Starwood Preferred Guest - PROMO: Get Closer to Paradise! (North & South America) EAME added Sept 1

In the first of several offers rolling out in the month of August for the rest of Q3 into - and including most of - Q4, SPG members will be invited to register for the following promotion later this week:

Earn up to 1,000* bonus Starpoints for each stay August 4 through November 30, 2009. Register to earn your bonus Starpoints at more than 500 participating Starwood hotels and resorts across North America and Latin America.

* Award levels are either 1,000 bonus Starpoints per stay or 500 bonus Starpoints per stay and vary by property.

• Registration Page Link:

www.spg.com/starpointsbonus

• Participating Hotel Link:

www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props

Even though you will not be able to register right this minute, be assured that all eligible stays that have August 4th and November 30th as part of the stay date at the participating properties noted will be counted retroactively once you do register.

Stay tuned, though, because we’re not finished just yet. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Already sounds good!

In the first of several offers rolling out in the month of August for the rest of Q3 into - and including most of - Q4, SPG members will be invited to register for the following promotion later this week:

Earn up to 1,000* bonus Starpoints for each stay August 4 through November 30, 2009. Register to earn your bonus Starpoints at more than 500 participating Starwood hotels and resorts across North America and Latin America.

* Award levels are either 1,000 bonus Starpoints per stay or 500 bonus Starpoints per stay and vary by property.

• Registration Page Link:

www.spg.com/starpointsbonus

• Participating Hotel Link:

www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props

Even though you will not be able to register right this minute, be assured that all eligible stays that have August 4th and November 30th as part of the stay date at the participating properties noted will be counted retroactively once you do register.

Stay tuned, though, because we’re not finished just yet. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hmm .. no hotels in Europe included :( .. hopefully, some of the next few offers will include them.

So far... good...cant wait for the rest!

Thanks William!:D

Hmm .. no hotels in Europe included :( .. hopefully, some of the next few offers will include them.

LOL. I said we weren't through yet. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

So if I book a night at FP Midtown for September, and register for the bonus starpoints, and another promo comes out later that also affects my stay, will I be able to participate in both promos?

This is looking good.

Thanks

Only found North American, Latin American & Caribbean properties there. Will European and Asian properties also particiapte?

Thank you!

Sheraton Gateway SFO not part of this promo. Then again this property is leaving SPG later this month.

Looks good! Surprised to see 4PTS MANCHESTER NH missing.

Sheraton Gateway SFO not part of this promo. Then again this property is leaving SPG later this month.
Maybe they weren't targeted for this promo. :p

Just wanted to put a little "shout out" to the SPG Lurkers on FlyerTalk. I have status with mutliple airlines, hotels and car rental companies and spend too much time here on FlyerTalk - but a Big ^^^ to the Lurkers here because you're much more responsive to the rest.

So for everyone else...when's the next hint coming for the other promos ;);););)

Thanks again and keep up the good work.

I was hoping the new promo wouldn't be stay based. I'm tired of hotel hopping! I hope the other ones will be more night-based.

An interesting roster of properties.....several are listed twice. The Sheraton BWI is listed three times in a row!:confused::confused:

+ 1.

I was hoping the new promo wouldn't be stay based. I'm tired of hotel hopping! I hope the other ones will be more night-based.

William, I am sure just after hitting the Post button, you shut off your computer and ran out the door, but looking at the list of properties, there are many listed two or three times...

For example the element in Dallas, and the Sheraton Crystal City.

There are also some not on the list, like the Element in Houston, I am just wondering if the list is still being worked on, or perhaps the element in Dallas listed three times means that one of those might be the element in Houston, just in disguise?

Once again,

Thanks for the info, and keep up the good work!

I am intrigued by Lurker's title to the thread - maybe there is a cumulative aspect to the promos...accumulate enough nights/stays within the Quarter to qualify for a free round-trip to Hawaii :D:D

So if I book a night at FP Midtown for September, and register for the bonus starpoints, and another promo comes out later that also affects my stay, will I be able to participate in both promos?

This is looking good.

Thanks

Other than any targeted offers that may be floated, you will be able to register for any promotional offers that might involve other regional properties. If you should be targeted for another offer, it will be combinable.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Only found North American, Latin American & Caribbean properties there. Will European and Asian properties also particiapte?

Thank you!

Possibly. But, any other regional offers might be different than this one. :)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

An interesting roster of properties.....several are listed twice. The Sheraton BWI is listed three times in a row!:confused::confused:

William, I am sure just after hitting the Post button, you shut off your computer and ran out the door, but looking at the list of properties, there are many listed two or three times...

For example the element in Dallas, Sheraton Crystal City.

There are also some not on the list, like the Element in Houston, I am just wondering if the list is still being worked on, or perhaps the element in Dallas listed three times means that one of those might be the element in Houston, just in disguise?

Once again,

Thanks for the info, and keep up the good work!

Yes, I noticed that as well, as I'm sure others have. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Since we don't have the T&C yet, I assume this is for revenue stays only, right? I can't imagine Starwood giving bonus points for free weekend or award stays.

The Sheraton BWI is listed three times in a row!
+3,000 points per stay!

All the properties where I currently have reservations are listed, except the WDW Swan. Time to move to a different Orlando property...

I already have 4 stays booked during the promo period, and 3 of them are at properties that don't appear (Planet Hollywood x 2, and the Le Parker Meridien). I hope the list is still being compiled!

thanks Starwood! with promotions like free week end nights which sent me to NY and concert tickets that took me to Philly, you have earned my business.

Now let's see what's coming up in August before I talk travels with the wife...

Since we don't have the T&C yet, I assume this is for revenue stays only, right? I can't imagine Starwood giving bonus points for free weekend or award stays.


I would strongly assume so, but maybe SPG wants us to burn points during recession, so you never know :D

Since we don't have the T&C yet, I assume this is for revenue stays only, right? I can't imagine Starwood giving bonus points for free weekend or award stays...

Yes. Revenue stays only are eligible. These would be any revenue stays that are normally eligible to earn Starpoints and stay/night credit.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Time to change your signature William!
:D

Time to change your signature William!
:D

But, we still have some guessing to do, no? :confused:

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

But, we still have some guessing to do, no? :confused:


Absolutely, especially what you guys have in store for Europe!

I hope the "more to come" results in a night based promotion.

With my travel pattern - week long stays with no hotel hopping - I won't be getting very close to paradise with the current starpoints promo.

Only one property in Alberta Canada listed. I have 17 bookings across US and Canada with about 8 more to do and only 2 stays are listed. :eek:

Hmmm...I need a little help with this one. I'm trying to pay out on the over/under and I'm not sure if the whinging about the new promo started in post #28 or post #3... :rolleyes:

Thanks for the preview, William! :D

Hopefully we will see stays counting double also ;) great start so far!

Thanks for the sneak peak, William. ^ I must say, the way you are playing your hand makes for some interesting conversations of the boards.

On a bit of a side note, does anybody know if each hotel decides whether or not to be part of a promotion, or does *Wood corporate make this decision?

...On a bit of a side note, does anybody know if each hotel decides whether or not to be part of a promotion, or does *Wood corporate make this decision?

In a regional offer like this one, the individual properties decide whether or not they want to participate.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

:D

This promo has made some decisions for me--for some cities I had reservations for two hotels and wasn't sure where I'd stay, but I see some on the list that are near others that are not.

I hate making decisions without sufficient information to base them upon.

In the first of several offers rolling out in the month of August for the rest of Q3 into - and including most of - Q4

Lurker,

Thanks for the advance notice/heads up.

Several requests for clarifications if you know or can find out:

1). The several offers rolling out in August that you speak of -- will all of these offers that you are writing about be open to all SPG members to register, i.e., these offers are not targeted offers and are open to everyone?

2). If these later August offers are open to everyone to register, are they also to have their commencement date as of 8/4/09, and will stays made before such registration(s) still be eligible for whatever bonus they are to offer?

3). Might there be targeted offers in August and throughout Q3, in addition to the later to be unveiled August offers?

4). When does Q3 end and when does Q4 begin/end?

5). Once August has ended and the additonal August offers are disclosed, apart from any later targeted offers, should we not expect any additional Q3 offers that might be open to all but require registration?

Thanks,

NJ

Congratulations to North American guys for having this bonus offer. I guess Asia-Pacific is not too important at the moment :)

Or Asia-Pacific economy is doing better? Or not? I need to stay at 4P Kuching in next few days, so this uncertainty is unwelcome.

Oh William!

I am planning a trip to Asia in late Aug/early Sept... Will there be anything promos for the Asia hotels by then?

Bradley :)

Anyone else getting an ugly, well nicely formatted, ColdFusion error when hitting the link to the promo?

Anyone else getting an ugly, well nicely formatted, ColdFusion error when hitting the link to the promo?

Something like this:

The web site you are accessing has experienced an unexpected error.
Please contact the website administrator.

The following information is meant for the website developer for debugging purposes.
Error Occurred While Processing Request
File not found: /1000starpoints/index.cfm

Resources:

* Enable Robust Exception Information to provide greater detail about the source of errors. In the Administrator, click Debugging & Logging > Debugging Settings, and select the Robust Exception Information option.
* Check the ColdFusion documentation to verify that you are using the correct syntax.
* Search the Knowledge Base to find a solution to your problem.

Browser Mozilla/5.0 (Windows; U; Windows NT 6.0; en-US; rv:1.9.0.11) Gecko/2009060215 Firefox/3.0.11 (.NET CLR 3.5.30729)
Remote Address 67.83.191.125
Referrer http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/981597-get-closer-paradise.html
Date/Time 03-Aug-09 10:03 PM

Nope, can't say that I have! :D

Anyone else getting an ugly, well nicely formatted, ColdFusion error when hitting the link to the promo?
Getting the same error.

Anyone else getting an ugly, well nicely formatted, ColdFusion error when hitting the link to the promo?


Even though you will not be able to register right this minute, be assured that all eligible stays that have August 4th and November 30th as part of the stay date at the participating properties noted will be counted retroactively once you do register.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Yes. Revenue stays only are eligible. These would be any revenue stays that are normally eligible to earn Starpoints and stay/night credit.


William, You forgot to mention that only stays booked on the Starwood website get the bonus. ;)

William, You forgot to mention that only stays booked on the Starwood website get the bonus. ;)

LOL. You are right.

Most of the regulars would know how a stay is considered eligible.

But I would clarify for the newbies that the rate of the stay has to be eligible. All paid rates booked through SW website or CCC are considered eligible, unless otherwise specified.

Sorry. Award stays don't count, honey.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Looks good! Surprised to see 4PTS MANCHESTER NH missing.

Same here...one of my favorite haunts. The staff there is great.

Lurker,

Thanks for the advance notice/heads up.

Several requests for clarifications if you know or can find out:

1). The several offers rolling out in August that you speak of -- will all of these offers that you are writing about be open to all SPG members to register, i.e., these offers are not targeted offers and are open to everyone?

2). If these later August offers are open to everyone to register, are they also to have their commencement date as of 8/4/09, and will stays made before such registration(s) still be eligible for whatever bonus they are to offer?

3). Might there be targeted offers in August and throughout Q3, in addition to the later to be unveiled August offers?

4). When does Q3 end and when does Q4 begin/end?

5). Once August has ended and the additonal August offers are disclosed, apart from any later targeted offers, should we not expect any additional Q3 offers that might be open to all but require registration?

Thanks,

NJ

Hi NJ,

You might like to post this on the "Speculation" thread to create more buzz.

Dear members,

Currently, William has released upon approval the only news on the promotions available for Q3 and 4.

However, regardless if the rest of the offers are targeted or not, night-based or not, I would like to seek the support and understanding of our Flyertalk members towards the various upcoming promotions.

I really appreciate that.

Thank you.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Thyteus,

If William is not permitted to expand on his statements, then I understand, but I am not sure that is the case.

Second, I do not know where you got the idea I was asking about future promotions being night based or not -- I do not believe I asked for anything of the sort.

Finally, could you please advise when Q3 ends, and the dates for Q4 -- surely, this is not confidential or proprietary information. :confused:

I am planning a trip to Asia in late Aug/early Sept... Will there be anything promos for the Asia hotels by then?

+1. Those of us in Asia are yawning:o

could you please advise when Q3 ends, and the dates for Q4
Based on the dates of this promo, the quarter boundaries don't appear to make any difference. Ditto for previous promos - they have effective durations of two to four months, so whether you call it Q3 or not should have no effect.

Thyteus,

If William is not permitted to expand on his statements, then I understand, but I am not sure that is the case.

Second, I do not know where you got the idea I was asking about future promotions being night based or not -- I do not believe I asked for anything of the sort.

Finally, could you please advise when Q3 ends, and the dates for Q4 -- surely, this is not confidential or proprietary information. :confused:

Hi NJ,

I hope I do not sound too fierce in my previous post. I was just making some official declarations, knowing how a previous "targeted" promotion has created an amount of negativity in this forum.

I have added in a few words as well so that the direction of the post does not sound entirely responding to you.

Information on the first promotion SPG is offering has been provided, upon approval. I guess I would take it really seriously not to leak out information on any other offers unless approval has been given. Hints have been given but I do not think both of us have provided more than that.

My definition of Q3 would be towards end of September and Q4 till the end of the year. Not sure if this is what you are enquiring?

Any thoughts? Feel free to share.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Time to change your sig, Thyetus :D

Information on the first promotion SPG is offering has been provided, upon approval. I guess I would take it really seriously not to leak out information on any other offers unless approval has been given. Hints have been given but I do not think both of us have provided more than that.

hey thyetus, would you or william be in a position to tell us if/when we will get some news about hotels in asia????or does that fall into the 'approval' category????i have a number of stays, starting next week, in singapore, dubai, thailand, india & the maldives....so it would be great to know if properties in these places would be part of any promo, targeted or otherwise....


Earn unlimited Free Weekend Night Awards with every two stays through July. Register at www.spg.com/weekendsaway

& like kingsubbu mentioned, it is time you changed your signature....maybe give us another hint :D....

I'm confused about why we should be excited by the current promotion... We just had a stay twice get a free weekend night promo, which was a GREAT promotion! 1000 bonus points per stay (if at the right hotel) is minimal to what we just had.

I'm confused about why we should be excited by the current promotion... We just had a stay twice get a free weekend night promo, which was a GREAT promotion! 1000 bonus points per stay (if at the right hotel) is minimal to what we just had.

Better than nothing! As mentioned this is NOT the Q3 promo, this is an additional selected property promo.

This will be in addition to the upcoming Q3 promo so you'll be able to double dip if you are staying at a participating property.

Better than nothing! As mentioned this is NOT the Q3 promo, this is an additional selected property promo.

This will be in addition to the upcoming Q3 promo so you'll be able to double dip if you are staying at a participating property.

Sure is better than nothing! As for asia region, it's truly nothing. Well, at least for today. Let's see what's gonna happen tomorrow. By the way, are we really going to have an extra Q3 promo on top of this 1000pt per stay promo?

Sure is better than nothing! As for asia region, it's truly nothing. Well, at least for today. Let's see what's gonna happen tomorrow. By the way, are we really going to have an extra Q3 promo on top of this 1000pt per stay promo?

Ah yes, Asia seems to be left out of this one. Hopefully something comes your way soon.

But if you look at the first post you'll notice William mentioned:
In the first of several offers rolling out in the month of August for the rest of Q3 into - and including most of - Q4, SPG members will be invited to register for the following promotion later this week:


This promo runs until November 30 so that's into Q4 already.

Europe is left also... and the prices here are too high... SO DO SOMETHING FOR EUROPE TOO!

Anyone else getting an ugly, well nicely formatted, ColdFusion error when hitting the link to the promo?

Also happening when you click on the link from the spg.com website. Should you really have a link to a page that is not ready to accept registrations yet from the spg.com website??

It's done. :D

As to various enquiries on promotions for properties in AP, tune in for more hints from me in end August/ early September!

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Also happening when you click on the link from the spg.com website

I have same issue

I am really confused now. :eek:

I was under the impression that this was part of the Q3 promotion and the rest of it will be rolled out -- perhaps in several stages -- later this month.

If this is not "the" Q3 then OK, but could Lurker(s) advise as much?

My inquiry concerning the start/stop dates of the Q3 is for me to get a handle on how many stays I may need to retain my status by the end of the year. Knowing when Q4 begins will help me to plan, whether (or not) there is a double stay promotion between now and the end of the year.

I have same issue

still getting the same error.

William said that the website is not ready yet to accept registrations. :rolleyes:

William said that the website is not ready yet to accept registrations. :rolleyes:

But as I noted above there is a link to the page on the live SPG.COM :confused:

I'm confused about why we should be excited by the current promotion...
At the beginnning of the year, there was the 500/night promo that people thought was pretty good. This one is as good as that was.

My favorite Latin American property is not on the list :td::(.

Uhm, I definitely hope that some kind of "double dip compensation" is forecasted for European hotels in latter Q3 promotions, since the whole Europe was left out of this one. :rolleyes:

It means to sound as a joke, not as a complaint. I haven't become SO greedy for starpoints yet.
Yet ;)

Lurker,

Thanks for the advance notice/heads up.

Several requests for clarifications if you know or can find out:

1). The several offers rolling out in August that you speak of -- will all of these offers that you are writing about be open to all SPG members to register, i.e., these offers are not targeted offers and are open to everyone?

That information will be forthcoming when I am given the green light to discuss them publicly and not a minute sooner.

2). If these later August offers are open to everyone to register, are they also to have their commencement date as of 8/4/09, and will stays made before such registration(s) still be eligible for whatever bonus they are to offer?

I do not expect any future promotions to be retroactive back to August 4th. If that changes, I will of course let everyone know. And, of course, should I fail in that regard, I can't remember a time that we ever published an offer that did not indicate the start and end date of the promotion.

3). Might there be targeted offers in August and throughout Q3, in addition to the later to be unveiled August offers?

I think I already alluded to the fact that there might be.

4). When does Q3 end and when does Q4 begin/end?

In a normative sense, Q3 begins July 1st and ends September 30th. Q4 then begins October 1st and ends December 31st; however, for the purposes of SPG's and Starwood's promotions that may run during these two quarters, let's agree now to end the distinction between Q3 and Q4 since Get Closer to Paradise obviously did not begin July 1st and will extend well after October 1st. Let's agree now to call these Q3/Q4 promotions instead.

5). Once August has ended and the additonal August offers are disclosed, apart from any later targeted offers, should we not expect any additional Q3 offers that might be open to all but require registration?

Everything coming down the pike is going to require registration, with the possible exception of any targeted offers that may be coming. While we are in full disclosure mode, inasmuch as it can be at this time, there will probably two other promotions announced in August with perhaps a couple more coming in September.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Earn up to 1,000* bonus Starpoints for each stay August 4 through November 30, 2009. Register to earn your bonus Starpoints at more than 500 participating Starwood hotels and resorts across North America and Latin America.

* Award levels are either 1,000 bonus Starpoints per stay or 500 bonus Starpoints per stay and vary by property.



Stay tuned, though, because we’re not finished just yet. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Sweeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeet! Now I realise why I quit Hilton. Thankyou Lurkers and Starwood!:D (yes my travels do start up again in September:D:D)

Thanks for the clarifications William, will await with your further announcements concerning the above. :)




Everything coming down the pike is going to require registration, with the possible exception of any targeted offers that may be coming. While we are in full disclosure mode, inasmuch as it can be at this time, there will probably two other promotions announced in August with perhaps a couple more coming in September.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

And, thanks for the further hints! ^

William is great (and patient) in communicating. Although we want to know everything before it is ready to be released, this is still the best program in terms of communicating in the industry. Let's all keep that in mind.

Read through the thread and didn't quite get an definitive "yes" to this, although I think the answer is "yes". Any clarification is appreciated.

I have a paid stay tomorrow at the FP Sheraton Midtown Times Square, which is included in the 1k promotion, and even though I booked the stay prior to this promo being announced, along with not being able to register for the 1k points at this moment....I should still qualify, correct?

Read through the thread and didn't quite get an definitive "yes" to this, although

I'm not sure you'll get much more of a "yes" than this from one of the official SPG representative here: "Even though you will not be able to register right this minute, be assured that all eligible stays that have August 4th and November 30th as part of the stay date at the participating properties noted will be counted retroactively once you do register."

At the beginnning of the year, there was the 500/night promo that people thought was pretty good. This one is as good as that was.

That really depends on your stay habits, if you typically do 1 or 2 night stays then yes, this is as good if you are going to have longer stays then not really. I have several 4-5 night stays coming up, under the Q1 promo that'd have been 2000-5000 a night since some hotels had double points PLUS the 5K for every 10 nights or whatever it was. IMO this isnt a bad promo by any means but I do think the Q1 promo was better, now given this is Part 1 of ?? on the promos the cumulative Q3 promos could very well end up being better

thanks SPG & thanks lurker(s). My business travel may re-start as early as Oct and can't wait to rack up my starpoints for some tropical island trips :D

Thanks! For some reason, my mind mentally blocked that part out. I blame the long hours at work rather than my apparent selective reading skills! :)

I'm not sure you'll get much more of a "yes" than this from one of the official SPG representative here: "Even though you will not be able to register right this minute, be assured that all eligible stays that have August 4th and November 30th as part of the stay date at the participating properties noted will be counted retroactively once you do register."

It's done. :D

As to various enquiries on promotions for properties in AP, tune in for more hints from me in end August/ early September!

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Thyetus, does this mean that there will be no promos in Asia-Pacific for my trip that begins in late Aug through early/mid Sept? :(

Thyetus, does this mean that there will be no promos in Asia-Pacific for my trip that begins in late Aug through early/mid Sept? :(

I'm not Thyetus, but that is a distinct possibility. Only time will tell, however.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

How ironic a couple folks who quit SPG (or at least 'claimed' to do so) over the last targeted promo won't receive the benefits of this promo, which, by my estimate, is WAY more valuable than double points, at least for one or two night stays.

Happy to see all my existing go forward bookings are on the list.

Cheers,

How ironic a couple folks who quit SPG (or at least 'claimed' to do so) over the last targeted promo won't receive the benefits of this promo, which, by my estimate, is WAY more valuable than double points, at least for one or two night stays.

Happy to see all my existing go forward bookings are on the list.

Cheers,

The upside is perhaps we will not see them here any more.

Well, at least I can hope! ;)

this promo, which, by my estimate, is WAY more valuable than double points, at least for one or two night stays.
Definitely. For the 6 stays we currently have booked during the promo period, we're getting from 2x to 5x points from this (not including the online booking bonus).

Just checked the link and it appears to be ready for your registration... Enjoy, e1!

Get Closer to Paradise (http://www.spgpromos.com/1000starpoints/index.cfm?language=en_us&EM=VTY_SPG_STARPOINTSBONUS_REG_Q3Q4_2009_PROMOTION )

ready for your registration... Enjoy, e1!

I'm In!

I just want to say ":) Thank you so much, William and Thyetus:) "

When I stay at a Hyatt or Hilton, I'm excited I'm racking up points...when I stay at a W, Sheraton, Westin, or Aloft, I'm actually excited about the stay itself, and promotions like this (and more to come!) only make it better.

And people at work wonder why I love Starwood so much.

just checked the link and it appears to be ready for your registration... Enjoy, e1!

get closer to paradise (http://www.spgpromos.com/1000starpoints/index.cfm?language=en_us&em=vty_spg_starpointsbonus_reg_q3q4_2009_promotion )

i am in as well!
Thank you !

Just signed up myself and 10 of my closest co-workers, many of whom are staying at Starwood hotels right now:)

:DGet Enrolled!
:mad:Only For America..........
Looks like Asia region has been left out for this promo. Does this means asia region has better economy???:eek:

I'm not sure you'll get much more of a "yes" than this from one of the official SPG representative here: "Even though you will not be able to register right this minute, be assured that all eligible stays that have August 4th and November 30th as part of the stay date at the participating properties noted will be counted retroactively once you do register."

True, but the T&C says that

"Offer is valid for stays booked and completed between August 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009"

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/en/tc :confused:

Query for Lurkers:

Sorry if I'm being stupid...Ts & Cs state:

"Offer is valid for stays booked and completed between August 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009".

Does this mean I have to rebook all my existing reservations between Aug 4 and Nov 30 in order to get the 1,000 points or will reservations made prior to August 4 for stays in this period (Aug 4 - Nov 30) be eligible for the 1,000 points (500 points)?

Thanks!

Hmmm, still no Asia-Pacific. I guess I'll just proceed to book my upcoming stay without waiting for any promo.

:(

Query for Lurkers:

Sorry if I'm being stupid...Ts & Cs state:

"Offer is valid for stays booked and completed between August 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009".

Does this mean I have to rebook all my existing reservations between Aug 4 and Nov 30 in order to get the 1,000 points or will reservations made prior to August 4 for stays in this period (Aug 4 - Nov 30) be eligible for the 1,000 points (500 points)?

Thanks!

Hi Canada101,

Definitely not a stupid question.

For this particular discrepancy in the T&Cs, let me check and will get back to you later today. (Or tomorrow in your country)

Most likely, William will be updating this thread with the correct explanation.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Hmmm, still no Asia-Pacific. I guess I'll just proceed to book my upcoming stay without waiting for any promo.

:(This is a fantastic promo non-the-less. I hope they add Asia as I have four stays at the end of the month.

Hmmm, still no Asia-Pacific. I guess I'll just proceed to book my upcoming stay without waiting for any promo.

:(

For our members in the AP region, do not despair.

At any time I will bring updates to share with everyone regarding the upcoming promotion.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

That's quite comforting Thyetus, but my planned stay in Kuching will be this weekend. Time is not on my side but other Asia-Pacific guests might be able to wait for the sweetener.

As mentioned earlier, many Starwood hotels in this part of the world may have better occupancy (there are always "excuse" like Middle East travel season, world-class events / conference, school holiday which is apparently a big deal), hence subdued promo this time.

Sorry for a dumb question. I had a stay at a particular property for $x, and this property sent me an email offering me a rate lower than the spg's website, in fact, it is lower by $30 for this weekend. Will I still be able to get the 1000 bonus starpoints?

Thanks

Here's another dumb question. Why isn't this promotion advertised on the www.spg.com home page?

Sorry for a dumb question. I had a stay at a particular property for $x, and this property sent me an email offering me a rate lower than the spg's website, in fact, it is lower by $30 for this weekend. Will I still be able to get the 1000 bonus starpoints?

Thanks


Hi indo79,

Officially I do not see any problem with the lowered rate being eligible if it is offered by the property.

However, the best recommendation from me would be to contact the property and enquire if the rate is eligible for Stay credit and Starpoints before accepting it.

Not a dumb question, either.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Here's another dumb question. Why isn't this promotion advertised on the www.spg.com home page?

Hi starflyer,

Ah... now this is a unique question and one in which I have no answer for.

Perhaps I can suggest to my web gurus to feature it pretty soon.

Let me think if this qualifies as a dumb question.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Here's another dumb question. Why isn't this promotion advertised on the www.spg.com home page?



Maybe because the squeaky wheel gets oiled (FT'ers) first?

What about Europe or Middle East ? Nothing ?

What about Europe or Middle East ? Nothing ?

"Can I raise a practical question at this point...Are we gonna do Stonehenge tomorrow?"

Please see 40% of the previous posts... :rolleyes:

Just signed up. Thanks.

What about Europe or Middle East ? Nothing ?

We've been told to wait!

moved

Sorry for a dumb question. I had a stay at a particular property for $x, and this property sent me an email offering me a rate lower than the spg's website, in fact, it is lower by $30 for this weekend. Will I still be able to get the 1000 bonus starpoints?

Thanks

Seems like a dumb property, not a dumb question. Why in the world would the property willingly give up on $30 it had in its pocket?

Seems like a dumb property, not a dumb question. Why in the world would the property willingly give up on $30 it had in its pocket?

I don't think it's a dumb property. Sounds like the poster booked a stay in advance, at X price, then closer to his stay he got a mass email from the property advertising a special rate.

Thats happened to me before.

I booked a stay at the Fairfax and the Monday/Tuesday before my weekend stay, the hotel sent out a mass email saying rooms are $xx ($40 price drop) for arrivals on Friday. So I rebooked. This is not uncommon.

I don't think it's a dumb property. Sounds like the poster booked a stay in advance, at X price, then closer to his stay he got a mass email from the property advertising a special rate.

Thats happened to me before.

I booked a stay at the Fairfax and the Monday/Tuesday before my weekend stay, the hotel sent out a mass email saying rooms are $xx ($40 price drop) for arrivals on Friday. So I rebooked. This is not uncommon.

I guess I misunderstood. The way I read the poster's message is that the property sent them and email offering them the special rate. As I re-read taking into account your reading of the post I can see where it could have been a generic promotional email that happened to reach the poster just when they already had a booking at the property for a higher rate. I wasn't thinking of an email campaign but it makes sense that this is likely the case.

I guess I misunderstood. The way I read the poster's message is that the property sent them and email offering them the special rate.

That could still well be the case. There are two Sheratons I've stayed at recently that sent me personal e-mails (auto-generated, however) the following week offering me a "come back" rate that was about $40 less than the lowest price I could find on-line. It's entirely possible that one could have a booked room at a property and get one of these e-mails.

That could still well be the case. There are two Sheratons I've stayed at recently that sent me personal e-mails (auto-generated, however) the following week offering me a "come back" rate that was about $40 less than the lowest price I could find on-line. It's entirely possible that one could have a booked room at a property and get one of these e-mails.

This is correct, mine was a "hope to see you again" rate

True, but the T&C says that

"Offer is valid for stays booked and completed between August 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009"

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/en/tc :confused:

Query for Lurkers:

Sorry if I'm being stupid...Ts & Cs state:

"Offer is valid for stays booked and completed between August 4, 2009 and November 30, 2009".

Does this mean I have to rebook all my existing reservations between Aug 4 and Nov 30 in order to get the 1,000 points or will reservations made prior to August 4 for stays in this period (Aug 4 - Nov 30) be eligible for the 1,000 points (500 points)?

Thanks!

Any previously-booked stays will qualify as long as they fall within the other stated T&C's. There is no reason to re-book in order to qualify.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Another dumb question. The T&C state, "Offer valid for recipient of this email only and is not transferable."

Usually that means it is a targeted Promo. I did not receive email, signed up, and got confirmation email... So I am guessing I am safe, but has everyone received the confirmation email after signing up?

has everyone received the confirmation email after signing up?
I got mine.

Another dumb question. The T&C state, "Offer valid for recipient of this email only and is not transferable."

Usually that means it is a targeted Promo. I did not receive email, signed up, and got confirmation email... So I am guessing I am safe, but has everyone received the confirmation email after signing up?

Personally, I wouldn't worry about this too much. ;) If you register, you can play.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

So does the "we're not done yet" part mean you might be adding additional hotels to the list (in regions already identified)? My usual hotel (Westin Pasadena) is not listed and I'm currently there this week. However one of my alternates (Sheraton Pasadena) is. If that's the complete list of participating NA hotels, guess I'll need to make the jump over. Although the Westin does offer the 500 points/night for declining room service which the Sheraton does not which basically negates this promotion...hmmm.

Thanks!

So does the "we're not done yet" part mean you might be adding additional hotels to the list (in regions already identified)? My usual hotel (Westin Pasadena) is not listed and I'm currently there this week. However one of my alternates (Sheraton Pasadena) is. If that's the complete list of participating NA hotels, guess I'll need to make the jump over. Although the Westin does offer the 500 points/night for declining room service which the Sheraton does not which basically negates this promotion...hmmm.

Thanks!

I'd stay at the Westin and make my own bed, but that's just me...

So does the "we're not done yet" part mean you might be adding additional hotels to the list (in regions already identified)? My usual hotel (Westin Pasadena) is not listed and I'm currently there this week. However one of my alternates (Sheraton Pasadena) is. If that's the complete list of participating NA hotels, guess I'll need to make the jump over. Although the Westin does offer the 500 points/night for declining room service which the Sheraton does not which basically negates this promotion...hmmm.

Thanks!

No, we are done in reference to which hotels are participating in Get Closer to Paradise. The "we're not done yet" is in reference to promotions yet to be announced.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

...thats all I have to say. :)

I'd stay at the Westin and make my own bed, but that's just me...

Who said anything about making the bed? ;) That's what I do now. The sheraton does have beer/wine/apps everynight (and breakfast. sort of) but the gym is just horrible compared to the Westin. While this promotion is nice I don't think it will benefit me with the current options. I hope everyone else enjoys it!

Is anyone else not able to get the list of properties to show up? I'm getting a blank screen with the words: bool(false)

which wasn't relevant to what I wanted to know, namely, does the Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental participate? If anyone happened to know that I'd appreciate it.

Michael

does the Sheraton North Houston at George Bush Intercontinental participate?
Yes. It's a 1,000-point hotel.

Thanks! Not sure why the list isn't working here.

Michael

Maybe they weren't targeted for this promo. :p

I see that the Sheraton Gateway SFO is part of this promo.

And can you send the thread or announcement/URL showing that this property is leaving Starwood?

"Can I raise a practical question at this point...Are we gonna do Stonehenge tomorrow?"

Please see 40% of the previous posts... :rolleyes:

Are you gonna bust into Jazz Odyssey now?

"This is Derek Smalls, our bassist, he wrote this."

That's enough, I suppose.

Dear members,

For those who are anticipating news on promotions for the EAME region, keep a look out for end of August/early September.

We have not left you out at all.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

For those who are anticipating news on promotions for the EAME region, keep a look out for end of August/early September.
Thanks! This should be good for me with 3 booked stays in Europe in August and 3 booked stays in Oceania in December.

Are you gonna bust into Jazz Odyssey now?

"This is Derek Smalls, our bassist, he wrote this."

That's enough, I suppose.

Always nice to meet a fellow patron of the arts. (Comedy is the only foil that makes some of these posts bearable.)
"If I told them once, I told them a hundred times..." :D

Thanks! This should be good for me with 3 booked stays in Europe in August and 3 booked stays in Oceania in December.

Are these single night stays? Leisure or vacation?

The 1000 points is a really lame promotion for the current economic climate (IMHO) and the "hold on something is coming.." type attempts by SPG surely seem a little amateur.

Life moves on and so Hilton just got my last two bookings in Europe (MAD & LON)on their 2 for 1 deal - a trully awesome promo. I'm sure I'm meaningless in the scheme of things for SPG but the old addage is that for every customer who speaks their concerns there are at least 100 others who simply walk away from the product

I really feel that SPG have dropped the ball here. I'm holding off on some Asian bookings but seriously what has happened to Q3? It'll be appraoching Q4 by the time these pormised deals are out there.

Dear members,

For those who are anticipating news on promotions for the EAME region, keep a look out for end of August/early September.

We have not left you out at all.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

We all love EMEA but is there any time line for Asia Pacific?

I really feel that SPG have dropped the ball here. I'm holding off on some Asian bookings but seriously what has happened to Q3? It'll be appraoching Q4 by the time these pormised deals are out there.

I had also put a few bookings on hold because I was hoping for a Q3 promotion. But I will need to book soon so those stays will go elsewhere if nothing changes (and this will cost me my Platinum status).

... Life moves on and so Hilton just got my last two bookings in Europe (MAD & LON)on their 2 for 1 deal - a trully awesome promo. I'm sure I'm meaningless in the scheme of things for SPG but the old addage is that for every customer who speaks their concerns there are at least 100 others who simply walk away from the product

I really feel that SPG have dropped the ball here. I'm holding off on some Asian bookings but seriously what has happened to Q3? It'll be appraoching Q4 by the time these pormised deals are out there.
I couldn’t word it any better. Well done pal, +1 for ya mate!

For my upcoming stay in Kuching, I still go for Starwood’s 4P but ONLY because it’s a new hotel that I want to experience. I value a new hotel experience slightly higher than 500 bonus points, if there ever was any for Asia-Pacific customers. But for Bali in September, I’ll keep my options open.

We all love EMEA but is there any time line for Asia Pacific?

Hi DownUnderFlyer,

As per my previous post, hints on promoions for both EAME and AP regions will be announced end of August or early September.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

So for those who wait, let's get closer to Hilton 2+1 Asia Pacific until September, haha. Just kidding (or was I?)

Well since I am in Asia Pacific region and have a stay in August, I am disappointed that Asia Pacific have been left out for all of August :td:.

However, I am thrilled that all the hotels I am staying at in October (in the USA) are on the list ^.

I guess its the old "you win some, you lose some" :D. So thanks to Starwood.

Question for Lurkers: will signing up for this point promo NOW for stays I have in October then affect my options if other promos are released that I like better ? For eg, I dont want to find out later that you offer something like double stays for Oct/Nov/Dec (hint hint :p) but I cant qualify for both deals and I already registered for 1000 points promo, so I am SOL.

In that case, I dont want to register NOW if it stuffs up something better later.

Apologies in advance, if a form of this question as already been asked (I didnt see it)!

Question for Lurkers: will signing up for this point promo NOW for stays I have in October then affect my options if other promos are released that I like better ? For eg, I dont want to find out later that you offer something like double stays for Oct/Nov/Dec (hint hint :p) but I cant qualify for both deals and I already registered for 1000 points promo, so I am SOL.

In that case, I dont want to register NOW if it stuffs up something better later.

Hi Downunder girl,

As per William's post, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12168707-post17.html

No worries.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

The 1000 points is a really lame promotion for the current economic climate (IMHO) and the "hold on something is coming.." type attempts by SPG surely seem a little amateur.

Life moves on and so Hilton just got my last two bookings in Europe (MAD & LON)on their 2 for 1 deal - a trully awesome promo. I'm sure I'm meaningless in the scheme of things for SPG but the old addage is that for every customer who speaks their concerns there are at least 100 others who simply walk away from the product

I really feel that SPG have dropped the ball here. I'm holding off on some Asian bookings but seriously what has happened to Q3? It'll be appraoching Q4 by the time these pormised deals are out there.

Its only lame if you have a single stay. apply that promo to people that multiple stays and end up collecting 20k bonus points or even more.:D for some this is a fantastic promotion, and for others I will grant you the promotion is not so spectacular. I also just checked out this promo that you spoke of. its only for last week of July and all of august. Lets see, the Starwood promotion runs not 1 month, not 2 months not just 3 months but almost 4 months long! and the hilton for 6 weeks, and now with an extension into september but only for weekends? I am sorry, but personally I cannot begin to see how the hilton offer is better than the starwood offer.

Hi Downunder girl,

As per William's post, http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/12168707-post17.html

No worries.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Thank you so much for the good news ^. I can now register with confidence.

Oops I am sorry I missed that early on in the thread - I blame it on the fact that I am sleep deprived and stressed out....I need some Starwood hotel "ME" time :p.

.. I also just checked out this promo that you spoke of. its only for last week of July and all of august. Lets see, the Starwood promotion runs not 1 month, not 2 months not just 3 months but almost 4 months long! and the hilton for 6 weeks, and now with an extension into september but only for weekends? I am sorry, but personally I cannot begin to see how the hilton offer is better than the starwood offer.
Let's put back the whole thing into perspective.

Hilton already has a promotion for Asia-Pacific for August to September. SPG will probably be having one by mid or end of August and we are still not certain what it will be. People have to decide on travel decision almost every day (I made mine yesterday), not middle of August, not end of August, not early September.

As paul4471 indicated, people will just walk away when they aren't happy about a product or service. In this supposedly 3-week of promotion-less period for Europe, Middle East & Asia Pacific, many would have jumped ship.

Regards,

But I will need to book soon so those stays will go elsewhere if nothing changes (and this will cost me my Platinum status).

You would let the temporary lack of an SPG promotion cost you your Platinum status??? What kind of logic is that? I love my Platinum status and won't sacrifice it to get a few extra Hilton points. :rolleyes:

Let's put back the whole thing into perspective.

Hilton already has a promotion for Asia-Pacific for August to September. SPG will probably be having one by mid or end of August and we are still not certain what it will be. People have to decide on travel decision almost every day (I made mine yesterday), not middle of August, not end of August, not early September.

As paul4471 indicated, people will just walk away when they aren't happy about a product or service. In this supposedly 3-week of promotion-less period for Europe, Middle East & Asia Pacific, many would have jumped ship.

Regards,

Which indicates that it its not the product that is of interest but much more the promotion? In which case it is largely irrelevant as there are always promotions going on from the various hotel chains, and one can always find a good deal.

You would let the temporary lack of an SPG promotion cost you your Platinum status??? What kind of logic is that? I love my Platinum status and won't sacrifice it to get a few extra Hilton points. :rolleyes:

I am struggling to retain my status anyway. No matter which promotion is on (other than a double stays). But the lack of any decent promotion is not helping when other programs or other hotels are running nice specials.

I'm good with and appreciative of this promo. My only question is this:
Has anyone received emails announcing it? If so, why is it that as a Plat I tend to only find out about the mass promos via FT and not my email inbox? I've checked on as many boxes as I can find at spg.com but typically rely on FT for this sort of thing. Not that this is bad, but it makes me wonder if I'm missing out on any targetted promos designed specifically for anyone with an FT screenname of Dingo!

I'm good with and appreciative of this promo. My only question is this:
Has anyone received emails announcing it? If so, why is it that as a Plat I tend to only find out about the mass promos via FT and not my email inbox? I've checked on as many boxes as I can find at spg.com but typically rely on FT for this sort of thing. Not that this is bad, but it makes me wonder if I'm missing out on any targetted promos designed specifically for anyone with an FT screenname of Dingo!

Dingo, I would echo your post, I too get very few messages from SPG regarding promos; targeted promos have never hit my box. I get all the goods regarding promos here or frequentflyerbonuses.com. But I have still made Plat, 3 years running:)

Dingo, I would echo your post, I too get very few messages from SPG regarding promos; targeted promos have never hit my box. I get all the goods regarding promos here or frequentflyerbonuses.com. But I have still made Plat, 3 years running:)

While typing the above post, Starwood hit my email with the latest promo!! Sorry Starwood!

You would let the temporary lack of an SPG promotion cost you your Platinum status??? What kind of logic is that?
Classic short-term thinking. People will screw themselves in the long run for a short-term gain. It's the same thinking that got the world into the financial mess we're in.

Looks like Europe, Africa, and the Middle East will be added to the mix on September 1.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Starwood-Preferred-Guest-to-bw-518844108.html?x=0

Beginning September 1, members will have even more opportunities to earn when the promotion is expanded to include nearly 250 additional hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

September? Then it pays to wait for my next step in Bali. Certainly no incentive to do any booking now. Who knows the Accor group could fill the void in August. They do have some decent looking properties in Bali.

Classic short-term thinking. People will screw themselves in the long run for a short-term gain. It's the same thinking that got the world into the financial mess we're in.

Without government regulation in place or oversight we fell into the financial mess we are in. Now all the sudden everyone is criticizing the past regimes, when most were part of government in the past anyway.

Without government regulation in place or oversight we fell into the financial mess we are in.
And what drives deregulation? Short-term thinking.

I am not sure if deregulation is either short or long term thinking just a part of the pendulum as their is no perfect level of oversight & control.

What I want to know is where is paradise and how many points per night is it?

What I want to know is where is paradise and how many points per night is it?
The best part is that everyone's paradise is different, so we don't have to worry about it filling up.

What I want to know is where is paradise and how many points per night is it?

Haha I like that question. The quick answer is St Regis Bali for 35000 points. Interested?

My paradise? It depends. It can be a Hilton, an Intercontinental or an Accor. Time will tell. Paradise is never been this flexible.

Looks like Europe, Africa, and the Middle East will be added to the mix on September 1.

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/Starwood-Preferred-Guest-to-bw-518844108.html?x=0

Beginning September 1, members will have even more opportunities to earn when the promotion is expanded to include nearly 250 additional hotels in Europe, Africa and the Middle East.

sweet!:D:D:D:D I have 32 stays booked from September til November!

I'm good with and appreciative of this promo. My only question is this:
Has anyone received emails announcing it? If so, why is it that as a Plat I tend to only find out about the mass promos via FT and not my email inbox? I've checked on as many boxes as I can find at spg.com but typically rely on FT for this sort of thing. Not that this is bad, but it makes me wonder if I'm missing out on any targetted promos designed specifically for anyone with an FT screenname of Dingo!

I'll second that. Especially with all the LH M&M targeted, and the hotels. If it weren't for Flyertalk.......

I'm glad to see the rest of us are included in the promo too! I'm a happy bunny now!

I just saw on the registration page:
Travel in Europe, Africa & The Middle East
Coming Soon: Earn 1,000 bonus points per stay
Check back soon for more details about this promotion

Is there a reason why some US properties are not included, for example I did not see Sheraton Reston, VA listed. Stinks since I have a stay there this month.

Is there a reason why some US properties are not included...

They simply chose not to play this time around.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

They simply chose not to play this time around.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

How long will it take the points to post. I stayed at a participating hotel from july 28-aug 5(a qualifying stay, unless i am mistaken), and all the points from that stay have posted except for this bonus.

I know it's only been a day or two since i registered, i'm just wondering.

...I know it's only been a day or two since i registered, i'm just wondering.

According to the promotional terms and conditions:

Any bonus Starpoints earned will post to the member's account within 4 to 6 weeks after the qualifying stay posts.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

According to the promotional terms and conditions:

Any bonus Starpoints earned will post to the member's account within 4 to 6 weeks after the qualifying stay posts.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

oh yeah... those pesky t&c's:o

oh yeah... those pesky t&c's
But they say that for everything and the points usually post within a few days. The 4-6 weeks is just a CYA.

And what drives deregulation? Short-term thinking.

I think you meant to at least include regulation/deregulation and apply it where it is needed case by case.

Not to get off topic but when something gets so bad government intervention is needed that is usually a stop gap measure to put out the fire so to speak. The trick is when government intervention gets implemented to bring about long term change that is beneficial. For example after 9/11 many things were done but the long term solution was to set up the department of homeland security. One can certainly debate to it's effectiveness, but it was implemented for the long term and has evolved over time.

So needs that are immediate and in an emergency state are by nature short term, however the regulation should be done with long term thinking ideally. This is difficult to accomplish with politics as we all know.

Just as an FYI, if you have already registered for the North and South American version of Get Closer to Paradise, you will not have to do so for the EAME version. SPG will do that for you automatically.

However, if you are like me and are a belt and suspenders type of guy, feel free to give it a whirl once the registration page opens. Just don't freak out if you get a message saying you have already registered. :D

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Just as an FYI, if you have already registered for the North and South American version of Get Closer to Paradise, you will not have to do so for the EAME version. SPG will do that for you automatically.

However, if you are like me and are a belt and suspenders type of guy, feel free to give it a whirl once the registration page opens. Just don't freak out if you get a message saying you have already registered. :D

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

William, I noticed that the registration page for the US promo mentions that the bonus is good for stays at participating properties, but the corresponding EAME web page doesn't refer to participating properties. Does that mean that EAME property compliance will be 100%?

...Does that mean that EAME property compliance will be 100%?

Not necessarily. When the registration page goes live for EAME, however, that mystery will also be revealed.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Planet Hollywood lists this offer under Hotel Offers at http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Planet_Hollywood/SO.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_SI_1514 and says it's for "each stay at our hotel." However, the hotel isn't listed (as far as I can tell) on the participating property list at http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props/?language=en_us&IM=SOP_Q3Q4_STARPOINTBONUS_2009_REG. Which is correct?

Dear members,

Not sure if this has been provided and if there is a separate thread for the EAME version of this promo.

But here goes:

Members may get to earn 1,000 points a stay from a selection of 200 properties across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Members may get to earn 1,000 points a stay from a selection of 200 properties across Europe, Africa, and the Middle East.
Love the hedging...

Well, at least we know it's a per-stay promo and not a per-night promo. Thanks for the info.

According to the promotional terms and conditions:

Any bonus Starpoints earned will post to the member's account within 4 to 6 weeks after the qualifying stay posts.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Hi William,

Thanks, I will check back in a few weeks as I"m waiting for my points to post as well.

- ALbutt -

Planet Hollywood lists this offer under Hotel Offers at http://specialoffers.starwoodhotels.com/Planet_Hollywood/SO.htm?IM=PP_LHN_SOP_US_SI_1514 and says it's for "each stay at our hotel." However, the hotel isn't listed (as far as I can tell) on the participating property list at http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props/?language=en_us&IM=SOP_Q3Q4_STARPOINTBONUS_2009_REG. Which is correct?

Hi benny248,

Might like to check again.

"Le Méridien Sunny Isles Beach Sunny Isles Beach FL 1000
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach Honolulu HI 1000
Palace Hotel, San Francisco San Francisco CA 1000
Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino, A Sheraton Resort Las Vegas NV 1000 Sheraton Albuquerque Uptown Albuquerque NM 1000
Sheraton Anaheim Hotel Anaheim CA 1000"

Thyetus Lee

This just posted today from a stay last weekend. Is it from this promo?
CORP TRANS 2009 (1K PTS)

This just posted today from a stay last weekend. Is it from this promo?

That's it. I just spotted two posted in my account this morning, too.

+1 for a stay last Monday. That was quick. ^

This just posted today from a stay last weekend. Is it from this promo?

That was quick.
As I predicted in post #160 above.

Mine have already posted from two stays last week, the last one about 48 hours after check-out.

On the other hand, neither of my Plat 500s posted, despite receiving assurances when I reminded them at check-in!

Cheers,

Hi members,

More news on the EAME promotion.

1. Earning period is September 1st - November 30th, 2009
2. The registration page for North and South America (www.spg.com/starpointbonus) will be updated with the EAME offer shortly. Members who have already registered for the NAD/LAD offer need not register again as they will automatically be registered for the EAME participating properties.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Hi members,

More news on the EAME promotion.

1. Earning period is September 1st - November 30th, 2009
2. The registration page for North and South America (www.spg.com/starpointbonus) will be updated with the EAME offer shortly. Members who have already registered for the NAD/LAD offer need not register again as they will automatically be registered for the EAME participating properties.

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

:D:D:D:D

That will make it very interesting.

Now all we need is the Asian promo ;)

Thanks for the heads up

Earning period is September 1st - November 30th, 2009
Perfect for us, since our European stays are all at the end of November. That assumes, of course, that the properties we're using decide to participate...

I recently stayed at the element Houston Vintage Park, which does not appear on the official bonus list (http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props). Nevertheless, the hotel's offers site lists a 1,000 bonus, and it did post to my account.

Are other members experiencing delays in posting (as opposed to past promos)? I know the T&C's say 4-6 weeks, but in the past bonuses always posted within a few days. I had a stay last week. The points and SPG Gold bonus posted the next day, but the bonus 1,000 points has not. Just curious what others are experiencing.

Just curious what others are experiencing.
So far, I've only had one stay during the promo period, but the points posted the Saturday after the stay. See post #170.

Are other members experiencing delays in posting (as opposed to past promos)? I know the T&C's say 4-6 weeks, but in the past bonuses always posted within a few days. I had a stay last week. The points and SPG Gold bonus posted the next day, but the bonus 1,000 points has not. Just curious what others are experiencing.

There is typically a sweep of bonus points on Saturdays. If it didn't post last week, it may post this week.

Earning period is September 1st - November 30th, 2009
We're getting awfully close to that 01 September date, and still no word?

We're getting awfully close to that 01 September date, and still no word?

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the anxiety here.

1) the promotion does kick off until September 1st, so there is still time between now and then.
2) anyone already registered for Get Closer to Paradise (the NAD/LAD version) is already pre-registered for the EAME version.
3) even if the registration page were to launch after September 1st, all of the stays would be retroactive back to that date.

Is it that the participating properties list and their individual level of participation isn't known? Regrettably, we are all just going to have to wait on that until the registration page goes live and the T&C's and participating property list is published.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props is still not updated for EMEA and the first of September is coming in a few hours. I'd really be interested especially for cities with several Starwood properties (e.g. London, Munich) which properties do participate and which to avoid.

They're finally here!

Maybe I'm misunderstanding the anxiety here.
If you don't announce a promo before it starts, it's hardly a promotion, now is it? A promotion is supposed to encourage bookings, and telling someone after the fact that they earned a bonus for a past booking cannot possibly change behaviour.

I'm also one of those people who doesn't believe anything until they see it. With no published list, there's still no guarantee there ever will be one. Never trust anyone who says "trust me".

Nuremberg (Germany) not covered at all - I am very disappointed.

Will cancel my 24 nights booked in Sheraton and Le Meridien for the next two months.

Cheers

topperchris

Cancelling a 24 night stay because you are not going to get 500 or 1000 points?:rolleyes:

Cancelling a 24 night stay because you are not going to get 500 or 1000 points?:rolleyes:

Indeed, rather extreme under the circumstances. That said, the properties participating in Europe at least is pretty disappointing. However these points are a bonus and therefore gratefully received when available.

Cancelling a 24 night stay because you are not going to get 500 or 1000 points?:rolleyes:

It is not one but 10 stays with 2-3 nights each. Will move over to Ramada Herzogenaurach, which still gives free nights for every second stay.

Already have my platinum status renewed (49 stays with 78 nights this year).

:td::td:
Sheraton Hanover is missing from the list.

Sheraton Hanover is missing from the list.
There are lots of hotels not on the list - too many to list. It's easier just to go with the hotels that are on the list.

My Spain trip is good to go! All three are listed...Thanks SPG!

There are lots of hotels not on the list - too many to list. It's easier just to go with the hotels that are on the list.

Yes indeed.
Imagine if the US promo had a similar level of non participation:D

So that's the promo now: many hotels in the EAME region not participating (e.g. none of the properties in Switzerland, other examples already posted above by other FTers) and "get closer to paradise!" promo title: what a mystification :rolleyes: ! Now I understand why Starwood waited until the last day to publish that list. The EAME part is nothing to write home about.

Please mind the gap between the theory (= actual promo title) and the practise (= actual promo execution). Not really a sweetener to book Starwood.

It would be a shame not to thank Starwood for this, but ultimately I agree on the fact that this promotion is nothing to write home about. At least I would have expected to see all of the properties participating in the promo.

I see that the promo terms are Sept 1st to Nov 30th, does this mean that no other "main" stay/points promo will be launched before Dec 1st?

Since I'm relatively new to SPG (almost 1 year) I was wondering, is it usual for Q3 to have "not so great" promotions? I mean, the Q1 and Q2 promo are still fresh in my mind and were definitely much, much more valuable than this one. :(

Too bad the Westin in Berlin isn't part of it and they almost completely left out Frankfurt (except the Westin) :(

LAME EAME promo.


I fear that this was the last promo for 2009.

Here we go - the 500 pts - 1000 pts bonus was activated from 1 SEPTEMBER and remains valid until 30 NOVEMBER

http://www.starwoodpromos.com/starpointbonus/all_props/en

Some of my favourites are missing:(

Sounds like I may be one of the few happy bunnies - my main cities of Amsterdam, Munich, Cologne, Paris and Brussels are all well catered for!

I am also disappointed only one of four SPG hotels is participating in Frankfurt. I certainly hope FWN promo in Asia is good for all SPG hotels in the region.

I think the whole Q3 "promo" is quite disappointing for European traveller/european SPG Plats...

see also for similiar feedback
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/981597-promo-get-closer-paradise-north-south-america-eame-added-sept-1-a-5.html

What do want? Asia-Pacific!

When do we want it? Now!

For the UK......there is a heading for the United Kingdom, and a separate one for Scotland. I didn't realize that Scotland had left the rest of us!

For the UK......there is a heading for the United Kingdom, and a separate one for Scotland. I didn't realize that Scotland had left the rest of us!
There were some more subtle changes in Europe recently http://www.motifake.com/swiss-empire-swiss-empire-cnn-switzerland-czech-republic-8295.html .

I was in the Park Lane last night and thought I'd be picking up 1000 pts from this bonus, but it's not listed :( I would have booked the Belgravia or Park Tower if I'd known as they both are part of it... not much of a promo anyway !

William,

Take a look at this thread and see how happy UA Flyertalkers are. Looks like UA will start getting additional business their way. ;)

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/united-mileage-plus/991188-uniteds-fall-winter-2009-deqm-deqs-promotion-mpw049-mpw059.html

Forgive me if this has already been answered....

But didn't William allude to additional promos coming out the first week in Sept?

I can't believe that a 1,000 pt. bonus could really be it for Starwood this quarter with the promo Marriott just rolled out (15 nights from Sept. thru Jan. yield 25k points & 20 nights equals 35k points)

C'mon Starwood...don't make us move to another chain for Q3/Q4!!!!

...I can't believe that a 1,000 pt. bonus could really be it for Starwood this quarter...

This is it for NAD, LAD, and EAME as far as points-earning opportunities are concerned. AP's regional offer will be announced within the next two weeks.

However, SPG has a couple of more aces up their sleeve, so stand-by. ;)

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

However, SPG has a couple of more aces up their sleeve, so stand-byand hopefully SPG doesn't draw a blank for EMEA again.

Looks good! Surprised to see 4PTS MANCHESTER NH missing.

Looks like this hotel is no longer taking reservations. The hotel staff doesn't know if they're leaving SPG or not. No info from Plat line either. Was told to call the GM tomorrow. I'm supposed to have a few day stay next month. It would be a shame if they left. The property is a bit run down but the staff is great. Some of the friendliest most accommodating people I have come across.

AP's regional offer will be announced within the next two weeks.

However, SPG has a couple of more aces up their sleeve, so stand-by. ;)


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A week ago it was 11 days away! - this is absolutely lame from SPG AP. It may literally be 4th qrtr by the time the 3rd qrtr promo is announced. Not the way to engender loyalty:confused:

A week ago it was 11 days away! - this is absolutely lame from SPG AP. It may literally be 4th qrtr by the time the 3rd qrtr promo is announced. Not the way to engender loyalty:confused:

Hi paul4471,

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-preferred-guest/982750-promo-earn-free-nights-asia-pacific-australia-registration-not-yet-open-13.html

apguest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Sorry Thyetus, I'm lost are you redirecting me to the more appropriate thread or is it my use of the word "announced" as opposed to "active"?

Happy to move it over there.

A pity no asian hotels were involved in this activity

The Sheraton Great Valley Hotel in Frazer, PA is not on the list of participating properties, yet there is a link to the 1000 pt bonus in the Hotel Offers section. Am I safe to assume I will get the bonus points?

Do you get the 1000 pt bonus for award stays?

Do you get the 1000 pt bonus for award stays?

No, only for eligible paid stays.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

No, only for eligible paid stays.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

thanks

even though I'm in the wrong thread LOL
must be still reeling from the weekend beatdown :p

The property list does not include Aloft BWI airport (assuming the list is in alphabetic order). Does anyone know whether this property offers 500 or 1000 bonus points?

Thanks!

The property list does not include Aloft BWI airport (assuming the list is in alphabetic order). Does anyone know whether this property offers 500 or 1000 bonus points?

Thanks!

I'm afraid that the Aloft BWI does not appear to be participating in this promo (I've had one stay there, with another coming...no bonus points credited and no recollection that I was ever anticipating any "Get Closer to Paradise" points for it.)

When this promotion first came out I booked a couple stays over the upcoming month and a half at the Westin Downtown St. Louis after verifying it was on the participating properties list, but when I check now it's no longer on the list.

Lurker, what gives?

Did they pull out of the promotion? I made my reservation when they were still listed, will I still get the points promised by the promotion?

Looks good! Surprised to see 4PTS MANCHESTER NH missing.

They must have heard your complaint. Looks like this hotel is back on the list and I got my 1000 pts from the stay in early October.

Does it really take 4-6 weeks for the 1000 point per stay bonus to post?

Usually posts much quicker than that. My points from last week's stay (Mon-Thu) posted on Saturday.

I had bonuses from four stays all post within five days of departure.

They should post automatically in the weekly US Saturday afternoon time sweep.Mine will arrive here in Australia Sunday morning due to the time difference.If they miss one weekly sweep they should make the next.

Same here. I've had multiple stays in the same week post on the same day, which may have been Saturday.

I've always had them post on Saturday within the same week of a weekday checkout. On the weekend checkouts, they post the following Saturday.

They should post automatically in the weekly US Saturday afternoon time sweep.That lines up with my experience as well. Had 2 stays last week:


10/12 overnight, checkout on 10/13 -- stay/spend points posted on 10/14, with the 1K bonus posting on Saturday, 10/17.

10/13 arrival, 10/16 departure (across town) -- stay/spend points posted on 10/17, 1K bonus has not yet posted. Looks like it will post this coming Saturday.
Update: 1K posted overnight on Friday 10/23, as expected.

I had a stay that ended on the 11th of Oct (Sunday) with no bonus points added during the sweep on the 17th (Saturday). I thought that perhaps the sweep didn't happen. With no widespread outcry on FT, however, I surmised that it must be something else and decided to wait till next Saturday before investigating.

Hi,

I'm a longtime lurker, but not much for posting. I'm not nearly as frequent a traveler as most of you, so all my questions may be amateurish.

Does this promo work for stays using "cash and points"? I couldn't find it, but I think I read somewhere in the past that you do get points for the money spent on a cash and points stay.

Also, about halfway through this thread, there seemed to be a mention that to be eligible, the reservation has to be made online, not on the phone. Is that right? I have two stays coming up, booked them with cash and points on the phone, I'm considering whether I should keep these or move to a cheaper hotel and save the points for another time.

Thanks!

Hi,

I'm a longtime lurker, but not much for posting. I'm not nearly as frequent a traveler as most of you, so all my questions may be amateurish.

Does this promo work for stays using "cash and points"? I couldn't find it, but I think I read somewhere in the past that you do get points for the money spent on a cash and points stay.

Also, about halfway through this thread, there seemed to be a mention that to be eligible, the reservation has to be made online, not on the phone. Is that right? I have two stays coming up, booked them with cash and points on the phone, I'm considering whether I should keep these or move to a cheaper hotel and save the points for another time.

Thanks!

The quick answer to both questions is that Cash & Points stays are not eligible, and it does not matter if they were booked online or over the phone.

Best regards,

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

guest.forum@starwoodhotels.com

Have to research the hotels participating and then the hotels you can redeem at but I'm going to be in Singapore for 2 nights 11/30 and 12/1. Thus I can earn 1 free night perhaps.