Starwood Preferred Guest - Booking or Arrival? What determines Platinum?

Hello all....

I wont be making Platinum for next year.

Im curious about booking with a Starwood Property. My Platinum membership shows valid to Feb 29 2008, but I will not be Platinum when arriving for a stay in March 2008.

Just out of luck? I know that with Hilton, many times the status at the time of booking skews the reservation to look like, say 'diamond' vs. 'Gold'

Thanks for your thoughts.....

You will not be a Platinum, the systems are upgraded appropriately and if you're not a Platinum in March then the system will not recognize you as such.