Starwood Preferred Guest - Award Stays & Special Requests

Is it possible to have some "special" requests on award reservations? I've never asked in advance for requests on an award reservation, but I would like to. I'm not asking for anything special; no suites or anything like that, just maybe a corner room, a non smoking room, upper floor, away from elevators, etc... Is that too much to ask? I usually get those (my preferences) on paid stays, but I never ask for much on award stays, but I would like to. BTW, I'm only Gold. Anyone wants to share their successful award nights "special requests"... at any SPG level?

Is it possible to have some "special" requests on award reservations? I've never asked in advance for requests on an award reservation, but I would like to. I'm not asking for anything special; no suites or anything like that, just maybe a corner room, a non smoking room, upper floor, away from elevators, etc... Is that too much to ask? I usually get those (my preferences) on paid stays, but I never ask for much on award stays, but I would like to. BTW, I'm only Gold. Anyone wants to share their successful award nights "special requests"... at any SPG level?

It certainly never hurts to ask. Whether they are able to accommodate your requests could be another matter altogether. ;)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

It certainly never hurts to ask. Whether they are able to accommodate your requests could be another matter altogether. ;)

Sincerely,
William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com



Should I call the Customer Contact Center prior to my arrival in order to put my request(s) on my reservation or should I instead ask for any request "on the spot" at the hotel when checking in? In other words, will Customer Service add a "request" on my award reservation if I call them in advance as I would with a paid reservation?

Should I call the Customer Contact Center prior to my arrival in order to put my request(s) on my reservation or should I instead ask for any request "on the spot" at the hotel when checking in? In other words, will Customer Service add a "request" on my award reservation if I call them in advance as I would with a paid reservation?

Sure. They will probably tell you that it is not confirmed until after you check-in at the property, and they may well note this in comments to the hotel as well, but this is a fairly commonplace request for telephone associates.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Is it possible to have some "special" requests on award reservations? I've never asked in advance for requests on an award reservation, but I would like to. I'm not asking for anything special; no suites or anything like that, just maybe a corner room, a non smoking room, upper floor, away from elevators, etc... Is that too much to ask? I usually get those (my preferences) on paid stays, but I never ask for much on award stays, but I would like to. BTW, I'm only Gold. Anyone wants to share their successful award nights "special requests"... at any SPG level?
As William said, this is a common request that the phone reps can note on the reservation for consideration when you check-in. The hotel staff may read these notes before you even arrive for check-in, so I think that it's best to get them noted in advance.

Some properties (especially some that are known for having good SPG Coordinators) may respond kindly to advance requests directly to the hotel staff.

My own experience with Starwood is that award stays (including Cash & Points stays) receive the same quality treatment as paid stays. I don't think that this is just because I'm a Platinum member.