Starwood Preferred Guest - Why Can't Stays at Non-SPG Hotels still Count towards Status?

I'm curious, even if the hotels don't give points is there a reason that SPG should not count the stays at non-participating hotels (i.e - The Lanesborough) towards qualifying nights for Gold/Platinum status?

After all, I am patronizing a Starwood hotel. It seems like I should at least get recognition towards status levels?

I couldn't find any discussion specific to this, but am curious from William and others why this couldn't be done?

Again, there is no cost to the hotel as I am not being awarded points.

Again, there is no cost to the hotel as I am not being awarded points.

There is a "stay" cost to the hotel, as well as a "points" cost.

I'm curious, even if the hotels don't give points is there a reason that SPG should not count the stays at non-participating hotels (i.e - The Lanesborough) towards qualifying nights for Gold/Platinum status?

After all, I am patronizing a Starwood hotel. It seems like I should at least get recognition towards status levels?

I couldn't find any discussion specific to this, but am curious from William and others why this couldn't be done?

Again, there is no cost to the hotel as I am not being awarded points.

I guess I'm confused. The hotel is non-participating in the program, so why should you be able to earn status in a program that the hotel does not participate in?

Other than this, the only way for a stay to be eligible is for the room rental revenue to be credited to your account. If that doesn't happen, there is no eligible stay.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

As I look at SPG, it is a program owned and operated by Starwood Hotels to engender loyalty to Starwood.

There are two elements to the program - points which can be redeemed for benefits - and tier status - Gold and Platinum - which provide enhanced service for members

Some hotels that are part of Starwood choose not participate - my belief is that is because of the cost of the points based on revenue spent or airline miles? Whether or not that stay counts towards my Gold or Platinum status would have no cost to the hotel as long as I'm not earning points or miles they have to pay for.

At the same time it would help me focus on reaching either Gold or Platinum if it counted as a qualifying stay.

It would seem like this would be a win-win. The non-participating hotels don't have a cost to SPG when I stay, but I still get tier status credit for my loyalty choosing Starwood (as opposed to another non-Starwood hotel).

Does this make sense or am I missing something?

...Does this make sense or am I missing something?

Just the second part...stays with no room rental revenue reported are not eligible stays and the only way for a hotel to be able to report eligible room rental revenue is to participate in the program.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Let's ask a bigger question. Why are hotels which do not participate in SPG allowed to market themselves as "Starwood" properties? They are not, as far as I'm concerned.

Why are they bookable via spg.com? Why does one have to pay extra-special attention to notice that they are, in fact, not part of the program?

It stinks.

:mad:

Let's ask a bigger question....

Let's not, but say that we did. ;) After all, it has been asked/answered, cussed and discussed to death. :)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Let's not, but say that we did. ;) After all, it has been asked/answered, cussed and discussed to death. :)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I think you gave me a good spin move, but thanks for your quick answers.

I am sure it could be programmed that it was a revenue stay, but no revenue credited as the hotel does not participate in SPG however it would still qualify as a "stay"

BA actually does the reverse. Certain low fares don't earn Tier Points even though they earn miles.

PS - Actually at an SPG qualifying hotel in ZRH now :)

Ask me how I just KNEW that BA the world most progressive, innovative, customer and class friendly, travel entity in the history of mankind was going to be brought into this discussion sooner or later?;)

mike

Ask me how I just KNEW that BA the world most progressive, innovative, customer and class friendly, travel entity in the history of mankind was going to be brought into this discussion sooner or later?;)

mike

HuH, what are you talking about - I never said anything of the kind??? :confused::rolleyes:

I definitely agree with elitetraveler in that it's illogical that a hotel be part of the Starwood brand but not a participant in SPG. I do think it makes sense to be able to book any Starwood hotel from the site but it really doesn't make sense that all Starwood hotels are not SPG members. So, the bigger question, why don't all Starwood hotels participate in SPG?

I definitely agree with elitetraveler in that it's illogical that a hotel be part of the Starwood brand but not a participant in SPG. I do think it makes sense to be able to book any Starwood hotel from the site but it really doesn't make sense that all Starwood hotels are not SPG members. So, the bigger question, why don't all Starwood hotels participate in SPG?
There are numerous threads on this subject, and as William said above, Let's not, but say that we did. ;) After all, it has been asked/answered, cussed and discussed to death. ;)

For example, take a look at the following thread, which became so heated that it ended up being closed:

Parker Meridien NYC = No Points? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=688872)

There are numerous threads on this subject, and as William said above,

For example, take a look at the following thread, which became so heated that it ended up being closed:

Parker Meridien NYC = No Points? (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=688872)

SPG hotels which do not give points shouldnt be part of the SPG Family.

and i would never stay at any of these hotels.

i still agree that a stay count would be great, but on the other hand if we earn the stays in a property which does not participate in the spg program, the participating hotels have to give benefits to customers which have earned them in non-particitipating hotels...

spg should drop these hotels, if they dont participate in the SPG program.

dp

SPG hotels which do not give points shouldnt be part of the SPG Family.

and i would never stay at any of these hotels.

i still agree that a stay count would be great, but on the other hand if we earn the stays in a property which does not participate in the spg program, the participating hotels have to give benefits to customers which have earned them in non-particitipating hotels...

spg should drop these hotels, if they dont participate in the SPG program.

dp

I agree. The hotels should either choose to be part of the Starwood brand or not. SPG is part of the Starwood brand.

I definitely agree with elitetraveler in that it's illogical that a hotel be part of the Starwood brand but not a participant in SPG. I do think it makes sense to be able to book any Starwood hotel from the site but it really doesn't make sense that all Starwood hotels are not SPG members. So, the bigger question, why don't all Starwood hotels participate in SPG?

Of course you do know dont you, that the situation is by now means unique to SPG? There are properties in the Hilton and I believe Marriott systems that do not participate in their respective programs.

mike

spg should drop these hotels, if they dont participate in the SPG program.
Why? Just because customers don't like it? :confused:

No doubt Starwood receives a lot of revenue from these hotels. I suppose Starwood should just cut off their nose to spite their face? Oh, never mind, they won't collect all that money from the hotels after all? I suspect there are contracts already in place with these hotels, which Starwood can't just change unilaterally. @:-)

Anyhow, this is an endless argument. Lots and lots of people complain about the non-participation. I don't really think Starwood cares, other than to try to make it clearer to people when they book a reservation that the hotel does not participate.