Starwood Preferred Guest - Starpicks

The marketing gurus have asked that I make everyone aware of this new intiative regarding last-minute booking availability.

• Starpicks brings consumers last-minute hotel rates that are at least 20% off regular rates at properties in the world's most exciting destinations. These rates apply across Starwood’s unique range of brands: Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, and Le Méridien.

• Starpicks launches every Tuesday and is bookable until Friday.

• It can be found at the following URL:

http://www.starpicks.com

• Stays are for this upcoming weekend for hotels and the next two weeks for resorts.

• Starpicks would be comparable to Marriott’s eBreaks, except in the following areas:

o eBreaks is available for weekend stays only, at any property that participates. Starpicks is available for weekends at hotels and all days of the week at resorts.
o eBreaks is not available for Marriott in Asia or Africa (so, it’s not truly global, whereas Starpicks is).
o eBreaks is only available via email, whereas Starpicks is available on Starwood websites (westin.com, Sheraton.com, fourpoints.com, spg.com, lobby.com).

• A maximum of 75 properties participate each week. Participating properties change each week, so consumers should check back to see who is on sale.

• The discount is a MINIMUM of 20% off regular rates. Properties can discount more if they wish.

Enjoy!

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

The marketing gurus have asked that I make everyone aware of this new intiative regarding last-minute booking availability.


Accidently ran across this enhancement last week. Seems to be a very good way to keep some of those rooms from being "pilfered" by Hotels.com/Priceline, and so forth. Good idea @:-)

Best, Dave

William,

How about a place where we can go sign up for weekly e mail alerts? @:-)

William,

How about a place where we can go sign up for weekly e mail alerts? @:-)

Not sure there is such a thing currently regarding last-minute availability, but I can suggest it. I know that we are already sending weekly emails to select members in select markets, however.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks for the heads up. William, can you confirm that booking one of these rates provides full stay credit and points?

Thanks for the heads up. William, can you confirm that booking one of these rates provides full stay credit and points?

Yes. Any paid rate booked on one of our proprietary web sites earns Starpoints and stay credit.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

William
Thanks for the update. You are great.

Cool idea!!

I believe I receive email updates from Starwood, but they don't contain the list, so you have to go and check anyway. I didn't sign up for them (other than the general opt-in).

BTW- A quick check shows princeville rates of 332 per night, that's pretty good, esp. if you can use one of the free night offers in conjunction.

This is a great idea, now I can cross reference with all of the weekly fare alerts I get from the airlines and try to put together a last minute trip at a discount.

Right now the "marketing gurus"at Marriott are making their elites feel like the dogs dinner of the hospitality buisness.Starwood does not need to include Marriott in any sort of comparission.

Right now the "marketing gurus"at Marriott are making their elites feel like the dogs dinner of the hospitality buisness.Starwood does not need to include Marriott in any sort of comparission.

LOL. Okay. I thought about leaving that part out. ;) Obviously, I don't know much about Marriott, having been kicked around somewhat here: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=671086&referrerid=417I thought it was all roses over there. :)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

William , I dont mean to make this pick on William day.

I for one feel that your original post would have been 1000% better , had you simply posted the details of SPGs new deals and not hae mentioned or compared it at all to MRs.

Im 100% sure that SPGs deal will be better then MRs in some ways and that MRs will beat SPGs in others. But it doesnt make sense to try and compare them.

I would have rather read your 1st post about this new concept w/o any mention to EBreaks, or why it is better then EBs cause its not better in every way

craz,

Give William a break. He's just posting an I'm better than you comparison. ;) I think that's fair. SL is allowed to brag a little. It's in his job description.

From the Starwood website...Starwood Lurker has the responsibility to toot the *wood banner in any way-shape- or form. Failure to do so will result in a suspension of his internet communications.
Just kidding.

still room in the tour linked below.

craz,

Give William a break. He's just posting an I'm better than you comparison. ;) I think that's fair. SL is allowed to brag a little. It's in his job description.

From the Starwood website...Starwood Lurker has the responsibility to toot the *wood banner in any way-shape- or form. Failure to do so will result in a suspension of his internet communications.


still room in the tour linked below.

I understood that. This way it opens it up for others to take SPG to task (although they would probably do so anyway) where they feel its not the case.

IMHO each program just like the Airlines have their Pros and Cons and why this one is better then the other one. Yet its not too often that you will see where 1 program will try and shoot down the other, at least if they are smart they wont, why cause they too can be shot down when comparing it to some others.

I would have liked it if SPG simply will stand on its own 2 feet and not try to stand up by trying to knock the others down.

Personally Im a Plat with SPG, Diamond with Hilton and Plat with Marriott. There are Pros and Cons to each program, and 1 program really isnt that much different from the others. Except maybe with SPG not having a lower level in Hotels such as HGI,CY Hampton,FIs etc or Extened Stay Hotels as Yet.

there are Cities/Countries where you might find only 1 of the 3 Chains or 2 at most, thats why I try and maintain status in all 3.

Nice to have a promotion like this. Having said this, I just checked some prices and they were always within 10% of my normal corporate rates. So not that much of a saving here. But hey, at least there is up to 10%...

William , I dont mean to make this pick on William day.

I for one feel that your original post would have been 1000% better , had you simply posted the details of SPGs new deals and not hae mentioned or compared it at all to MRs.

Im 100% sure that SPGs deal will be better then MRs in some ways and that MRs will beat SPGs in others. But it doesnt make sense to try and compare them.

I would have rather read your 1st post about this new concept w/o any mention to EBreaks, or why it is better then EBs cause its not better in every way

:rolleyes: This from the person who posted .....

sounds more like Hiltons Tranquility Rooms . . . .

Nice to see SPG playing Catch-up and jumping on the band0wagon although a bit late, better then never at All.

:rolleyes: This from the person who posted .....


thats correct, Im actually happy that SPG is doing both, even thou they are both Copies of what others have done.

And I PROVED my own pt when I said even if you didnt mention MR people would still take SPG to task.

Those Tranquility rooms werent cheap either, but what a way to wind-down and boy was it RELAXING at that, I can only imagine that The Westins will be of the same if not better quality since its a Westin.

William-
Thanks for the notice.

I checked a few properties, and like the way the clendar is layed out with the price per night, and availability. Makes it quick and easy to see the details and book the stay.

Actually, I thought the Marriott comparison was helpful (at least to me.) While I am fairly versed in Marriott lore, I'm pretty new with SPG. Basically, the comparison allowed me to quickly understand what the Starpicks program is and a good overview of how it works all by comparing it to something I already know about.

Yes. Any paid rate booked on one of our proprietary web sites earns Starpoints and stay credit.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hi William, does the starpicks rate also qualifies for the 5 stays / 5,000 points and west coast 6,000 points promos? Thanks.

So I must be the classroom dunce on this deal, but ......

everytime I've checked this list in the past few weeks, it always appears to be the VERY SAME LIST of properties (not a constantly changing mix as the OP indicated it would be). Additionally, about 75% of the time I'd say none of the properties show availablility (or Starpick offers) at all. The other 25% of the time, I get a 5 week calendar with prices shown on specific dates.

Is this a case of Starwood's less than wonderful IT folks at work again, or it is a good old fashioned case of user error (i.e. me!)? Either way, what's up?

Yes. Any paid rate booked on one of our proprietary web sites earns Starpoints and stay credit.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

except that this week one of the cities i might be interested is NY, and Le Parker doesnt give you stay credit etc.. Believe you me, as i found out the hard way.....:mad:

Anyways, good one William and thank the GURU's for us mortals.

One other minor quibble on what is otherwise a useful promotion:

The promotion promises a minimum of a 20% discount off the "regular" rate. This is technically true, though there is often also an Internet Only/Full Prepaid rate very close (usually $10 difference) to the Starpicks rate, which is usually available much further in advance.

So, the Starpicks rate is better, but the minimum 20% discount claim, while technically true, is a bit misleading. I've found that in many cases your actual additional discount over other available rates is about 5-8%. Not complaining, just pointing out the fine print.

As a safeguard against Marriott sueing :D I actually think that the comparison was needed, if only to more quickly present these Starpicks rates. If Lurker didn't do it, someone else would've. Marriott should be flattered ;) and the rest of us thankful for the pre-emptive work.

In regard to whether these are useful rates, this is what kills it, mostly for business travel:

"Advance purchase required. Credit card will be charged at time of booking. Cancellations are non-refundable; if cancellation takes place, guests forfeit total room charge plus tax."

Since there is a maximum stay of 4 nights, one could even lose the full 4 night-cost.

And to think I was going to book a group under this promo. Offer me these rates with flexibility instead :p

Hi William, does the starpicks rate also qualifies for the 5 stays / 5,000 points and west coast 6,000 points promos? Thanks.

Answered that in post #6. ;)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Answered that in post #6. ;)

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I understand the starpicks rate earns starpoints and stay credit. However, according to the Starpicks T&C, Not to be combined with other special offers or promotions. Therefore, I'd like to have some clarification whether the rate is qualified for the promo points or not. Thanks.

I understand the starpicks rate earns starpoints and stay credit. However, according to the Starpicks T&C, Therefore, I'd like to have some clarification whether the rate is qualified for the promo points or not. Thanks.

The other special offers and promotions are related to further discounts off the rate added to what is being discounted here. It has nothing to do with promotions offering bonus Starpoints.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I appreciate the info and importantly the link. I read about this at smartertravel.com, but they didn't provide a direct link to the specials. And I searched the Starwood sight and saw no obvious link.

I agree with the earlier comment that the calendar feature is helpful in knowing what specific dates and specific durations the special rates are available.

I agree with the earlier suggestion that a weekly e-mail update option would be appreciated. I would further recommend a link to Starpicks somewhere in the Specials tab (or if it's there, it should be more obvious).

Also, it has not been previously stated that these rates appear to all be non-refundable. Given that they are for a few days away, that probably isn't a big deal, however buyer beware. Also, you have to book via this link because these rates do not appear on a regular rate inquiry.

So .... I still continue to have issues getting any availability to come up at all using the link. (Yes, I have seen the 5 week calendars from time to time when the site worked correctly for me, but 90%+ of the time when I check the link, I get an error message in red regarding the dates.)

I'm not doing this wrong, it's just quirky. It's entirely possible that it doesn't like my laptop. Anyone else having these issues? If so, any advice?

(FWIW, I've checked this time and again and it's almost always the same. If I can see inventory for one property, I can find it for most all of them. However, if I get the error message, I will NOT be able to find inventory at ANY of them.)

Thanks for the help here!


EDITED TO ADD: NEVERMIND!!! I WAS USING AN OLD BOOKMARK THAT I DIDN'T REALIZE WAS DATE-SENSITIVE. That meant that everytime I used that bookmark, it was showing a current calendar, but the imbedded link was incorrect in some way or another rendering the webpage I was directed to defunct. ALL SET NOW!

I was just checking the rates for differen facilities and noticed that the starpicks rate for Four Points by Sheraton Phoenix Metrocenter is EUR 95:confused: , which equals $127, and the lowest BAR for the same room is $110. So just in case anyone booked the room at the starpicks rate and didn't noticed the EUR sign, better contact the SPG to have it fixed.

I would think it would be wise to double check available rates via the regular Starwood reservation pages to make sure there isn't a better rate. It's like sometimes the BAR is better than the AAA or AARP discounts

Thanks for this, wouldn't have known about it otherwise. I like the future availability feature--found better rates than on spg.com and just changed 2 upcoming stays from Hyatt properties. :)

William -- thanks for the link & info! I missed this when it was originally posted... have a bookmark for it now! ;)

Still loving this new promo--just saved $50 over a Marriott I was planning to stay in on Saturday...:)

Thanks for the heads up on this :)

I just received an email from Amex about Starpicks. The email link went to http://www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks/index.html . While that is a much more obvious, attractive and sensible looking URL than the completely unmemorable mess of a URL that was posted at the start of this thread, it also doesn't work:

We're Sorry
The page that you requested cannot be found.

Please choose a Starwood brand below to go to that home page or click the 'Back' button on your browser to return to the previous page.

Starwood and Amex should get their act together. I wonder how many Amex cardholders (who aren't FTers) will ever find the starpicks page, when it's no obvious from the home page and the URL which would make sense, and when Amex has sent out, doesn't work?

I got an email today from SPG about Starpicks. It refers me to http://www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks.

However, the page I land at tells me to come back on Tuesday. AFAIK, it is Tuesday :D

Pick Your Pleasure
Starpicks rates are available at new hotels and resorts every Tuesday - Friday. Please visit www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks to see the latest Starpicks properties and rates.

If it's Saturday, Sunday or Monday and you're looking for Starpicks, please check the URL above on Tuesday for great savings.

Remember that last-minute rates are at least 20% off regular prices at hotels and resorts in the world's most exciting destinations. These rates apply at participating properties across Starwood Hotels' unique range of hotel brands:

* Sheraton
* Westin
* Four Points by Sheraton
* W Hotels
* St. Regis
* The Luxury Collection
* Le Meridien



EDIT: it's working now :) Sadly when I check availability at one of "Some of this week's Starpicks" hotels, there is nothing available for the whole of 2007 let alone this week! However, ^ for the idea...I guess it is just teething trouble.

pointmaven.com/starpicks (http://www.pointmaven.com/starpicks)

I havent seen any update on Starpicks offers for the past 3-4 weeks (for Asia Pacific). Has Starwood decided not to continue with Starpicks ?

I havent seen any update on Starpicks offers for the past 3-4 weeks (for Asia Pacific). Has Starwood decided not to continue with Starpicks ?

Im just returned from a stay at the Le Royal Meridien Phuket Yacht Harbour for USD 95 per night as a starpick ! Great deal !!:D;)

I havent seen any update on Starpicks offers for the past 3-4 weeks (for Asia Pacific). Has Starwood decided not to continue with Starpicks ?

You might be using an old link-which was what I am doing(have it in my favorites) :rolleyes:
At the top there will be a link which will display the current promos.

Any paid rate booked on one of our proprietary web sites earns Starpoints and stay credit.

I just stayed a night at the Park Lane, London for a Starpicks rate of GBP 127 plus VAT ... but I only received sixteen Starpoints for the stay ? :confused: Is this to be expected or a glitch in the system ?

William: Lets focus on the big picture rather than the details. I missed this promo as have others. Thanks for bringing to our attention, as my wife and I will use it this year as well as next year. :-::-:

William: Lets focus on the big picture rather than the details. I missed this promo as have others. Thanks for bringing to our attention, as my wife and I will use it this year as well as next year. :-::-:

heh? :confused:

Personally Im a Plat with SPG, Diamond with Hilton and Plat with Marriott. There are Pros and Cons to each program, and 1 program really isnt that much different from the others. Except maybe with SPG not having a lower level in Hotels such as HGI,CY Hampton,FIs etc or Extened Stay Hotels as Yet.

there are Cities/Countries where you might find only 1 of the 3 Chains or 2 at most, thats why I try and maintain status in all 3. I tend to agree that they all have pros and cons, but do not think William ment any harm.

like most things spg.com related, I still can't get this to work. No hotel change, no date change makes a difference, it gives me an invalid date error message.

Tried both Safari & Firefox. Starwood is not Mac friendly. :td:

nroscoe, trying to debug Starpicks is not a sensible way to spend your weekend.

From spg.com/starpicks (http://spg.com/starpicks):
"Starpicks rates are available at new hotels and resorts every Tuesday - Friday. Please visit www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks to see the latest Starpicks properties and rates.

"If it's Saturday, Sunday or Monday and you're looking for Starpicks, please check the URL above on Tuesday for great savings."

thanks sc flier! based on this and the C&P hack, will you be my personal SPG.com tech support?

Funny, but your links do take me to the landing page with the only check mid-week verbiage, but the one I had bookmarked from William's original post did take me into a hotel list.

I'll use spg.com/starpicks from now (actually Tue) on...

thanks sc flier! based on this and the C&P hack, will you be my personal SPG.com tech support?

Within reason, sure. Just you and the other 153 folks that have downloaded my C&P Google Earth links within the past 20 hours.

thanks sc flier! based on this and the C&P hack, will you be my personal SPG.com tech support?






I'm sorry but you're too late! He's booked! :p

Its Tuesday afternoon and I'm getting an error message when I click on the link at the start of this thread.

its working for me. Its been up today after midnight-ish. Not many hotels r available this week tho.

Is anyone able to view this weeks Starpick hotels in the North America region ?
I keep getting an error " We're Sorry Invalid Arguments! Should pass either the valid Promo Code or the valid Rate Plan Name. "

Is anyone able to view this weeks Starpick hotels in the North America region ?
I keep getting an error " We're Sorry Invalid Arguments! Should pass either the valid Promo Code or the valid Rate Plan Name. "

I thought they came out on Tuesdays?

I thought they came out on Tuesdays?

They do. I've not seem them posted prior to Tuesday afternoons.

Anyone having success getting starpicks? All the links respond with "invalid arguments". Is there a new link?

Anyone having success getting starpicks? All the links respond with "invalid arguments". Is there a new link?

Try:

www.starwood.com/starpicks

This should redirect you to the right page.....as it seems to work for me. ;)

A.J.

www.starpics.com always gets me to the proper site.

www.starpics.com always gets me to the proper site.


But not me:confused:

www.starpics.com always gets me to the proper site.

Did Mighty Casey strike out?:p Try www.starpicks.com (http://www.starpicks.com)

I have been looking at rates for Sheraton On The Park Sydney on SPG.com, checking in 16th Nov, for 1 night. SPG.com actually has a Starpicks rate of $288 listed and also a BAR rate for the same room of $295 on the same page, so only $7 difference. When I look at the Starpicks page it says 20% off regular rate but still lists $288. So I am confused, I thought regular rate would be BAR. Can anyone help clarify this for me?

Did Mighty Casey strike out?:p Try www.starpicks.com (http://www.starpicks.com)

Yep.

wow, pretty sad list of U.S. properties.

well ... the starpicks rate has never worked for me, the BAR seems to beat it hands down each time I've needed a room.... just my luck I guess.

Thanks for the link, I have never recieved any email re Starwood Picks.
Just booked using the website and the rates are about 20% less.

Just a heads up:
Even though the website is not up yet, a lot of hotels in chicago are already offering the starpicks rate right now on their personal site through spg.com

Starpicks took a break over Christmas-New Year; and now that its back none of the hotels in Asia Pacific is taking part. Is this the beginning of the end of Starpicks :(

Starpicks took a break over Christmas-New Year; and now that its back none of the hotels in Asia Pacific is taking part. Is this the beginning of the end of Starpicks :(

Hopefully not. I suspect it is as much to do with the admin of getting everything back up and running again. It is a very limited list of N.American and European properties this week. Hopefully the range of hotels will increase again over the coming weeks. I've picked up some good deals via Starpicks and hope to do so again this year.

wow, pretty sad list of U.S. properties.

i guess i could bump my previous comment. the new list is a pretty sad list, as well.....though there are two NYC properties "as low as" $179 per night.

I have been looking at rates for Sheraton On The Park Sydney on SPG.com, checking in 16th Nov, for 1 night. SPG.com actually has a Starpicks rate of $288 listed and also a BAR rate for the same room of $295 on the same page, so only $7 difference. When I look at the Starpicks page it says 20% off regular rate but still lists $288. So I am confused, I thought regular rate would be BAR. Can anyone help clarify this for me?

The discount is certainly not 20% for some of the European properties I looked at. I am very disappointed.

Fingers crossed they have something decent for Rome or Malta for the last week of January
:)

Hopefully not. I suspect it is as much to do with the admin of getting everything back up and running again. It is a very limited list of N.American and European properties this week. Hopefully the range of hotels will increase again over the coming weeks. I've picked up some good deals via Starpicks and hope to do so again this year.

Starpicks is on "vacation" again this week !

Looks like Starpicks goes on vacation more often than most of us do :(

Starpicks is on "vacation" again this week !

Looks like Starpicks goes on vacation more often than most of us do :(

Hmmm, so it is. Not a good sign. Let's look on the bright side - it is because they are trying to secure the deal of the year from a few properties and need a bit of extra time.

Starpicks is on "vacation" again this week !

Looks like Starpicks goes on vacation more often than most of us do :(

LOL. Maybe they have a minimum threshold of properties needed before they offer it. Afterall, they don't want it to be known as starpick rather than picks :)

Actually, there seem to be plenty of Starpicks this week (January 22-25, 2008):

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTI6&rateCode=WHOTI6&layout=2

The "Starpicks is on vacation this week" text seems to have been left on the weekend page by mistake.

Actually, there seem to be plenty of Starpicks this week (January 22-25, 2008):
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTI6&rateCode=WHOTI6&layout=2


Many Hotels with no Availability !!!

Many Hotels with no Availability !!!

Starpicks may not be on holiday this week after all, but the team responsible for uploading the inventory are. Just tried 10 hotels and every one is either a broken link, or no availability. Oooops

If you try to make a reservation at one of the listed properties the regular way, directly through spg.com, most of the Starpicks rates seem to be loaded and available. So, you can use the Starpicks page as just a list of properties, and then search to find out what the rates are. Not ideal, obviously, but it seems to work.

Starpicks may not be on holiday this week after all, but the team responsible for uploading the inventory are. Just tried 10 hotels and every one is either a broken link, or no availability. Oooops

Thanks. This is being looked into.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks William ^

Starpicks may not be on holiday this week after all, but the team responsible for uploading the inventory are. Just tried 10 hotels and every one is either a broken link, or no availability. Oooops

I am getting all stressed up with Starpicks the past few weeks. I think I need a "vacation" too ;)

This should be fixed now. Thanks for your patience while it was sorted out.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Starpicks is on vacation again this week.:mad: It's a shame because I'm out on the road and could've used the discounted rate for a few stays. Odd (that there are none) in that it's not a holiday week or anything that I can think of.

Starpicks is actually available for this week. I just check it now and it is on. ^

Some time ago, I bookedmarked this link:
"http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=WKYLTO_SPOFF&EM=VTY_CORP_starpicks"

which, apparently, must have been the URL to the active starpicks
information some time ago. Now, it provides the note "Starpicks is on vacation this week! Please check back next Tuesday to see what's on sale."

The active URL appears to be "http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTX12&rateCode=WHOTX12&layout=2&EM=VTY_CORP_STARPICKS" which apparently is redirected from typing in www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks

Maybe the WEB gurus could either redirect the first URL or retire the link altogether. Just my .02cents.

Some time ago, I bookedmarked this link:
"http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=WKYLTO_SPOFF&EM=VTY_CORP_starpicks"

which, apparently, must have been the URL to the active starpicks
information some time ago. Now, it provides the note "Starpicks is on vacation this week! Please check back next Tuesday to see what's on sale."

The active URL appears to be "http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTX12&rateCode=WHOTX12&layout=2&EM=VTY_CORP_STARPICKS" which apparently is redirected from typing in www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks

Maybe the WEB gurus could either redirect the first URL or retire the link altogether. Just my .02cents.

Why not use the link Starwood Lurker provided in the very first post? :confused:

It works fine for me. I'm using Firefox and internet explorer.

It is working, but as with some other weeks a few properties don't have inventory loaded. Sheraton Park Tower comes up with an error to name one property, The Westin South Coast Plaza is another.

It is working, but as with some other weeks a few properties don't have inventory loaded. Sheraton Park Tower comes up with an error to name one property, The Westin South Coast Plaza is another.

Still no availability for the Westin South Coast Plaza. Why be on the list if you can't book a room?

I just found a nice rate ($212) for the Moana Surfrider in Waikiki. It's widely available from now til April 23.

I don't need a hotel at Heathrow during the next three weeks, but was impressed by the Sheraton Heathrow 44 GBP rate.

I don't need a hotel at Heathrow during the next three weeks, but was impressed by the Sheraton Heathrow 44 GBP rate.

That is a typical Starpicks rate for this hotel and it comes up pretty regularly, although usually Thu-Sat nights mainly. The Sheraton Skyline also comes up, albeit semi-regularly and usually at a rate circa £55. For both rates 17.5% VAT need to be added.

Not that I'm checking every week or anything like that... ;)

I love the Starpicks rates. Lufthansa RTF from Germany, when possible combined with Starpicks or Hilton weekend specials, really great for a short weekend escape.

I really, really like the Starpicks rates. Have gotten really good rates for hotels I would not have been able to afford otherwise. I like how a lot more international properties are joining the Starpicks party. They're also really handy when one needs an extra stay or night for a promo and needs a cheap matress run.

I like how several aren't just for the upcoming weekend, but two weeks out. Keep it up, SPG ^

This should be fixed now. Thanks for your patience while it was sorted out.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Still down for me, I get the "On vacation" message. I can get the Starpicks rates through the SPG site though........

This link is currently working. It will take you directly to the Starpicks site.

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTI6&rateCode=WHOTI6&layout=2

We found something quite interesting when looking at Starpicks rates for hotels in Turin over the next week-end.

It turns out that the Starpicks rate that is offered (€89) doesn't include VAT (about 10% in Italy), whereas the prepaid internet rate (€99) does.

The real discount ends up being negligible, and quite far from the 20% advertised by Starwood...

Cheers,
Yann

This link is currently working. It will take you directly to the Starpicks site.

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTI6&rateCode=WHOTI6&layout=2

Interesting....in some cities, different properties than what was on there just a couple of days ago (some that were there aren't now, some that weren't now are). I didn't think they posted until Tuesday afternoon, and have often not seen them there until then (getting the same error or vacation msg's noted upthread).

Technically, the above link is probably supposed to be expired. Each week's offers has a unique offer code, so this link is for one of the past offer periods. The concept seems to be that www.starpicks.com is updated each week to redirect to the new offer code. But if the old links still work and the rates are still offered, I don't see any problem with booking them.

(I could be wrong about how it all works nowadays.)

I wonder if it is active because this is Easter week. I was surprised to see some popular San Diego hotels available each night this week.

Seems like today it's back to the "vacation" message, probably until tomorrow (tuesday) afternoon....but, it was wild how rates/rooms were indeed bookable as late as last night on it (thank you, SPG :D )

Seems like today it's back to the "vacation" message, probably until tomorrow (tuesday) afternoon....but, it was wild how rates/rooms were indeed bookable as late as last night on it (thank you, SPG :D )

If I use the link from post #94 above, it still works for me. When I try from my saved bookmark, I get the vacation message.

Starpicks rates are now showing.

Noted is that the Westin Bristol Place in Toronto is showing rates from 189.00
USD including weekends when the BAR for weekends typically runs around 110.00 CDN.

:confused:

If I use the link from post #94 above, it still works for me. When I try from my saved bookmark, I get the vacation message.


Indeed! ^

The Starpicks (www.starpicks.com) list is up. I'm scratching my head over the rate for the Dom, Cologne: 304 euros. Starwood.com has the very same hotel at 120 euros for the same night. Both rates are nonrefundable once booked. There are a host of rates available between the 120 and 304 that offer benefits not included in the 304. The 304 rate makes absolutely no sense to me.

I can't believe there are no starpicks rates for the entire state of California. There are usually 8-10 properties that are listed on starpicks. Very odd..:confused:

The Starpicks (www.starpicks.com) list is up. I'm scratching my head over the rate for the Dom, Cologne: 304 euros. Starwood.com has the very same hotel at 120 euros for the same night. Both rates are nonrefundable once booked. There are a host of rates available between the 120 and 304 that offer benefits not included in the 304. The 304 rate makes absolutely no sense to me.

caveat emptor. maybe they think they can get a sucker or two.

a few weeks ago, i stayed at the westin minneapolis. i tried to use the popular http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=GENDRE_H promotion but the rates were triple what was available from spg.com. why? who knows?

just book the cheaper rate.

The Starpicks (www.starpicks.com) list is up. I'm scratching my head over the rate for the Dom, Cologne: 304 euros. Starwood.com has the very same hotel at 120 euros for the same night. Both rates are nonrefundable once booked. There are a host of rates available between the 120 and 304 that offer benefits not included in the 304. The 304 rate makes absolutely no sense to me.

What date are you looking at?

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I can't believe there are no starpicks rates for the entire state of California. There are usually 8-10 properties that are listed on starpicks. Very odd..:confused:

It is pretty odd.

We're having great weather and demand is likely high but it's still not that nice in the northern parts.

I can't believe there are no starpicks rates for the entire state of California. There are usually 8-10 properties that are listed on starpicks. Very odd..:confused:

It's too bad. I spent three nights in the past week with Starwood that I wouldn't have otherwise due to Starpicks. I work an hour away from home and with a Starpicks rate of $63/night, I splurged my own cash for the nights at the local Four Points rather than spend the time and gas to commute. :p

I got some co-workers interested after I told them about it. Too bad no CA properties are on the list this week. :(

RE: Calif... I got the Four Points LAX for $85 starpick rate...

RE: Calif... I got the Four Points LAX for $85 starpick rate...

How'd you do it without it being on the list?

I can't believe there are no starpicks rates for the entire state of California. There are usually 8-10 properties that are listed on starpicks. Very odd..:confused:

You're complaining about none for a state - how about none for a continent; not a single property in South America makes the list :eek:

What date are you looking at?

Dom
Cologne, Germany

Starpicks: Mar 27, 28, 29, Apr 3, 4, 5 - 304 euros

Starwood.com - Mar 28 - choices of 120, 160, 185, 210, 216, 242 euros, and up.
Starpicks comes up first in the list at 304 euros, but once you resort on low to high, you see all the other rates.

Starpicks comes up first in the list at 304 euros, but once you resort on low to high, you see all the other rates.
Well, now that you gave some more details, it's plain as day: it's because of their resort fee. :D

It's too bad.... :p
Welcome to FlyerTalk, Tanukipop!

Dom
Cologne, Germany

Starpicks: Mar 27, 28, 29, Apr 3, 4, 5 - 304 euros

Starwood.com - Mar 28 - choices of 120, 160, 185, 210, 216, 242 euros, and up.
Starpicks comes up first in the list at 304 euros, but once you resort on low to high, you see all the other rates.

Okay. This should be fixed now, but it may take 24 hours to actually update online.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks, William. 150 euros (Starpick) is more in the ballpark.

The savvy traveler should note the 120 euro rate for the same room and with the same conditions (non cancellable) as the 150 euro rate.

Starpicks are back... some decent finds.

westin minneapolis
4/11 - 4/13

starpicks: $127 per night (i assume non-refundable)
spg.com internet only rate: $119 (non-refundable)
BAR: $129 (cancel by 4 PM one day prior)
AAA: $116.10 (cancel by 4 PM one day prior)

starpicks = big yawn in this case.

This week's Starpicks are available already (April 10, 2008):

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTX12&rateCode=WHOTX12&layout=2

Des Indes link isn't working.

Seville Alfonso XIII at $235 is an amazing value, given that it is coming up with 309 euros on the identical date on starwood.com.

4th week in a row with nothing in South America - do they know it exists?

This week's Starpicks are available already (April 10, 2008):

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTX12&rateCode=WHOTX12&layout=2

Are you sure that is the current starpicks link. When I click on http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=WKYLTO_SPOFF&EM=VTY_CORP_STARPICKS

I get the message to check back next Tuesday.:confused:

the link worked for me.

i like seeing the st. regis and W san frans on the list. must be a slow weekend in san fran.

The link in Morien's quote works for me, but not the one in iwc's post.

The Starpicks rates in Europe used to be much better than they are this week. Now they are rates which mostly can be beaten by AAA rates or even other regular rates. Not sure what the point is, then.

I might be viewing early, but there is not one US or Canadian property on the list. :confused::confused:

I hope the list will be updated.

I might be viewing early, but there is not one US or Canadian property on the list. :confused::confused:

I hope the list will be updated.

Yeah, seriously. ...????

it seems early for starpicks, no? don't they usually come out mid-week? :confused:

it seems early for starpicks, no? don't they usually come out mid-week? :confused:

Nope. I usually check Tuesday morning and -- BAM -- there is a list for the upcoming weekend.

Yea still no US/Canada Starpicks... I wonder if you can search specific properties using the rate code. It would be cumbersome but if there was something specific you're looking for, it couldn't hurt...

It would be cumbersome

more cumbersome than the typical search for promotional rates at spg.com?

more cumbersome than the typical search for promotional rates at spg.com?

Well I guess it would depend on how many places you would want to check. I'm incredibly lazy, so not having everything compiled nicely in a list makes such a search comparatively cumberson.

Well I guess it would depend on how many places you would want to check. I'm incredibly lazy, so not having everything compiled nicely in a list makes such a search comparatively cumberson.

My guess is that Starpicks was replaced this week by the May rate promo. You can look at hotels by state, but you don't get that nice rate calendar that shows when they are available.

I want Starpicks back!!!!

My guess is that Starpicks was replaced this week by the May rate promo.

I'm checking Dallas for an upcoming trip and I get a "May Getaway Rate" that has similar characteristics to Starpicks - CC charged immediately, no cancellation and a fairly good discount. BTW, the rate program is not listed under "Hotel Offers" on the hotel's individual web page.

I'm wondering exactly how long I can wait before pulling the trigger on this rate. My trip isn't for a couple of weeks and I'm only 90% sure I'm taking the trip as planned. Anyone know (guess?) how long the May Getaway Rates will be out there to book?

I'm wondering exactly how long I can wait before pulling the trigger on this rate. My trip isn't for a couple of weeks and I'm only 90% sure I'm taking the trip as planned. Anyone know (guess?) how long the May Getaway Rates will be out there to book?

when i pulled up the May promo rates, there was actually a clock that showed me how long they are around for. last night it was at six days, i believe.

when i pulled up the May promo rates, there was actually a clock that showed me how long they are around for. last night it was at six days, i believe.

Thanks fctsty.^

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

* Advance reservations required.
* Rooms are limited and offer is subject to availablity.
* Offer is valid at participating Starwood Hotels & Resorts in North America.
* Reservations must be booked by April 21, 2008 for Thursday – Sunday stays at hotels, seven days a week at resorts.
* Maximum length of stay is 4 nights at hotels. 7 nights at resorts.
* Stays must be completed between May 1 and June 1, 2008.
* Reservations must be booked online.
* Advance purchase required. Credit card will be charged at time of booking. Cancellations are non-refundable; if cancellation takes place, guests forfeit total room charge plus tax.
* Rates are per room, per night, based on single/double occupancy and availability at time of reservation and do not include additional per room, per night charges that may be imposed or state/local taxes.
* Offer not applicable to groups.
* Not to be combined with other special offers or promotions.
* Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors.
* Void where prohibited by law.
* Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time.
© 2008 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All Rights reserved.

Looks like US Starpicks are back from vacation!^

westin minneapolis

starpicks $127
AAA $143
rate which includes parking $151

pretty good savings, though the AAA rate is cancelable (and i believe the parking one is, too). but, at this point, the ability to cancel isn't as important since we are so close to the actual travel date.

Moana Surfrider is widely available for the next 6 weeks at $212. That's a beautiful property, right on the beach of Waikiki.

Sheraton Suites ORD is just $99, which could be good for folks coming to the Gargoyle Do in Chicago next weekend.

I had to laugh on seeing this forum's favorites Yankee Trader and Yankee Clipper in Fort Lauderdale on the list.

I had to laugh on seeing this forum's favorites Yankee Trader and Yankee Clipper in Fort Lauderdale on the list.

was the four points miami listed? and, the four points hyannis (oh, wait, thats gone). :)

Kind of a strange one at the hotel I'm posting from now (4 Pts LAX)--it's valid for exactly one day--next Thursday.

I noticed a new entry in the Starpicks T&Cs, that a Sunday night only stay is no longer eligible for the rate. This is such a pity, as I took advantage of it several times. I suppose that they want business travelers like myself to pay the business rates on a Sunday night... which is a pity, as if the room is empty it should be worth their while to sell it at the Starpicks rather than have me go to another hotel. I cannot imagine that they are selling out of rooms due to Starpicks, and turning away potential customers

Thanks for the heads up. It would be nice to have it in emails or RSS feeds.

Is it just me, or is this week's North America offerings the shorts North America list yet? Interesting...

Is it just me, or is this week's North America offerings the shorts North America list yet? Interesting...


It's hit or miss with North America. Some weeks lots, others not so much. Great if you're going on an overnight MR to Toronto though, ay? :)

It's hit or miss with North America. Some weeks lots, others not so much. Great if you're going on an overnight MR to Toronto though, ay? :)

Six whole hotels this week in NA.:rolleyes:

Just went to check the starpicks. System says that Starpicks is on holiday this week.

www.starpicks.com shows me lots of participating hotels this week. Examples:
$163 St Regis Aspen
$227 Resort at Singer Island
$159 WDW Dolphin
$135 Westin Buckhead
$259 - $299 three Cat6 NYC Starwoods
$179 W Seattle
$119 Westin Puerto Vallarta
$169 Sheraton Cable Beach

It appears I was a few minutes too early as it works for me now, too.

Perhaps they are programmed to appear at midnight Pacific time.

$259 - $299 three Cat6 NYC Starwoods


could be wrong...but weren't there a bunch of NYC Starwoods at $199 for that travelzoo promo posted a week or two ago? and, i think this weekend and/or next weekend had availability.

could be wrong...but weren't there a bunch of NYC Starwoods at $199 for that travelzoo promo posted a week or two ago? and, i think this weekend and/or next weekend had availability.
Could be. I wasn't saying that they were the best deal -- just that they were on the list. These NYC dates on the Starpicks site include the weekdays next week. I'm not sure if the same was true of the Travelzoo rates. Theoretical cause: the Memorial Day holiday. Theoretical conclusion: these types of sales happen every year for this coming week.

It's Tuesday, right? Where are our Starpicks? Or do they get delayed since Monday was an American holiday?

It's Tuesday, right? Where are our Starpicks? Or do they get delayed since Monday was an American holiday?

Have been live and working for me at least. Starpicks are live.

It's Tuesday, right? Where are our Starpicks? Or do they get delayed since Monday was an American holiday?


I just checked and the the PointMaven Starpicks map (www.pointmaven.com/starpicks) is live and kicking.

Thanks, guys. I've been able to get in now.

I hadn't known about the pointsmaven pointer to Starpicks. I like it!

the choices are pitiful, no?

It seems there is a problem in the Starpicks inventory.
Just tried 5 hotels .... no availability. :(

Carlos.

the choices are pitiful, no?

Yea. It's more like slim picks....

I noticed the rate plan is different than usual. I wonder if that's why the availability of even this limited selection is nil.

It seems there is a problem in the Starpicks inventory.
Just tried 5 hotels .... no availability. :(

There seems to be a problem with the Starpicks calendars right now, but if you search the listed hotels in the regular search methods, the Starpicks rates will come up.

I got a winner this round! $135 Starpick at Westin Aruba. I need just one night there during my upcoming dive vacation (the other 3 nights are slumming it for a timeshare promo), and I was on the verge of booking somewhere else. Other rates:
$289 BAR
$230 DAILY20 non-refundable
$245 AAA
$169 AARP
(I've been wishing for an explanation about why the AAA and AARP rates are so different.)

Some www.starpicks.com highlights this week:
$166 Resort at Singer Island
$259-$299 Westin St John
EUR 179 LM Barcelona
EUR 300 Hotel Gritti Palace, Venice

CAD 169 LM King Edward, Toronto (voted down by iwpingmu below, but still best for some dates)

CAD 169 LM King Edward, Toronto is not a good deal

They have a fuel package, rate at CAD159 including $25 gas card per night, free valet parking

US117.00 is also nowhere near the best price for Sheraton Bandara Jakarta either.

Calling the hotel directly will get you a rate of about 850,000rp and you can get slightly cheaper again through a local travel agency.

There are a LOT of hotels on the Starpicks list this week.

Some www.starpicks.com highlights this week:
$166 Resort at Singer Island
$259-$299 Westin St John
EUR 300 Hotel Gritti Palace, Venice
EUR 299 Hotel Marqués de Riscal
EUR 109 Sheraton Fota Island
CAD 89 aloft Montreal Airport

$208 Westin Diplomat (I'm not sure if this is a great rate, but I know that this is a favorite of many FTers.)
$199 Westin Savannah
$105 W Atlanta - Perimeter
$159 Westin Boston Waterfront (July 3 - 5. Perfect for Independence Day.)
$89 Planet Hollywood (most Sun - Thurs in July)
$75 4P Charlotte

In NYC this weekend and next weekend:
$219 The Westin New York at Times Square
$229 W New York - The Court
$239 W New York - The Tuscany

Honorable mention:
EUR 179 LM Barcelona (But Travelzoo has an even better package rate (http://hotels.travelzoo.com/international-hotels/429614) for EUR 169, if available. Travelzoo's rate is refundable ^, but it doesn't qualify for BRG for various reasons. Includes breakfast and other perks.)

(Sorry for my SE US-centric viewpoint in some of my highlights.)

Sorry to go OT-but Le Meridien BCN for E 169 including breakfast is a great deal :D

shouldnt starpicks be cheaper than the hotel price on the website?

looking at Le Méridien Kuala Lumpur its 320MYR booked via SPG.com or starpicks.. shouldnt it be cheaper on starpicks or am i missing something..

Sorry to go OT-but Le Meridien BCN for E 169 including breakfast is a great deal :D

Sorry if this question is FAQ, but will the (I agree very decent) Travelzoo rate qualify for SPG Platinum Perks, points and stay/night credits ?

Sorry if this question is FAQ, but will the (I agree very decent) Travelzoo rate qualify for SPG Platinum Perks, points and stay/night credits ?

Hi

As answered earlier by William, Travelzoo bookings seem to re-direct guests to our branded websites. Similarly, I would not be able to tell if it is confirmed a re-direct. If so, then the rates would be eligible for stays and Starpoints.

Thank you and have a great weekend.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I have always received full credit and points 0n travelzoo rates=you don't need to book via the travelzoo website-just enter the code on the spg booking page.

Some www.starpicks.com highlights this week:
EUR 135 Hotel Danieli, Venice (every day through Aug 20)

$149 Sheraton Cable Beach
$95 4P San Francisco Bay Bridge (this weekend only)
$95 4P Savannah Airport
$149 Sheraton Broadway Plantation, Myrtle Beach

Every day through Aug 20:
$265 Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
$240 Westin Maui

Next 2 weekends (Thurs, Fri, Sat nights):
$189 Sheraton Manhattan
$199 Sheraton NY
$79 element Lexington, Massachusetts
$89 Sheraton New Orleans

$79 element Lexington, Massachusetts

When did element open? :eek: 79? Not bad!

The Danieli price really caught my eye. The catch: it's for a single bed. Still, it's almost enough to get me on an airplane to Italy.

Goldener Hirsch - 152 euros - next two weekends
Westin Excelsior Florence - 228 euros thru August

Slim pickings in Asia

I did not notice that the Danieli was for a Single bed. Not as a Starpick rate, but I see that the Westin E&R, Venice, is also offering a Single for EUR 170 or less.

240/night every day from now until August 14.
Unusually low rate for this hotel. The economy really must be in the dumpster.

Still better than Starpicks is a BRG for a studio at the Westin Ka'anapali for $194 at wotif.com (http://www.wotif.com/hotel/View?hotel=W50443&page=1&viewType=all). wotif.com only goes 30 days out, though, so I still posted this Starpicks rate as a highlight. (No resort fee at the villas.)

Westin Maui at wotif.com is $184 (+ resort fees and taxes).

The Danieli price really caught my eye. The catch: it's for a single bed. Still, it's almost enough to get me on an airplane to Italy.

So, the obvious question… What if I make a reservation for a single bed and turn up with a partner? Will they accommodate us with a double bed (nice), let us stay in the single one (well, OK), or force to pay for a double (not OK)?

So, the obvious question… What if I make a reservation for a single bed and turn up with a partner? Will they accommodate us with a double bed (nice), let us stay in the single one (well, OK), or force to pay for a double (not OK)?

If you book for one person in European hotels and show up with 2 then 97 times out of 100 you will be charged for an extra person. Okay, I'm guessing on the percentage but there are lot's of stories here of having that happen.

If you have no status, you may try to upgrade with points 5 days before arrival and check in alone.

So, the obvious question… What if I make a reservation for a single bed and turn up with a partner? Will they accommodate us with a double bed (nice), let us stay in the single one (well, OK), or force to pay for a double (not OK)?

If you have no status, you may try to upgrade with points 5 days before arrival and check in alone.

You may indeed try checking in alone to "fool" the hotel but if you are not upgraded then you still just have a single bed to sleep in when you "sneak" the extra person into your room. It's also up to your own values as to whether you want to game the system in this way.

It's also up to your own values as to whether you want to game the system in this way.

Indeed a tough call… It's OK with me if the room is $10-30 more for double occupancy, but $230 more seems a bit unfair, so "gaming the system" may seem justified… Then again it's hotels choice to price their rooms as they do. I'll probably pass, too much trouble. Plus no award availability for the flights.

The single room in a European hotel is truly a different product than a double room. It tends to be tiny with a single bed, something intended for a child or a servant. (Remember these are old hotels, built at a time when folks traveled with their servants.)

Some www.starpicks.com highlights this week:
EUR 140 LM Barcelona (most of the next 6 weeks)
$149 Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos (July 17-27)
$142 LM Cancun (most of the next 6 weeks)

$79 aloft Lexington (Thurs - Sat nights this weekend only)
$166 Resort at Singer Island (now through Aug 27)
$75 4P Charlotte (next 2 weekends)

Hawaii (I won't argue that these are the best rates):
$212 Westin Moana Surfrider
$220 Sheraton Kauai
$228 Princeville Villas

Hotel Imperial in Vienna either went fast or is misprogrammed:

There was no availability for the property with your selected calendar start date. Please select another date.

Same was true for Sheraton SLC. :(

Seems to be a problem landing on Starpicks site.

I get the following error message "Tag 'insert' can't insert page '/common/offers/promotions_layout2.jsp'. Check if it exists. For input string: "":confused:

Same problem here - sc flier's post obviously generated so much interest the site crashed! :p

It looks like it is a coding error or a missing file. I am assuming that Lurker is pursuit of it. BTW, I tried to report it using the "Customer Support/Online Chat" link but no one answers. It has been saying "One of our associates will be with you shortly. We appreciate your patience." for the last 8 minutes.

After about 10 minutes I got connected, I reported it and was toldThank you for waiting. I have got the same message. I am sorry, I have to contact the website support and investigate it. I do apologize for the inconveniences, please try again in few hours.It now should get looked into.

Same problem here - sc flier's post obviously generated so much interest the site crashed! :p
I will admit that I have worried about similar scenarios before with their servers, but this is not one of those situations. :p

working now

Great Deal at the Luxury Collection-Resort at Singer Island in Palm Beach Flordida

Only 166 for all from now until August 21.


http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTA2&rateCode=WHOTA2&layout=2&regionName=All&EM=VTY_CORP_STARPICKS

Plus all rooms are suites, and the smallest is 750 square feet!

It looks like it is a coding error or a missing file. I am assuming that Lurker is pursuit of it.

Hi

My colleagues at the web assist team have informed me that users might experienced some difficulties with the web page earlier in the week.

The latest update reveals that the issues have been resolved.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hi

My colleagues at the web assist team have informed me that users might experienced some difficulties with the web page earlier in the week.

The latest update reveals that the issues have been resolved.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Can properties offer Starpicks rates without being part of the list?
Or is it an omission? Michigan isn't listed and at least one property is offering starpicks this week as part of their own hotel offers page.

Looks like very slim pickins' this week.

North and South American properties total just three properties. Not one property within the contiental US is on the list.

Maybe I peeked to soon and not all destinations have been chosen and updated on the site.

Some www.starpicks.com highlights this week:
EUR 180 Westin Palace (next 2 weekends)
EUR 119 Westin Valencia (next 2 weekends)
$149 Sheraton Hacienda del Mar Los Cabos (most of the next 6 weeks)
$142 LM Cancun (most of the next 6 weeks)

THB 4640 Sheraton Pattaya (I don't know if this is a good deal, but I know someone in the area that might be interested.)

Nothing at all in the US? :confused:

It seems to me that this room sale, mentioned in another thread, takes the place for Starpicks deals in the USA this week.

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/summervalue/

Some pretty good deals, in theory, but I haven't dug too deeply.....

Aloha

The Starpicks (http://www.starpicks.com) are back but nothing for North America. I guess because the poorly executed 7 day summer sale (http://www.starwoodpromos.com/summervalue/) is still in progress.

are you serious. i wonder if they are going offer an other sale but just for north america. just like the seven day sale

The Starpicks (http://www.starpicks.com) are back but nothing for North America. I guess because the 7 day summer sale disaster (http://www.starwoodpromos.com/summervalue/) is still in progress.
The 7 day summer sale has now ended. And really, just because you weren't able to find anything useful on that summer sale, doesn't make it a "disaster." Some people were able to benefit -- indeed there were some very good deals (albeit prepaid & nonrefundable). (All too often, the level of whininess on FT is incredible. :eek:)

Also, I hardly find it surprising that deals are harder to come by in North America at the moment. This is the height of the summer travel season in this part of the world. What else do you expect? :confused:

The countdown clock says the summer sale is has ended but according to the note on the page it is still on.Rates valid only for stays booked by 11:59 p.m. EDT August 5, 2008.I checked and at least some of the summer sale rates are still bookable. The word "disaster" is a bit strong, I changed it to say "poorly executed summer sale". I say poorly executed because many of the sale rates are approaching rack rate, and are about twice refundable BAR ones. There are some bargains, one of which I booked. But wasted lots of time trying to book stays where the "sale" price was ridiculous. Poor execution.

Starwood's Summer Sale for North America has been extended to August 11.

There's finally starpicks for the states. Its a slim list but i wonder if they will have an other summer sale. only time will tell...

There are new starpicks offers. ^
But when I try to book it says "Sytem temporarily unavailable". :mad:

Anyone else experience this?

There are new starpicks offers. ^
But when I try to book it says "Sytem temporarily unavailable". :mad:

Anyone else experience this?

Yep, definitely a problem with the Starpicks at the moment.

You can go directly to the property and do a search as per the norm.

Once you've put in your dates, you the will see the "Starpicks Rate Limited Offer" rates.

You can go directly to the property and do a search as per the norm.

Once you've put in your dates, you the will see the "Starpicks Rate Limited Offer" rates.

Might be fine for some properties, but as some will typically only have one or two dates available, it isn't proving to be an easy option for some. Good advice for the hotels with wider availability though.

Yep, definitely a problem with the Starpicks at the moment.

This should be sorted out now.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

This should be sorted out now.



Indeed it is. Thanks to the team for sorting it out. ^

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What property are you having problems with, or is it a number of properties. Just checked again and it is all working fine for me.

Worked eventually for me also, although only after several repetitions of error mentioned above.

Worked eventually for me also, although only after several repetitions of error mentioned above.

...Although, no stay credit and only *points for incidentals have posted to my account. Seem to remember having this problem before....

Starpicks is on vacation this week! Please check back next Tuesday to see what's on sale.

Starpicks rates offer at least 20% off regular prices at leading Starwood hotels and resorts around the world.

Starpicks is available every Tuesday-Friday at www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks. Properties change weekly, so check back often.

Try this link (https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?rateCode=WHOTX12&promoCode=WHOTX12&layout=2&regionName=All&EM=DM_TN9989_MX_Starpicks_092308_B1_Intl) instead.

Starpicks are there, but just not at the usual URL. They sent a promo email through earlier today with the above link.

IIRC, it's often not until the afternoon that they're up.

Aha! Thanks for the help!

Some www.starpicks.com highlights this week:
EUR 109 Westin La Quinta, Marbella (most of the next 6 weeks. Through Nov 5, so good for those going to the Sevilla DO who might want to tour around Andalucia.)

$89 Westin Cancun (most of the next 6 weeks)

$179 The Atlantic (most of the next 6 weeks)
$190 The Diplomat Golf Resort & Spa, Hallandale Beach (most of the next 6 weeks)

$105 W Atlanta Perimeter (next 2 weekends)
$89 Sheraton Houston Brookhollow (Oct 3 & 4. May help some hurricane victims? All Houston Starwoods were sold out this past Saturday night when I was in nearby SAT.)
$78 Westin Tysons Corner (next 2 weekends. Cat 4 property.)

Hawaii:
$205 Sheraton Kauai (cheaper than another recent Starpicks offer)
$228 Princeville Villas (we've seen this price in another recent Starpicks)

This week, the www.spg.com/starpicks page is broken again.

Here is the correct link: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?promoCode=WHOTZ9&rateCode=WHOTZ9&layout=2&regionName=All

It's mid-day Tuesday on the west coast and starpicks still arent up this week. Are they coming or is the link awol again?

It's mid-day Tuesday on the west coast and starpicks still arent up this week. Are they coming or is the link awol again?

I'm pretty sure that whenever there is an LTO floating out there, it takes the place of Starpicks until it's over. But, I'll check and see if that's true.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I'm pretty sure that whenever there is an LTO floating out there, it takes the place of Starpicks until it's over. But, I'll check and see if that's true.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks William. Will hold off booking my Z6H stay in Seoul for now. The LTO rate at the Westin Chosun is great, but the 4 day maximum stay blows.

Thanks William. Will hold off booking my Z6H stay in Seoul for now. The LTO rate at the Westin Chosun is great, but the 4 day maximum stay blows.

No worries. I did get confirmation that Starpicks will be taking a powder until November 25th.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Pick Your Pleasure.

Starpicks is on vacation this week! Please check back next Tuesday to see what's on sale.

Starpicks rates offer at least 20% off regular prices at leading Starwood hotels and resorts around the world.

Pick Your Pleasure.

Starpicks is on vacation this week! Please check back next Tuesday to see what's on sale.



I think we all know that's the canned, standard page. It reads that way even on a normal Tuesday morning before the Starpicks post.

On vacation until November 25? Ugh! :mad: :rolleyes: :mad:

On vacation until November 25? Ugh! :mad: :rolleyes: :mad:

The 50% off deal appears to be limping on 'subject to availability' for a few more days at least, (originally due to end on the 17th) hence no Starpicks.

I'll join you with a :rolleyes: though!

The Westin Valencia is advertising a Starpicks rate on their Special Offers page (http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Westin_Valencia/so.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_WI_1722&). The link uses SET code 374580, and this code is important for getting the best GLOLTO (Limited Time Offer) price even though some GLOLTO rates will show up without this code.

This Friday, for example, has 1 King Deluxe for 115 Euros with the SET code. But this rate doesn't show up for this room type without the SET code. However, the 129 Euro GLOLTO rate for a Deluxe room with 2 Single beds will show up both with and without the SET code.

The Le Meridien Barcelona has the same offer on their page (http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/lemeridien_barcelona/so.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_MD_1931&) with the same SET code. Rates from EUR 169.

Book by Nov 24 for stays until Mar 1.

Starpicks are back this week after a 2-week hiatus.

Want to book a place for out of town visitors? Want to stay in a hotel instead of with family? Looking for a Thanksgiving weekend trip or a stay around Xmas or New Years? Need a place near an airport like ATL or ORD? Attending the parade in NYC? Want to take the kids to Disney for the few days before Xmas? Need some extra stays for elite qualification?

There are a lot of good finds on this week's Starpicks list, and many are good through Jan 7 and may include Xmas and New Year weeks.

Some highlights:

ATL area:
$75 Sheraton Suites Atlanta (next 2 weekends for Thurs - Sat)
$69 Sheraton ATL Airport (next 2 weekends for Thurs - Sat)
$109 Westin Buckhead (this weekend Thurs - Sat)
(and other area hotels)

Disney before Xmas or after NYE:
$149 WDW Dolphin (most of Nov 30 - Dec 24 and Jan 1-7)
$169 WDW Swan (similar to Dolphin)

Hawaii:
$139 Sheraton Keauhou (Nov 27 - Dec 25 and Dec 30 - Jan 7)
$250 Sheraton Maui (Nov 27 - Dec 25 and Dec 30 - Jan 7)
$270 Westin Maui (similar to Sheraton)
$290 Westin Ka'anapali Villas (Nov 27 - Jan 7 including Xmas/NY weeks)

Thanksgiving in NYC!
$239 Sheraton Manhattan (Nov 27-30)
$239 Sheraton New York Hotel & Towers (Nov 27-30)
$249 W New York - The Court (Nov 27-30)
$259 W New York - The Tuscany (Nov 27-30)
(and there are some non-Starpicks rates for $189 or less this weekend!)

Random places in US:
$89 Westin Charlotte
$199 The Joule, Dallas
$75 4P Houston Memorial City (and I saw non-Starpick rates as low as $60)
$99 Westin Arlington Gateway
$74 Sheraton Tysons Corner
$69 Sheraton Richmond West
$89 - $119 Boston Park Plaza (most nights Nov 27 - Dec 6. Caution: Does not participate in SPG!)
$85 Westin DTW (next 2 weekends)
$109 Sheraton Society Hill, Philadelphia (Nov 27 - 29)
various hotels/resorts throughout Florida such as Singer Island, Atlantic, LM Sunny Isles

Europe:
EUR 95 Sheraton Porto (this weekend. 165 next weekend)
EUR 100 Sheraton Lisboa (next 2 weekends)
CHF 235 Sheraton Neues Schloss Hotel - Zurich (next 2 weekends. approx USD 197)
EUR 135 Westin Grand Frankfurt (next 2 weekends)
EUR 79 LM Bristol, Warsaw (next 2 weekends)

Canada:
CAD 179 W Montreal (most of next 6 weeks including Xmas week but not including NYE)

Asia/Pacific:
KRW 175000 W Seoul (approx USD 118)

$79 at Westin O'Hare and $89 at the Sheraton Suites in Rosemont ^

Three weeks and no new offers :confused:

Three weeks and no new offers :confused:
I just assumed they didn't need to have them during the Holiday's. IIRC, this happened last year as well.

I'm glad to see that Starpicks is back from its holiday although it seems to have a bit of a hangover

I tried to book The Westin in Kuala Lumpur, but the dates on offer aren't a whole lot of use to me. The calendar only shows 2007 or 2008 . is there a way i can get around this ?

I see a 2009 calendar now.

I see a 2009 calendar now.

Same here.

Sheraton Suites Eau Claire, Sunday and Thursday nights at $143! Should be able to justify paying the higher rate for mon-weds now and still be able to stay there for the week!

Seems like Mr. Starpicks is off for MLK Day and the Inaguration...

Looks like it indeed, the www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks link doesn't seem to work but the link Starwood send me in a e-mail this morning does.

edit: link deleted because login spg, but check your own emails from starwood

Looks like it indeed, the www.starwoodhotels.com/starpicks link doesn't seem to work but the link Starwood send me in a e-mail this morning does.

edit: link deleted because login spg, but check your own emails from starwood

So there are Starpicks this week?

Does anyone have a working link? I didn't get an email, but would love to check out this weeks Starpicks.

Finanly got it working without showing my login.

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?rateCode=WHOTZ9&promoCode=WHOTZ9&layout=2&regionName=Europe& (https://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/offer.html?rateCode=WHOTZ9&promoCode=WHOTZ9&layout=2&regionName=Europe&)

I'm a little perplexed that the W Atlanta - Downtown is on the starpicks on it's opening weekend?
:confused:

I'm a little perplexed that the W Atlanta - Downtown is on the starpicks on it's opening weekend?
I think that's a good commentary on the state of the economy.

Does anyone have a working link?
I just use http://starpicks.com/ - it gets redirected to the appropriate URL.

I just use http://starpicks.com/ - it gets redirected to the appropriate URL.

At the time when the OP asked about the appropriate URL, the main starpicks.com and spg.com/starpicks URLs weren't redirecting correctly. The email link to Starpicks seemed to be the only one working at the time. It is a problem that happens from time to time and is usually resolved within a few hours.

I think that's a good commentary on the state of the economy.

I'm not so sure, the property hasn't even opened and it tells me that there is a lot of excess inventory in the city.

Yes, its a good advertising gig to cheapen the rooms to get folks in.

I just feel like they have no information to gauge inventory or acceptable competitive pricing. Maybe they felt like their rates are too high, so they did this to justify.

It just seems fishy to me. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. :confused:

it tells me that there is a lot of excess inventory in the city.
Which is also a good commentary on the state of the economy.


Good economy ==> more travel ==> fewer empty rooms.
Economy in the toilet ==> less travel ==> excess inventory.

I'm not so sure, the property hasn't even opened and it tells me that there is a lot of excess inventory in the city.

Yes, its a good advertising gig to cheapen the rooms to get folks in.

I just feel like they have no information to gauge inventory or acceptable competitive pricing. Maybe they felt like their rates are too high, so they did this to justify.

It just seems fishy to me. Maybe I'm reading too much into this. :confused:
I don't know, I got my reservation in Dec. for $150. I think it is probably because they moved the opening for stays up by 2 weeks. The original date for rooms to be ready was Feb. 13.

Anyone else noticed that travelzoo is beefing up their "travel deals" posts by listing a ton of starpicks deals? I would think that with the economy/luxury industries the way they are, hotels would be eager to have travelzoo post their deals instead of travelzoo having to "copy" from starpicks.

Hi all

I have encountered this situation a couple of times from my home on the west coast. I will see a Starpick I am interested in that is available until 'the end of Friday.' Then I will attempt to reserve it later on that Friday. (Tonight at 6:30 pm PST). The rate will no longer be available. Tonight when I phoned the property directly I was brushed off with the 'internet rates are capacity controlled' story. I tried to book the rate before the end of the day Friday. So, what does 'end of the day' mean? 3:00 pm EST? 2:OO?

btw, I phoned the platinum concierge desk and the agent had no idea what a 'Starpick' was.... In the end the agent phoned the property and honored the rate, so that was nice!

tia

-Steve

...Although, no stay credit and only *points for incidentals have posted to my account. Seem to remember having this problem before....

I read the beginning of this thread and the last few pages and it seems based on that there should be a stay credit for a starpicks reservation (Sorry if I missed something in the middle).

I just spoke with a platinum concierge who told me no stay credit with starpicks, but is that wrong? At the very least, why no platinum amenity?

Once again, sorry if this is a frequently asked question, but I read the forum pretty regularly and I can't believe I missed this - I feel particularly stupid. I switched hotels thinking it was a good move toward platinum and I can use the stay credit and it turns out I cost myself an extra night under the night after night Q1 reward and got nothing in return for the inconvenience.

I stayed at the W Buckhead in Atlanta if that has any bearing on this.

I read the beginning of this thread and the last few pages and it seems based on that there should be a stay credit for a starpicks reservation (Sorry if I missed something in the middle).

I just spoke with a platinum concierge who told me no stay credit with starpicks, but is that wrong? At the very least, why no platinum amenity?

Once again, sorry if this is a frequently asked question, but I read the forum pretty regularly and I can't believe I missed this - I feel particularly stupid. I switched hotels thinking it was a good move toward platinum and I can use the stay credit and it turns out I cost myself an extra night under the night after night Q1 reward and got nothing in return for the inconvenience.

I stayed at the W Buckhead in Atlanta if that has any bearing on this.

This is incorrect. Call again. Call customer service so they can file a compliant on your behalf.

You should get points/stay credit.

ETA:
Call customer service so they can alert the hotel. Apparently they're processing stays incorrectly and so that they can let the PCs management know that the PC are giving out incorrect information.