Starwood Preferred Guest - 2007 Award Bookings in BsA

I have been trying to book a Sheraton for Feb '07 in Buenos Aires for a couple of months now with no luck for the lesser-point-value properties. I can get bookings to take in 2006 but not in 2007 for anything but the Park Tower at 10K points. Yet I was able to book the Le Meridien in Rio last month for Jan '07 using points. Anyone have a clue as to what's up? :confused:

Sometimes it's not loaded in their system yet. Try phoning up Starwood res directly.

Award rate plans are often end-dated for December 31st of a given year. This is because of the potential possibility of a hotel moving up or down a category depending upon their average daily rate for the upcoming year.

We are working toward a solution for ending this which should be available to us later this year.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

We are working toward a solution for ending this which should be available to us later this year.[/email]
^

Award rate plans are often end-dated for December 31st of a given year. This is because of the potential possibility of a hotel moving up or down a category depending upon their average daily rate for the upcoming year.

I suspected this might play a role. However, in past years I've made reservations (e.g. Orchid Sheraton Bangkok) where this happened and I just felt fortunate that I made the res well in advance since the category went up. However, maybe Starwood has made a conscious decision to prevent award res disparities like this. Maybe the solution is to notify SPG members that award reservations are subject to adjustment up or down when crossing calendar years. Then allow the member to either accept or reject the adjustment condition both when the res is made and/or when the change comes due.