Starwood Preferred Guest - Design Your Own 2008 SPG Card (merged threads)

Just got this in my inbox. It allows you to select what image you want to appear on your SPG card. Thought it was pretty cool ^

Select your own member card by 3 February.

We have exciting news that you'll be able to carry with you throughout the year. Because you qualified for Platinum status, you have the opportunity to create your own member card for the first time ever.

Think about your style, personality, dream destinations and where your elite status might take you among our more than 860 distinctive properties worldwide. Then choose the member card by 3 February, 2008, that best reflects your future travel aspirations.

Just got email confirmation...

YOUR MEMBERSHIP KIT AND NEW MEMBER CARD WILL ARRIVE SOON.

Congratulations! Your 2008 Platinum Preferred Guest(R)
membership kit will arrive within 4-6 weeks along with
your newly designed member card.

I selected Le Méridien Bora Bora.

What did you select?

Same-same, this is pretty cool. When it gets things right, SPG is a great program. Otherwise ...

I selected the Regis, of course.

Apparently Plats can now design their own membership cards.

From an e-mail I received today from SPG:

"We have exciting news that you'll be able to carry with you throughout the year. Because you qualified for Platinum status, you have the opportunity to create your own member card for the first time ever.

Think about your style, personality, dream destinations and where your elite status might take you among our more than 860 distinctive properties worldwide. Then choose the member card by February 3, 2008, that best reflects your future travel aspirations."

I would include the link but it seems it's personalized for every e-mail.

Just got the e-mail as well. Leaning toward LM Bora Bora or W Maldives.

For those who are curious about the design of the 2008 cards, they're online at: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/platinum_preferred.html

W Maldives
although it would be pretty cool if you could upload your own picture.

No email here, but then again us Europeans might not get this. To be honest I'd make do with any card as it has been two years since they last sent me one. Lucky you don't usually need to show them!

That said, I hope I do get this through as it looks pretty cool. ^

LM Bora-Bora, though I really struggled and almost went with W Maldives. Figure I'm more likely to actually make it to Bora Bora with Mrs. Gatorboy as soon as kids are a little older.

I'm surprised that they didn't have more of the European properties. I probably would have chosen Venice.

Since they didn't have one of my fav European places (Sardinia and Crete were the only choices and we haven't been to either yet) we chose a destination that we soon will travel to-Bora Bora.


I like this idea. Thanks Starwood ^

Living trail-side I chose the St Regis, Aspen.

I'm not going to be a platinum anymore... :(

What?!?!? No Sheraton 4 Points - Tuscaloosa, AL?

Very cool idea, and great execution of it. ^

Next time I'd like to see more W's & more Europe, but I'm sure its a huge deal to organize the photo rights, etc.

I chose Le Méridien Fisherman's Cove, Mahé, Seychelles, just because it created such a beautiful overall result on the card..

My favorite of the photos was St Regis, Aspen, but it didn't work so well with the design of the card.

LM Bora Bora!! Especially since the actual OWB we stayed in is on the card!

^^^

Great idea, SPG - kudos to marketing on this one.

:D

yawn....

i chose st. regis NYC.

(i considered the email borderline SPAM.)

I did get the email. oh well. I probably wouldn't have responded anyway. As long as I get the benefits that's all I care about

Like the concept and chose Bora Bora.
But believe it is along the SPAM side as the return e-mail suggests some tropical destinations for me.
Will have to keep track of any increase in targeted "tropical suggestions" showing up in my inbox...

No email for me. Is this just for US members??

Wait...
Is this the way SPG came up with to differenciate Plats-via-promotion from hard earned Plats? :p


Just got the following email, clarifying status for next year.
Recently we offered you a complimentary gift of 12 music downloads to represent the Starwood experience and to celebrate our partnership with SONY BMG Music Entertainment. Unfortunately, we recognized your status as Gold rather than your earned status of Platinum. We sincerely apologize for the discrepancy, and please know that our records do correctly reflect your Platinum status.


It should have said:

Recently we offered you a complimentary gift of 12 music downloads to celebrate our partnership with SONY BMG Music Entertainment. Unfortunately, we recognized your status as Gold rather than your earned status of Platinum. We sincerely apologize for the discrepancy, and please know that our records do correctly reflect that you earned your Platinum status via promotion stays rather than earning it outright. We value you as a customer, but happen to value those who earned Platinum status the "hard way" a little bit more. Furthermore, we may have also already mailed your new credentials reflecting Gold status, but ask you to watch your mail a few days later for a special Platinum sticker to put over your Gold card. Please make sure you bring your updated card anytime you check in so that our staff can give you the recognition that you deserve. We apologize for any inconvenience.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=777946

Wait...
Is this the way SPG came up with to differenciate Plats-via-promotion from hard earned Plats? :p



http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=777946

Can we please not "infect this thread" with the constant whining/complaining that happened on teh 50PER thread...would it be appropriate to have this removed as it is certainly off topic?

Nothing here in Germany !

Two hours ago arrived, even in europe:D

Really nice idea^

Like the concept and chose Bora Bora.
But believe it is along the SPAM side as the return e-mail suggests some tropical destinations for me.
Will have to keep track of any increase in targeted "tropical suggestions" showing up in my inbox...


Hmmm... I didn't get any follow-ups. Just the original inviting me to design my own card.


ETA-- I just clicked on the link in the email again to double check that my choice went through and this time instead of taking me to a customized page with my name on a sample card it took me to a page where anybody can plug in their spg number to see if they are eligible. The flashing graphic seems to indicate that it's available for VIPs, Plats and Golds.

Verified-- I just plugged in my husband's gold number and he was offered a customized card. So this if for ALL Elites.

Here is the page that lets you put in your spg number
https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX


Members who qualified for elite status for 2008 are invited to design a member card that fits their style and personality.

To design your card, start by entering your SPG® number:

I just stumbled upon the page that let's you plug in your spg number to see
if you are eligible.

Apparently-- this is valid for VIPs, Plats and Golds if you qualified in 2008.

https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX

Very cool idea, and great execution of it. ^


Oh, come on! It's definitely a great idea, but the execution is terrible. It's just select your own picture. Big deal.

Think of all the options they could have provided. For starters, they could let us choose a thin card for those of us who need to carry a few other things in our wallets. There's much more that could be customized while they're at it.

And I wish they would've explained the purpose of the card.

I would settle for SPG sending card of any design in reasonable time after qualifying. Especially in Asia check-in people can be suspicious if you don't have a card.

I chose Le Méridien Fisherman's Cove, Mahé, Seychelles, just because it resulted in such a beautiful overall result on the card..

I also ended up choosing this one........since like you said, it just looks great.

I have to admit at being a bit surprised that very few US48 options and none from Hawaii were offered...........as I personally would have liked a photo of Waikiki beach with Diamond Head prominently displayed in the background.....perhaps taken from an oceanview suite at the Sheraton Waikiki. ;)

It's too bad that we couldn't submit custom images/photos to 'personalize' our cards........but that might have made things too complicated to implement.

Regardless.....I have to say thanks to SPG for coming up with this.

A.J.

W Maldives!

I was hoping for the FourPoints Midway (Chicago);)... but lacking that dramatic property, I went with second best Bora Bora !!:D

Bora Bora here, too.

However, my input (if they're seeking any) would be to fully utilize the database of all photos of global properties next time they do this.

In other words, instead of pre-selecting 16 properties from which I can choose, let me select the one I'd like out of the *wood portfolio. For instance, I would much prefer to have selected a Mexican Hacienda property and others would have wanted the Westin Paris, Sheraton Maria Isabel, or (like Mauld!) the 4 Points Midway.

That wouldn't be a huge leap forward, would it? I think that would be a way cool enhancement!!

Hrmm... looks like I'm not eligible to create my own card even though I qualified for 2008 Plat.

Hmmm... I didn't get any follow-ups. Just the original inviting me to design my own card.


ETA-- I just clicked on the link in the email again to double check that my choice went through and this time instead of taking me to a customized page with my name on a sample card it took me to a page where anybody can plug in their spg number to see if they are eligible. The flashing graphic seems to indicate that it's available for VIPs, Plats and Golds.

Verified-- I just plugged in my husband's gold number and he was offered a customized card. So this if for ALL Elites.

Here is the page that lets you put in your spg number
https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX


Members who qualified for elite status for 2008 are invited to design a member card that fits their style and personality.

To design your card, start by entering your SPG® number:

No email here, but then again us Europeans might not get this

This one did !

In the absence of a panorama of the Sheraton Heathrow ;), I've gone for the St Regis Aspen.

I'd like to put the "chances of a Platinum upgrade are greater is you proudly present their card on checkin" theory to the test.

This one did !

I'm sure it is just my email being slow, rather than Starwood not loving me as much as you. Yes, slow email, that's it :p

Just tried the generic link and I'm not eligible as I haven't qualified as an elite for 2008? Hmmmm, maybe 50 paid nights doesn't qualify after all! :mad:

Just got the e-mail as well. Leaning toward LM Bora Bora or W Maldives.

For those who are curious about the design of the 2008 cards, they're online at: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/platinum_preferred.html

I don't see them on that page. I haven't received an e-mail yet.

First time I tried, I got a message something like "You don't qualify, go away", but I tried again and got in and successfully designed my card, and even printed a temporary one.

Bit of a pity that the bottom half your chosen image is obliterated by a plain grey overlay.

Minimalists may decline the photo and select a regular card.

The real card is now promised with 4-6 weeks.

Already being discussed in this thread.

Select Your Own SPG Card (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=784262)

Mods can this be merged?

I chose Calle di Volpe as the hotel picture on my card. :cool:

I was hoping for the FourPoints Midway (Chicago);)... but lacking that dramatic property, I went with second best Bora Bora !!:D

Having stayed at that gorgeous landmark(4pts Midway) I feel your pain

Hrmm... looks like I'm not eligible to create my own card even though I qualified for 2008 Plat.

I qualified the hard way and cannot enter my SPG number either...

Maldives for me, too. Maybe that will be the incentive to travel?

I'd like to put the "chances of a Platinum upgrade are greater is you proudly present their card on checkin" theory to the test.
This is an interesting idea to me.

I was trying to decide whether I'd rather have a card with a location to which I've already been or with a location that I would like to aspire to visit.

I am assuming that once they have all of the selections in, they'll place their order all at once. And I assume that there is a base cost per design. So if they offered a wider variety of photos, their costs would go up.

Still, I also would have thought that they'd have offered more US properties and at least one Hawaii property.

I used this link (https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=) without that cryptic uid giberish from the link above. I haven't gotten an email yet, but I think that they get sent out in batches -- not all at once.

I agree that some photos look better than others once their bottom half gets somewhat covered by the overlaying images.

Here are links to all of the available photos:
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/01_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/02_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/03_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/04_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/05_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/06_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/07_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/08_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/09_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/10_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/11_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/12_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/13_photo_lg.png
http://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/property_photos/photo_lg/14_photo_lg.png

I just stumbled upon the page that let's you plug in your spg number to see
if you are eligible.

Apparently-- this is valid for VIPs, Plats and Golds if you qualified in 2008.

https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX

I was Plat in 2007 and requalified for 2008 but when I plug in my number it tells me I'm ineligible. Hmmmm, I did re-qualify through the double stay promo at year-end...uh-ohhhh. ;)

I just stumbled upon the page that let's you plug in your spg number to see
if you are eligible.

Apparently-- this is valid for VIPs, Plats and Golds if you qualified in 2008.

https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX

Not working for me - I have Gold thru Amex Plat (though will qualify on my own this year.

Thanks for the comments thus far. Here are some things you might want to consider about this:

1) It's a test year for this feature and not 100% of Elite members received the invitation at this time due to language limitations and other timing implications.

2) If a member has re-qualified for Elite for 2008 and is due for a new membership card set to expire after Feb 29, 2008, then they will receive it in the mail at the appropriate time.

3) Just because you weren't eligible to use the link, it doesn't necessarily mean that you didn't re-earn your status. It may mean, however, that your current renewal date is February 28, 2009, not February 29, 2008 and we weren't going to send you a new card anyway because the one you have is going to be current until 2009.

Thanks for the comments regarding how this can be improved in the future. Those are most helpful.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks SPG...it's very cool option ^

Chose the Seychelles, although I considered the W Maldives or Bora Bora photos. But the best part of those (turqouise waters) gets cut off by the grey Starwood banner.

William,
can you see if they could include the following photo from Bora Bora instead (St Regis with Mt Otemanu in the background) for next year?
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/photos/index.html?propertyID=1743#photo_section_0Link

or one of the turquoise snapshots of the Le Meridien Ile des Pins (New Caledonia):
http://www.kiwicollection.com/property/le-meridien-ile-des-pins

thanks

...William,
can you see if they could include the following photo from Bora Bora instead (St Regis with Mt Otemanu in the background)?
https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/property/photos/index.html?propertyID=1743#photo_section_0Link

or one of the turquoise snapshots of the Le Meridien Ile des Pins (New Caledonia):
http://www.kiwicollection.com/property/le-meridien-ile-des-pins

thanks

I'm sure that interested parties are taking note of member preferences already. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thanks, William. ^

I think it is a cool idea and will enjoy using our fancy card this year.

Instead of a normal Nordstrom card, I have an old Nordstrom Best card, which recieves lots of interesting comments when I try to use it at newer stores like Chicago or Washington, D.C. Even in Seattle, at the flagship store, the clerks comment on the card.

I wonder if the new special Starwood cards will also garner attention from the check-in clerks around the world. It will be interesting to see.

I'm sure that interested parties are taking note of member preferences already. ;)

Sorry William. I meant to suggest for next year.
My fingers got a little speedy there from all the excitement :D

I am getting my favorite hotel in san diego. U.S Grant hotel :D

Oh, come on! It's definitely a great idea, but the execution is terrible. It's just select your own picture. Big deal.

Think of all the options they could have provided. For starters, they could let us choose a thin card for those of us who need to carry a few other things in our wallets. There's much more that could be customized while they're at it.

And I wish they would've explained the purpose of the card.

I disagree, let's give Starwood some positive encouragement when it's due. Compared to other SPG web & email promos this one actually worked on the first try, didn't have broken links, terms & conditions copied from the wrong promo, etc.

Of course I'd like to see photo options include the W NY Times Square lobby, Europa & Regina's Grand Calan view, the Asolo countryside, Whistler's snow, W French Quarter's staircase, etc. But I again say for a first try, this is a great idea and great execution of it. ^

OK, credit where it's due - I've seen no other travel cards offer such a customization benefit, at least the major players, so credit to SPG.

My Discover card did offer this option to me a while ago, and I'm now seeing cards with "use your own photo" options. Put that in the idea hopper for next year...

Bora Bora for me too.

I'd previously sent the one of the kind "chief web gurus" a suggestion for a photo contest for all of us Starwood fans to submit our best pix of Starwood properties for use in the new website's front page featured photo, but maybe the top photos could also be a component of future "Design your own card" options... just an idea/suggestion.

I have to agree with CPRRich here-Starwood is doing something DIFFERENT and that is good.
Yes it is marketing money that could have been used on a research group od on a promo-but I sure that will be coming along also.
I chose that lovely resort in Sardenia-which I will probably never have enough starpoints to stay at for more than a long weekend(35k a night)
Ih well one can dream....

Excellent idea! Chose Bora Bora.^^^

Awesome idea! Thumbs up to Starwood.

Chose Fisherman's Cove, just because it looks very nice on the card...thanks!

I chose the W Maldives because I prefer W to most Meridiens. I also like the Blue Palace although they could have made a more appealing picture. It would be nice if Starwood awarded a discount or special offer at the property chosen.

Thank you Damon88 for posting the link!

As a Gold I was surprised that I qualified, and I was also surprised at the choice of hotels - I found it a bit odd that 2 Scottsdale hotels would be featured, and, as other have said, no Hawaiian choices.

On the other hand, I was quite pleased to find the Westin Kierland, which I selected to be my image, because:

1. I had booked a stay there a couple weeks ago for the Parada del Sol, which takes place in Scottsdale at the end of February. Even if the card doesn't arrive by then, I'll have the .pdf of the card to come, so we can see if the presentation of a SPG Card bearing a location image at that location results in better treatment.

2. I just found out the Patriots are staying at the Kierland this week for the Superbowl (tm).

3. The Giants are staying at Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, which is not one of the new SPG card featured hotels.

4. Therefore, SPG likes the Patriots better. :D

5. The pinkish hues in the picture of the Kierland go very well with the solid gold at the bottom of the Gold card. I think the blue of the ocean resort pictures is nicer with the Platinum Card.

Thanks Lurker for explaining the thinking behind this - I'd just like to add my voice to the chorus of those who think your participation in the forum adds to our SPG experience immensely.

The winter doldrums have truly set in when we have 56 posts in eight hours about a card design that most of us never have to show in the first place.

Chose the St. Regis New York. It's the only hotel amongst the group that I've ever stayed in.

I do miss the days when we had a long list of honorifics to choose from in our profile. I liked seeing "HRH" on my SPG Platinum card. I saved the one from that year.

Aloha

I just stumbled upon the page that let's you plug in your spg number to see
if you are eligible.

Apparently-- this is valid for VIPs, Plats and Golds if you qualified in 2008.

https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX


I just typed in my membership number but got "sorry you are not qualified for this opportunity" I guess this is only for member who is going to receive their card in 2008. My current Platinum member card is not expired till Feb 09.

I wonder if the properties will have to pay a fee to be featured as a card choice should this take off?

I wasn't that excited about any of the choices -- not that I've got anything against Bora Bora but I'm unlikely ever to blow enough points for a great week somewhere on a single night. I'd rather see places I have been to and remember fondly, like Westin Palace Madrid, the Haciendas, Westin Tokyo or Kyoto, Grande Laguna, Hotel Kamp, etc.

I also feel this was a good idea, not a big deal but definitely nice to get something pleasant in the mail from SPG instead of thinking more about category changes, whether the 50epr promo (last offered in Dec. 06) will again be provided and if category creep will essentially make the award worthless, etc.

I will definitely show the new card to some friends, especially if I am lucky enough to plan a trip to the location I selected! Of course I will also tell them about Starwood and my generally positive experiences with the program and I am sure some others will do the same, so the card should be good positive PR for the program. Especially since the card highlights some of the more beautiful Starwood resorts (not sure if the Chicago 4P would provide as much positive PR). :)

Now if the people who thought of this could only start providing their ideas to other issues such as the category changes and 50epr, maybe the next announcements would be more pleasant than expected for members while making good business sense and providing more positive PR for Starwood.

Great idea SPG. ^ I did think the choices were rather US-centric though. Would have liked some more European options.

Chose the Bora Bora myself, although the W Maldives was a close second.

Great idea SPG. ^ I did think the choices were rather US-centric though. Would have liked some more European options.

Chose the Bora Bora myself, although the W Maldives was a close second.

Snap

Assuming you can remember your SPG membership # - or do as I do and write it down along with all of your other frequent flyer/guest #'s in your pocket calendar - I can think of absolutely no reason why anyone would ever need to carry this card. It would be just one more card making my wallet unnecessarily fatter.

Wirelessly posted (T-Mobile Pearl: BlackBerry8100/4.2.0 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Having the card (wallet candy) can be helpful in the rare situations that the desk agent has no clue about things like platinum amenity, also at Planet Hollywood its useful checking in if you booked direct as they don't know your status until they have your SPG # which their site doesn't allow you to enter at booking.

The winter doldrums have truly set in when we have 56 posts in eight hours about a card design that most of us never have to show in the first place.

Speak for yourself! It's 88 F down here...:p

I just stumbled upon the page that let's you plug in your spg number to see
if you are eligible.

Apparently-- this is valid for VIPs, Plats and Golds if you qualified in 2008.

https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX

Thanks for publishing this link.

Unfortunately, having put in my number, it said they would select a nice picture for me :(

How nice of them to spare me the considerable personal effort otherwise involved :D

I just stumbled upon the page that let's you plug in your spg number to see
if you are eligible.

Apparently-- this is valid for VIPs, Plats and Golds if you qualified in 2008.

https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX

Thanks for the link. I never received the e-mail from spg. I just chose the LM Bora Bora.



Thanks again

i didnt receive the email, went to the webpage and was told that i wasnt eligible!! what gives?

Am I the only one whose name was truncated? My first name is 8 letters and my last name is 11. They had 8 + 10 and omitted the last character of my last name on the displayed card. I guess they're calling me a plat lite :)

I am missing a letter, too:mad:

i didnt receive the email, went to the webpage and was told that i wasnt eligible!! what gives?

Check out post #43 of this thread for "what gives".

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Yippee ! Chose the Bora Bora LeMeridien !


...and my first name has been cut off too. It normally has 11 characters and the card temporary card only has 10 characters...I hope this is just a glitch with this "print your temporary card" thing. My current card manages to get my name right.

I would imagine people will get quite mad if their name is suddenly wrong on the card ! Food for thought...

I just typed in my membership number but got "sorry you are not qualified for this opportunity" I guess this is only for member who is going to receive their card in 2008. My current Platinum member card is not expired till Feb 09.

Well, my card expires 2/29/08, I re-qualified for 2008 and I got the same message including that SPG.com will pick a card picture for me. :eek:

I just typed in my membership number but got "sorry you are not qualified for this opportunity" I guess this is only for member who is going to receive their card in 2008. My current Platinum member card is not expired till Feb 09.

It's definitely not all members receiving cards in 2008 -- I qualified for Platinum for the first time this year, and was not eligible. *sob*

Nice promotion, though. I didn't dislike any of the photos, so I'm sure I'll like whatever it is I get.

My Discover card did offer this option to me a while ago, and I'm now seeing cards with "use your own photo" options. Put that in the idea hopper for next year...

I can imagine the kind of photos that would be sent in. They'd have to manually "approve" each photo. ;)

Am I the only one whose name was truncated?...

No, there were about a dozen folks who experienced the same thing; however, unless your name is so long that it is currently truncated on the card you have now, the full name will appear on the card.

The online view was only intended to give you a snapshot view of what your card will look like, so the number of characters in the name was limited on that view. It has since been changed to allow a view of more characters for new registrants going forward in order to avoid any further confusion.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hmmmm-

I probably blew it by posting the link. I think they changed it since yesterday.


I (plat) received the email and only stumbled upon that page when I went back to doublecheck that my choice had gone through (I didn't get a confirmation email)

After I found that page, my husband (gold) tried it and was able to choose his card-- my son (the gold procrastinator) had to think about an image-- yesterday it would have let him-- today they said they would choose one for him.

It seems that this was more popular than they expected.

Here is the page that lets you put in your spg number
https://www.spgpromos.com/choosecard/index.cfm?EM=08Cred_ChooseCard_Plat_US&uid=0707QR7Z0FRX


Thanks for posting the link. I never received an email, but used your link and was able to created my own card this afternoon. I selected St. Regis Monarch Beach Resort since we have stayed there twice and really liked the resort. Bora Bora and Maldives do look nice. But, it's unlikely we'll get there anytime soon.

I would like to have seen a better selection of images from different parts of the world.. such as:

Toronto
Vancouver
Montreal
Rio de Janerio
Buenos Aires
Lisbon

etc...

Maybe next year :)

One more vote for Hawaii - I'd like to see the Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas.

Credit where credit is due. OK, but not given enough location choices to even care about it, so I'm not sure how much credit is due. I went with a plain card.

Offer more hotels on the cards, or at least offer generic travel scenes, too--not just photos of hotels that are 1) not on a person's personal dream list, 2) not on their visited list, and 3) not on their favorite list.

Assuming you can remember your SPG membership # - or do as I do and write it down along with all of your other frequent flyer/guest #'s in your pocket calendar - I can think of absolutely no reason why anyone would ever need to carry this card. It would be just one more card making my wallet unnecessarily fatter.

I 100% agree. Not sure how much this promotion is costing SPG, but I haven't used my card in like ... 5 years. It's so necessary (for me) to have that information at the tip of my fingers when phoning in reservations, it's memorized.

I 100% agree. Not sure how much this promotion is costing SPG, but I haven't used my card in like ... 5 years. It's so necessary (for me) to have that information at the tip of my fingers when phoning in reservations, it's memorized.

Is it then just me who uses it every time and sees the presentation of and appreciation of the card as an integral part of the check-in ceremony ?

Nice new feature for 2008!

As usual I learned about this on FT, typically never receive promo by E-Mail. The link worked nicely and I choosed Blue Place which reminds me of nice memories there.

Tried but got message that unfortunately cannot join this promotion and SPG will choose a picture for me. Was this US only?

Tried but got message that unfortunately cannot join this promotion and SPG will choose a picture for me. Was this US only?

No.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

My plat card expires in 2009.. is there any way to get the new design? Replacement card?

My plat card expires in 2009.. is there any way to get the new design? Replacement card?

Regrettably, no, not at this time.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Even if, um, one were to, erm, mistakenly "misplace" one's card? :p ;)

Regrettably, no, not at this time.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Even if, um, one were to, erm, mistakenly "misplace" one's card? :p ;)

Yes, even if...in that instance, we would be pleased to pick out a design of our own choosing, which...if this program continues...you would be able to change at a later date.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Like the concept ^ and chose Hotel Cala di Volpe, named to Condé Nast Traveler’s 2005 Gold List as “One of the World’s Best Places to Stay in Europe,” Hotel Cala di Volpe is a serenely sculptured luxury resort... ;)

http://www.hotelcaladivolpe.com

I kid! I kid! :D

Thanks William - it's a good and cool program, even if I got shut out this time around. Kudos to SPG. Hopefully next time...

Yes, even if...in that instance, we would be pleased to pick out a design of our own choosing, which...if this program continues...you would be able to change at a later date.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

I did not get this email...



:(

Didn't get the e-mail, but was able to select a card (Maldives). Cool idea, but customized platinum luggage tags would be better. ;)

Very cool idea!

It was the St. Regis Aspen for me. :)

Nice idea ^^

St. Regis, Aspen

Next year, how about a picture reserved for registered flyertalk members? Maybe a picture of William?;)

Next year, how about a picture reserved for registered flyertalk members? Maybe a picture of William?;)

I'm not sure anyone would want something that ugly in their wallet, much less something you want to pull out and show to the front desk. It might get you downgraded. ;)

But thanks for the suggestion. :)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

cool ^ but maybe a picture of Carly Eiseman, writer and the editor of www.thelobby.com is better!

;)


Next year, how about a picture reserved for registered flyertalk members? Maybe a picture of William?;)

Instead of a destination, how about offering a picture of a water glass (not plastic) in the room? Since Starwood seems to be setting their image and service levels lower, it seems appropriate that I should set my "aspirations" lower as well.

Seriously, what's the big deal here? So many people say they seldom/never carry or use their card, so what's the point?

While admittedly a creative idea, does this really increase loyalty or stays/dollars spent at Starwood? As a marketing professional and a pragmatic consumer, this is a waste of time/money. Send me a fr***king card and get your franchisee's housekeeping staff to do their job!!!!

Having qualified SPG Gold for the 1st time in 2008, it said it's unavailable for me....... however, will wait to the latter stages of this month when I should get to Plat...and retry the link again, i'd rather choose than let SPG randomly choose for me ;)


""
This Starwood Preferred Guest opportunity is unavailable.
We're sorry; you are not currently eligible for this Starwood Preferred Guest® opportunity. If you'll be receiving a 2008 member card, we'll select an inspiring photo for you. Please visit SPG.com for other special offers and promotions.""

Was a tough choice between LM Bora Bora, LM Fisherman's Cove (Mahe, Seychelles), and the W Maldives.

Decided on LM Fisherman's Cove (Mahe, Seychelles).

Thanks SPG.

no email here, i wouldve liked to have the chance to select a new card

Do folks actually carry their cards? I always leave mine at home and have my SPG # written down in my wallet for bookings. Is there a reason to carry?

Do folks actually carry their cards? I always leave mine at home and have my SPG # written down in my wallet for bookings. Is there a reason to carry?

Some do and some don't. I think the main reason to carry the card is that when it's presented at check-in it's a small reminder to the person that the guest checking in might be entitled to some benefits.

Some do and some don't. I think the main reason to carry the card is that when it's presented at check-in it's a small reminder to the person that the guest checking in might be entitled to some benefits.

Yeah, they may not pick up on your elite status level when reviewing the reservation but when you present the card it makes it clear.

Aha, guess that makes sense! Just hate to carry around more cards than I absolutely need ;)