StarmegaDO 2010 (SMD2) Nov 1-6, 2010 Masterthread
Aug 11, 2010, 12:20 am
#796
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: CPH
Programs: EBG, M&M SEN, FB Gold
Posts: 507
Well, folks..
Today, Theresa at the Sheraton IAH, gave me control of 10 larger suites at the property. Thats right, the upgrades are in my hands
..
Let's see what we will do with them, but a thought was to raffle the upgrades off and give the money to our favorite Flyertalk charities. There are so many Platinums so it would not be fair otherwise.
I will also ask the other properties for the same ;-)
Today, Theresa at the Sheraton IAH, gave me control of 10 larger suites at the property. Thats right, the upgrades are in my hands
..Let's see what we will do with them, but a thought was to raffle the upgrades off and give the money to our favorite Flyertalk charities. There are so many Platinums so it would not be fair otherwise.
I will also ask the other properties for the same ;-)
Good to see that Sheraton is doing alot for making this SMD another good one. The program just gets better and better IMHO.
Br,
HerrO
Aug 11, 2010, 12:58 am
#797
Join Date: Jun 2007
Location: FLL
Programs: Delta GM, (fmr US CP/PP/GP!), DL SkyClub, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Avis Chairman's Club
Posts: 5,162
What rooms you get offered at whatever prices has to do with the information that you choose during the booking process. I got $119 at first, but then I went back and changed my preferences, especially from king to two doubles, and I got $99. Just play around with it, and you will see the different options too, at least that is my guess, until the cheaper rooms get sold out. Of course, as always, YMMV!
Aug 11, 2010, 7:35 am
#799
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,096
As of this morning, the no preferences brings up a king bed or 2 doubles at $99. Evidently the club level & junior suites have sold out, and tommy holds the key to the full suites.
Cheers.
Cheers.
Aug 11, 2010, 11:46 am
#800
Join Date: Dec 2007
Location: Westchester Co, NY or Rio Grande Valley, TX or ???
Programs: BAEC G, WN A-, Hyatt G, HH G, MAR T, Hz PC, was [UA2P, FL A+Elite, BD G]
Posts: 2,271
Hi all,
A few quick questions:
Question #1, from post #694 (excessive bold/ital/underlining mine):
There was some discussion as to whether the upgrade to SPG platinum would be a once-per-lifetime event - has this been determined one way or the other? I re-read the thread and could not find a definitive answer. If it is the typical SPG "you can never do this again" promo I will have to think carefully whether I want to use it this year or not. (In any case, Starwood Lurker will be happy that I'm finally staying in some SPG properties.)
Question 2: I will be traveling internationally during much of the next few weeks, sometimes without internet access. Do the organizers plan to give at least a week (two weeks would be safer for me) from the time that final charter payment is asked for to make the payment? If not I will probably have to ask for an extension.
Question 3: Are the organizers considering asking BD to grant miles, or is that too far down their list to get to? If not I can easily survive, but 4k DC miles are worth a bit more to me than 4k CO miles right now.
If the above sounds "whiney" I apologise - my questions are not meant to be taken in that way. I am very happy to have the opportunity to participate in SMD2 - thank you all! I am really getting excited about this!
A few quick questions:
Question #1, from post #694 (excessive bold/ital/underlining mine):
All,
We have secured the following for all SMD participants:
1000 Starpoints pr. night in addition to what's normally awarded
If you have a top tier level with any other major program, you will get Starwood Platinum instantly. We will open up a simple online form where this is done some time in August.
Starwood also has many great surprises along the way
^^
We have secured the following for all SMD participants:
1000 Starpoints pr. night in addition to what's normally awarded
If you have a top tier level with any other major program, you will get Starwood Platinum instantly. We will open up a simple online form where this is done some time in August.
Starwood also has many great surprises along the way
^^Question 2: I will be traveling internationally during much of the next few weeks, sometimes without internet access. Do the organizers plan to give at least a week (two weeks would be safer for me) from the time that final charter payment is asked for to make the payment? If not I will probably have to ask for an extension.
Question 3: Are the organizers considering asking BD to grant miles, or is that too far down their list to get to? If not I can easily survive, but 4k DC miles are worth a bit more to me than 4k CO miles right now.
If the above sounds "whiney" I apologise - my questions are not meant to be taken in that way. I am very happy to have the opportunity to participate in SMD2 - thank you all! I am really getting excited about this!
Aug 11, 2010, 2:09 pm
#801
Moderator: Lufthansa Miles & More, India based airlines, India, External Miles & Points Resources
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: MUC
Programs: LH SEN
Posts: 48,132
Q1: we have a meeting with the DO sponsors (UA, CO, LH, SPG etc) so will give you feedback or rather ask for clarification.
Q2: yes, no one will be axed for not responding within hours. Ask the participants of SMD1 and you will see how flexible we were. However don't bank on flexibility, many FTers pushed the limits and this time we will be firmer.
Q3: no we will not ask bmi DC for mileage credit for various reasons. Last year a third of the participant credited there, and BD gained nothing of the event. The credit came about because they had offered a A332 for charter which fell thru later and the FFP miles were a small sorry note.
Q2: yes, no one will be axed for not responding within hours. Ask the participants of SMD1 and you will see how flexible we were. However don't bank on flexibility, many FTers pushed the limits and this time we will be firmer.
Q3: no we will not ask bmi DC for mileage credit for various reasons. Last year a third of the participant credited there, and BD gained nothing of the event. The credit came about because they had offered a A332 for charter which fell thru later and the FFP miles were a small sorry note.
Aug 11, 2010, 3:32 pm
#803
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
And it will be good touch base again. If time allows, we should allow Hartmann to show us the delights of Houston's BBQ joints.Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 11, 2010, 3:40 pm
#804
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: CH
Programs: LH
Posts: 1,780
Aug 11, 2010, 3:49 pm
#805
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
My best guess is that you haven't spent much time in Teh Penalty Box or gone to a Kansas City BBQ Do. If you had, no interpretation would be necessary. But, all the parties to whom the message was intended probably know what it means.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
But, all the parties to whom the message was intended probably know what it means. Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 11, 2010, 4:03 pm
#806
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Programs: UALifetimePremierGold, Marriott LifetimeTitanium
Posts: 71,096
I've not been to either, but I knew what it meant Of course I'm still lamanting not being able to attend the renowned Austin Do, which evidently had fabulous BBQ. I doubt this trip will allow for BBQ sidetrips, unless CO has opened up a branch near one
Cheers.
Of course I'm still lamanting not being able to attend the renowned Austin Do, which evidently had fabulous BBQ. I doubt this trip will allow for BBQ sidetrips, unless CO has opened up a branch near one Cheers.
Aug 11, 2010, 4:41 pm
#807
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
I know the timeline is short, so we'll have to see if a BBQ lunch in Houston is possible the closer we get to the event.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 11, 2010, 5:13 pm
#808
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Brisbane AU, Planet X
Programs: QC Life, QFF Gold, VA Gold, HH nothing,IHG Gold
Posts: 1,605
LOL. You'll get another chance at an Austin Do (with plenty of BBQ opportunities) in April 2012.
I know the timeline is short, so we'll have to see if a BBQ lunch in Houston is possible the closer we get to the event.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
I know the timeline is short, so we'll have to see if a BBQ lunch in Houston is possible the closer we get to the event.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Booked my transpacific flights booked the accommodation in Houston.
Also my first stay at a SPG property coming up.
Aug 11, 2010, 5:19 pm
#809
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 11, 2010, 6:10 pm
#810
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: UA 1K 1MMer & LT UC (when flying UA); Hyatt Credit Cardist; HHonors Diamond; Marriott Gold via UA 1K
Posts: 6,956