Starwood Preferred Guest - travel agent rates?

Anyone know what's the story with travel agent rates? any way it's possible to book them online via some special website? Thanks!

Even if you could book them, you would need a valid IATA card at checkin. They definitely do check if you have one on TA rates. Furthermore, they do not allow point accumulation.

i changed the job and now do promotion for travel agency in Russia - so I just got myself an IATA ID ;-) so question is still valid ;-))

I know Hilton and Marriott has great offers, but couldn't find Starwood yet ;-(

You'll need to call reservations (no way to book TA rates online). Also, you should ask for the TAED rate (travel agent educational rate)...good for I believe 3 nites. I've had rates for W Hotels in the $70-99/nite with this.

thank you Sir - will try doing this then ;-)

One used to be able to check rates online, but now it requires a phone call or checking the GDS system.

I know that the TAED (Travel Agent EDucational) rates do not provide points & stay credit, but I believe that the TA (Travel Agent) rates do. Can any confirm that points and credit are earned for TA rates?

Aye...any travel agent worth their weight should be able to check through roomaster or GDS systems.

I check thru GDS, then book direct on phone. I like the personal attention.

Aye...any travel agent worth their weight should be able to check through roomaster or GDS systems.

I check thru GDS, then book direct on phone. I like the personal attention.

While I prefer to make my TA/TAED bookings via Sabre, I know some travel agents that don't use a standard GDS since they focus primarily on cruises. I would not say that they are not worth their weight, though I understand what you are getting at.

It has been a while since I have stayed at a TA (as opposed to a TAED) rate, and I am curious as to whether those rates still earn credit/points. I know that TAED rates do not, but I am hopeful that TA rates do. I called SPG twice and was given two different answers. Anyone have any recent first hand experience?

Can any confirm that points and credit are earned for TA rates?From the SPG T&Cs:

4B.4. An “Eligible Rate” is the rate you pay for your room, but excludes:
[..]
(d) room rates that are master billed or paid at tour operator rates, wholesaler rates, including WFNR, travel industry staff rates, TAED rates, and crew room rates;
As always, in practice, the results may differ ...

I am an IATAN agency owner and an SPG Platinum. To clarify:

1. TA rates are for the trade and ID is checked as it should be.

2. Regular TA rates are SPG/compatible, IE you do get points, stay credit and therefore, tier satus

3. TA ED rates, deeply discounted for famaliarization, do not qualify for points or tier status but if you are Platinum, your benefits do apply during the stay.

Safe travels!







Even if you could book them, you would need a valid IATA card at checkin. They definitely do check if you have one on TA rates. Furthermore, they do not allow point accumulation.

You'll need to call reservations (no way to book TA rates online). Also, you should ask for the TAED rate (travel agent educational rate)...good for I believe 3 nites. I've had rates for W Hotels in the $70-99/nite with this.

TAED rates have been available online for at least 8 years.

The link is

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/promotions/promo_landing.html?category=TAED

Does anybody know the current link for the travel agent rate online booking site?

The one mentioned above was only good until the end of 2008... :(

As a former IATAN agency owner - a word of caution about your accommodations - they will likely be the worst ever at the property. After numerous times of enduring the room next to the elevator overlooking the parking lot or trash bins - I just started paying the regular rates. Just was not worth it to me -

Does anybody know the current link for the travel agent rate online booking site?

The one mentioned above was only good until the end of 2008... :(

I am guessing that the new StarwoodPro program has replaced TAED. It is more closely matched to Marriott, where you have to take some on-line courses on the brand before being eligible for the educational/fam rates.

I have found more and more properties no longer offer TAED rates. Bummer!

Just took/passed the course (93%!). Looked at the PRO rates at several properites. Was not too impressed with the discount rates (if they were even available). Bring back TAED!!

As a Platinum, I have always been upgraded on TAED stays.

As a former IATAN agency owner - a word of caution about your accommodations - they will likely be the worst ever at the property. After numerous times of enduring the room next to the elevator overlooking the parking lot or trash bins - I just started paying the regular rates. Just was not worth it to me -

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