Starwood Preferred Guest - Automated Checkin Kiosk

I tried to use an automatic checkin Kiosk the other night. It accepted my credit card and then told me it couldn't assign my room and printed a slip telling me to check with a clerk.

I waited in line, and the clerk told me that the machines are finicky and that they don't always work. In addition, he said as a platnum, I shouldn't ever use the machine as they do not process the platnum ammenity pointss.... seems like a short coming.

Any advice here?

Well, not to many hotels have these. What hotel was it at? Was it the Sheraton Gateway? if the clerk said they couldnt process the welcome amenity then you should check in at the front desk. Also checking in, in person, is better for a platinum, so you ask about an upgrade. Im sure those kiosks don't upgrade to the best available suites on the club level?

I tried to use an automatic checkin Kiosk the other night. It accepted my credit card and then told me it couldn't assign my room and printed a slip telling me to check with a clerk.

I waited in line, and the clerk told me that the machines are finicky and that they don't always work. In addition, he said as a platnum, I shouldn't ever use the machine as they do not process the platnum ammenity pointss.... seems like a short coming.

Any advice here?

What hotel?

Here is previous Kiosk discussion which is why many of us don't use the kiosk
Which hotels have kiosk check-in? (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521936&highlight=kiosk)
Question About Sheraton Check In Kiosk (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=634787&highlight=kiosk)
Kiosk wont Upgrade but does Downgrade (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=647826&highlight=kiosk)

As you can see, they don't seem to be to reliable.

What hotel?

Here is previous Kiosk discussion which is why many of us don't use the kiosk
Which hotels have kiosk check-in? (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=521936&highlight=kiosk)
Question About Sheraton Check In Kiosk (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=634787&highlight=kiosk)
Kiosk wont Upgrade but does Downgrade (http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=647826&highlight=kiosk)

As you can see, they don't seem to be to reliable.

I have used the kiosk at a number of properties just for the kiosk check in bonus of 500 points. When I check in (assuming the platinum UG has been processed) I am able to check into my upgraded room. In addition I am offered a choice of platinum amenities. I always choose the points and they always post (unlike my experience at properties without a kiosk). YMMV with the kiosk bonus as it has been reported that the bonus is no longer offered at some properties but still available at others. In another thread it was reported that the Element in Lexington has a kiosk but since I have not been there yet do not know if it is a new generation kiosk.

It was the Sheraton New York Towers.

Seems like there are a bunch of opinions of the Kiosks..... if the lines are long, they seem like a great way to go......but if you dont get consistent service.....