Starwood Preferred Guest - When requesting an upgrade as a Plat...what is the best approach?

...going to hawaii for our 5th anniversary, normally I just let the reservation itself indicate I am Plat...but since its our anniversary and since its hawaii in winter I would like to make an extra effort...what do you think the best approach is to remind them of my Plat status and let them know its our anniversary. Should I use email or fax? Who (what management level or position)should I send this to? How long ahead of time do you suggest I do this? Any and all help is appreciated...we leave on January 19/06. Much thanx...Homer>

Good question...one I often face as well. The rooms manager or GM would be your best bet but at a place as big as the Hawaii props good luck. You might try going through the concierge with other questions and then pop this one out as a 'who do i route this to' type of thing. Let them be your coach. Since it is your anniversary, why not get a bottle of bubbly and chocolate straweberries through the concierge and then put this as another request.

Good luck and let us know what you find out.

...going to hawaii for our 5th anniversary
This is probably obvious, but given the fact that many, many folks will be there since it's peak season combined with the fact that many, many folks will be there honeymooning, etc. you should resign yourself before even getting there to be given the room you booked, and keep a small glimmer of hope for getting an upgrade.

If it were me, and it was my 5th anniversary, I would pay the extra $ for the room I would be most happy with and can afford.

Good chance you would have gotten a better room if you booked on points.

Tell them you are willing to move in mid stay.

Pick a hotel that one has highest probability of UG.(I don't know which that is).

We stayed at a std room at the shearton maui, and enjoyed it very much.

Contrary to what's been said, this is NOT peak season on Maui. Not even close. In fact, you're going at a great time and should be able to get an upgrade without problem.

Before my wife and I had our child, this is exactly the time we'd go every year. It's not crowded, yet it's still whale watching season!

The only suggestion I ever make to anyone going to Hawai'i during this time of year is to stay away from Kaua'i. It's rainy season in Hawai'i and Kaua'i is the rainiest place on earth... and you can't get away from it... it rains all over the darn place. I've been to Kaua'i four times during the winter and EVERY time was a wash out. Been there in the Summer a few times and it was fine.... still rained, but not the endless depressingly bleak rain of winter.

On Maui, if it rains, just go to a different part of the Island. There's always some place on Maui with plenty of Sun. Just plan accordingly.

Have a wonderful trip!