Starwood Preferred Guest - Starwood Discount Codes (SET #)

Does anyone have a listing of these? I saw a post on Marriot with theirs. has a compilation of Starwood numbers been made and posted?

I would be interested in getting some more as they vary by location. I also have some to share.

What is the best way to get this info available to all?

Agree or disagree, the convention/norm has been that folks don't post these codes in the Starwood forum.

If you're particularly interested, Google is your friend.

Does anyone have a listing of these? I saw a post on Marriot with theirs. has a compilation of Starwood numbers been made and posted?

I would be interested in getting some more as they vary by location. I also have some to share.

What is the best way to get this info available to all?

We're a little more guarded with such information....

-Vincent

I don't care for someone with ONE post under his/her belt fishing around for SET codes. These, as you surely know, are proprietary, contractual codes for qualified folks. FT is a great place to learn about special promotions, non-advertised deals, intro rates, point bonuses, etc, etc, etc.

However, we are a fairly united bunch when it comes to disclosing info that simply shouldn't be.

Does anyone have a listing of these? I saw a post on Marriot with theirs. has a compilation of Starwood numbers been made and posted?

I would be interested in getting some more as they vary by location. I also have some to share.

What is the best way to get this info available to all?

Google works well, or friends at select firms, if such is your cup of tea.

In any event, I know some Starwood hotels have asked for ID or documentation to support that a stay is related to said firm affiliated with a given corporate code.

Google works well, or friends at select firms, if such is your cup of tea.

In any event, I know some Starwood hotels have asked for ID or documentation to support that a stay is related to said firm affiliated with a given corporate code.


They always ask for ID when I use mine, ususally I whip out a businesas card... (more so than my freinds who use the gov't rate)

-Vincent

While I do not advocate posting SET codes, I have never been ask for corporate IDs at Starwoods or any hotels for that matter. The only one time I've been asked was when the hotel was oversold.

Does anyone have a listing of these? I saw a post on Marriot with theirs. has a compilation of Starwood numbers been made and posted?
I think you need to look at that Marriott thread a little more carefully. @:-) It attempts to list ALL discount codes, including those that are PUBLICLY available, or available to those with commonly held memberships, such as AAA, etc. It does NOT merely list the ones that are only available to those with particular corporate (or travel industry, etc.) affiliation! :eek:

Since the Marriott website works in a substantially different way from the SPG website, it really wouldn't be possible to make an equivalent list for SPG. And listing only SET numbers wouldn't be very kosher. Hence, there is no list on this forum.

When promos come out, however, people do post them on this forum -- both good and bad ones, both targeted and non-targeted.

hey guys,

give the newbie a break - asking isn't demanding. Naive perhaps, but hey I've seen worse from the multiple 1,000 group.

The original intention of flyertalk as a forum was to share travel experiences and share beneficial information, not just self-beneficial.

With regards to the op's question, i dun think its unreasonable for us to post promotional codes like what has been happening at the marriot forum. and we do post offers, just that its not a consolidated list and its quite possible to do that. I dun think the op is asking specifically for personal gain here. He is merely asking if some of us could come up with a consolidated list of promos, if such a thing exists. Make it a sticky

But yes SET codes are often similar to credit card numbers so unless you know someone with one and know them well, they may be selfish and not share. FYI, my set code doesn't even bring up the rates half the time or bring up the more expensive rates.

starwood website interface is different from marriot and making a consolidated list allows us to save time searching for offers.

i would however be interested if some of our flyertalk moderators can explain WHY they do not allow the posting of promo codes and offers, NOT SET codes if thats the case, Maybe they could also shed some light as to whether starwood has any commercial interest in flyertalk or whether there is some agreement(disclosed or undisclosed) between william or anyone from starwood and flyertalk.

I havent heard of anybody's spg account being blacklisted as a result of posting offers, not SET #. It is a dishonest business practise and unethical. William does know some of our a/c numbers but i dun think he would blacklist our a/c or input negative remarks. If he has done so, do post it. But again, i highly doubt it.

So anyone wanna help??

. . .i would however be interested if some of our flyertalk moderators can explain WHY they do not allow the posting of promo codes and offers, NOT SET codes if thats the case, Maybe they could also shed some light as to whether starwood has any commercial interest in flyertalk or whether there is some agreement(disclosed or undisclosed) between william or anyone from starwood and flyertalk. . .

So anyone wanna help??

I'm one of the two FlyerTalk moderators for the SPG forum so I'll address your questions to the best of my ability and to the extent I believe that I understand what you are asking.

1) From my perspective, there's no problem with the posting of "promo codes and offers." I've never edited, deleted or otherwise altered a single one of them as best I can recall. Back in the day, SPG didn't restrict registration for specific promos to those individuals they targeted with them and they were published here within minutes of reaching individual members' mail boxes. It was a big problem, as lots of people signed up for them thanks to FT who weren't invited. Our position was that it was SPG's problem, not FT's. That's not so much the case any more, as SPG has figured out how to use technology to restrict promo registration to those they invited. Just look around in the various threads this past fall -- people struggled with that issue daily.

2) As for "some agreement (disclosed or undisclosed) between william or anyone from starwood and flyertalk," I can safely speak for the moderators of this forum that we're certainly not knowledgeable about any such agreement and, accordingly, provide no such privilege or protection to SPG or anyone else. You've probably seen the Starwood banner ads on FT or advertisements in InsideFlyer that I've seen and whatever financial arrangement governs those is between Starwood and Randy, the owner of FT and InsideFlyer. I can assure you that it doesn't come with any moderation or protective editorial rights with respect to this forum.

3) I'm not sure what "NOT SET codes if that's the case" means, so I can't comment on that except to say that I've also never edited, or been asked by FT management to edit or delete any SET codes from a FT thread. If you want a great example of this particular issue, I encourage you to visit the AVIS forum and this thread (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=344152) in particular, which lists every AVIS discount code any member has ever had the desire to post. It's not as though we're in the business of protecting these companies.

I hope that helps. :)

AZ Travels the World
Moderator

Although AZ Travels the World was eloquent as usual with his explanation, I'm the other moderator for this forum and would like to continue/tag on to his explanation on a few things if I may.

I'd like to explain another reason re: SET codes that was slightly mentioned before - there are some corporations who have a SET code with *wood where the corporation has to track when it is used, by whom, and reports go back to their travel manager re: the stays as tracked by this code. There may be some companies who do not want the code to be given out to everybody due to this tracking and the possibility of their own corporate discount/stays being skewed in some way.

Additionally, to tag onto the information re: *wood and this forum. This question continues to come up by several people - although *wood Lurker (William) posts regularly on this board, he is not a moderator nor does he have a financial gain in any way with this board. He really does this as part of his job at Starwood to provide EXCELLENT customer service. He does not ask for threads to be deleted unless they are providing inaccurate information that has been discussed previously nor does he make decisions as to which threads are deleted/edited/etc. The latter part is strictly done by the two moderators for this forum; btw we are both volunteers :) and not paid by FlyerTalk. We both genuinely love FlyerTalk, stay at *woods quite a bit, and like giving back in some way. I hope that from AZ' post and mine this helps clear up any questions that posters may have regarding these points.

ldsant
*wood Moderator

Maybe it would be OT, but I imagine we could talk about the effect that our companies' SET codes have on the room rate (this has been touched a little alrady in this thread).

Mine, for instance, does worse than the basic AAA discounts.

What types of companies get the biggest discounts? Are they only at specific locations or for the entire starwood system? I think it would make the thread relevant, interesting, and avoid the very valid concerns raised by the mods.

(not sure it would help the OP, so if mods want to break this out, please feel free to, thanks)

While I do not advocate posting SET codes, I have never been ask for corporate IDs at Starwoods or any hotels for that matter. The only one time I've been asked was when the hotel was oversold.

I often stay on the ABA Set rate (American Bar Association). Have been asked to present my ABA card on several occasions. Once a desk agent was pretty savvy, I accidentally handed my California Bar card and she asked "Do you have an ABA card sir?" Luckily, I did.

Feel free to try 4899. That was my ex-employer and as I recall when I spoke with one of the global travel coordinators, they did not care if additional stays were posted against this code, since in the end, it would look favorable upon them.

I trust that given the below, my post will not be deleted.

This question continues to come up by several people - although *wood Lurker (William) posts regularly on this board, he is not a moderator nor does he have a financial gain in any way with this board. He really does this as part of his job at Starwood to provide EXCELLENT customer service. He does not ask for threads to be deleted unless they are providing inaccurate information that has been discussed previously nor does he make decisions as to which threads are deleted/edited/etc.

so I can't comment on that except to say that I've also never edited, or been asked by FT management to edit or delete any SET codes from a FT thread.

Feel free to try 4899. That was my ex-employer and as I recall when I spoke with one of the global travel coordinators, they did not care if additional stays were posted against this code, since in the end, it would look favorable upon them.

I trust that given the below, my post will not be deleted.

When I see "chainwide discount" as the Set Owner, it makes me believe that it would be very difficult for Starwood to require an ID. ;)

I once had a SET code. could not figure out where it came from, or why. could not get rid of it for about two years.

when trying to reserve a room, it would pop into the proper space. I could drop down and delete it.

Always curious, I would check room rates with and without set code.

the with set code room was never the least expensive.

When I see "chainwide discount" as the Set Owner, it makes me believe that it would be very difficult for Starwood to require an ID. ;)

"Chainwide discount" seems to be the universal descriptor for an SET discount (and probably other discount programs as well). When I use my SET code, the "Chainwide discount" shows up as the rate descriptor about 75% of the time, the rest of the time my company name DOES show up in the rate. But, like others here, I've never been asked for corporate ID at checkin.

Years ago, when I first got my Starwood membership, we used AMEX corporate travel services, and I got Gold status through my AMEX Platinum card. But I rarely stayed at Starwoods. Later, I started using the SPG website and got comped Starwood Platinum, and there was a SET code there. I thought it some sort of discount for the AMEX Platinum.

Nope, as I found out about six months later when I finally checked a property where the SET code did any good, it was the code for Lockheed/Martin.... a subsidiary of which is one of our competitors. :eek:

Our company has a SET code. It doesn't do much, just waives the capacity controls for the lowest baseline price ("traditional room") at exactly one property. So usually it doesn't save anything, but if the hotel is full it might save 15%.

I think its great that people don't post their SET numbers in this forum.

My largest client has a SET code that I am entitled to use (actually, they demand and expect it) on travel for them.

But the strangest thing is, that when I use it on the web site, everything works fine, but then on the reservation the last two digits always get transposed. Big problem since that results in the hotel seeing me as traveling for the Consulate of Trinidad and Tobago :confused: . First time it happened in KL (they took one look at me and asked for ID) it took nearly two hours on the phone with customer service for the whole thing to get straightened out.

I think its great that people don't post their SET numbers in this forum.

And I don't agree with you.

"Chainwide discount" seems to be the universal descriptor for an SET discount (and probably other discount programs as well). When I use my SET code, the "Chainwide discount" shows up as the rate descriptor about 75% of the time, the rest of the time my company name DOES show up in the rate. But, like others here, I've never been asked for corporate ID at checkin.
Your SET code/Company doesn't have a specific deal worked out with that hotel if Chainwide Discount appears. My previous employer did that on a city by city basis, which sounds similar to yours. And yes, no id has been ever requested.

Feel free to try 4899. That was my ex-employer and as I recall when I spoke with one of the global travel coordinators, they did not care if additional stays were posted against this code, since in the end, it would look favorable upon them.

I trust that given the below, my post will not be deleted.

My ex-employer's code too :) It is a good one at a lot of properties, though in my experience it has been waning in its usefulness over the past year.

When I see "chainwide discount" as the Set Owner, it makes me believe that it would be very difficult for Starwood to require an ID. ;)

Everytime I use a SET code, it always populates the company's name as part of the folio address when checking out.

Everytime I use a SET code, it always populates the company's name as part of the folio address when checking out.

As well as after I added it to my account, after a few weeks I found Corporate Preferred card in mail !

Seriously I dont know if there are any SET # that really give you an advantage :confused: My one was from Siemens and the rate was always 20% than the lowest comparable one without SET.

I enjoy the perks of PLT and dont care about SET... I gave up ;)

My set code got me the 4 pts sydney(harbour view)_ for $A250 on NYE and $A270 next NYE:D

so it works for me!!^

I will say that there is a list for each chain, the % completeness and accuracy is definitely < 100%. Some chains like Marriott are more complete than others because the posters on that board are more open with their codes than they are on other chains. i.e, spg.

SPG does have a list going around, its just not published, ditto for Hyatt and Hilton.

Before I go any further, Don't ask, the answer is no unless its a MR question. I'd have to know you real well before even helping out on any board but MR. However, to answer the question, one exists but it can't be published. I'd also add that I find there are some two faced posters on this thread. However I believe its against t&c's of FT to name names.

With regards to the op's question, i dun think its unreasonable for us to post promotional codes like what has been happening at the marriot forum. and we do post offers, just that its not a consolidated list and its quite possible to do that.
Promotional codes are posted all the time, and no one has an issue with it. These are promotions that Starwood offers to the public or a list of people that they target and can track.

An SET code is a legal agreement to provide a discount to employees of an orgnaization, members of an organization, or some other negotiated group. Starwood does not track every member in that group so it depends on the legal agreement's T&C's that only members of the defined group can use the code.

Starwood invites you to use public codes. Starwood's SET agreements forbid you from using codes you are not entitled to. They are very different.

I've been staying in NYC all fall for $225-275 so yes, my SET code gives me quite a benefit.

I have a question about these SET codes. Why is it that when searching the SPG site for bookings with a SET code, more rooms or room types are offered/available than if I do the same search without a SET code?

I've been looking at various resorts for a family vacation through the spg site. Out of curiousity, I looked up one of the resorts we are thinking about booking for our vacation, with the SET code that was mentioned previously in this thread. Much to my suprise, many additional rooms and various suites are available for booking on our dates that don't show up in a search without a SET code. Why is that? As a SPG Gold member, I guess I atleast expected I'd have the same accessibility to various rooms (on a paid rate) as any other person. But when doing a search with a SET code and then the same search without a SET code would indicate otherwise. Why would SPG offer these various suites and what not at discounted SET code rates but not to the average SPG Gold member without access to a SET agreement at higher rates? I'm a bit baffled here. :confused:

Yesterday code "4899" was still "chainwide discount" now it shows up as "Pfizer".

Yesterday code "4899" was still "chainwide discount" now it shows up as "Pfizer".

As noted by Wireless above (and confirmed by my corporate travel office), the "Chainwide Discount" will show up if a specific property offers a company or general corporate discount to users of that SET but does NOT have a company-specific agreement with the entity that has the SET agreement. I usually get an OK price via the "Chainwide Discount", and a very very good rate when a specific deal has been made with my company.

My employer uses SET code 253568.

Prices are not too bad for Asia Pacific hotels, and other chainwide discounts are usually inline with best available rates or a tad lower...

folks - as a friendly reminder - posting your actual SET codes from your company may not be the best idea ever :)

Remember, these boards are actually read by *wood folks ;)

One thing to keep in mind is that booking a SET rate will often allow a 6pm day of arrival cancellation vs non-SET internet-only rates that requires full pre-payment/no cancellation. My SET is often </= the internet-only rate.

I think another thing to keep in mind when posting employer SET account numbers is that some employers specifically frown on this, might even be in writing in their travel policy. I know a former employer I had was very vigilent in enforcing this as they used SET account usage reports from Starwood to reconcile travel accounts. Just a heads up in case this could end anyone up in hot water.

Two more things to keep in mind:

If you decide to use an SET code that you are not entitled to, and the property asks you for confirming documentation at check-in, you just might find yourself staying at the RACK rate for your stay.

If your employer decides to hunt down who violated the terms of their agreement with SPG, that the code is for exclusive use of persons affiliated with the company, they might soon be your ex-employer.

Two more things to keep in mind:

If you decide to use an SET code that you are not entitled to, and the property asks you for confirming documentation at check-in, you just might find yourself staying at the RACK rate for your stay.

If your employer decides to hunt down who violated the terms of their agreement with SPG, that the code is for exclusive use of persons affiliated with the company, they might soon be your ex-employer.

Honestly I think you are preaching to the choir here. We've already gone over why it's not a good idea to post SET codes several times in this thread, a topic that has also probably been considered by the folks in the other hotel forums as well. If people want to post SET codes, then just LET THEM. It's up to Starwood to decide how they wish to enforce the usage of SET codes and in all honesty, having a four (to six?) digit code that is both visible AND changable during the booking process is NOT in the least a safeguard against preventing this.

yeah i'm sure that is each company's priority :rolleyes:
you have got to be kidding me
its not like any of this caveat emptor stuff has never been posted before


Two more things to keep in mind:

If you decide to use an SET code that you are not entitled to, and the property asks you for confirming documentation at check-in, you just might find yourself staying at the RACK rate for your stay.

If your employer decides to hunt down who violated the terms of their agreement with SPG, that the code is for exclusive use of persons affiliated with the company, they might soon be your ex-employer.

If you want to waste some time, what is preventing anybody from entering in random numbers? I entered in my birthdate because I was bored and it showed up as a Corporate Rate. :p

Cheers,

Adrian

yeah i'm sure that is each company's priority :rolleyes:
you have got to be kidding me
its not like any of this caveat emptor stuff has never been posted before

If you want to waste some time, what is preventing anybody from entering in random numbers? I entered in my birthdate because I was bored and it showed up as a Corporate Rate.


Next to google earth, that could be perhaps the second biggest time waster of 2006! :rolleyes:

But sure, random numbers (4to6 digits) are possible to generate a SET code.

Actually, SET codes go up to 7-digits. Friend has a valid one from his old employer that is in fact 7. :)

Cheers,

Adrian

Next to google earth, that could be perhaps the second biggest time waster of 2006! :rolleyes:

But sure, random numbers (4to6 digits) are possible to generate a SET code.

If you want to waste some time, what is preventing anybody from entering in random numbers? I entered in my birthdate because I was bored and it showed up as a Corporate Rate. :p

Cheers,

Adrian

What is your birthdate ?

michael

It has a 1, a 2, and 3 7's. I'll let you play with them and figure out the order, maybe you'll stumble across something else. Remember, I said it listed it as a Corporate Rate...never said anything about the rate actually being good. :)

Adrian

What is your birthdate ?

michael

Different SET codes work for different properties... so if you use one with an agreement at one property or chain or country or whatever, you may get a great deal under "Company Name", but when you the same SET at another property you might get the generic Chain Wide Discount and no "Company Name" associated with it. There's no rhyme or reason that anyone here will ever be able to deduce. If you have a bunch of SET codes, try them out for the different properties and you'll get different results... sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

And yes, when using a SET code, your folio more often than not will show the corporation's name.

Though I don't publicly post my own company's SET codes, I'll gladly post SET codes that somehow end up on my SPG.com profile by someone else's doing. In late May, SET code 353324 was added to my profile by someone other than me. A Platinum Concierge has said that this SET code belongs to VCFO and says that it was added via the internet. I've found no advantages to using this code yet and it just makes my reservation searches more tedious, so I removed it from my profile.

I've found other SET codes on my account before, but this is the first time that I also found someone else's credit card attached to my profile. The Platinum Concierge could not explain this. Though I can only see the last 4 digits, it would be possible for me to use this card while making reservations.

I like the idea that someone has decided to anonymously sponsor my Starwood vacations, but I rather doubt that this is actually what has happened.

I believe that this data was added after a hotel front desk agent made a couple reservations for me to return to that hotel. Could it be that the agent copied credit card and SET code data from the wrong guest that evening? Would front desk changes be marked as internet transactions on my profile?

I think it's more a problem with Starwood's databases. I've changed my email address and had it revert back to the old one months later. Same with my credit card, I put my company AMEX in but it reverts to my personal and vice versa

My dream is for Starwood to allow multiple credit cards in a profile (like Marriott, AA & NW do) and to allow multiple SET's (ie: my corporate SET & my organization's SET) in a matrix with rates of the SET's, AAA, Rack, etc. One can dream right?

My dream is for Starwood to allow multiple credit cards in a profile (like Marriott, AA & NW do) and to allow multiple SET's (ie: my corporate SET & my organization's SET) in a matrix with rates of the SET's, AAA, Rack, etc. One can dream right?

as william said, the hurculean task of accessing multiple databases (really difficult, right? :rolleyes:) won't be available for years.

i found the IBM rate at 1***0 to be very helpful.

it brings down the rate sometimes. .. but sometimes its more expensive.

if i have a property which is cheaper with that ibm rate i ask my friends to book rooms for me and add me as a second guest.

never had problems in doing so.

dp

Different SET codes work for different properties... so if you use one with an agreement at one property or chain or country or whatever, you may get a great deal under "Company Name", but when you the same SET at another property you might get the generic Chain Wide Discount and no "Company Name" associated with it. There's no rhyme or reason that anyone here will ever be able to deduce. If you have a bunch of SET codes, try them out for the different properties and you'll get different results... sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

And yes, when using a SET code, your folio more often than not will show the corporation's name.

Thats odd, cuz my folio always has:
My Name
Company Name + GP
My Addy

Thats odd, cuz my folio always has:
My Name
Company Name + GP
My Addy

Ditto for me, when I use the company code.

How often have people been asked for thier company card or badge when using thier company SET#?

Will hotels honor the rate if you don't have company identification at checkin?

How often have people been asked for thier company card or badge when using thier company SET#?
Never.
Will hotels honor the rate if you don't have company identification at checkin?
Doubtful.

Am I understanding you correctly;

So they rarely ask for identification but if they did, on a rare occasion, then they wouldn't let you stay at the rate.

Am I understanding you correctly;

So they rarely ask for identification but if they did, on a rare occasion, then they wouldn't let you stay at the rate.

At the same time, there are so many reasons to legitimately use a company's SET code without "proper identification". Job candidates must use my company's corporate rates, and sometimes we must use another company's SET code / corporate rate during a consulting engagement. I imagine contractors are in the same situation. Any such scenario will likely preserve the corporate rate.

TravelGuy1965, this is not really any different than when folks use the govt or AAA rates. There's a good chance that no proof of eligibility will be required, but when it's requested, you're expected to provide it. And if you're unable to provide proof of eligibility, then be prepared to accept the best currently available public rate or the RACK rate if no rate is available.

I don't recall ever being required to provide my company ID when using my SET codes, but I have been asked to provide my AAA card or government ID (or a government letter of authorization) when using those types of rates. Should I not have such ID on me at time of check-in, I've been expected to return with such ID the next day.

If I were to use a mysterious SET code, I think that I would at least try to find out the name of the company that it belongs to. IIRC, I was once asked to give the name of my company and it's location to the check-in agent at the Westin Las Vegas. (That's a small feat to guess since my company has had three names and three headquarter cities since 2003.)

Thanks for the feedback. I appreciate it.

Different SET codes work for different properties... so if you use one with an agreement at one property or chain or country or whatever, you may get a great deal under "Company Name", but when you the same SET at another property you might get the generic Chain Wide Discount and no "Company Name" associated with it. There's no rhyme or reason that anyone here will ever be able to deduce. If you have a bunch of SET codes, try them out for the different properties and you'll get different results... sometimes for the better, sometimes for the worse.

And yes, when using a SET code, your folio more often than not will show the corporation's name.

Actually, there are reasons as to why certain hotels offer better rates using an SET # over other properties using the same number. One very big one is the business the company is bringing/doing to/in the area of the hotel. For instance, staying at the Sheraton near Best Buy in Minneapolis will render you a really good rate if you work for company X where many of the guests are consulting with Best Buy.

Actually, there are reasons as to why certain hotels offer better rates using an SET # over other properties using the same number. One very big one is the business the company is bringing/doing to/in the area of the hotel. For instance, staying at the Sheraton near Best Buy in Minneapolis will render you a really good rate if you work for company X where many of the guests are consulting with Best Buy.

way to dig up an old thread. ;)

i still find it remarkable that starwood SET codes have stayed secret (or at least there isn't a running thread with SET codes). if you look at other forums, codes are passed around like it's no big deal.

i am not saying we should be sharing SET codes, don't get me wrong. i just find it interesting that they are shared in other forums but not in the starwood forum.

i am not saying we should be sharing SET codes, don't get me wrong. i just find it interesting that they are shared in other forums but not in the starwood forum.

1 - I think because many of us know it's wrong to use a code if we're not associated with that company.
2 - We know how much Starwood monitors this board and will quickly shut down any SET codes they see published here.
3 - Comparing the SET from the company I consult for, the SET given me as a HOT shareholder and shopping for regular and promo rates, I know there is no consistency so sharing my not be much help.

So they rarely ask for identification but if they did, on a rare occasion, then they wouldn't let you stay at the rate. But this brings about an interesting point. My partner's company allows me to travel under their company benefits. Usually, I can get cheaper flights, cars, hotels, etc. on my own, but once in a while, I do use their corporate contracts. I have specifically asked and been told that I can use their hotel discounts, we can use them on holiday or business travel, and I can even use them when I am travelling by myself (under spouse benefits). I certainly do not have any corporate ID for his company, and I certainly would not expect a night-time front desk clerk to be able to find out whether or not I have the right to use that specific SET. So, I guess I hear you saying that I would probably get bumped up to a standard rate? :eek:

We know how much Starwood monitors this board and will quickly shut down any SET codes they see published here. Doesn't one of the other hotel forums (is it Marriott?) have a stickie with SETs? There has been discussion here....and I have asked one of the Starwood mods about it, but got a real wishy-washy response about "yeah, they do it. we could too. we've talked about it. yeah, we'll talk some more. we'll let you know."

1 - I think because many of us know it's wrong to use a code if we're not associated with that company.


I agree with this point and am pleased that we have long kept SET codes out of FT. Just sayin'.

Doesn't one of the other hotel forums (is it Marriott?) have a stickie with SETs? There has been discussion here....and I have asked one of the Starwood mods about it, but got a real wishy-washy response about "yeah, they do it. we could too. we've talked about it. yeah, we'll talk some more. we'll let you know."

Sorry if you think that the mods gave you a "wishy-washy response. . "

To further explain this, we did discuss it, we also discussed it with other moderators as well. Since *wood has made it rather clear that they do have many occasions where they do ask for a company ID (there are several threads about this) and then people are upset because they're not having that rate "honored" and since others on the board also know that the codes shouldn't be shared, it was decided that we would not post SET codes here on the public forum.

You'll notice that, in fact, as a matter of practice in MANY of the forums, there are many things not posted in any of the forums e.g., elite phone numbers for UA 1K, PremEx, etc., Hyatt SET codes (or equivalent are not posted), nor are codes for other airlines. This is a public forum and if you would like to post your company's SET code for everybody to use then feel free to. Of course realize that *wood does seem to have a rather good internal auditing department. I'm not sure that my employer would look kindly on everybody having access to codes that were negotiated for our company. For those who are saying that "other" forums have them published, if you look at all of the forums you will find, in fact that they are far and few between.

It has been a matter of respect and the fact that folks who visit this forum have asked the codes not to be published as well so that there aren't any issues downline. Again, this was a discussion that was had a long time ago and we decided that for this forum it wasn't appropriate. I hope that this provides a non "'wishy-washy" answer.

Should folks have a compelling reason to have the SET codes published here, by all means, please PM us and we'll discuss this again (nothing is ever "permanently" closed unless it's a direct violation of the TOS).

ldsant
*wood co-Moderator

I'm not sure that my employer would look kindly on everybody having access to codes that were negotiated for our company.

Why not?

The more stays are booked under the SET the bigger is the negotiation power. We even encourage our employees to book eg. rail- and airtickets for private travel and all other travel under the Firm's code. We are not too much into hotels as we travel on Client's codes and expense all the time.

Why not?

The more stays are booked under the SET the bigger is the negotiation power. We even encourage our employees to book eg. rail- and airtickets for private travel and all other travel under the Firm's code. We are not too much into hotels as we travel on Client's codes and expense all the time.

On the flip side, my SET may allow a certain number of rooms at the negotiated rate. If you're using my SET and aren't entitled, my corp rate is effectively unavailable to me.....

On the flip side, my SET may allow a certain number of rooms at the negotiated rate. If you're using my SET and aren't entitled, my corp rate is effectively unavailable to me.....

Unlikely - a hotel chain is interested in selling as many rooms as possible. I certainly cannot imagine that big corporates like IBM or HP have capacity controlled SET rates. They may need 10 rooms a night or 5000 rooms a night around that globe. I can only imagine capacity controlled rates for a single hotel where they only give you X nights for a discount, but certainly not chainwide.

Why not?

The more stays are booked under the SET the bigger is the negotiation power.

that is EXACTLY what i thought when i read idsant's post. the point of the code is to track volume. more volume = bigger discounts, not less.

Unlikely - a hotel chain is interested in selling as many rooms as possible. I certainly cannot imagine that big corporates like IBM or HP have capacity controlled SET rates. They may need 10 rooms a night or 5000 rooms a night around that globe. I can only imagine capacity controlled rates for a single hotel where they only give you X nights for a discount, but certainly not chainwide.

My reference was to exactly that - a single property where we have particularly well negotiated rates (e.g. the rate plan states the company name rather than Chainwide Discount). Capacity controlled rates are fairly common, as our discount can be fairly substantial. So if someone who isn't entitled to our SET is using it, someone who is legitimately entitled to use it cannot.

Some properties do release additional rooms into the plan on request (e.g. if we're doing a roadshow or other event, it's fairly common for our corp TA to liaise with the hotel directly for this).

that is EXACTLY what i thought when i read idsant's post. the point of the code is to track volume. more volume = bigger discounts, not less.

Which I suppose works fine until/unless SPG determines some of the usage to be fraudulent and revokes the SET. (I'm sure someone can tell us for sure, but I would assume not sharing the SET with unauthorized users is part of the T&Cs.)

Which I suppose works fine until/unless SPG determines some of the usage to be fraudulent and revokes the SET.

i think the onus is on starwood and the individual property to police the SET codes (by checking IDs). how would the onus be on the company? :confused:

The policy regarding who uses their SET codes is up to the company concerned.
For someone to post a SET code on a public forum where anyone can see and use it, to me, is just plain wrong...my opinion.

i think the onus is on starwood and the individual property to police the SET codes (by checking IDs). how would the onus be on the company? :confused:

As is the case with most programs like this, I imagine Starwood views it as a shared responsibility.

Let's say, for example, that a company is in danger of not meeting their nights requirements. So they post their code here and encourage everyone to use it. Seems to me the "onus" would be on the company.

Not sure if this wholly applies, but a quick Google search turned up this:
http://www.starwoodpreferredbusiness.com/terms.html

The policy regarding who uses their SET codes is up to the company concerned.
For someone to post a SET code on a public forum where anyone can see and use it, to me, is just plain wrong...my opinion.

fair enough. but, what about all of the other forums in which corporate discount codes are published? :confused:

The policy regarding who uses their SET codes is up to the company concerned.

Where did you read this?

Where did you read this?

i agree. it is not necessarily up the company. i believe it is probably a negotiation between the company and starwood. some companies allow consultants, etc. to use a corporate discount code but others don't. this is probably a result of negotiations between the company and starwood.

fair enough. but, what about all of the other forums in which corporate discount codes are published? :confused:

How does that affect this board (SPG)? A select few moderators may have decided to allow complete disclosure of negotiated rate contract IDs on other boards, but how and why should that affect us?

I think at the core of this issue, most of us (not all) see some real ethical concerns at play with going down this road. These codes are established as a bilateral agreement between two parties to enhance the position of both parties. To ride the coattails of someone else's deal seems a violation to me. (I understand the temptation, however!)

I strongly support the continued position here of not posting SET codes.

Should folks have a compelling reason to have the SET codes published here, by all means, please PM us and we'll discuss this again (nothing is ever "permanently" closed unless it's a direct violation of the TOS).

ldsant
*wood co-Moderator


sometime in 2004, this issue was raised and i believe that the response then was that it was a decision taken independant of spg/starwood influence. I'm sure many posters including myself are a bit apprehensive about what to think of

1) set codes being removed/banned from even being mentioned.
2) a certain pm being circulated
3) mistake/low rates being pulled/not honoured, quickly sometimes minutes after being posted on flyertalk.
4) spg t& c and hotels responding sometimes unfavourably to posts featured on flyertalk.

It may be paranoid of me but i see a link here.i am not comfortable making any post on spg or its properties as a result. I hope i'm not alone and that the powers to be here will address this.

2) a certain pm being circulated


hmmm...i'd love to know more about this tid bit.

It may be paranoid of me but i see a link here. . . I hope i'm not alone and that the powers to be here will address this.

I'm a moderator of this forum and I have no idea what you're referring to.

If you have concerns that make you 'apprehensive' and 'not comfortable making any post on SPG,' I will speak for both ldsant, the other SPG Moderator, and myself, and encourage you to take the specifics directly, and privately, to Randy Petersen, who runs FlyerTalk. You can reach him via the Private Message tool.

This is how my employer has it set up with starwood as well - certain properties in certain cities have company-specific rates (not the systemwide 3 pct discount or whatever).. and there have been times where my coworker snagged the last room under the negotiated rate and I ended up paying (best available - 3 pct).

basically there is no positive aspect to intentionally sharing SET codes online in a forum setting.

My reference was to exactly that - a single property where we have particularly well negotiated rates (e.g. the rate plan states the company name rather than Chainwide Discount). Capacity controlled rates are fairly common, as our discount can be fairly substantial. So if someone who isn't entitled to our SET is using it, someone who is legitimately entitled to use it cannot.

Some properties do release additional rooms into the plan on request (e.g. if we're doing a roadshow or other event, it's fairly common for our corp TA to liaise with the hotel directly for this).

If you do a search and look carefully, you will find SET codes hidden in a lot of threads on this website and around the web... not too difficult to find... some dating back to 4 or 5 years ago, which still work today.. so I really don't think these companies mind.. If they did, they would have changed their SET codes already....

Also, for some larger firms, they negotiate seperate rates for their own staff, and for clients/customers... so if the SET code corresponds to the clients/customer one, I really don't see any problem sharing it...

A GM on the Marriott board explained in great detail to me how the overuse of a corporate discount code can actually weaken the company's negotiating position. His point was that as occupancy rises, GM do not wish to honor special rates because the remaining rooms command better prices then the negotiated rate. I can find the discussion if anyone wants it.

I'm a moderator of this forum and I have no idea what you're referring to.

If you have concerns that make you 'apprehensive' and 'not comfortable making any post on SPG,' I will speak for both ldsant, the other SPG Moderator, and myself, and encourage you to take the specifics directly, and privately, to Randy Petersen, who runs FlyerTalk. You can reach him via the Private Message tool.

my issue is essentially the independence of flyertalk and in this case the spg forum away from external influence. I think that this would be suited for open discussion here on the spg forum. As the rules specifically says each contributor is prohibited from making comments on moderation, i would have to ask if the moderator would be willing to allow this to be aired?


P.S: I would appreciate if i can be notified before this post is deleted.

A GM on the Marriott board explained in great detail to me how the overuse of a corporate discount code can actually weaken the company's negotiating position. His point was that as occupancy rises, GM do not wish to honor special rates because the remaining rooms command better prices then the negotiated rate. I can find the discussion if anyone wants it.

This is the reason there are rates on "Last room availability" basis and non LRA basis... non-LRA rates mean that the hotel close out on corporate rates when occupancy reaches a certain level, whereas LRA rates do not have this restriction. As you can imagine LRA rates are usually higher so that the hotel can protect its average daily rate...

P.S: I would appreciate if i can be notified before this post is deleted.

:)

(or at all.)

my issue is essentially the independence of flyertalk and in this case the spg forum away from external influence. I think that this would be suited for open discussion here on the spg forum. As the rules specifically says each contributor is prohibited from making comments on moderation, i would have to ask if the moderator would be willing to allow this to be aired?


As you've pointed out, the rules specifically prohibit what you are suggesting. If you wish to have your specific addressed, please share them in a private message to the moderators of the forum, or directly with Randy.

I was hoping someone would be able to help me with this. I've read this entire thread am not sure it answers any of my queries.

I am a guest speaker of a French research company at a scientific meeting in 2 months time. I have been asked to arrange my own hotel room at the Starwood property they are using, however, the company has given me a discount code which "should be placed in the SET/Corporate no. box." They will be reimbusing me upto the amount of a room using this discount code for four nights.

My questions are thus:
1. I'm not an employee of the company, however, they have specifically told me to use this code. So, can I use this code? I do have a letter from them (which I can travel with), but no company ID as I am not their employee.

2. If I use this number, will my stay still count towards my Platinum renewal (if not, I will not use the code and forego the benefit being provided to me by the company).

3. If I use this code, will I forfeit my usual Platinum benefits? For instance, the hotel the scientific meeting is at is a property where I always get upgraded to a suite. Will I lose this benefit by using this discount code? Afterall, the room is a lot cheaper using this rate.

4. Someone in this thread mentions being sent a Corporate SPG preferred guest card after using his company's set code........so, if I use this company's discount code, will my Platinum status go, and will I be provided with a corporate preferred guest card instead?

Thanks in advance!

PS Please don't ask me for the discount code. It'll make me feel akward to say no......and I will say no.

I was hoping someone would be able to help me with this. I've read this entire thread am not sure it answers any of my queries.

I am a guest speaker of a French research company at a scientific meeting in 2 months time. I have been asked to arrange my own hotel room at the Starwood property they are using, however, the company has given me a discount code which "should be placed in the SET/Corporate no. box." They will be reimbusing me upto the amount of a room using this discount code for four nights.

My questions are thus:
1. I'm not an employee of the company, however, they have specifically told me to use this code. So, can I use this code? I do have a letter from them (which I can travel with), but no company ID as I am not their employee.

2. If I use this number, will my stay still count towards my Platinum renewal (if not, I will not use the code and forego the benefit being provided to me by the company).

3. If I use this code, will I forfeit my usual Platinum benefits? For instance, the hotel the scientific meeting is at is a property where I always get upgraded to a suite. Will I lose this benefit by using this discount code? Afterall, the room is a lot cheaper using this rate.

4. Someone in this thread mentions being sent a Corporate SPG preferred guest card after using his company's set code........so, if I use this company's discount code, will my Platinum status go, and will I be provided with a corporate preferred guest card instead?

Thanks in advance!

PS Please don't ask me for the discount code. It'll make me feel akward to say no......and I will say no.


Yes.
Yes.
No.
No.

Yes.
Yes.
No.
No.




Thank you so much.....That really puts my mind at rest. I much apprecate it!

Yes.
Yes.
No.
No.





(3.) is a YES/NO: It depends on the arrangements the organizer have made. We use the same system for our internal (partners') meetings and we have "no frills rates" for such and it says "no SPG benefits, no points". The latter is not a surprise because in our case the costs go to a masterbill (different from Shantanu's case) and the first one was never enforced in my case, however the language is different.

For 1) in the past my former employer would tell clients or contractors to use our SET code and that this was as per the negotiated policy. So YES for sure.

As a Platinum for the past 5 years, and almost always on a corporate SET code, I have never been asked for company identification. I have had to show my AAA card on ~25% of my AAA-enhanced stays.

I work for one of Canada top 25 company and,
SET rates are not as good as one might think: compared to BAR or Non-Cancellable rates, they are not such a good deal. Except for hotels that my employer really use and has a lot volume, the difference is actually none to a more (how about 2x) expensive rate. And we are a Global Preferred Corporation...
So keep your eyes open and keep looking at FT forums, you will save even more!

I am planning to stay at the Sheraton in BA, but would like to know if anyone on this board can help with a special code that will make my stay worthwile. Please PM.
Thanks.