Starwood Preferred Guest - prepaid rate drops

Sorry if this was addressed before, but the search function isn't working today for some reason...
If I booked an internet-only prepaid rate at a Sheraton and that rate later drops before the stay occurs (with the same prepaid, internet-only terms), am I able to get a refund of the difference?

I'd certainly call the Starwood res number and ask for a rate adjustment.

If you buy stocks and the price drops the next day, do you go to see your bank and ask for a refund? :D

This is nothing but yield management and *-wood is getting better with it. If a hotel has plenty of capacity available the rates go down and vice versa. As you locked in for a certain rate and decided that this would be THE rate for you to take, this is a perfect example of free market economy.

I do not expect them to give you any adjustment but it does not hurt to ask.

I ran into the same situation once and they changed it (I was Plat). I called the hotel directly I think...

This has happened to me before. Fortunately, the difference for me was only $10 so I didn't really care too much. Basically, I called platinum concierge, they called the hotel, the hotel wouldn't refund the difference.

That's why I rarely commit to an internet prepaid rate unless the rate is really really low (like the $199/night in NYC :D)

I would contact the hotel directly. I had this happen with a property in London and they were very understanding, they changed it on the spot and refunded me the difference.

I would also approach it in a way that if they don't give you a refund ask them if they can credit your folio so that you can use it for room service, etc.

Good Luck.

Thanks! I'll call and give it a shot.

If you buy stocks and the price drops the next day, do you go to see your bank and ask for a refund? :D



Or would you pay more if the pre-paid rate goes back up? :p

If you buy stocks and the price drops the next day, do you go to see your bank and ask for a refund? :D

This is nothing but yield management and *-wood is getting better with it. If a hotel has plenty of capacity available the rates go down and vice versa. As you locked in for a certain rate and decided that this would be THE rate for you to take, this is a perfect example of free market economy.

I do not expect them to give you any adjustment but it does not hurt to ask.

The stock purchase analogy is certainly apropos, but there are opportunities in some travel-related purchases to do just what Sandy suggested. At least with International AA tickets, if the fare drops after you purchase it, you can call and do a "rollover"..... the fare difference is refunded to you. I've done it several times. As you say, it doesn't hurt to ask.