Starwood Preferred Guest - FAQ: SPG and Priceline

If you book a hotel on Priceline is it possible when you check-in to be eligible for an upgraded room or do you have to book it through Starwood?

Also, is it possible for you to book the hotel on Priceline, call a day or two after and apply some points to upgrade you to a suite?

The hotel may do something for you, but it is in the terms and conditions that elite benefits are not provided on Priceline / Hotwire type opaque rates.

Hyatt Gold Passport is the last remaining major chain to provide elite benefits on these types of rates.

Doesn't Marriott still provide said beneifts on such rates too? I thought so.

Looks like you are correct! Sorry for the misinformation.

Marriott is the only chain which I haven't stay at on Priceline, and also the only one which I've never had top status.

You get benefits and points for incidentals, but not stay credit.

Could be off topic, but I try posting here anyway.
I have booked three days on Sheraton Skyline at London Heathrow through Priceline. Is there a way to check the reservation at Starwood online?
I have not put this question on biddingfortravel.com as it definetely would be off topic there... :D

Thank's for your quick replies! Less than 15 minutes ^
I just wanted to check type of room and maybe try to arrange a non smoking room, but it looks like I will have to call the hotel directly, or maybe someone else has another suggestion?

I do this pretty often and call the hotel directly a few days after I book the room on priceline. Make a room request and give them your status information. Then call perhaps the night before to make sure everything is in order.

Could someone please provide me with the link that gives advice on priceline bids for Starwoods in HNL?

Thanks and Aloha,

also, try this

http://www.betterbidding.com/

Is it possible to book a hotel room through priceline.com and then call the hotel directly and use points to upgrade the room to a suite?

Also, how many points does it take to upgrade a room?

Don't know about upgrading a Priceline room. They let you do it on free award nights, so you'd think they would, but Starwood seems to be doing everything possible to make Priceline-booked rooms as unattractive as possible (except, of course, selling the rooms through that channel), so it wouldn't surprise me if you can't do it.

Here's a link (http://www.starwood.com/preferredguest/starpoints/upgrade_nights.html) to the award chart for Starpoint upgrades. Break out your de-coder ring, though. You'll need it. ;)

Absolutely not. If SPG does this, then it is a betrayal of those of us who pay normal prices on their website. Why should someone who pays discounted rates get any benefits that those of us who pay real rates get? You pay "cheap", yet get "cheap"!

No upgrades and no points on money spent for room. My experience is that it is even on incidentals you need to fax in the receipts and you'll receive points for incidentals only. Depending on your spg status....the lack of upgrades might be an issue for you. Most report in general having good luck as plats getting upgrades when booking conventially through the spg web sit...full rate. As gold however upgrades were few and far between for me even when booking through spg.com .... very not worth the price difference between paying the going rate and doing priceline...imho.

There are no elite upgrades anymore if you book through Priceline. However, redeeming points for an upgrade is another story.

I have been told by Platinum Concierge that one can upgrade a Priceline reservation, but only at the hotel as they are the only ones allowed to touch the reservation.

Usually they are willingly to upgrade priceline rooms to higher class room for upgrade charges, that's what I sometimes do. No problem.

Absolutely not. If SPG does this, then it is a betrayal of those of us who pay normal prices on their website. Why should someone who pays discounted rates get any benefits that those of us who pay real rates get? You pay "cheap", yet get "cheap"!

I'm not talking about getting a free upgrade. I mean paying the Priceline rate (for example $100) and then using 10,000 points to upgrade to a suite.

Considering 10,000 points is a free night at a catergory 4 room, I'd say it's ALMOST the same thing.

I don't necessarily see a problem with booking a priceline room and then calling the hotel directly and using starwood points to upgrade to a suite. Not a free upgrade based on my level but using the points to upgrade.

Don't know about upgrading a Priceline room. They let you do it on free award nights, so you'd think they would, but Starwood seems to be doing everything possible to make Priceline-booked rooms as unattractive as possible (except, of course, selling the rooms through that channel), so it wouldn't surprise me if you can't do it.

Here's a link (http://www.starwood.com/preferredguest/starpoints/upgrade_nights.html) to the award chart for Starpoint upgrades. Break out your de-coder ring, though. You'll need it. ;)

Phew... 10,000 to upgrade from a regular rate to a suite!

I hope Starwood Lurker can confirm for me that we can in fact book a room on Priceline and then use our starwood points for an upgrade. Otherwise the suite I want will be over $500! :(

If the hotel can sell the othewise going to be empty rooms through Priceline.com, why can't they give you the otherwise going to be empty suite in exchange of your points?

Phew... 10,000 to upgrade from a regular rate to a suite!

I hope Starwood Lurker can confirm for me that we can in fact book a room on Priceline and then use our starwood points for an upgrade. Otherwise the suite I want will be over $500! :(

It has to be done at the property as you are checking in as an Instant Upgrade Award. The property knows how many Starpoints it would cost to get you to a suite. I don't because the award has to be booked from the hotel end of things.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

It has to be done at the property as you are checking in as an Instant Upgrade Award. The property knows how many Starpoints it would cost to get you to a suite. I don't because the award has to be booked from the hotel end of things.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

That's what I figured but can it definitely be done? And can it be done in advance (using my points to upgrade to a suite?)

Peter

That's what I figured but can it definitely be done? And can it be done in advance (using my points to upgrade to a suite?)

Peter
Um, Lurker said, and you quoted: "It has to be done at the property as you are checking in."

In other words, NOT in advance.

Um, Lurker said, and you quoted: "It has to be done at the property as you are checking in."

In other words, NOT in advance.

reer... fine

I wanted to make sure he meant physically AT the hotel and not through the hotel.

Originally Posted by Starwood Lurker:
It has to be done at the property as you are checking in as an Instant Upgrade Award. The property ....

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders



reer... fine

I wanted to make sure he meant physically AT the hotel and not through the hotel.


Do you check in AT the hotel or THROUGH the hotel?

reer... fine

I wanted to make sure he meant physically AT the hotel and not through the hotel.
Quote from Starwood Lurker: "It has to be done at the property as you are checking in."

What part of that isn't clear???

Did your computer monitor change his words to something else? :confused:

Quote from Starwood Lurker: "It has to be done at the property as you are checking in."

What part of that isn't clear???

Did your computer monitor change his words to something else? :confused:

To borrow from another context...

Kathy, wasn't I married to you once????

:D

To borrow from another context...

Kathy, wasn't I married to you once????

:D
I don't remember.... which one were you again? ;)

I just booked a Starwood Property through Priceline. Would I still be able to earn points for these?

Also, where can I find a comprehensive list of how much Starwood points you earn for each Starwood propert or partner.

I just booked a Starwood Property through Priceline. Would I still be able to earn points for these?

r.

for these quite standard questions i suggest you use the search function and all will be revealed.
the answer is no
ceased in 2003,
and you wont get upgraded (officially) but you can ask

and you wont get upgraded (officially) but you can ask

When did this change? While I knew that these stays didn't receive SPG credit (although you'll still earn credit on your incidentals), I was under the impression that you were still entitled to your SPG benefits?

When did this change? While I knew that these stays didn't receive SPG credit (although you'll still earn credit on your incidentals), I was under the impression that you were still entitled to your SPG benefits?

cant remember the exact date - approx 6mths ago
its detailed somewhere - if ya search for it. -

When did this change? While I knew that these stays didn't receive SPG credit (although you'll still earn credit on your incidentals), I was under the impression that you were still entitled to your SPG benefits?

Changed as of January 1, 2004. Announced and discussed here on Flyertalk about five or six months prior to effective date. It was also sent to every elite member in the program via email or direct mail very close to the same time period.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Also, where can I find a comprehensive list of how much Starwood points you earn for each Starwood propert or partner.

http://www.starwood.com/preferredguest/benefits/index.html

One more question on this. If I purchase incidentals during a Priceline stay, will I get credit for a "stay"? I have always wondered about this, and since I only need 1 more stay for Gold status, thought I might see what happens. Anyone know?

One more question on this. If I purchase incidentals during a Priceline stay, will I get credit for a "stay"? I have always wondered about this, and since I only need 1 more stay for Gold status, thought I might see what happens. Anyone know?

No. Your room rental charges have to be credited in order for it to count as a "stay" for promotion and status re-qualification purposes.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

No. Your room rental charges have to be credited in order for it to count as a "stay" for promotion and status re-qualification purposes.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Fair enough! Thanks for the quick reply.

I have been significantly increasing my PL stays through last year and stayed in SPG properties just enough to make the 25 for PLT. Not a single bad experience on PL if you know what you are doing.

With the latest inflation in international prices (partly due to dollar exchange rate) and points due to category changes, I just cannot make the rationalization any more to stay with SPG and with regular paid stays. Good thing I didn't maintain a large points balance in the SPG program. A single vacation this year should take care of what remains.

Well, no regrets. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement while it lasted but you got to do what you got to do, and so do I.

If the business travel becomes such that PL inventory goes down (an extremely unlikely event in my opinion), then I will look up the program again.

Thanks William for all your help over the past few years. You are a good asset to SPG. I am off of the "elite rat-race". ;)

...Thanks William for all your help over the past few years. You are a good asset to SPG. I am off of the "elite rat-race". ;)

Thanks, venk. We'll miss you.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I am off of the "elite rat-race". ;)
Warm up your keyboard. My crystal ball says a Targetted Promo is about to come your way. :D ;)

I have been significantly increasing my PL stays through last year and stayed in SPG properties just enough to make the 25 for PLT. Not a single bad experience on PL if you know what you are doing.

With the latest inflation in international prices (partly due to dollar exchange rate) and points due to category changes, I just cannot make the rationalization any more to stay with SPG and with regular paid stays. Good thing I didn't maintain a large points balance in the SPG program. A single vacation this year should take care of what remains.

Well, no regrets. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement while it lasted but you got to do what you got to do, and so do I.

If the business travel becomes such that PL inventory goes down (an extremely unlikely event in my opinion), then I will look up the program again.

Thanks William for all your help over the past few years. You are a good asset to SPG. I am off of the "elite rat-race". ;)
It's a shame, though, that your Platinum status, which you made such an effort to keep, will now be wasted. It's good through February of next year. Doesn't that bother you just a teensy bit? :(

It's a shame, though, that your Platinum status, which you made such an effort to keep, will now be wasted. It's good through February of next year. Doesn't that bother you just a teensy bit? :(

I don't think so. Too bad I cannot just donate the SPG status to someone who can use it. :)

It has become far too expensive to enjoy the status (especially if one is traveling internationally). The platinum status benefits at reasonably priced hotels aren't worth much (typical PLT upgrades in most 4Ps and many Sheratons in the US are nothing to look forward to). Sometime we don't realize how much of a premium we are paying just to "enjoy" that status. Got to get off the "rat wheel" some time!

I found a viable alternative at least for my profile of stays. I kept track of the rate difference from PL stays for the last 6 months of last year compared to what I would have paid for a "loyalty stay". Using about half of that money towards buying up from the "standard PL" room on a PL stay (the ability to do this reasonably at many hotels at the time of check-in is what convinced me to quit), I had as much of an experience as a Plat would in most hotels (except when you manage to get a suite). And I stayed in better hotels than available SPG choices in many cases. So going off of the program doesn't necesarily mean slumming it.

The added bonus is that I no longer need to keep checking on how many stays I have and how many I need to make the status again. :D

Not suggesting the above cost/benefit ratio will be valid for all. For example, if one is primarily in US hotels and on company dime, SPG is still the best program out there for parlaying company money into valuable personal benefits.

I don't think so. Too bad I cannot just donate the SPG status to someone who can use it. :)



Mail the card to me and I ASSURE you it will get plenty of use. :D

Now ...... how to get a credit card issued in the name of venk. ;)

This am I had an experience with Starwood that reenforces that despite all the lies the front desk tells me, lack of targeted promos (good ones anyway) and problems I occasionally have to deal with, I am keeping SPG as my program of choice.

Story basically is...I was booked for 2 nights in PHX at the Phonecian on points starting tommorow, but had to cancel inside the 7 day cancellation window due to sick parent. One email to my concierge Mike and he had it sorted and the 24,000 points returned.

Worth their weight in gold...loving SPG!!

Now ...... how to get a credit card issued in the name of venk. ;)
That's the easy part, just get a second card issued on an existing account you have in the name of venk. They'll send it right to your home and everything!

Methinks venk's mailbox wiil be running RED hot today. ;)

That's the easy part, just get a second card issued on an existing account you have in the name of venk. They'll send it right to your home and everything!

Make sure you have a valid ID in the name of venk too. More and more spg properties ask for ID alone with credit card in my past few stays in US SPG hotels.

Easy there, folks. I meant donate status, not donate identity. ;)

You may still end up staying at spg properties since many of them sell rooms though priceline. Officially there are no stated benefits for elite travelers who book via priceline, but IME some properties will provide you with a better room (i.e. high floor, but not suite) and possibly other minor perks. ^

Loyalty programs still have a place for business travel (which often cannot be booked through priceline due to the non-refundability requirement) and for peak occupancy periods when hotels do not supply inventory to priceline. But IMO it seems silly to pay 2x or more for a room just to get a few points and some greasy appetizers. :rolleyes:

I have been significantly increasing my PL stays through last year and stayed in SPG properties just enough to make the 25 for PLT. Not a single bad experience on PL if you know what you are doing.

With the latest inflation in international prices (partly due to dollar exchange rate) and points due to category changes, I just cannot make the rationalization any more to stay with SPG and with regular paid stays. Good thing I didn't maintain a large points balance in the SPG program. A single vacation this year should take care of what remains.

Well, no regrets. It was a mutually beneficial arrangement while it lasted but you got to do what you got to do, and so do I.

If the business travel becomes such that PL inventory goes down (an extremely unlikely event in my opinion), then I will look up the program again.

Thanks William for all your help over the past few years. You are a good asset to SPG. I am off of the "elite rat-race". ;)

Most of my trips are one day, so I don't spend many nights on the road. I have Hilton, Marriott and Starwood accounts - none of which see much action. I like all three, but having used Priceline for the first time yesterday, it's going to be hard for me to go anywhere else in the future.

I'm staying at the Hilton Suites Phoenix downtown Phoenix for $69+. Expedia lists the room for $199+.

I'm not sure why I fly AA 99% of the time but don't really care where I sleep, but the savings are amazing. Maybe I would develop a stronger affinity if I spent more time in hotel rooms. I don't know, but I'm starting with Priceline in the future.

Sam

------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The monthly Dallas FlyerTalk gathering for January is set.

Saturday, January 15, at 4:30 P.M.

Champps Restaurant & Bar (http://www.guidelive.com/portal/page?_pageid=33,97400&_dad=portal&_schema=PORTAL&item_id=10860)

I stay for business, so I have to use our travel agent, hence I get to keep my points. I use the points to take my family to places like New Zealand, Australia, Hawaii, DC, NYC, etc. This is the least I can do for being away during my travels.

As for Priceline, it is a great tool for personal travel when I dont have points. I taught my Mom how to go to biddingfortravel.com and she was able to book a $60 Westin LAX room (yea i know, not the best) where the lowest cost is $199.

But, for where I stay, like the W Newark, where you can find $59 - $99 weekend rates when visiting family, I do stay at this hotel. Great Hotel for the price. I just wish more Hotels that are this nice had great weekend rates.

As for Priceline, it is a great tool for personal travel ...

Also for business travel for self-employed and in startups. Given the shoestring budgets in the latter, people actually like the flexibility of being able to use PL to stay in decent hotels than do paid stays in low-cost motels (which often are not in safe areas or close enough to where they need to be) for the same price.

Besides, in startups, people are typically more interested in their company getting to a good exit quickly (for much higher payoff) than looking at it as a job to maximize short-term perks/benefits and so can be given the flexibility to manage this on their own without strict travel policies.

All my travel is on my own dime, so I use PL selectively - but often.

I needed a couple nights in Washington DC next week near Dulles airport. Usually PL can't be beat, or even come close, but checked Starwood and found a special for $69 at Sheraton Reston. With the PL $6 or whatever booking fee, that is near line ball to PL rates in the area, and this way I get stay credits and bennies.

You can hardly beat that price on PL, and as our 20+ hour flight time is 4.30pm, after a long lunch with DC Flyertalkers, (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3594612#post3594612)allows us to use late checkout, have a long shower before heading to airport, and that is priceless. ^

You can't GUARANTEE you'll be allowed to do that on a PL booking. @:-)

It's always been interesting to me what a success priceline hotels turned out to be, while priceline air and priceline car rentals are pretty much duds. It works because of the willingness of the 3 and 4 star hotels to offer rates FAR below what they otherwise charge. Contrast that, for example, to the airline industry, where the major players have generally been unwilling to "play ball" with priceline. Given that the hotel industry is healthy, it must be mutually beneficial to have these lowball opaque rates while, at the same time, maintain much higher "book direct" tariffs.

I've always wondered whether the losers in all this are the 2-star motel chains. In the late 80s and early 90s, I was a devotee of La Quinta Inns and their $34 nationwide AAA rate. You got a decent place to sleep for the night, while slightly more upscale hotels like Sheraton were easily charging 2 or 3 times the price. Now I can't remember the last time I stayed at a La Quinta, and it's rare for me to stay at a motel at all, unless I'm somewhere too podunky to even have chain hotels.

No telling what hotel travel will look like in another 10 years, and whether the priceline model will even survive, but it does seem certain that the internet will always enable the cost-conscious traveller to obtain deals better than he/she ever had in the pre-internet (dark) age. :)

All my travel is on my own dime, so I use PL selectively - but often.

I needed a couple nights in Washington DC next week near Dulles airport. Usually PL can't be beat, or even come close, but checked Starwood and found a special for $69 at Sheraton Reston. With the PL $6 or whatever booking fee, that is near line ball to PL rates in the area, and this way I get stay credits and bennies.

You can hardly beat that price on PL, and as our 20+ hour flight time is 4.30pm, after a long lunch with DC Flyertalkers, (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3594612#post3594612)allows us to use late checkout, have a long shower before heading to airport, and that is priceless. ^

You can't GUARANTEE you'll be allowed to do that on a PL booking. @:-)

Of course. Smart use of PL always requires you to check the available rates from the hotel websites in the area before bidding. If the difference between available direct rates and PL bids reported on BFT is not significant (say less than $20-$40 depending on PL choices in the area and your requirements), then it is typically much better to book with the hotel directly. It is not worth going the PL route for that kind of saving unless you are really, really, broke in which case you are better off staying in a motel!

The "problem", of course, is that one will find PL providing much more significant savings on many more occasions than the occasional cases such as the one above and so attaining top tier status on such exceptions alone is not feasible. Consequently the cost of attaining top status and maintaining it is a "relatively expensive" one. This is my main reason for giving up on SPG while in no way necessarily giving up on staying in SPG properties. Just that making Plat in such a situation or staying loyal to just one chain is not the most optimal approach.

Besides, how difficult is it to get a HH Gold card (I have had one of those for the last 3 years even though I have only done about 3 stays total in HH properties during those years) to get free breakfast/lounge privileges or a SPG Gold to get late checkout privileges in cases where the price difference is not too high....and you do a paid stay. ;)

I agree with VENK... with the crazy devaluation in points and realizing that I'm doing all this work just to "manage" my stays to monitor my status, these posts make me think about it really being worth keeping PLAT status this year. (And this is from someone who own HOT stock!)

Besides *wood seems to be doing so many things to give away Gold Status (Ameniti, Vaca Ownership, airline elites, AMEX, etc.) that I have to wonder why I'm earning status the "old fashioned way".

Yes, I get decent rooms, but hardly ever suites. Amenity of 500 points x 25 stays is a big 12,500 points... hardly enough for even one night cat 5 stay. I've never really used the concierge.

Late check-out is nice, but you get that as gold.

What do all of you value as PLATS or GOLD, considering what VENK has said about PL getting you into many *wood or better properties for a fraction of the cost?

Also for business travel for self-employed and in startups. Given the shoestring budgets in the latter, people actually like the flexibility of being able to use PL to stay in decent hotels than do paid stays in low-cost motels (which often are not in safe areas or close enough to where they need to be) for the same price.

Besides, in startups, people are typically more interested in their company getting to a good exit quickly (for much higher payoff) than looking at it as a job to maximize short-term perks/benefits and so can be given the flexibility to manage this on their own without strict travel policies.

Venk,

You are correct. Sometimes with Multi-National companies, you are required to book using the in-house travel portal where priceline could do just as good. I have not put a priceline through, yet, to be expensed but I am sure it would be approved. By doing this, the Company loses the ability to get better discounts in Select Cities.

BTW, I have asked for many times moving away from a pay for every expense to a flat rate perdiem in our company but they have always had reasons to say no. If companies did this, prices for hotels would drop overall.

A hotel loyalty scheme always works in the hotel's favour. Otherwise, why would they have it? Throwing a few perks here and there (with the right to withdraw them at their whim without any notiuce) in an attempt to keep a customer staying at their properties is a very clever shrewd marketing scheme....we on FT use our collective knowledge to maximise the benefits to our advantage :) BUT the hotel always has the last say...as soon as it starts to cost them money, they simply withdraw it, and leave us complaining!

You can hardly beat that price on PL, and as our 20+ hour flight time is 4.30pm, after a long lunch with DC Flyertalkers, (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3594612#post3594612)allows us to use late checkout, have a long shower before heading to airport, and that is priceless. ^


Will you be showering before or after you have lunch with the DC flyertalk gang? :D The way your post reads, it sounds like you will be having lunch and then showering. This will help me determine whether or not I can make the luncheon. :D

It is the probable cow sh*t on the outside and perhaps the occupants of Mileage Addict's John Deere you might need to be concerned about. ;)

Heck I might go crazy, let my hair down and hit up Sheraton for TWO showers in a few hours. (You only live once!) :D

It is the probable cow sh*t on the outside and perhaps the occupants of Mileage Addict's John Deere you might need to be concerned about. ;)

Heck I might go crazy, let my hair down and hit up Sheraton for TWO showers in a few hours. (You only live once!) :D


Hey I've been to MileageAddict's house. While he does live way, way, way out there, he doesn't have any cows roaming around in his yard.

I'm a newcomer to this forum, and i have searched for the definitive answer for this, but there are quite a few threads, and the information is fragmented. So I'd just like to clarify my understanding of this as I happen to have booked the Westin St Francis through Hotwire for an upcoming holiday.

My understanding is-
* No credit for the hotel stay
* No benefits such as upgrades or 4pm late check-out
* But Starpoints ARE awarded for any incidental spend

In terms of the last point, I rang the hotel and asked them to add my SPG number to the reservation for incidentals, but they wouldn't as it was a Hotwire booking. Do you have to do this upron arrival?

Thanks to anyone who can clarify this for me.

I rang the hotel and asked them to add my SPG number to the reservation for incidentals, but they wouldn't as it was a Hotwire booking. Do you have to do this upron arrival?

Depends on the hotel and sometimes even on the person you're talking with on the phone. Since the new "no benefits for Priceline/Hotwire" policy went into effect, most hotels aren't allowing your SPG number to be put into your reservation over the phone. Most of the time you have to give it to them at Check-In. Some hotels create a separate folio for incidentals on your PL/HW stays, so you only get points on those that way.

But you should still get points for incidentals, as far as I know. By Starwood policy, you can get points for meals even when not staying at the hotel!

I should add that some hotels will even recognize your SPG status on these PL/HW stays, and will upgrade you if available. But that's not to be expected and is totally them going above and beyond Starwood rules.

It has been quite hard to get starpoints for incidentals since the new priceline/hotwire/etc policy went into effect as it appears very few hotels really understand what the new policy is. At least in my experience, no luck unless one faxes the receipt into spg...then it works like a charm. I haven't stayed in a starwood on a priceline in awhile...but earlier this year I had to fax it every time to get my starpoints on incidentals.

Regarding upgrades, as a gold...don't expect much...even when booking on spg.com I don't have much luck period on upgrades not to mention on a priceline ... which of course they don't have to do

It's an easy choice. I'll take Priceline and the George Washington DollarPoints every time.

The search is gone- I'm SPG gold and have a priceline stay at the Westin LAX. Has anyone gotten an upgrade with the discounted room? What about the night counting twards plat? or getting points for the stay?

Can I call SPG and give them the reservation number and have them add my SPG number to the reservation?

Thanks.

You will not get credit.

Please see this thread;

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=354800

And this response from Starwood Lurker within that thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showpost.php?p=3213101&postcount=5

The search is gone- I'm SPG gold and have a priceline stay at the Westin LAX. Has anyone gotten an upgrade with the discounted room? What about the night counting twards plat? or getting points for the stay?

Can I call SPG and give them the reservation number and have them add my SPG number to the reservation?

Thanks.

Regrettably, the answer is "no" to all these questions.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Basically most of the hotel chains I think had discontinued to give you miles or points if you booked through a 3rd party, and this had made clear quite a long time ago.

I know the SPG policy on priceline stays, but I am curious if each property has it's own discretion on this. I am SPG Gold.

I recently booked at a Westing in YHZ through priceline. I didn't mind doing this because the Westin is the ONLY 3* property to come up in that city over the last 2 years. If I felt there was even a chance to end up in anything but the westin, I probably would have booked on SPG.com.

If there is discretion, any tips on a tact to use?

Thanks for any thoughts.

Don't count on much. You can visit my prior thread on SPG treatment of priceline customers for a healthy discussion. However, it can't hurt to call the hotel and add your # to the rez record, along with room requests.

Don't expect any of the elite benefits or stay credit....it happens very very rarely...just smile and think of all the money you saved...that is worth more than any elite status imho

I suppose I did save ~80$US. If SPG offered that, and no points, I am sure I wouldn't have worried about points either.

I suppose the other question is, if they are willing to enter my SPG number on the reservation, will that even really matter?

I suppose the other question is, if they are willing to enter my SPG number on the reservation, will that even really matter?

Go ahead and enter it, you get credit for incidentals charged

Although it doesn't help for status and stay credit, you can still get SPG points on Priceline stays by paying for the bid with your Amex SPG card. I have been doing this all along, as the difference between my corporate preferred and the gold level is minimal (except for the number of points awarded per stay on a non-PL booking). I will save the 75% and earn the points from Amex on what I actually spend on the room. Obviously, I also earn the same SPG points if PL puts me in a non-SPG hotel.

I add the number to the reservation so I can get additional credit on incidental charges - and depending on the property, adding the number will sometimes get you some of the other benefits like 4pm check-out.

I booked on expedia.com last week (after being told by the spg woman to go ahead since they had a cheaper rate). . .went to the hotel (where the difference was $9 btw). I am a Plat. Was told on check in "you don't get anything - we get no revenue from your booking." This was at the Sheraton Bellevue. I know I've previously posted on this, but want folks to realize that status does not matter at *wood unless you book through them directly (and pay higher rates since the brg doesn't seem to work very often for many folks). Stay away from the Sheraton Bellevue (WA). They never did make this right.

I booked on expedia.com last week (after being told by the spg woman to go ahead since they had a cheaper rate). . .went to the hotel (where the difference was $9 btw). I am a Plat. Was told on check in "you don't get anything - we get no revenue from your booking." This was at the Sheraton Bellevue. I know I've previously posted on this, but want folks to realize that status does not matter at *wood unless you book through them directly (and pay higher rates since the brg doesn't seem to work very often for many folks). Stay away from the Sheraton Bellevue (WA). They never did make this right.

I'm a little confused on this one ldsant. Why exactly did you think that you were entitled to Platinum benefits on an Expedia stay?

I can understand less, or even no, benefits on a priceline/hotwire stay, as the hotel is not seeing any real "loyalty" from the guest on a booking like that (although, the hotel does choose to offer their rooms through these channels, and I think should accept the fact that even otherwise loyal customers are willing to use them sometimes)., but I find it hard to see why benefits would be denied on an Expedia, et al, booking. If the user chooses the Starwood property, and pays more to do so (as you do on expedia, travelocity, etc), then the hotel should respect the fact that they themselves chose to offer their inventory through that site.

I'm a little confused on this one ldsant. Why exactly did you think that you were entitled to Platinum benefits on an Expedia stay?

Because the woman at 1800westin1 told me I would. (very long story). . .

Because the woman at 1800westin1 told me I would. (very long story). . .

I know that has to be frustrating. For me personally though, I always count on what I know and have in front of me versus what somebody is telling me. The Terms and Conditions in the SPG program are pretty clear on this one.

I booked on expedia.com last week.

I will never travel using expedia again... I got to Buenos Aires and found that I had no hotel. In the end, they reimbursed me for some ridiculously small fraction of the cost I incurred to stay there (less than 50% of my actual expense to stay at 3 different hotels that Easter week). But the small amount I got is probably the same $$$ that Starwood gets, which is probably why they aren't happy with the arrangement.

Anyway, thank God for Starwood... I was able to use points and my plat status to get (nice) rooms during an extremely busy Easter week.


Personally, I would like to see Starwood pull their properties from Expedia. Expedia's poor business practices, combined with the slim margins to Starwood (vs. $9/diff in your case), seem like good enough reasons to me...

The Terms and Conditions in the SPG program are pretty clear on this one.Actually, they're not.

We all know (kinda) what Starwood means in their T&C. But the plain language is hardly clear that a regular, cancellable/changeable reservation booked online through a source other than SPG.com won't yield elite benefits:
5. Effective January 1, 2004, Platinum level members are not eligible for any in-hotel benefits when booking through pre-paid channels, such as, but not limited to, priceline.com, expedia.com, hotels.com, hrn.com, hotwire.com, lastminute.com, site59.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, cheaptickets.com, quickbook.com, travelweb.com, lodging.com, yahootravel.com, AOL Travel.com, msntravel.com, etc.(Bolding mine.)

I read this as quite clearly saying that pre-paid reservations booked through a source other than Starwood won't receive in-hotel benefits.

But what about a reservation I make at, say, QuickBook, that is not pre-paid?

What if I go to BoardingArea.com (http://www.boardingarea.com) which is not by any stretch of the imagination a pre-paid channel (I guess someone might say that Expedia is a pre-paid channel since they offer pre-paid reservations, even if you book a non-prepaid reservation with them)? Shouldn't in-hotel benefits be provided then at least according to SPG's terms and conditions?

Like I said, the T&C are far from clear on this point -- except as they apply to pre-paid reservations from non-Starwood sources.

Based on what I was being told. SPG CSR can not modify rez made through Priceline, Travelocity, Expedia ....

Don't count on much. You can visit my prior thread on SPG treatment of priceline customers for a healthy discussion. However, it can't hurt to call the hotel and add your # to the rez record, along with room requests.

Actually, they're not.

We all know (kinda) what Starwood means in their T&C. But the plain language is hardly clear that a regular, cancellable/changeable reservation booked online through a source other than SPG.com won't yield elite benefits:
(Bolding mine.)

I read this as quite clearly saying that pre-paid reservations booked through a source other than Starwood won't receive in-hotel benefits.

But what about a reservation I make at, say, QuickBook, that is not pre-paid?

What if I go to BoardingArea.com (http://www.boardingarea.com) which is not by any stretch of the imagination a pre-paid channel (I guess someone might say that Expedia is a pre-paid channel since they offer pre-paid reservations, even if you book a non-prepaid reservation with them)? Shouldn't in-hotel benefits be provided then at least according to SPG's terms and conditions?

Like I said, the T&C are far from clear on this point -- except as they apply to pre-paid reservations from non-Starwood sources.

Good point - I guess that in order to avoid any confusion/conflict, if I'm expecting platinum benefits and stay/night credit, I book on spg.com. If I'm just looking for the cheapest rate, I'll go to priceline...

I would also think that if you are able to use the BRG that those stays would be eligible for all Platinum benefits as well. Perhaps that should be a clue - if you can't get the BRG, I don't think that you should count on getting all of the other benefits of membership/status. @:-)

I just had my stay on a priceline reservation. The staff was pleasant, I received evening Gold Member turndown, but was places on a low floor (although, I did request a corner room at the last minute, I may have been in a preferred room before that, no way to know).

I had to call to complain about some kids making an incredible amount of noise outside my room and the staff were great and offered to put be in my originally reserved room which I was told was on one of the top floors.

All in all, everything I expected from a Starwood property. I will probably go back to booking at SPG.com even for properties I know I can get through PL, so there will be no questions and I can get my SPG points.

I also just completed a very nice Priceline stay at the Sheraton Toronto Centre with SPG Gold status. I had written a letter about two weeks ahead of time to the GM requesting that my # be added, non-smoking, and to add the names of another couple to the second room. We were placed on the SPG floor in the main tower (our friends were on a regular floor with smaller rooms, same tower.) Our room was extra-large and had a bottled water amenity, robes, etc. Everything else seemed to be Sheraton standard, including Sweet Sleeper. It’s a great hotel, we are always treated very well there. They did mention at check-in that it was Priceline, therefore no stay credit, but that our number would be for incidentals (which we did use.) So it looks like the main benefit was staying on the SPG floor with the bigger rooms.

I prefer the letter-writing method, as I think it is more formal.

is there a way to ensure you get a *wood hotel (or any hotel) through priceline?

b

is there a way to ensure you get a *wood hotel (or any hotel) through priceline?

b

there is no way to ensure you get any particular property or brand when using the priceline bid function (I believe they offer a higher priced search and compare option for hotels) - however, by using resources like biddingfortravel.com, you can research the various zones and star levels in the cities you want to visit to see which zones and levels offer the highest probability of snagging a starwood property.

I always get a handicapped room when booking through priceline, anyone know why this is? Are these less desirable rooms and they dump them on PL bookings, on the contrary they have more space, so youd think theyd be better!

Any other experiences with getting handicapped rooms all the time?

is there a way to ensure you get a *wood hotel (or any hotel) through priceline?

b

Not a 100% guarantee, but you can tailor bids to zones where either (a) no one has ever posted a result from anything other than a Starwood, or (b) zones where you can tell the recent trend is that the winner is getting a Starwood. (This could indicate that a property is either no longer selling rooms to Priceline or selling them at a higher rate.)

There are a couple of different sites for researching bids. Betterbidding.com, etc...

I always get a handicapped room when booking through priceline, anyone know why this is? Are these less desirable rooms and they dump them on PL bookings, on the contrary they have more space, so youd think theyd be better!

Any other experiences with getting handicapped rooms all the time?

Frequently they are on the first floor or near the elevators. Unless you have a physical need for the room, they are the least desirable in most cases.

If the hotel is close to selling out that night, it probably makes sense for them to stick you in one of those. That way, they have a bit better chance of selling their better rooms. (I know when I need a last-minute hotel room, I call the property directly and confirm exactly what type of room I will get before I book. If all they had was a handicapped room, I would call another property and only take that room if everything else was sold out.)

I stayed at the Sheraton New Orleans via Priceline. I know enough from reading what to expect as a PL customer and never make any requests.

When I checked in I was asked if I needed an "accessible" room, which unfortunately I do. And when I handed the desk clerk my airline credit card, she asked for my frequent flyer number. Instead I gave her my SPG number I'd just signed up for last week. I was assigned an accessible room on the 40th floor, an SPG floor. Not a river view, but nice. No complaints. Thank you, Marlo!

So I've pondered whether my SPG number got me placed higher up or was it because the 40th floor just happened to have an accessible room? Or maybe it was either and the fact that I checked in at midnight. Whatever the case may be, I always feel fortunate to have gotten a great room booked through PL. (I know you dedicated SPG'ers work hard for your status.)

As I was reading threads here this morning, I remembered my status is (comped) Gold through an airline promo. Did Marlo see "Gold" on her computer screen? (I read a post somewhere in this forum that the screen doesn't actually show number of stays or points.)

Anywho, the promo's doing it's job... I think I'm falling in love with *wood. ^

If the clerk was willing to load your SPG number into the system, then yes, she would have seen your Gold status. (Sometimes the hardest part is getting them to even load it since you are on a Priceline stay. I always explain that it's because I want to earn credit on incidentals, although honestly I don't even know whether they're technically supposed to give you that anymore.)

If you need an accessible room, you should definitely be able to call the property directly - well ahead of your arrival - and note that in your reservation, regardless of the type of booking.

I always explain that it's because I want to earn credit on incidentals, although honestly I don't even know whether they're technically supposed to give you that anymore.)
SPG gives points for incidentals on PL stays. Hilton does not.

By the way, I'm surprised that no one has commented on my contention that the SPG T&C do not state that elite benefits won't be earned on third-party bookings, provided that those bookings aren't pre-paid....

(I understand both intention and practice to be that these reservations don't receive in-hotel benefits, but my contention is that this is contrary to the wording of SPG's T&C.)

I have a PL reservation at the Westin Embassy Row in DC. Can I use SPG points in my account to upgrade my room? Thanks.

PS

I did a search and I did not find a definitive answer to my question.

I have a PL reservation at the Westin Embassy Row in DC. Can I use SPG points in my account to upgrade my room? Thanks.

PS

I did a search and I did not find a definitive answer to my question.

You can ask the hotel at check-in to process an Instant Upgrade Award subject to availability of the room type requested. It cannot be done in advance of checking in under any circumstances.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Regrettably, the answer is "no" to all these questions.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks William. Good information to have. No Priceline for me.

...like upgraded room and late check-out. Has anyone had any success or experiences with gold benefits on a pricelin booking?

...like upgraded room and late check-out. Has anyone had any success or experiences with gold benefits on a pricelin booking?


I don't do those discount sites, from what I understand you can expect nothing...

-Vincent

You can politely request them, just don't take anything for granted.

If the occupancy is light and the receptionist is in a good mood, maybe he will give you something.

I'm a Gold member and I always book with spg.com and I never got an upgrade. I would be lucky to have a room if I were you, that's about it. I don't use Priceline or bargain sites. I've heard many comments from travelers regarding rude "check-ins" because their stay was done on Priceline. Sorry, but don't expect much more than a key and whatever room they have.

I average about 15 successful priceline bids/stays each year and have never had a bad experience (not all of these end up at SPG hotels though). I have never thought I've gotten sub-standard service because I booked on priceline, and no desk agent has ever brought it up, other than to mention that the stay was prepaid and that I needed to leave another CC for incidentals. In fact, I have gotten some outstanding upgrades at many chains on a priceline booking.

I can see not wanting to use priceline if you're SPG plat or if you don't care about saving money (someone else footing the bill), but if you're just a gold (and who's not?) you won't see much difference between booking through priceline and through the SPG site. Sometimes you'll even get points and stay credit, but that's just a bonus after already saving more than 50%.

I average about 15 successful priceline bids/stays each year and have never had a bad experience (not all of these end up at SPG hotels though). I have never thought I've gotten sub-standard service because I booked on priceline, and no desk agent has ever brought it up, other than to mention that the stay was prepaid and that I needed to leave another CC for incidentals. In fact, I have gotten some outstanding upgrades at many chains on a priceline booking.

I can see not wanting to use priceline if you're SPG plat or if you don't care about saving money (someone else footing the bill), but if you're just a gold (and who's not?) you won't see much difference between booking through priceline and through the SPG site. Sometimes you'll even get points and stay credit, but that's just a bonus after already saving more than 50%.

No Starpoints are given if the stay is not booked thru spg.com or by calling the Starwood reservation center. So I really doubt that a Priceline stay will give you Starpoints and or "stay credit"...

No Starpoints are given if the stay is not booked thru spg.com or by calling the Starwood reservation center. So I really doubt that a Priceline stay will give you Starpoints and or "stay credit"...

But you said you don't use priceline or discount sites to book, so how would you know if stays booked through those methods ever receive points/credit? How difficult is it to believe that some hotels key the stay in wrong in their computer? I've also gotten stay credit in the past for some cash & points stays. I did qualify my earlier statement by saying that points and stay credit cannot be expected, but are nice bonuses when they're given.

I don't know how you can make such a blanket statement that "[n]o Starpoints are given if the stay is not booked thru spg.com or by calling the Starwood reservation center." Something along the lines of "starpoints are usually not given on stays not booked directly through Starwood" would be better, and would actually be correct.

But you said you don't use priceline or discount sites to book, so how would you know if stays booked through those methods ever receive points/credit? How difficult is it to believe that some hotels key the stay in wrong in their computer?

Good point. I love people who trash priceline despite having never used it (or who don't even pay for their own stays).

I recently received 3N stay credit plus points for a 1N stay at a Marriott that was booked via priceline. I didn't ask for it, it just happened (I did however, provide my # at checkin, which I always do.) Hotel clerks do make mistakes.

As for Starwood properties, my general experience is that they do treat priceline customers worse than other chains. But "worse" is a relative term, particularly as it is SPG corporate policy to do so (i.e. no room upgrades, no benefits, etc.) Specifically, as an SPG Gold, I have sometimes received a nicer room on a higher floor (but no suites) and sometimes perks such as lounge access or health club access. But these are by no means a given.

In general I find that Hyatt and Hilton provide better treatment to elite members on priceline rates, but again, it does not reflect corporate policy just my experience.

As for those of you who actually pay for your own travel and would never book priceline, I do not begrudge you your SPG elite perks - so do not begrudge me the $100s I am saving out of my own pocket in return for forgoing some funny-money points and a free bottle of water. :D

What you can expect to get with a PL stay will be the Exact samething you'd get if you Presented your Hilton Diamond Card at Check-in on a walk-in at any SPG Prop = NOTHING

Ive used PL in the past when Everyones Rates were very high, and wasnt let down, if I needed the stay credit then Id opt for a reg res via SPG for my 1st night and PL for the rest as I usually requalify on Stays and not Nights, although there is no way to know if in fact I'll get the same Hotel. if the Rates were thru the roof as it was the last time I was in ZRH, then it will be PL all the way.

As a gold, I find that I get (or don't get) about the same perks whether I'm booked on priceline or not with Starwood. Except at the highest loyalty levels, my experience (and I probably check into 35 hotels a year) is that upgrades are pretty random. For instance, I am no more or less likely to receive a suite on a priceline stay than I am on a non-opaque booking direct with the hotel. Indeed, I would suspect a smile and courtesy to the desk clerk is probably worth more than any gold card.

The current rush to publish ever higher non-opaque rates is likely to lead to even more business for priceline. For instance, the other week I noted on this board that the Orlando Airport Sheraton wanted more than $200 for a Sunday night. I wound up getting the Airport Hyatt (in terminal, probably the best airport hotel in Orlando) on priceline for about 20% of what the Sheraton wanted.

How the heck can anyone paying their own money possibly stay "brand loyal" in such a pricing environment? Very different than with the airline industry, where elite cards make it worthwhile to book BOTH biz and leisure trips with your preferred airline.

From http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/terms_conditions.html

EARNING STARPOINTS

3. Starpoints will be awarded for eligible charges ("Eligible Charges") on your room account based on the U.S. dollars or equivalent spent on eligible room rate, food and beverage, direct dialed telephone, laundry/valet, and in-room movies only. You will also earn Starpoints for food and beverage charges of US$10 or more in participating Starwood dining outlets, even if you are not a registered guest, when you present your membership card. Other charges such as parking, business center, retail stores, greens fees, etc, as well as taxes, gratuities, service charges and other applicable charges, such as energy charges, resort fees, etc, are not eligible for Starpoints credit. Starpoints are not awarded on alcoholic beverage purchases where prohibited by law. Starpoints cannot be earned on banquet or meeting room charges billed back to a member's room. Starpoints can not be earned or accrued for charges master-billed or paid by wholesale rates including WFNR, and all other rates from pre-paid channels, such as but not limited to, priceline.com, expedia.com, hotels.com, hrn.com, hotwire.com, lastminute.com, site59.com, etc. tour or tour operator or other vouchers or for certain other discounted rates including, without limit, airline vouchers or for certain other discounted rates. Other rates not eligible to earn Starpoints include: tour operator rates; wholesaler rates; stays longer than 30 days, Free Night Awards, TAED rates; room rates billed to master account, crew room rates, and employee rates.

Also...

Term of Gold Preferred Guest Membership and Earned Renewal

5. Effective January 1, 2004, Gold level members are not eligible for any in-hotel benefits when booking through pre-paid channels, such as, but not limited to, priceline.com, expedia.com, hotels.com, hrn.com, hotwire.com, lastminute.com, site59.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, cheaptickets.com, quickbook.com, travelweb.com, lodging.com, yahootravel.com, msntravel.com, etc.

...and for Platinums

Platinum Preferred Guest Benefits

5. Effective January 1, 2004, Platinum level members are not eligible for any in-hotel benefits when booking through pre-paid channels, such as, but not limited to, priceline.com, expedia.com, hotels.com, hrn.com, hotwire.com, lastminute.com, site59.com, orbitz.com, travelocity.com, cheaptickets.com, quickbook.com, travelweb.com, lodging.com, yahootravel.com, msntravel.com, etc.



Okay there it all is offical from Starwood's website.

-Vncent

But you said you don't use priceline or discount sites to book, so how would you know if stays booked through those methods ever receive points/credit? How difficult is it to believe that some hotels key the stay in wrong in their computer? I've also gotten stay credit in the past for some cash & points stays. I did qualify my earlier statement by saying that points and stay credit cannot be expected, but are nice bonuses when they're given.

I don't know how you can make such a blanket statement that "[n]o Starpoints are given if the stay is not booked thru spg.com or by calling the Starwood reservation center." Something along the lines of "starpoints are usually not given on stays not booked directly through Starwood" would be better, and would actually be correct.

It is clearly stated on the SPG terms & conditions.

As a SPG Gold member, even though spg has previously marketed themselves as a very flexible programme, you tend to find after a while that spg is a consistent programme with published benefits but if its not stated, generally the response is negative although william and the rest have said in the past it depends on circumstances and the individual associate.

As spg gold, for priceline, i have found that while stay and points do not post for accomodation, points are earned for incidentals at the very least. I.e carparking, breakfast and so on.... In hotel benefits generally depend on hotel specific and what i have found is that the benefits they give may sometimes be what they give to spg ordinary members or non-spg members. Nothing extra. The only exception is only if the property codes the stay wrongly which may happen only at franchise properties. For starwood owned properties, sometimes you may get an amenity such as a book light and so on but not necessary room upgrades. From my experience, starwood owned properties tend to be quite good at getting the stay posted correctly onto spg accounts with or w/o the stay credits.

For room upgrades,what a lot of us Fters have found out as spg gold members is that beacuse of the wide latitute given to spg properties, the room upgrades tend to be astronomical and they may give you a room with the t & C but not to your liking. The same applies to priceline or non-priceline bookings.

You tend to find that for other chains, sometimes priceline stays do count and for at least hilton, reward stays do count towards elite requalification.

i haven't exercised it before but if im not wrong, cash and points stay don't count and neither do reward stays.i may be wrong but if true, it is indeed disappointing.

cheers

Good point. I love people who trash priceline despite having never used it (or who don't even pay for their own stays).

BTW, I pay for my owns stays, my travel is 90% leisure and I still don't use Priceline much... and I'm not trashing Priceline.

It is clearly stated on the SPG terms & conditions.

Who cares? I never said SPG has a policy of giving points and stay credit for priceline stays. What I did say is that sometimes hotels will give credit by mistake. You said that SPG hotels never give points or stay credit for priceline stays and that position is clearly incorrect.

I do not expect stay credit or points for my priceline stays, but it is nice when I get it.

Who cares? I never said SPG has a policy of giving points and stay credit for priceline stays. What I did say is that sometimes hotels will give credit by mistake. You said that SPG hotels never give points or stay credit for priceline stays and that position is clearly incorrect.

I do not expect stay credit or points for my priceline stays, but it is nice when I get it.

I've never said never in my earlier post regarding Starpoints. I said, I've never got an upgrade as a Gold member while booking at spg.com

No Starpoints are given if the stay is not booked thru spg.com or by calling the Starwood reservation center. So I really doubt that a Priceline stay will give you Starpoints and or "stay credit"...

This is what you said, that you doubted I ever received point/stay credit from a PL stay at an SPG hotel. But now others have said that they too have sometimes received the same.

Now Marriott on the other hand, just about every PL stay I have with them gets stay/point credit.

This is what you said, that you doubted I ever received point/stay credit from a PL stay at an SPG hotel. But now others have said that they too have sometimes received the same.

Now Marriott on the other hand, just about every PL stay I have with them gets stay/point credit.

Where is the never in that quote? Where? :mad:
Get over it.

Now Marriott on the other hand, just about every PL stay I have with them gets stay/point credit.

Well, that's Mariott for you; I always stay away from pricelike like the bobounic plague.

-Vincent

Where is the never in that quote? Where? :mad:
Get over it.

Are you for real? No need for you to take this to the "get over it" level unless you're really reaching here. I said that I have received points and stay credit on a PL stay. You then said that you doubted my statement because "[n]o Starpoints are given if the stay is not booked thru spg.com or by calling the Starwood reservation center." Seems that if you didn't mean that point and stay credit is never given, you would have said that SPG usually doesn't give them or that their policy is not to award these stays.

I rarely use Priceline since the demise of Anything Points which was an excellent reason to use PL at the time.
It had for one short period of time become more rewarding then a number of the hotel guest programs. I used it for a number of months at one point. They even refunded my non refundable room a few times.
I found PL excellent in the past to do business with. And would absolutely still use them without hesitation in a pinch.Providing the city wasn't sold out or other some major event might throw all bookings into chaos.
I have booked well over 2000 plus nights over the years and can't think of a method I haven't used.Not to mention the thousands of bookings and referrals of friends family and business colleagues as well.
Where I have had a sound relationship they have never turned their back on me beacuse of the way I booked.

What I can say is despite all the so called doom and gloom dire possibilities that might happen by booking through a non preferred booking channel I have been treated 100% the same booking on either. Less points and stay credit on the third party site. On the one occasion I wasn’t treated well a Wyndham it wouldn’t have mattered anyway. It was a very lousy hotel to begin with and a proven track record with long time failure

The fact of the matter is I have been treated better as a Priceline customer in some instances in the past as I did booking through the preferred channel and arriving as Platinum in the very same hotel :eek:

If a hotel has a high quality consistent supply of high standard rooms, good management and a caring service team then it is a good property to do business with.
If it has run down rooms miserable staff,poor in house culture and uncaring management no preferred booking channel and top tier elite status is going to make up much of the difference.
A bigger room or suite with rotten service in a run down hotel still equals a lousy experience.

I have met management in the past who claim to punish Platinum guests for using SPG points or the guest who books anywhere but directly with the hotel Forget about the so called approved booking channels
Yet there are others who bend over backwards on award or revenue to give you the Royal suite. Either they understand a satisfied customer is good for business or they deserve what they get when the hotel gets sold to the next owners or next brand reflagging. Ever wonder why these things happen?
Far from Rocket science

In hotel school they don't teach that third party site customers should be banished to the boiler room or the garage. They teach smart educated hoteliers that they are a good way to manage revenue enhancement effectively while reducing the supply of rooms that might otherwise perish or go unsold.
If you choose to live in fear of marketing spin then more power to the marketing gurus of any hotel chain for a job well done. ^ My two cents
Cheers

In hotel school they don't teach that third party site customers should be banished to the boiler room or the garage. They teach smart educated hoteliers that they are a good way to manage revenue enhancement effectively while reducing the supply of rooms that might otherwise perish.


You're right it's the Hotel Management companies or Hotel Owners/Managers (SOMTIMES) who teach such policies...

-Vincent

I usually book hotels through PL--I periodically check the math, and even with spg promotions and bonuses, the amount I save by using priceline is greater than the value of the starpoints I would have earned booking though the preferred channel.

Whenever I have a PL stay at a starwood property, I hand over my SPG gold card with my credit card, and many times (~60% of the time) the desk clerk will give me a gold benefit. Of course, the gold benefit usually consists of a standard room with a "Starwood preferred guest" plaque on the door, but every now and again I'll get breakfast vouchers or lounge access.

I rarely use Priceline since the demise of Anything Points which was an excellent reason to use PL at the time.

It's hard for me to understand that logic. On a one-night stay, the most Anything Points saved you was $15/night. (And it was less for multiple night stays, because even if you booked each night individually, priceline charges a higher per night fee if you book all in one reservation).

OK, so my typical priceline "win" is $60 on a hotel where the cheapest published rate is $149. And that's conservative -- lately a lot of the cheapest published rates are going above $200. I miss the $10 or $15 ebay "kickback" as much as the next guy, but how does losing this small sum change the fundamental merits of a priceline booking vs. a non-priceline booking?

I assume it depends a lot if you stay at a Starwood property in the US or outside the US. I only have experiences of Starwoods outside the US, and for the Starwoods outside the US, "Priceline" is usually only a "travel agent site". So I always got Gold benefits (late checkout, "spg floor") - which are not much at all. (Starpoints are given for incidentials only, of course).

Thank for all of your thoughts reagarding this. The reason that I ask, is that I was able to get a great priceline deal on the Atlanta Sheraton Downtown for $59 on 3/2. This comes out to a $120 savings off of the spg site price. i have had wonderful priceline experiences in the past. (I always refer to biddingfortravel.com and I usually have a good idea as to what hotels are going for various prices) I will report on my experience when I return. Thanks all!

I usually book hotels through PL--I periodically check the math, and even with spg promotions and bonuses, the amount I save by using priceline is greater than the value of the starpoints I would have earned booking though the preferred channel.

Whenever I have a PL stay at a starwood property, I hand over my SPG gold card with my credit card, and many times (~60% of the time) the desk clerk will give me a gold benefit. Of course, the gold benefit usually consists of a standard room with a "Starwood preferred guest" plaque on the door, but every now and again I'll get breakfast vouchers or lounge access.


Nothing personal, but I wish they wouldn't do this - Starwood has a clear policy regarding reservations booked through such sites and it isn't proper these hotels arent following the terms and conditions to which you agreed and that is setfore by Starwood.

-Vincent

Nothing personal, but I wish they wouldn't do this - Starwood has a clear policy regarding reservations booked through such sites and it isn't proper these hotels arent following the terms and conditions to which you agreed and that is setfore by Starwood.

Hotels can ALWAYS treat you better than they're required to by Starwood. I don't see why you'd have a problem with this.

Technically you get nothing with Priceline. I'll take the cash saved any day of the week over some points.

My experience with gold benefits when booking with starwood directly is that it pretty much gives you that 'warm fuzzy loved feeling' and not much more....at least in terms of an upgrade.

Hotels can ALWAYS treat you better than they're required to by Starwood. I don't see why you'd have a problem with this.


I earned my status the old fashion way, butt in beds - with all my bookings at spg.com. When Starwood makes it clear, benefits of status are meant for those who booked through certain channels, its not fair to those of us who follow the rules and terms when such benefits are doled out to people who booked through places like priceline.

-Vincent

I have been using Priceline for years - if you know how to "work" their system, you can save hundreds. By using my SPG Amex to pay for the bid, I get SPG points for the cost of the stay. I get Gold status each year through one promotion or another, so I am not really concerned with stay credits, although I come pretty close to making it on stays anyway.

What I do is check spg.com for the lowest corporate rate I am eligible for...if the total cost of the stay is within 100-150 of my expected Priceline win and the hotel is nice, I will always book through spg.com and pay extra...if it's any more than that, I will go the PL route and accept whatever 4-5* hotel I win. Using a site like biddingfortravel.com is absolutely essential for dealing with PL.

Keep in mind that any hotel staff who treat PL customers any different than a regular off-the-street customer are in violation of their terms of service with PL. This includes the assigning of "Priceline" rooms - which are usually the smallest, least desirable rooms at the property. There are rare exceptions to this rule (the Manor Wing at the Sheraton Waikiki being one such example), but if you are assigned to a room you know is substandard, or you are treated rudely (including check-in staff making any derogatory comments about being a Priceline customer), you should call the PL customer service line right away and report it - they will call hotel management and 'clear things up'.

My PL experiences are as follows...in all these examples, my modus is to present my membership card along with my CC at check-in, and admit to the clerk I am ineligible for points during my stay for the room, but would like the number added to my folio to get credit for incidentals like food. In most cases, that gets things off on the right foot.

Hilton (when Gold) - when presenting Gold card at check-in...received room upgrades about 60% of the time (never to suite or special categories)...received breakfast voucher about 70% of the time.

Hyatt (as Gold) - when presenting Gold card at check-in...received room upgrade about 90% of the time. Usually Hyatt staff at many hotels will remind me that I can receive credit for my food and beverage purchases to encourage me to use their restaurant. Hyatt is definately the most friendly to PL and other-site bookings

SPG (as Gold) - when presenting Gold card at check-in...received room upgrade about 30% of the time. As far as other benefits like late checkout, I don't ask until the morning of my checkout date, then call the frontdesk and ask nicely (never mentioning PL). I have been turned down for late checkout because I was a PL customer just once - but I have been turned down because the hotel was fully booked, or a resort, which are legitimate reasons for the hotel to deny all Golds the late checkout benefit anyway

[QUOTE=vincom]You're right it's the Hotel Management companies or Hotel Owners/Managers (SOMTIMES) who teach such policies...

-Vincent[/QUOTE
Many of my colleagues from the university as well as some industry consultants agree that the policy set by Starwood isn't all a bad thought process. Let’s face it these programs are set up to reward their best customers first. However the negative culture it ends up inviting could and has certainly ended up damaging some guest experiences and the possibility of a future relationship in just one stay with the brand.
That is bad for the brand and the property. It is one of the reasons that Hyatt is the winner of much business these days from folks I know self included. The concerns don’t stop there on that issue alone.

I had an interesting conversation with a long time GM of one of the Hyatt’s out West this afternoon. She called it giving guests all available options and flexibility for the customer.They still have a concept that lifetime loyalty can exist.Admire that very much.Even with price sensetive customers

I rarely book out of preferred channels. Yet I like to know that all guests matter to a fair degree wherever I do business. It could be one day that I am without elite status or a family member of friend.I won't send my referals to a brand/hotel that looks down on ANY guests.

It may sound funny but I have received emails and letters from guests who were afraid to take a flight or go to a certain branded hotel simply because they had no elite status and they were told that they would be treated like the homeless. And for that matter I remember a thread on FT last year where we held the hand of poster taking their family on vacation on American convincing them the lions would not eat them for dinner at check in :D
I traveled to Atlanta on Delta last year no elite status and was treated just as poorly as if I was a Platinum Medallion ;) Or should I say equally :D

It's hard for me to understand that logic. On a one-night stay, the most Anything Points saved you was $15/night. (And it was less for multiple night stays, because even if you booked each night individually, priceline charges a higher per night fee if you book all in one reservation).

OK, so my typical priceline "win" is $60 on a hotel where the cheapest published rate is $149. And that's conservative -- lately a lot of the cheapest published rates are going above $200. I miss the $10 or $15 ebay "kickback" as much as the next guy, but how does losing this small sum change the fundamental merits of a priceline booking vs. a non-priceline booking?
Because the program has folded I won't go into the mathematic formulas or long winded explanations I am known for.
Thanks to a well known figure of FT Fame I was tipped off at the time that folks were earning more miles then the top hotel loyalty programs using the Anything Points program. By converting these points to miles into one of the International partnership programs through Points.com they converted into business class tickets to Europe on a Premium carrier.
25,000 miles worth typically only a domestic coach ticket in the US would convert to the approx worth in some instances to a 100,000 mile business class award ticket to Europe.

I will call it slightly fuzzy math and because the program redemption was based on mileage flown not destination. The value would only extend to certain regions at the time for US departures.It worked brilliantly.
If one does a search they can bring up that information out of the FT archives.Should you be so inspired :)
It was a fantastic opportunity at the time........Now gone

I needed 3 rooms in Toronto in January. I searched for a 4* hotel in the Downtown area. My bid was for $60.00($72.00 after fees) and was awarded the Sheraton City Centre. Upon checkin I presented my gold card for incidentals. What happened next really surprised me. The clerk told me that since I was Gold, that he would upgrade us to rooms located on a higher floor and that everyone in the party would have access to the concierge lounge! I was also offered late checkout if needed. I was treated like royalty even though I was using Priceline, and Priceline was never mentioned during the entire checkin process. I saved $20.00 each on breakfast the next morning because of the lounge access. No I didn't receive stay credits or points but did receive my points plus bonus points for the incidentals. I also saved $70.00 U.S. per room. I can honestly say that in the 12 or so experiences I have had with Priceline, my only dissapointment would have been the Sheraton Ferncroft in Massachusetts and the famous no elevator, you lug your luggage up the stairs 2nd floor. That hotel made you pay the price for using Priceline. I paid $38.00 for that priveledge, but it was in one of the heavenly beds :)and the room was quiet. All my other stays I had at other hotels were excellent.

Because the program has folded I won't go into the mathematic formulas or long winded explanations I am known for.
Thanks to a well known figure of FT Fame I was tipped off at the time that folks were earning more miles then the top hotel loyalty programs using the Anything Points program. By converting these points to miles into one of the International partnership programs through Points.com they converted into business class tickets to Europe on a Premium carrier.

Fair enough. I'm sure SPG is happy to have you back as a customer. With the differential between a "regular" booking and a 3 to 5 star priceline booking running about 100 bucks now (I just had one almost $300 less), hotel loyalty sure is expensive though.

I needed 3 rooms in Toronto in January. I searched for a 4* hotel in the Downtown area. My bid was for $60.00($72.00 after fees) and was awarded the Sheraton City Centre. Upon checkin I presented my gold card for incidentals. What happened next really surprised me. The clerk told me that since I was Gold, that he would upgrade us to rooms located on a higher floor and that everyone in the party would have access to the concierge lounge! I was also offered late checkout if needed. I was treated like royalty even though I was using Priceline, and Priceline was never mentioned during the entire checkin process. I saved $20.00 each on breakfast the next morning because of the lounge access. No I didn't receive stay credits or points but did receive my points plus bonus points for the incidentals. I also saved $70.00 U.S. per room. I can honestly say that in the 12 or so experiences I have had with Priceline, my only dissapointment would have been the Sheraton Ferncroft in Massachusetts and the famous no elevator, you lug your luggage up the stairs 2nd floor. That hotel made you pay the price for using Priceline. I paid $38.00 for that priveledge, but it was in one of the heavenly beds :)and the room was quiet. All my other stays I had at other hotels were excellent.


Lucky you.... :mad:

-Vincent

I earned my status the old fashion way, butt in beds
-Vincent

I have too in many programs. You know I used to feel the same way about priceline as you do. I would never have thought about using it. Than last year I needed to book a 3 rooms in Boston when returning from Europe. I searched the hotels. Everything came back minimum $139.00(weekday rate). I checked out www.biddingfortravel.com and noticed that folks were winning bids for $40.00 at the Hyatt Financial Center. Heck, people are winning bids right now for $60.00. The Hyatt website had a per room price of $200.00. I bid 3 rooms at $40.00 and got the bid. With taxes and parking I spent around $185.00 total. We received 3 N/S rooms and the clerk made sure we were all next to each other. :) If you want points, status recognition, smoking preference etc, stay away from Priceline, allthough I have occasionally not received the benefits I was entitled to when staying at full price booked through the hotels.

If you want points, status recognition, smoking preference etc, stay away from Priceline, allthough I have occasionally not received the benefits I was entitled to when staying at full price booked through the hotels.

Exactly... I like feeling special and as a Platinum the upgrades make whatever I am paying well worht the cost...

-Vincent

Nothing personal, but I wish they wouldn't do this - Starwood has a clear policy regarding reservations booked through such sites and it isn't proper these hotels arent following the terms and conditions to which you agreed and that is setfore by Starwood.

-Vincent

I think that's a reasonable position. However, with almost perfect information available thanks to the internet, I would think that hotels/chains that give guests loyalty benefits on PL stays would see more business. If I'm bidding in a city with 4 star PL hotels in a few zones, I will usually adjust my bidding so that I get a particular hotel if I've heard that that hotel treats PL guests well. Though I'm usually not willing to spend $200/night more on that hotel by booking on the hotel site, I am always willing to spend a few dollars more if that what it takes to get that hotel over a 4 star in another zone on PL.

Exactly... I like feeling special and as a Platinum the upgrades make whatever I am paying well worht the cost...

-Vincent

It's your money - spend as you wish! I enjoyed a drink at the Danieli last month, and I'm pretty sure most of the guests felt exactly as you do, even paying $700+ per night.

Personally I enjoy saving $100-300 per night over retail rates, which allows me to spend more on sushi, clothes and other luxuries. I don't really miss the bottled water, fruit, larger room or crappy lounge food, but YMMV.

Just to report... I just got back from my Priceline Sheraton Atlanta Downtown stay. Upon arrival I presented my credit card and SPG Gold card. I was upgraded to a suite from a standard room, was given free wireless internet access, lounge access, and breakfast. I was very impressed (although I was not expecting anything).

Just to report... I just got back from my Priceline Sheraton Atlanta Downtown stay. Upon arrival I presented my credit card and SPG Gold card. I was upgraded to a suite from a standard room, was given free wireless internet access, lounge access, and breakfast. I was very impressed (although I was not expecting anything).


OY VEY! ;)

-Vincent

OY VEY! ;)

-Vincent
Where is Hotel Ovey ? :D

OY VEY! ;)

-Vincent
Want to edit your earlier comments about Priceline. :D

Want to edit your earlier comments about Priceline. :D


Nope, still wouldn't use Priceline ;)

-Vincent

Nope, still wouldn't use Priceline ;)

-Vincent

more availability for the rest of us! :D

Has anyone that is PLT recently stayed at the Westin BKK under a priceline rate? I know the policy is to not extend PLT benefits when on a priceline stay. Does this hotel still extend any of the benefits, like the lounge?

Taking a long weekend next week and my Fiance and I had never tried priceline before - so I selected Miami (south beach / miami beach) and entered $104 as the price I wanted to pay for a "4 star" hotel - and my request was filled with the Sheraton Bel harbour.

3 questions:

Was this a good deal?
Can I use SPG points to upgrade rooms?
Will I earn points for the stay? Do the nights count towards status promotion?

Thank you - any opinoins on the hotel would be greatly appreicated as well.

Taking a long weekend next week and my Fiance and I had never tried priceline before - so I selected Miami (south beach / miami beach) and entered $104 as the price I wanted to pay for a "4 star" hotel - and my request was filled with the Sheraton Bel harbour.

3 questions:

Was this a good deal?
Can I use SPG points to upgrade rooms?
Will I earn points for the stay? Do the nights count towards status promotion?

Thank you - any opinoins on the hotel would be greatly appreicated as well.

Answers to the three (4?) questions:

Yes.
Maybe, if the hotel has the capability to do Instant Upgrade Awards at check-in as well as the inventory to support it.
No, but you can earn Starpoints for eligible incidental charges provided you give them your SPG account number at check-in. No.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

thank you

Bel Harbour has some pluses and minuses. Personally I like the location, but it is not SOBE -- in fact miles away. But across the street from a really good shopping mall (also very expensive, full of designer stores, their cheap store is Saks), and with a greek seafood restaurant that is one of the best in MIA (Elia). Hotel is being demolished to build some very expensive condos, was supposed to have been closed June 2006 but demolition is delayed until early 2007. Meanwhile most of the good staff have transferred out (after all the hotel was closing) and the physical plant has been run into the ground for the last decade. There are 2 buildings, one is in bad shape and the other is in much better shape (the one by the beach). Stayed there 2 or 3 years ago and it was great; no idea of the current situation, but I wouldn't expect much from a hotel that is on its last legs.

just did a quick search for a "long weekend" next (9/21/06 - 9/25/06) and found that it only runs $144/night, as well as the Four Points by Sheraton Miami Beach is only $105/night. these prices really don't look that bad. almost better to just book through spg.com to get the stays/points.

AND.. there is actually a promo right now that is also giving an extra 3,000 *wood points for booking 3 or more night at the Sheraton Bal Harbour Beach Resort.
just got this from the *wood promo thread a couple days ago

http://www.frequentflyerbonuses.com/starwood.html

Thanks for sharing this late breaking info....your post may influence my forthcoming visit! ^

I have tried the search function but have not found anything on point. I recently bid for a 4* hotel for Friday 11/3 before an 8am departure out of lax the next morning. I got the Westin LAX. I am spg gold status. I know you are not entitled to anything on a priceline stay but I was wondering if any of you have had any experiences with upgrades or lounge access on a priceline stay. Any info. is appreciated!

BF

You get complimentary dog barking in surround sound from the kennel behind the hotel.

J/k :)

I've never booked via Priceline so I can't answer
But I am curious what price to you get the room for?

I don't know what recent prices have been for this hotel via priceline, but can confirm that for YEARS this place went for $34/nt.

I live in Orange County and used to live in Manhattan Beach not far from the airport so I don't harbor any illusions of grandeur as it applies to the Westin. Just wandering if I might still get (the very limited) spg gold benefits on a priceline stay. By the way I got the Westin for $63 per night.

You might, but then again you might not. The reservation will not show up on the SPG website but show your card at checkin...if you get a rookie agent you will likely get your benefits, such as they are.

Considering what you paid, you have a great deal anyway.

Most hotels reserve their 'special' rooms for Priceline customers (and no i'm not talking suites).

Would say unlikely to get any benefits although always worth a go.

I would disagree that 'most' hotels reserve their unfortunate rooms for PL bookings. I've seen many a suite upgrade on PL rates, having nothing to do with loyalty program status and everything to do with hotel occupancy -- have a run of the house booking, check in when the hotel is full and has already allocated most of the standard rooms, and someone needs to get a bump up.

As for the Westin LAX, assuming you got the hotel in the US$65 range you'll get your money's worth. This is not the preferred Starwood LAX property, and a real piece of bad luck as the Sheraton also comes up on Priceline as LAX 4* and is a better hotel.

You won't have your status recognized for upgrades, but then Golds aren't entitled to much even on regular bookings. Sweet talk the desk if your room type matters to you, also helps to search the archives and know exactly what it is you'd like. But of course an airport hotel is usually just a place to crash so don't sweat the room type too much -- this probably isn't a 'special stay' and there's no ocean view to be had!

I nearly always get 4 points LAX via PL, and it runs way less than $63 most times IIRC.

As gleff says you can get "lucky". I generally do, and it has everything to do with check-in, and watching Rudi work. Observe that, learn from it, and you are set for life. ;)

Thanks for the info. and I know this isn't the greatest hotel. I have actually been upgraded and/or given other *wood benefits on many occasions on priceline stays (Sheraton Fisherman's Wharf, Sheraton Sacramento, Sheraton Seattle). I don't expect it but it's nice. I have only rarely been given the truly awful Priceline room, usually they're just fine run of house type rooms. I was really just wondering if anyone had any personal experiences with Priceline and the LAX Westin.

Hey beachfamily,

I did the same thing as you about a month ago as an SPG Gold. See p4 of the following thread:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=569799

I can't recall if it was becuz of my SPG Amex or becuz I informed them I was an SPG Gold, but I got a room on a SPG floor. Unfortunately, it was a room that faced the runway. Defitinitely request a room facing Century Blvd instead.

As to lounge access (like club floor lounge), I've never requested it or gotten it complimentary as SPG Gold and believe it's only entitled to SPG Plat. So definitely no luck for me at the Westin LAX. I'm not even sure if SPG Plats can gain access if on a PL stay either. YMMV.

I'm also pretty sure that food, parking and other charges at the Westin LAX will not earn SPG points on a PL stay (according to the T&C) as mine never posted.

Hope this info helps. Look on the bright side, you got a terrific rate! :)

I stayed at the Westin LAX a few weeks ago as a Starwood Gold on a Priceline reservation. I received no special treatment other than receiving a room on the SPG floor (which does mean a whole lot anyway!). Apparently there is a special check-in area for Golds and Platinums (lounge), but I did not know about this when I checked in. You might have luck trying to check in there and seeing what happens?

I took some pictures of the hotel and our room, which are posted here (http://www.starwoodlobby.com/archives/2006/09/westin_los_ange.html).

Thanks. I'll try checking in at the lounge and see how it goes.... No big deal either way.

I'm also pretty sure that food, parking and other charges at the Westin LAX will not earn SPG points on a PL stay (according to the T&C) as mine never posted.Parking fees are ALWAYS excluded, even for guests paying eligible rates (see 5.3.d of the Ts & Cs below).

However, most food and beverage charges should earn points, even when staying at an non-eligible rate (see 5.4).

If you still have your receipts, you should be able to get your points by faxing in the supporting documentation.


From the Ts and Cs:

5.3. “Eligible Charges” are charges incurred by you on your room account for Eligible Rates, food and beverage (excluding alcoholic beverage purchases where prohibited by law), direct dialed telephone and direct-dialed in-room fax, laundry/valet, and in-room movies and video games only. Eligible Charges do not include:

(a) room charges that are not included in the definition of Eligible Rates;

(b) charges for banquets, meetings or other functions, with the exception of points earned from qualifying meetings or events through the Preferred Planner Program;

(c) complimentary services (including, but not limited to, any Awards earned through the Program);

(d) other fees paid such as parking, business center, retail stores, and greens fees;

(e) taxes, gratuities, service charges and other applicable charges, such as energy charges, and resort fees.

(f) any charges not specifically listed as an Eligible Charge.

5.4. You may earn Starpoints for Eligible Charges paid by you during your stay even if the room charge was not an Eligible Charge. However, if the room charges are not Eligible Charges, the stay will not count as an Eligible Stay or Eligible Night towards elite levels of Membership or for threshold bonuses and promotions.

I would disagree that 'most' hotels reserve their unfortunate rooms for PL bookings.I generally agree with this - one of the exceptions is the MCI Hilton, which has, on multiple stays when the hotel wass nearly empty, always managed to put me into a double-bed handicap-accessible room located in a noisy first-floor corridor adjacent to meeting rooms (and the room was always pre-assigned, not chosen by the desk clerk at check-in time). But I stress that this is the exception, not the rule.

I've seen many a suite upgrade on PL rates, having nothing to do with loyalty program status and everything to do with hotel occupancy -- have a run of the house booking, check in when the hotel is full and has already allocated most of the standard rooms, and someone needs to get a bump up.This happened to me recently at the Omni San Diego. Arriving at 11:00 pm to a sold-out hotel, I was place in a beautiful harbor-view suite which I found out later had a rack rate of $600.

Staying at the Sheraton Towers in NYC and got a $115 rate for Nov 12. Cab I earn starwood points?

No for the room charge, yes for meals etc., as per your T & C's with SPG. Ymmv if the hotel makes a mistake.

I booked two rooms via Priceline for the Sheraton Suites Houston Galleria. I want to add my SPG gold # to the record (for incidentals; and in advance, on the off chance of better treatment), as well as let the hotel I will be arriving late and would like a non-smoking room. I emailed SPG and they told me to call reservations. I called reservations and they said they cannot modify the record. I called the hotel and they sent me to SPG reservations, who this time sent me to SPG Web Help. After waiting on hold for 10 minutes, I thought someone might have a better way to address this. Any advice?

I've never done this, but what you'll need to do is speak with the hotel's ON SITE RESERVATIONS office. If they don't have one (and most still do, but not all), you can ask for the front desk. I imagine those are the only ways you'll be able to modify the reservation at this point.

You shouldn't need to alert the hotel to a late arrival as you've already paid in full for the room. You may have better luck showing up and presenting your Gold card vs. calling in advance.

I booked two rooms via Priceline for the Sheraton Suites Houston Galleria. I want to add my SPG gold # to the record (for incidentals; and in advance, on the off chance of better treatment), as well as let the hotel I will be arriving late and would like a non-smoking room. I emailed SPG and they told me to call reservations. I called reservations and they said they cannot modify the record. I called the hotel and they sent me to SPG reservations, who this time sent me to SPG Web Help. After waiting on hold for 10 minutes, I thought someone might have a better way to address this. Any advice?

It can't be done in most cases. If it can be, it has to be done from the hotel end.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I have done this several times by e-mailing the hotel directly and it has not been a problem for them to add my SPG number. While I do get recognized as a Gold at check-in, I don't know if it's actually had any benefit (but it can't hurt).

Thanks for all of your responses. Per your advice, I emailed the hotel. William, how come this functionality is not allowed--I would think you would want to provide an automated way of having customers log preferences, such as non-smoking rooms. You can modify Priceline reservations on Marriott, including updating the name, room preference, etc. I understand that you cannot gaurentee these choices, but you should have an easy (and for you, non-labor intensive) way of trying to accomodate guests.

Thanks for all of your responses. Per your advice, I emailed the hotel. William, how come this functionality is not allowed--I would think you would want to provide an automated way of having customers log preferences, such as non-smoking rooms. You can modify Priceline reservations on Marriott, including updating the name, room preference, etc. I understand that you cannot gaurentee these choices, but you should have an easy (and for you, non-labor intensive) way of trying to accomodate guests.

It isn't allowed through the Customer Contact Center because you did not book the reservation through us and Priceline has its own set of agreements with the hotels. One of these happens to be the preferences you mention, which are not guaranteed in any way, shape, or form by Priceline. If we start adding comments regarding preferences on reservations we do not book, it can lead to liability issues.

I imagine since Bill Marriott has never lost a legal decision in the history of his company that he is not concerned with such trivialities. ;)

Whether or not it can be done at the property very much remains a technical functionality issue. Some can, some can't, and some won't even if they could for reasons cited previously.

Sincerely,


William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

FWIW, here's an interesting experience.

We have gone to Stamford, NJ for the second night of Passover for 3 years. For the first two years, we stayed at the Sheraton on a very cheap Cash & Points deal. This year, the prices skyrocketed as they had converted the entire hotel and kitchen for a large group coming for Passover - cheapest room we could get was over $350 w/ taxes.

Got two rooms on Priceline at the Hyatt Regency for $125 each. I'm a Starwood guy and I follow this forum religiously so I expected very, very little from the hotel. That said, I got an email from Priceline asking if I had any special requests! Wrote back that we would love a king bed for us and anything at all for our 25 year old son. They wrote back that it was included in our request along with our estimated arrival time and a request to contact them again if there was anything else they could do!

Yeah - I love mhy Starpoints but this was a great experience. We were treated like gold at the Hyatt - connecting rooms and our room was enormous. I'mnot saying that it's the answer every time, but I was in a bind here and it could not have worked out better.

I've never done this, but what you'll need to do is speak with the hotel's ON SITE RESERVATIONS office. If they don't have one (and most still do, but not all), you can ask for the front desk. I imagine those are the only ways you'll be able to modify the reservation at this point.

You shouldn't need to alert the hotel to a late arrival as you've already paid in full for the room. You may have better luck showing up and presenting your Gold card vs. calling in advance.

"most still do"? Wrong. very very few Starwood hotels still have an on-site reservations office. Close to ZERO in North America. Sure, you can call the hotel and ask to speak to reservations, but you wont be talking to someone at the hotel...those calls go right to one of the Starwood call centers....

"most still do"? Wrong. very very few Starwood hotels still have an on-site reservations office. Close to ZERO in North America. Sure, you can call the hotel and ask to speak to reservations, but you wont be talking to someone at the hotel...those calls go right to one of the Starwood call centers....

Yes and no. The function is still there. I don't think they are staffed like they used to be, and I'm pretty sure there is a new title, but it's same people, basically doing the same core things for the property. I talk to several offices on a regular basis for my business. However, the house operator is scripted to forward you to the 800 number.

If you do a lot of large group and event stuff you'll deal with them. Say you're a convention or event that has 99% of the hotel blocked off and want to allocate club floors for your own VIPs. The Starwood call centers just can't handle that well, but in house staff does.

Yes and no. The function is still there. I don't think they are staffed like they used to be, and I'm pretty sure there is a new title, but it's same people, basically doing the same core things for the property. I talk to several offices on a regular basis for my business. However, the house operator is scripted to forward you to the 800 number.

If you do a lot of large group and event stuff you'll deal with them. Say you're a convention or event that has 99% of the hotel blocked off and want to allocate club floors for your own VIPs. The Starwood call centers just can't handle that well, but in house staff does.

IIRC, what you are describing sounds like the "sales dept." not "in house reservations".

If I call a property to modify my reservation, I always ask using a phrase something like, "can you transfer me to in house reservations NOT the general call center" at that point they will say, "sure" or "we (this property) does not have a reservations department, but maybe the front desk/a front desk agent can help you."

It's all in how you ask. If you don't guide the person on the phone in the right direction they are going to automatically direct you to the 800 call center.

Never ended up hearing from the hotel when I contacted them via email. I am going to try (a dangerous) experiment. I am going to see if they ended up getting my request when I check-in later today. :)

[COLOR="Navy"][FONT="Tahoma"]IIRC, what you are describing sounds like the "sales dept." not "in house reservations".


I'm not sure about what the department is called anymore or how the divisons may have changed. IIRC most chains have seperate Reservation, Sales, and Front Office divisons. I've never really thought to ask anyone about internal structure.

However the titles I see on the emails are "Reservations Supervisor", "Reservations Coordinator" or "Group Coordinator", which are the same titles I was dealing with when there was in house. I think if you call during the day shift and ask for either a In House Reservations Supervisor or Coordinator you'll should be able to get someone who's very nible with making things happen with reservation system onsite.

Turns out the hotel never had details of the email I sent them. So without a dedicated reservations office, someone who answers emails or a way of changing Internet reservations online, you've gor to rely on a bit of luck. Fortunately, the hotel was pretty empty and was able to accomodate my requests upon check-in.

Turns out the hotel never had details of the email I sent them. So without a dedicated reservations office, someone who answers emails or a way of changing Internet reservations online, you've gor to rely on a bit of luck. Fortunately, the hotel was pretty empty and was able to accomodate my requests upon check-in.

Sorry, but you pricelined. This means, by virtue of what is said on both spg.com and on priceline that you are NOT guaranteed any special requests. I'm not sure I understand why you went to so much trouble knowing these parameters beforehand?? :confused:

You were fortunate that the hotel accommodated you, but I would hate to think how upset you may have gotten if they hadn't. If a particular type of room is important, then why didn't you book through spg?

Sorry, but you pricelined. This means, by virtue of what is said on both spg.com and on priceline that you are NOT guaranteed any special requests. I'm not sure I understand why you went to so much trouble knowing these parameters beforehand?? :confused:

You were fortunate that the hotel accommodated you, but I would hate to think how upset you may have gotten if they hadn't. If a particular type of room is important, then why didn't you book through spg?

Agreed. Priceline can be a great resource when the situation calls for it, but when you have specific requests that are important to you it is not the way to go.

Agreed. Priceline can be a great resource when the situation calls for it, but when you have specific requests that are important to you it is not the way to go.

I don't know if a blanket statement should really be used in this manner. If your request is a non-smoking room, or late arrival, that is one thing. However, if you are requesting your Plat upgrade and gift, that's something totally different. There is a difference between general requests, and those specifically given to an SPG member.

IIRC, the OP was simply stating he wanted 3 things:
1) late checkin
2) non-smoking room
3) possibly better treatment

Nothing out of the ordinary with those requests IMHO.

Cheers,

Adrian

I don't know if a blanket statement should really be used in this manner. If your request is a non-smoking room, or late arrival, that is one thing. However, if you are requesting your Plat upgrade and gift, that's something totally different. There is a difference between general requests, and those specifically given to an SPG member.

IIRC, the OP was simply stating he wanted 3 things:
1) late checkin
2) non-smoking room
3) possibly better treatment

Nothing out of the ordinary with those requests IMHO.

Cheers,

Adrian

OP is Gold and according to Priceline on its front page as well as Starwood, one of the "disadvantages" of Priceline is that you cannot expect any special treatment, or special room due to the low cost.

Sorry, but you pricelined. This means, by virtue of what is said on both spg.com and on priceline that you are NOT guaranteed any special requests. I'm not sure I understand why you went to so much trouble knowing these parameters beforehand?? :confused:

Because most of the better hotels honor such requests for priceline stays. I just completed a 4N stay at the Hilton Salt Lake City ($58/nt via priceline). Upgraded room plus lounge access with free breakfast and hhour food for myself and my buddies (who also had pricelined rooms). This type of "priceline treatment" ;) has been pretty consistent for me throughout the Hilton chain and also with Hyatt. ^

Just because you are not "guaranteed" anything doesn't mean that it isn't worth asking for it.

You were fortunate that the hotel accommodated you, but I would hate to think how upset you may have gotten if they hadn't. If a particular type of room is important, then why didn't you book through spg?

Fortunate that he got a non-smoking room? (which is supposedly requested by priceline and is guaranteed at all Westins and Marriotts)

Fortunate he got late checkin (which is also supposedly guaranteed by priceline)

Give me a break. As noted above, none of that is special treatment, not even at the lowest Motel 6. :rolleyes:

But you are right about one thing - I find I get consistently shoddy treatment at Starwood (including but not limited to priceline stays) despite Gold or CorpPref status so the expectations shouldn't be too high unless you are fortunate enough to have a job where you can earn Plat .

Because most of the better hotels honor such requests for priceline stays. I just completed a 4N stay at the Hilton Salt Lake City ($58/nt via priceline). Upgraded room plus lounge access with free breakfast and hhour food for myself and my buddies (who also had pricelined rooms). This type of "priceline treatment" ;) has been pretty consistent for me throughout the Hilton chain and also with Hyatt. ^

Just because you are not "guaranteed" anything doesn't mean that it isn't worth asking for it.



Fortunate that he got a non-smoking room? (which is supposedly requested by priceline and is guaranteed at all Westins and Marriotts)

Fortunate he got late checkin (which is also supposedly guaranteed by priceline)

Give me a break. As noted above, none of that is special treatment, not even at the lowest Motel 6. :rolleyes:

But you are right about one thing - I find I get consistently shoddy treatment at Starwood (including but not limited to priceline stays) despite Gold or CorpPref status so the expectations shouldn't be too high unless you are fortunate enough to have a job where you can earn Plat .

All Westins are non-smoking as are most of the Marriotts these days

Not all of us have jobs that get us Platinum status - many of us earn it through personal travel/pay out of our pockets.

I just pricelined this last week and had a horrific experience at a Hyatt. However; I figured that I don't really have a right to complain since other rooms were going for $250+ per night and the priceline room was $110.

One thing that's been consistent now for many years running is Starwood's clear corporate direction that there is to be NO recognition of SPG status for opaque/PL/Hotwire stays.

I realize that other hotels' policies differ and that each individual property may opt to offer additional amenities. But, it's been fairly strongly communicated time and again from Starwood that they encourage properties not to honor any of the SPG benefits for opaque bookings.

I neither defend nor argue against that policy. It doesn't affect me in any way. I don't do PL stays. However, I will say that I find it completely fair; particularly given their consistent communication of said policy.

One thing that's been consistent now for many years running is Starwood's clear corporate direction that there is to be NO recognition of SPG status for opaque/PL/Hotwire stays.

I realize that other hotels' policies differ and that each individual property may opt to offer additional amenities. But, it's been fairly strongly communicated time and again from Starwood that they encourage properties not to honor any of the SPG benefits for opaque bookings.

I neither defend nor argue against that policy. It doesn't affect me in any way. I don't do PL stays. However, I will say that I find it completely fair; particularly given their consistent communication of said policy.

Thank you! This is eloquent and what I was trying to say (in a clumsy sort of way).

I want to add my SPG gold # to the record (for incidentals; and in advance, on the off chance of better treatment), as well as let the hotel I will be arriving late and would like a non-smoking room.

Maybe you read what was quoted differently that I, but it seems to me as though he wants to acrue points for incidentals, is hoping for better treatment due to his status (but acknowledges it being an "off chance") and wishes to make requests anybody would make at any hotel, regardless of how they booked it or where they are staying or hotel chain status. Even according to Priceline...

From the Priceline T&C's:
"Priceline requests that our hotel partners provide non-smoking rooms to our Name Your Own Price ® customers; however, as is standard hotel industry practice, room assignments are based on hotel availability and are at a hotel's discretion. Some hotel properties may even be smoke-free. If you require a non-smoking room or a smoking room, you may contact your hotel directly. All special requests are based on availability and at the discretion of the hotel."

As well as:
"Late Check-in: As with any hotel reservation, we suggest that you contact the hotel if you plan to arrive late in the day. If you are going to be delayed or find that you cannot check-in to your hotel on the date you requested, you should contact the hotel to let them know. If you don't check-in to the hotel on the first day of your reservation, and you do not alert the hotel in advance, the remaining portion of your reservation will be canceled and you will not be entitled to a refund. Calling the hotel to make them aware of the delay will help to secure your room."

Cheers,

Adrian

Will I still be getting SPG Gold Benefits (e.g. late check out until 4pm; upgrade to club room) if I booked a hotel room via priceline.com? I know for sure it was stated on their Membership Terms & Conditions that I cannot earn Starwood points for booking through a third-party website, but I am not sure about SPG Gold Benefits.

Anyone has a clue?

In general, the answer is no as you are not paying a qualifying rate and the T & C's specify this:

Gold Preferred Guests are not eligible for any in-hotel benefits when booking pre-paid rates through pre-paid channels, such as, but not limited to, the channels listed in the definition of Eligible Rate; however Gold Members will earn Starpoints on Eligible Charges made during the stay. Since these prepaid rates do not meet the definition of an Eligible Rate, no Starpoints will be earned on the pre-paid rates and these nights to not count as Eligible Nights when calculating the Gold Minimum Requirement.

But YMMV as some properties may still offer some of the benefits...you should just not have any expectation for them to do so as they are not required to.

The above paragraph quoted by Matt-KC is in Section 4B.10 of the Ts and Cs - I think every SPG member should have the T & C link saved in their browser's Bookmarks or Favorites:

http://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/terms_conditions.html

In general, the answer is no as you are not paying a qualifying rate....

That is correct! However, I got upgraded rooms at some Le Meridian hotels in Europe with PL reservations.... I guess they were not aware of the Starwood rules:D

My question has been answered.

I booked a room at Westin DFW via Priceline (7/4-7/5). I was upgraded to one of the corner suites on the top floor (#1542). Got late check-out until 4pm, and even got SPG points credit into my account! :D I guess I was lucky.

Gotta love those double-headed shower and 2 plasma TV's in that room!

Gotta love that YMMV... :D

To my surprise I received credit for my first ever Starwood stay (SF Market St), which I booked through Hotwire. I paid around $99/night for two rooms for two nights, including taxes (~$460 all in). After the stay I was credited 360 points twice. I am confused. Maybe the rate was actually $90/room and I got double points for using my Starwood Amex?

To my surprise I received credit for my first ever Starwood stay (SF Market St), which I booked through Hotwire. I paid around $99/night for two rooms for two nights, including taxes (~$460 all in). After the stay I was credited 360 points twice. I am confused. Maybe the rate was actually $90/room and I got double points for using my Starwood Amex?

Starwood Amex does earn you double points on Starwood Stays.

To my surprise I received credit for my first ever Starwood stay (SF Market St), which I booked through Hotwire. I paid around $99/night for two rooms for two nights, including taxes (~$460 all in). After the stay I was credited 360 points twice. I am confused. Maybe the rate was actually $90/room and I got double points for using my Starwood Amex?

Now if they could just get Spg.com stays and welcome amenity points to post so well.
Maybe Hotwire could help Starwood :D

When booking a room thru priceline are you still able to recieve Gold and Plat Upgrades?

I called the hotel to add my Gold # to my reservation and was told they couldnt do it becuase I booked on priceline. Is this typicall? Wonder why a res agent would say this? I work in the industry and am always more then accommodating with peoples request to add there account numbers...

So what are the odds of getting a room upgrade 6/20-6/23 in a mostly business weekday hotel in the heart of downtown LA - Westin Bonaventure

Or with Priceline, am I just a Red Head Step Child to them? I wish the agents didnt see the rate the guest was paying, why treat me differnt then the guys thats wasnt smart enough to shop for a good room rate

When booking a room thru priceline are you still able to recieve Gold and Plat Upgrades?

I called the hotel to add my Gold # to my reservation and was told they couldnt do it becuase I booked on priceline. Is this typicall? Wonder why a res agent would say this? I work in the industry and am always more then accommodating with peoples request to add there account numbers...

There is no functionality built into the reservation system that would allow an associate to alter a Priceline reservation in any fashion whatsoever.

So what are the odds of getting a room upgrade 6/20-6/23 in a mostly business weekday hotel in the heart of downtown LA - Westin Bonaventure...

That would depend upon the generosity of the hotel at check-in; however, they are not obligated to offer in-hotel benefits on pre-paid stays, such as Priceline bookings.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Would it be smart to call the GM before my arrival and let him know I am comming to Purpose to my girlfriend and am a Gold Member?

Or just smile and mention this upon checkin?

Would it be smart to call the GM before my arrival and let him know I am comming to Purpose to my girlfriend and am a Gold Member?

Or just smile and mention this upon checkin?

Why? If you book via priceline (please see the spg T&Cs) you're not entitled to any SPG member benefits, period.

EDIT: to add here's a comprehensive priceline discussion thread.
SPG and Priceline [Master Thread] (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=709378)

$75.00 on priceline vs $129.00 direct is a savings of over $150.00 during my trip.

Im not here for point collecting, just like to travel and get great deals.. Maybe I posted int he wrong form

Would it be smart to call the GM before my arrival and let him know I am comming to Purpose to my girlfriend and am a Gold Member?

Or just smile and mention this upon checkin?

never mind, just realized pre-arrival point UG might not be possible on PL booking.

I've found it hit or miss on upgrades while on a PL stay. I've gotten them sometimes and sometimes not.

The best I did was the Westin in Maui on a PL stay. I VERY nicely asked if I could get an upgrade (I mentioned that it was my first trip to Maui -true) and the kind agent gave me a double upgrade to from a GV to a POV. I was gold at the time.

Asking nicely helps but sometimes there are no upgrades to pass on. I would (if possible) mention that it's a special occasion when you check in to see if that tips the scales.

Good luck and I hope she says yes^

You do have the ability to earn SPG points for eligible incidental spend, so you certainly should provide your number on check-in.

This works in you favor in the sense that, with very little fuss or effort, it establishes you as a Gold member and it lets the clerk know that you know the rules re: no points for the room charge and no stay credit.

Also, try to establish some rapport with the clerk - maybe mention that you saw the hotel in XXX movie or TV show, something like that. If you decide to mention the impending proposl, have a photo in your wallet or your shirt pocket ready to show ;)

At this point, nicely ask about an upgrade, and cross your fingers.

Best of luck, both in getting the upgrade and in the proposal. :)

Would it be smart to call the GM before my arrival and let him know I am comming to Purpose to my girlfriend and am a Gold Member?

Or just smile and mention this upon checkin?

A simple email to the property should suffice. Something simple that indicates that you're giving them a heads-up in hopes that they'll be able to make sure your stay is a special and memorable (POSITIVELY, hopefully :) ) one!

A simple email to the property should suffice. Something simple that indicates that you're giving them a heads-up in hopes that they'll be able to make sure your stay is a special and memorable (POSITIVELY, hopefully :) ) one!

I think that suggestion is ridiculous (this is not an insult to the poster or being rude) as SPG is a loyalty program and you should not be rewarded for using priceline. Where is the loyalty in that? In addition, upgrades are based on the time of check-in, although we know many properties try to pre book.

I don't care how much you spent or what your status is this year, last year, the year before that and so-on-and-so forth, blah, blah, blah! This "upgrade" could potentially affect a spg member who booked via the appropriate channels. Then what do you know, we have members posting here, saying things like, "I've been platinum for years and I never get upgraded." etc.

If you want upgrades, book via the proper channels. Period.

Oh, I forgot to mention this in my other post: Since the Bonaventure is a 1500 room convention-oriented hotel, I took a peek at the LA Convention Center Calendar. It looks like you sandwiched your stay between the International Rotary Convention (6/15-6/18) and the Obstretic and NeoNatal Nurses Convention (6/22-6/24). Although I suspect that the Rotary group is quite a bit larger than the medical group, you might want to keep in mind that a potentially large group is going to be checking in the day after your arrival.

Why take chances on a room when you're going to propose??

Why take chances on a room when you're going to propose??

That's my thought too. Hopefully this is a once in a lifetime type of thing. Splurge for the room if you want something nice. Why risk having a closet of a room if this is important to you? :confused:

Why? If you book via priceline (please see the spg T&Cs) you're not entitled to any SPG member benefits, period.


Why? Why not?
Nothing to loose. Why not ask? cf:


That would depend upon the generosity of the hotel at check-in; however, they are not obligated to offer in-hotel benefits on pre-paid stays, such as Priceline bookings.


Crystal clear situation - no upgrade entitlement but no harm in asking.

I think that suggestion is ridiculous (this is not an insult to the poster or being rude) as SPG is a loyalty program and you should not be rewarded for using priceline. Where is the loyalty in that? In addition, upgrades are based on the time of check-in, although we know many properties try to pre book.

I don't care how much you spent or what your status is this year, last year, the year before that and so-on-and-so forth, blah, blah, blah! This "upgrade" could potentially affect a spg member who booked via the appropriate channels. Then what do you know, we have members posting here, saying things like, "I've been platinum for years and I never get upgraded." etc.

If you want upgrades, book via the proper channels. Period.

:eek: Oh dear....

As we all know Plats/Golds are upgraded through a rigorous process involving SPG, daily VIP upgrade lists etc. etc. ;)

If there happen to be any "upgraded" rooms still available by the time the OP is checking in there is absolutely no harm in asking.

I think that suggestion is ridiculous (this is not an insult to the poster or being rude) as SPG is a loyalty program and you should not be rewarded for using priceline. Where is the loyalty in that? In addition, upgrades are based on the time of check-in, although we know many properties try to pre book.

I don't care how much you spent or what your status is this year, last year, the year before that and so-on-and-so forth, blah, blah, blah! This "upgrade" could potentially affect a spg member who booked via the appropriate channels. Then what do you know, we have members posting here, saying things like, "I've been platinum for years and I never get upgraded." etc.

If you want upgrades, book via the proper channels. Period.

I was simply suggesting that the OP email the property letting them know that it's a special occasion. Where's the harm in that? Many hotels will offer upgrades or an amenity who they know are celebrating an anniversary, a wedding night, a birthday, or who knows what else.

It's up to the hotel's discretion what (and if anything) they decide to offer. But upgrades (as most of us know) can be given for a whole whack of reasons, whether they be official (SPG, Virtuoso, etc.) or unofficial (the Front Desk agent thought you looked really friendly, the hotel oversold on Standard rooms and upgraded you to a Suite, etc.)

I'm sure that there are plenty of instances where the hotel may be inclined - not obligated - to upgrade a guest, even if (seeing how this is the SPG forum...) they're not a SPG Gold or Plat, or *gasp* even a SPG member at all!

I'm sticking with:
A) if you want benefits book through the appropriate channels
AND
b) if you want a special room, book it!

I agree that there is no harm in asking. Even with a priceline booking, the hotel still has an incentive to make your stay as nice as possible. After a priceline stay at one SPG hotel, we now usually choose to book directly to insure that your stay will be at this hotel, not a competitor. -- Suzanne

AS SPG's policy states " No Elite benefits are given for PL stays" (not sure how it exactly states), people should not expect the elite benefits when they made reservation through PL, and hotels should not give the benefits to the people with PL reservations.

I stay through PL when I do not need the ELITE benefits. And I do not attempt to put my # on the reservation.

Even though I was given an upgrade when they do not know my status, it is not certainly an elite benefit. (This is what PL stay whould expect!!!)

when I need the benefits, I book the room through SPG.COM.

I can often find a hotel that I want at much better rate at PL of HOTWIRE, but I do not always go for PL or Hotwire.

Please note I don't travel very often and I have very little to no clue how SPG works. Anyway...

I booked a trip through Priceline at a Westin hotel for later this month. That's when I remembered, "Hey, I have a Starwood account!" Is it possible for me to gain Starwood points with my stay? And if so... What steps do I need to take? I am browsing through the web-site and there doesn't seem to e an option...

Welcome to FT!

Officially, it doesn't happen. Unofficially, some people get lucky...

Welcome to FT!

Officially, it doesn't happen. Unofficially, some people get lucky...

Thanks! Was just curious if it was possible. :)

I read this post and LMAO.

I am SPG aGold and Marriott Silver and I have used Priceline for every trip I've taken. Each time I have been upgraded to a suite, a full oceanfront room or mountainside suite. I've never been given the ground level parking lot view EVER. I've always been in rooms that run $300+ and have never booked over $120/night (that price was for the Marriott Vail and we got a $400/night mountain view suite with a balcony and kitchen).

Aruba, Vail, Hilton Head, Las Vegas, Fort Lauderdale ... all resorts, all upgrades

Maybe I'm lucky but I'll take it ... always ask and if the place is not sold out I bet you'll get the upgrade. I never asked I was just told I was getting upgraded. Naturally being friendly and conversational at check in helps.

Hello, I managed to book a cheap hotel on Priceline with a SPG property. Would I still be able to receive elite benefits as a platinum member? Would it be helpful if I call the hotel to register my status/membership details? Thanks a lot...

Hello, I managed to book a cheap hotel on Priceline with a SPG property. Would I still be able to receive elite benefits as a platinum member? Would it be helpful if I call the hotel to register my status/membership details? Thanks a lot...

NO. You're NOT eligible for any benefits, points or stay credit.

FAQ: SPG and Priceline (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/709378-faq-spg-priceline.html)

You mean, "You're NOT eligible..." ;)

Thanks. Fixed. LOL ^

Hi all! I used priceline and bid the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. As my knowledge, since it is booked through priceline (at a very low price:D), upon check in the front desk will give me the most standard room. Also, I do have SPG points (around 10000) and I know that you can use SPG points to upgrade your room. Do you think I can ask during check in whether I can use points to upgrade my priceline standard room?

Thanks!

Hi all! I used priceline and bid the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. As my knowledge, since it is booked through priceline (at a very low price:D), upon check in the front desk will give me the most standard room. Also, I do have SPG points (around 10000) and I know that you can use SPG points to upgrade your room. Do you think I can ask during check in whether I can use points to upgrade my priceline standard room?

Thanks!

Officially, No. But it never hurts to ask!!

There is no question that you can ask. Whether they give it to you depends on availability and other factors.

Yep, just ask like others have responded here.

Of course, your priceline reservation is void of any spg association, so let us know how it goes.

Hi all! I used priceline and bid the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. As my knowledge, since it is booked through priceline (at a very low price:D), upon check in the front desk will give me the most standard room. Also, I do have SPG points (around 10000) and I know that you can use SPG points to upgrade your room. Do you think I can ask during check in whether I can use points to upgrade my priceline standard room?

Thanks!

... and welcome to FT! :)

Hi all! I used priceline and bid the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. As my knowledge, since it is booked through priceline (at a very low price:D), upon check in the front desk will give me the most standard room. Also, I do have SPG points (around 10000) and I know that you can use SPG points to upgrade your room. Do you think I can ask during check in whether I can use points to upgrade my priceline standard room?

Thanks!

msu_gera, welcome to FT. :)

The Starwood forum is very well organized. The mods have created and FAQ thread that list FAQ's on various Starwood/SPG related topics. Priceline & third party bookings is a much discussed topic.

FAQ: SPG and Priceline (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/709378-faq-spg-priceline.html)

It's preferred that you go to the FAQ thread and then opening up the "master threads" of the property in question. You can then post/ask any additional questions you have there. This way information stays organized.

Being new here I suggest using that thread as a resource as mostly likely any question you have has already been asked and answered numerous times. It's pretty hard to find a topic or hotel (excluding newly opened properties) that has not been discussed here in the SPG/Starwood forum. The Everything you want to know about SPG status thread is a must read.

Welcome again and after your stay, make sure to come back and give us a trip report.

[COLOR="DarkGreen"]
mBeing new here I suggest .....



:rolleyes:


I suggest searching, as search always works!

:rolleyes:

Hi all! I used priceline and bid the Westin Harbour Castle in Toronto. As my knowledge, since it is booked through priceline (at a very low price:D), upon check in the front desk will give me the most standard room. Also, I do have SPG points (around 10000) and I know that you can use SPG points to upgrade your room. Do you think I can ask during check in whether I can use points to upgrade my priceline standard room?

Thanks!
Have you completed your stay there yet?
I needed a cheap one-night room in Toronto because even though I have SPG Plat' status I'm arriving at something like 2a.m. so I figured I'd try Priceline It gave me the Harbour Castle at £48.17 (UK Pounds) all-in from the UK site of course. I can't really see that it'll make too much of a difference to forgo the Plat benefits for such a brief stay but who knows?

I have SPG Gold courtesy of the American Express Platinum Charge Card but have never used it before. My wife and I had some Hotwire Dollars to burn, so we booked two separate rooms for ourselves and teenage child at the Edinburgh Sheraton Grand. (I was pretty sure I was going to get the Sheraton from betterbidding.com)

I emailed the hotel in advance to ask them to link the two bookings, requested adjoining rooms if possible, and explained that I understood no benefits were to be expected but told them my status and card number anyway.

On check-in we were most pleasantly surprised to be upgraded to adjoining rooms on the Club Floor, with Club access for all. A late check-out was no problem.

Very pleased. Ask nicely and you may receive.

Hey there guys, got a bit of a sneaky way that I was wondering if would work, to cancel a Priceline reservation. In their hotel guarantee, it says, "We guarantee that you'll always purchase a quality hotel when you Name Your Own Price®. If the hotel you purchase does not match our promise below, just call us before your check-in date and we'll change or cancel your hotel reservations at no charge.", and one of those things that is listed below, is "our hotel will be star-rated by priceline according to our rigorous rating system. This means that our hotel staff has researched your hotel, reviewed customer comments and compared star ratings assigned by other rating services. The hotel you get will meet priceline's strict quality standards."

Well, I have stayed at the Westin Nova Scotian several times, and I've had little things going wrong each time, but I didn't know if it was blown up to seem bigger than it was, if I could get them to cancel it, so I could book right through the hotel (it's not much more cost wise, I'll get within two nights of my Gold status, and I'll get more Amtrak Guest Rewards points :p).

The first time, the air-conditioner was dripping in to a small bucket, and ended up leaking, soaking about three feet of carpet, from the window to the bed. I think the dresser was also chipped or cracked, if I remember correctly. Then the next time, I actually got a junior suite at a price of $199 (instead of $349) per night, just by e-mailing a sales manager and asking for a discount. We showed up early around 2pm, and the room wasn't available. That was fine, since we wanted to go out and eat, so we put our luggage in storage, and went out until maybe 4:30 or 5. Came back, and the room still wasn't available, and we had to wait until maybe 5:30 for it. We were suppose to have turndown service and free bottled water, which we only got maybe two out of the seven nights, if we were lucky. And the a/c and hot water worked poorly.


I know it sounds like I hate the hotel, but I actually do love it. My complaints aren't made up, they are real. It wouldn't actually keep me from staying there again, but my question is, would Priceline know the difference?

If anyone has any experience with this, let me know, I'm curious to know my chances before I call.

Hey there guys, got a bit of a sneaky way that I was wondering if would work, to cancel a Priceline reservation...

IME, Priceline, Hotwire, Expedia...any 3rd party is a b&%@# to cancel. They will make you run around in circles telling you to call the hotel, then the hotel will tell you to call Priceline - it could go on for days. Your best bet is to just call them and ask them to cancel. They are the only ones who have enough authority to do so, but I generally don't suggest being sneaky to do so. Just be honest, and tell them your past experience and ask if they will cancel. If not, there's nothing you can really do. Knowing the T&C prior to booking is the customer's responsibility. Good luck

Hey there guys, got a bit of a sneaky way that I was wondering if would work, to cancel a Priceline reservation.

I think you first task will be to figure out priceline's voice prompt system :rolleyes:

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

Just a quick update. I've actually sent an e-mail to a reservation manager who got me a sweet deal on a junior suite before ($199 a night, instead of $350), and asked right up front if it was possible for them to cancel. I told her I had a rate of $75 a night, but I'd be willing to pay a combo of promotional rates (that would average out to about $100 a night), because it'd get me within 5 days of my gold status, and if I was that close, I'd squeeze in extra days just to get my status. (And all this is the truth.)

She knows I will follow through with the new booking, since out of the maybe 15 hotels in the city, her's is the only one I'll stay at any more (I think I've proved that. Out of my five stays in the city since '07, I've stayed at her's every time.)

If this doesn't go through, I may try to follow up with Priceline, but I don't suspect I'll have to. If you think about it, what hotel wouldn't take the extra money now, and guarantee more money down the road?

I was trying to check my new PL reservation (using confirmation number) on westin.com (few hours ago and few minutes ago), but always error message was displayed:

We're Sorry

The system is temporarily unavailable. For assistance, please call 866-500-8320 in the U.S. or Canada. Residents of all other countries, please see our Worldwide Reservations Offices .

Thank you. We apologize for any inconvenience.

Spg.com is even stranger: it displays blank page.

It is typical for PL reservations?

I was trying to check my new PL reservation (using confirmation number) on westin.com (few hours ago and few minutes ago), but always error message was displayed:



Spg.com is even stranger: it displays blank page.

It is typical for PL reservations?

Hi luki_73,

Thank you for notifying us.

There might be an outage yesterday so we are looking into it.

Will update you if we receive any news.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

I was getting the same problem over the weekend. I made the reservation on Friday with Priceline... and still could not see the reservation on Saturday on SPG.com. I kept getting the blank page.

I was trying to check my new PL reservation (using confirmation number) on westin.com (few hours ago and few minutes ago), but always error message was displayed:



Spg.com is even stranger: it displays blank page.

It is typical for PL reservations?

I was getting the same problem over the weekend. I made the reservation on Friday with Priceline... and still could not see the reservation on Saturday on SPG.com. I kept getting the blank page.

I asked Starwood's representative on it's on-line chat. She told me that it was connected with illegal letter C in the confirmation number. She send me e-mail with confirmation and did some magick trick with it. Now omitting letter C works fine (it previously didn't work for me).

Try to type the number without letters. Maybe it will work for you without contacting with Starwood.

Best regards!