades, some will have honeymoon ten times a year. :p;)

Some may even become fast friends with Starwood employees and take honeymoon trips all the time. :D

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/1186429-starwood-friends-family.html

Actually there are some resorts where most of their guests are on their honeymoon.

Hey, why not offer anyone on their honeymoon a free stay ! I am sure they will be thrilled and will return for a second (free) honeymoon !

Perhaps some posters should get out of their 'honeymoon' cocoon & live in the real world. And if (s)he actually managed to get employed in a hotel, (s)he will soon realise that 'honeymoon' is not all that special but the hotel may not be in business anymore by then ...

Hey, why not offer anyone on their honeymoon a free stay ! I am sure they will be thrilled and will return for a second (free) honeymoon !

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/ballantyne-charlotte/wedding.htm

"Couples who hold their 2011 wedding at The Ballantyne will receive a complimentary one night anniversary stay for each year of marriage."

Fine print:
The promotion is available for new 2011 wedding catering valued at a minimum of $25,000 at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge.

http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/ballantyne-charlotte/wedding.htm

"Couples who hold their 2011 wedding at The Ballantyne will receive a complimentary one night anniversary stay for each year of marriage."

Fine print:
The promotion is available for new 2011 wedding catering valued at a minimum of $25,000 at The Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge.

$25K minimum.... I doubt that any Starhot rates are going to apply to this group!

how can i book for my niece in lombard, illinois?

how can i book for my niece in lombard, illinois?

Are you an employee or a friend of an employee? If so, ask your HR rep or the friend how to book a starhot reservation since I'm sure there is a company portal to do it.

how can i book for my niece in lombard, illinois?

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/rateplankey_search.html?section=promotion&layout=1&category=STARHOT

Immediate family only.

Booking under the StarHot Rate at the Sheraton Maldives, it states "ELIGIBLE FOR 50PERCENT F&B DISCOUNT UPON DINING IN RESTAURANTS."

I was checking to see if the hotel honors the 50% food and beverage discount. Also does this discount include alcohol?

Thanks.

Hi,
We will be heading to whistler snowy mountain this weekend. Anyway we could use the starhot restaurant 50% only because there is no starhot rate for the hotel room.

thanks
nsxjr.

Looking to book a room at Grand central Westin and trying to decide if I should let my friend book me a STARhot rate or if I should book an award stay and was wondering if either qualified for Gold benefits ?

Looking to book a room at Grand central Westin and trying to decide if I should let my friend book me a STARhot rate or if I should book an award stay and was wondering if either qualified for Gold benefits ?

I don't think STARHot rates are granted status benefits nor will you earn stay credits/points. That's considered the price for a cheap rate. If you need the benefits book it yourself.

See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/452235-starhot-rate-family-employees-not-eligible-starpoints-elite-benefits.html for more details.

Anything is possible, but not supposed to be.

Are award stays and STARhot rates eligible for elite benefits ?

YES and NO.

I don't think STARHot rates are granted status benefits nor will you earn stay credits/points. That's considered the price for a cheap rate. If you need the benefits book it yourself.

See: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/452235-starhot-rate-family-employees-not-eligible-starpoints-elite-benefits.html for more details.
It's not because STARHot rates are cheap that they don't earn SPG credits or get benefits. Rather, this is a special non published rate only available for employees/family/friends, similar to nonrev buddy passes on airlines.

It's not because STARHot rates are cheap that they don't earn SPG credits or get benefits. Rather, this is a special non published rate only available for employees/family/friends, similar to nonrev buddy passes on airlines.

I would hope SPG's attitude would be they are exceptionally cheap rates and should not earn loyalty credits too, rather than our employees/family/friends don't deserve loyalty credits... Just saying...

I would hope SPG's attitude would be they are exceptionally cheap rates and should not earn loyalty credits too, rather than our employees/family/friends don't deserve loyalty credits... Just saying...
The SPG T&Cs do not state that some rates are too cheap for credits or elite benefits. I would hate to see such a restriction imposed, as I understand one chain does, thus leading to discussions ex post regarding whether the rate was too cheap to count. AFAIK extreme promo rates, providing they're published and booked through spg.com, do get SPG point/nights/ stay credits and elite benefits, even when the rates are arguably mistakes.

It's standard in the hospitality industry to not give elite status and benefits on special travel industry rates such as those made available to travel agents. The same is true for employee benefit rates; nonrev travel does not earn status or redeemable miles. Hotel employee/family/friends rates should be treated the same by SPG. Employees receive a different set of employee benefits, including certain travel privileges. Plus, do we really want to get into Sheena accusations when an employee on a STARHot rate is given a suite upgrade over a Plat paying a standard rate?

The SPG T&Cs do not state that some rates are too cheap for credits or elite benefits. I would hate to see such a restriction imposed, as I understand one chain does, thus leading to discussions ex post regarding whether the rate was too cheap to count. AFAIK extreme promo rates, providing they're published and booked through spg.com, do get SPG point/nights/ stay credits and elite benefits, even when the rates are arguably mistakes.

It's standard in the hospitality industry to not give elite status and benefits on special travel industry rates such as those made available to travel agents. The same is true for employee benefit rates; nonrev travel does not earn status or redeemable miles. Hotel employee/family/friends rates should be treated the same by SPG. Employees receive a different set of employee benefits, including certain travel privileges. Plus, do we really want to get into Sheena accusations when an employee on a STARHot rate is given a suite upgrade over a Plat paying a standard rate?

If you read closer you will find the term "eligible rates"...

If you read closer you will find the term "eligible rates"...
True, but for SPG eligible rates include anything booked on spg.com, regardless of how cheap the rate is. It excludes price line, etc.

It's not because STARHot rates are cheap that they don't earn SPG credits or get benefits. Rather, this is a special non published rate only available for employees/family/friends, similar to nonrev buddy passes on airlines.

StarHOT rates are NOT for friends. StarHOT rates are for Employees and immediate family members.

StarFRND rates are for friends.

These rates are VERY different.

True, but for SPG eligible rates include anything booked on spg.com, regardless of how cheap the rate is. It excludes price line, etc.

Wellll, actually not true. Just because you book on SPG.com does not guarantee an eligible rate. There are some corporate rates that can be booked online but the negotiated rate precludes stay/point credit. Some conference rates may be negotiated the same.

The point is SPG has provided them an out by using the term eligible and they do not (have to) provide an exhaustive list of what is and is not on the list. If the rate is flagged as not eligible then no credit.

I'm not going to pick nits any longer. I stand by my posts as they are.