Starwood Preferred Guest - Westin Tokyo - No availability in March/April 2008?

I tried to book a paid room for the Westin in Tokyo for March/April 2008 and it is sold out - I know it is the Spring Blossoms and also running into Golden Week. But to not have any dates for a two month period this far in advance is interesting.

Should I have just booked earlier or is there something going on?

I tried to book a paid room for the Westin in Tokyo for March/April 2008 and it is sold out - I know it is the Spring Blossoms and also running into Golden Week. But to not have any dates for a two month period this far in advance is interesting.

Should I have just booked earlier or is there something going on?

They apparently have not yet loaded rates for most of 2008. Strange, but I confirmed this with a call to SPG a week or two ago. You *can* book award rooms, though. The SPG people have no idea and no control over when the rates get loaded; they just suggested calling back frequently.

I just booked two stays there in May so the rates must have been posted :)

They apparently have not yet loaded rates for most of 2008. Strange, but I confirmed this with a call to SPG a week or two ago. You *can* book award rooms, though. The SPG people have no idea and no control over when the rates get loaded; they just suggested calling back frequently.
I am also running into this issues for a lot of middle of 2008 at SPG hotels.

I had the same problem. I was able to get an award stay at the Westin, but decided to book at the Sheraton Miyako. The rates there are very good and the locations are close. I do not think the Miyako has a lounge though, but am not sure.