Starwood Preferred Guest - The Economy - Extend Everyone's Status through 2009?

Interesting idea - received the following email from the CEO of Lowes Hotels today thanking me for my business for this year, and as a "gift," he is extending my frequent stay status through the end of 2009 (no need to re-qualify for next year). What a wonderful idea - has anyone heard Starwood offering such a program in the past? Would be a great time for them to offer this. I know that my travel will be greatly curtailed next year, and making Platinum is going to be a challenge (I perfer Starwood over Loews anytime!).

______________________________________

Subject: Our Gift To You


FIRST AND FOREMOST, LET ME TAKE THIS OPPORTUNITY to sincerely thank you for your loyalty to Loews Hotels, especially during these challenging economic times. While we are always mindful of our commitment to provide you with the best experience possible, we understand that in today’s climate, it is more important than ever before.

Therefore, to say thank you to you, our most loyal guests, we will be extending your current YouFirst status through December 31, 2009, with the hope that the coming year allows us all to rest a little easier and travel a lot more.

We truly believe that “Value is the New Luxury,” so much so that we’ve made it the cornerstone of our brand messaging for 2009. It also represents our pledge to continue to provide you with the brand of hospitality you have come to value from Loews Hotels, whatever the future brings.

On behalf of all of us, we wish you peace, health, happiness and the time and space to enjoy it. We look forward to welcoming you back for many years to come.

Sincerely,


Jonathan Tisch
Chairman & CEO

If this is a poll...I vote no. Main reason: competition for upgrades already too great and Starwood has already adjusted for the economy by extending so many double stay promotions.

Adjusted to add: Welcome to Flyertalk!

I prefer Starwood over Loews anytime!



You have answered your own question.
Most people here stay at Starwood hotels because they prefer
to.

No need to extend Elite status...

just lower some of your hotel categories :mad: :p

No. Starwood is much more prestigious. It will just make platinum even better! Less people.

just lower some of your hotel categories :mad: :pOnce again, bliss is right! ;)

If this is a poll...I vote no. Main reason: competition for upgrades already too great and Starwood has already adjusted for the economy by extending so many double stay promotions.


The economy gets worse by the day, so it's a race to the bottom right now to keep/get business. My wife got a 0% finance on her car while other carmakers were 6%, 7%, 8%. They didn't make a sale because they were not working hard enough.

The economy gets worse by the day, so it's a race to the bottom right now to keep/get business. My wife got a 0% finance on her car while other carmakers were 6%, 7%, 8%. They didn't make a sale because they were not working hard enough.

Hard to say if you really got a good deal with 0% ?
What would have been the price of all competitors if you had paid in cash with a negotiated discount ?

It is like asking how long a piece of string is ? ;)

But back to the topic: I vote NO for extension of status just because the economy is bad.
Hotel prices will fall overall so that is the appropriate weapon to compete.

Hard to say if you really got a good deal with 0% ?
What would have been the price of all competitors if you had paid in cash with a negotiated discount ?

It is like asking how long a piece of string is ? ;)

But back to the topic: I vote NO for extension of status just because the economy is bad.
Hotel prices will fall overall so that is the appropriate weapon to compete.

Agreed!

Interesting thread.. wasnt something like this done after 9/11?

If *wood really wants to keep us happy they would, as others have pointed out, lower room rates, upgrade plat amenities (breakfast) and lower redemption rates.

Maybe the prices at hotels will fall back so once again we can use 5,000 points a night at the St. Regis NY :).

But back to the topic: I vote NO for extension of status just because the economy is bad.
Hotel prices will fall overall so that is the appropriate weapon to compete. I agree and upsetting the people who are still staying is the last thing you would want to do. I am waiting for everyone to finally add some benefits to the elite levels that are useful.

With all due respect, this is a horrible idea.

I don't care how bad things get - I won't be calling all of my best clients from the last year and saying:

"I understand the economy is tough - I tell you guys what, don't worry about paying me for anything in 2009!! I'll just bust A** for you this year and maybe in the future, things will turn around and you'll pay me for my efforts?? ...I gotta eat guys... Seriously..."

Starwood giving status without stays??? William - if you're reading this - please lurk elsewhere!! ;)

No worries....everyone (USA only) is plat after January 20.

What is it about America and the psychology of the recession? Is it because of all the gloom and doom media reports? In my world travels away from America, I still see pretty well occupied hotels and restaurants. But when I recently visited LA I was shocked at how so many people are afraid to spend or be seen spending. Mind you Beverly Hills was still busy. ;)

I hope that Starwood marketing looks at the real global numbers and thinks before they do something ridiculous like give away free status or dilute in any way this great program. If anything, I would prefer they make it harder to reach Platinum.

What is it about America and the psychology of the recession? Is it because of all the gloom and doom media reports? In my world travels away from America, I still see pretty well occupied hotels and restaurants. But when I recently visited LA I was shocked at how so many people are afraid to spend or be seen spending. Mind you Beverly Hills was still busy. ;)

I hope that Starwood marketing looks at the real global numbers and thinks before they do something ridiculous like give away free status or dilute in any way this great program. If anything, I would prefer they make it harder to reach Platinum.


Are you running a fever? shhhhhhhhhhhhhh;) Don't give them any ideas!

After 9/11 AA extended my Plat status without requalification. What makes this Loews offer pointless is that it is coming at the end of December 2008. By now people have mostly qualified. So all the folks that worked hard to qualify now see that they didn't need to work so hard. Next year should be much harder to qualify as travel budgets may be cut. So offer me something that extends my already earned 2009 status to 2010 so that I wont be as pressured next year but will still have my status when things are booming in 2010. That is something that is helpful. But telling me after I've already qualified that you are extending for another year. Not a big bonus.

Spoken like people whose employers pay for their travel. However, there are many platinum members who pay for their own travel, particularly small business owners. The downturn in the economy affects us very differently than someone who simply submits a travel voucher to accounting.

If due to the recession we have to curtail our travels, that doesn't mean that we are any less loyal to Starwood. The obvious solution would be to do what Starwood did around 2002. They temporarily lowered the threshhold requirements to achieve status. As such, loyal members whose travel was reduced, but still made a substantial amount of stays with Starwood would still requalify for status.

If due to the recession we have to curtail our travels, that doesn't mean that we are any less loyal to Starwood. The obvious solution would be to do what Starwood did around 2002. They temporarily lowered the threshhold requirements to achieve status. As such, loyal members whose travel was reduced, but still made a substantial amount of stays with Starwood would still requalify for status.

Sorry, but no. You shouldn't get a bail-out. Neither should the GM or Ford. If less people are buying your products, then you have to cut back. That's the bottom line. Giving you a bail-out while others are working successfully and paying for Platinum is just plain wrong. This isn't 9/11.

With all due respect, this is a horrible idea.

I don't care how bad things get - I won't be calling all of my best clients from the last year and saying:

"I understand the economy is tough - I tell you guys what, don't worry about paying me for anything in 2009!! I'll just bust A** for you this year and maybe in the future, things will turn around and you'll pay me for my efforts?? ...I gotta eat guys... Seriously..."

Starwood giving status without stays??? William - if you're reading this - please lurk elsewhere!! ;)



td_in_training, you made me lol. It's great to start the day that way.

I'm not sure how I come out on this. I am PLT, but didn't requalify this year since my company cut back on travel. HOWEVER, I will be traveling frequently next year. I have a choice of where to stay, and since my destinations are London and Geneva, the only thing that really convinces me to stay at SPG properties is my status. Otherwise, there are much nicer options, which are usually more convenient.

If my PLT status was extended, I'd be inclined to direct my business to SPG.

But I also understand the flipside rationale.

If the economy is really bad, hotel rates will fall and we can requalify with much lower expenditures of cash.

As somebody who achieves Plat status by paying for 85% of my stays out of my own pocket (not employer "subsidised") I think this is a horrible idea too. I do wish Starwood would be able to customize what benefits for their Platinum they would offer e.g., as has been previously mentioned in other threads - a "SWU" type of activity where each Platinum is given 4 guaranteed suite upgrades for 4 different stays. But honestly, if you want to reach status at a hotel/airline then take responsibility and achieve it by following the stated stays.

What makes this Loews offer pointless is that it is coming at the end of December 2008. By now people have mostly qualified. So all the folks that worked hard to qualify now see that they didn't need to work so hard.Two points. First, Loews did tell people much earlier in the year. They recently changed their program around a bit and notified everyone then that this would be happening.

Secondly, the Loews program and the Starwood program are apples and oranges. The Loews program does not have any "point" accrual. It does have some very nice features like suite upgrades when the reservation is made rather than at check-in and $100 spending toward food and services for every stay. But until this recent change in the Loews program, once someone made an elite level there were at that level pretty much forever. I think Loews realized this was slowly making a very large number of permanant elites. I do believe that going forward, everyone has to meet certain stay requirements to keep their elite status moving forward.

So in reality, Loews is moving a little closer to the Starwood program by making their elites requalify every year. They just gave everyone an extra year's notice before doing so.

Firstly as someone who operates multiple businesses,I want to see no changes to the program in 2009 but a more consistent delivery of top tier benefits.
1. No bail out for Plats who are not travelling.If Plat status is so important to you rackem up on weekends.
2. No changes to SPG and NO NEW TIER levels to keep the fish interested:eek:
3. Hotel rates are falling...just look at NYC levels for late December compared to a year ago.

I have 14 stays already planned (but not booked yet;)) for 2009. I intend to requalify in 2009...the way it was meant to.

4. No more double stay promotions.
The above points should make be popular;)

Neither should the GM or Ford.

You mean GM & Chrysler. Ford took the tongue lashing for the benefit of their suppliers, not for an interest free loan.

So in reality, Loews is moving a little closer to the Starwood program by making their elites requalify every year. They just gave everyone an extra year's notice before doing so.I think that this gets to the intent of the Lowe's 'offer' - they are in the nidst of an extended re-launch of their program, and this extension is an integral part of the re-launch. Good idea - just as it may not be needed by a solidly-based program as SPG.

Sorry, but no. You shouldn't get a bail-out. Neither should the GM or Ford. If less people are buying your products, then you have to cut back. That's the bottom line. Giving you a bail-out while others are working successfully and paying for Platinum is just plain wrong. This isn't 9/11.

Calling it a bail out is a bit extreme. Comparing extending status with companies who just received 17B is absurd. Just for the record I have 55 nights this year and 6 more coming up next week. This isn't about me.

My point is that many platinum members are platinum purely by virtue of their employers. As such this indignation about working to earn their status seems misplaced at best.

The difficulty that Starwood faces is many people have had to curtail their travel due to this highly set of circumstances resulting in the collapse of the housing market, credit market, and potentially the domestic automobile market. As such special considerations are appropriate.

We've been showing Starwood loyalty for years. Here is Starwood's opportunity to return the favor.

We've been showing Starwood loyalty for years. Here is Starwood's opportunity to return the favor.

Remember, however, that *wood has offered more opportunities for double stay credits this year than EVER BEFORE. I think that there have been plenty of chances for folks who were aware that their travel plans would curtail in Q4 to be proactive about choosing smart promotions this year that would've allowed them to have retained their Plat status.

I've been on the other side of the equation this year with more stays in 2009 than ever before.

I would not be in favor of extending status for anyone who was unable to meet the criteria in 2009, given the very generous bonus offers that were extended.

Firstly as someone who operates multiple businesses,I want to see no changes to the program in 2009 but a more consistent delivery of top tier benefits.


I concur exactly. ^

No need to extend Elite status...

just lower some of your hotel categories :mad: :p

Rather than increase point requirements AND take away some bennies AND decrease customer service ??? C'mon......very doubtful:)

Would there perhaps, just maybe, be any commercial benefit in *wood offering sub-qualification level elite renewal on a selected basis?? Clearly no need to hand out Plat/Gold status as a Christmas present but after all, the only thing that matters is locking in 2009 revenue in a tight economy.

Starwood will have a very clear view on sub-segments of it's customer base that will respond well to a little extra stimulus next year; extending status is certainly an available option....

Remember, however, that *wood has offered more opportunities for double stay credits this year than EVER BEFORE. I think that there have been plenty of chances for folks who were aware that their travel plans would curtail in Q4 to be proactive about choosing smart promotions this year that would've allowed them to have retained their Plat status.

....

But isn't that the rub? Awareness. Who would have predicted what Q4 had in store for us. Bailouts and bank failures and recessions.

Under normal circumstances I would agree with the majority here. However, I believe that unforeseable circumstances necessitate some flexibility.

who cares who pays for the rooms; it shouldn't make a difference as to the answer to the question

Personally it doesn't do a thing for me; i've requalified already for this year so I get nothing out of it unless they extend those who requalified for 09 and then extend it to 2011 (feb)

for me; just add a new tier; it might get me to the 26th stay which I have not had any incentive to make once 25 is in the books.

I will have stayed 50 stays this year.

If you want plat - you have to earn it. If SPG gives it away to people who haven't earned it, then they rightfully should create a plat+ program for those who have.

In not - well then that's just not fair.

No. Starwood is much more prestigious. It will just make platinum even better! Less people.

^ I couldn't agree more. Sometimes, exclusivity is a good thing. In this case, more doesn't = better.

As said above there were enough promotions this year and am sure there will be some next year that the right customers can remain plat if they want to. Don't make it too easy and keep it a bit exclusive.

As said above there were enough promotions this year and am sure there will be some next year that the right customers can remain plat if they want to. Don't make it too easy and keep it a bit exclusive.


As a leisure traveler, I totally agree.

Ditto, I would say 80% of my travel is leisure and of course the majority being paid for out of my own pocket. Do I enjoy being Platinum. Hell yes! Do I think that Starwood should extend status. No! If anything as previously mentioned than lower the categories of the hotels or certainly the cost per night will go down. This is the only fair thing to do in my mind.

I am sure SPG is keeping tabs on who they want to keep in the program and are ensuring we stay through targetted double stay promos etc.

If we don't make their list, it probably means that we haven't been in the right category all along . . .

Do I think that Starwood should extend status? Not in my opinion. I earn the PLT the hardway each and every year (spending my own money to at least get my 25 stays/50 nights if economy is as bad as 2008).

In reality- with the double stays promotion they have made it very easy to extend status. I cannot think of a lot of economic benefits for Starwood in extending everyones status.

No need to extend Elite status...

just lower some of your hotel categories :mad: :p

Lowering categories will go a looooong way towards restoring the "value" to the SPG program. I'd also suggest something such as free breakfast or free internet or upping the Plat Amenity to 1,000 points in 2009 as a "Starwood stimulus package"