Programs: BA Gold GL CCR, KL/AF Plat, AC Super-Elite, EK Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 1,947
Free 'Standard' internet only is an insult to Plats
Don't often post in these parts but had to today as I find the Standard vs Premium internet offering that seems to be popping up at numerous Starwood properties (Westins particularly) an absolute joke.
For the uninitiated, upon logging onto the internet, you are given two options. Standard internet access (free to Platinums) or Premium, which everyone has to pay for.
Now, I'd be happy to pay the extra if the two services were like this:
Standard: How the service was before the 'tiering' was introduced Premium: A new, super-fast service that was noticeably faster and worth the extra.
However, the reality goes like this.
Premium: How the service was before the 'tiering' was introduced Standard: A throttled, bottle-necked, slowed down service to try and force people into paying for Premium.
The difference between the two is only $6-10 or so, but as a 75+ night Plat with Ambassador service, I just find it a bit of an insult. I spend a huge amount of money with Starwood (on my own dime as I'm self-employed) and it riles me when I get nickel & dimed over internet access, especially when I'm generally treated very well by SPG.
Even someone just qualifying for Plat is a) probably spending a decent amount with Starwood, and b) is probably a business traveller, and therefore unlikely to be able to tolerate the unusably slow 'Standard' internet speeds. Would it really be that much of a big deal to offer your best customers the full speed of your internet connection?
Don't often post in these parts but had to today as I find the Standard vs Premium internet offering that seems to be popping up at numerous Starwood properties (Westins particularly) an absolute joke.
For the uninitiated, upon logging onto the internet, you are given two options. Standard internet access (free to Platinums) or Premium, which everyone has to pay for.
Now, I'd be happy to pay the extra if the two services were like this:
Standard: How the service was before the 'tiering' was introduced Premium: A new, super-fast service that was noticeably faster and worth the extra.
However, the reality goes like this.
Premium: How the service was before the 'tiering' was introduced Standard: A throttled, bottle-necked, slowed down service to try and force people into paying for Premium.
The difference between the two is only $6-10 or so, but as a 75+ night Plat with Ambassador service, I just find it a bit of an insult. I spend a huge amount of money with Starwood (on my own dime as I'm self-employed) and it riles me when I get nickel & dimed over internet access, especially when I'm generally treated very well by SPG.
Even someone just qualifying for Plat is a) probably spending a decent amount with Starwood, and b) is probably a business traveller, and therefore unlikely to be able to tolerate the unusably slow 'Standard' internet speeds. Would it really be that much of a big deal to offer your best customers the full speed of your internet connection?
First, I have not yet encountered such issues. Perhaps you can state which hotels you faced such problems, or at least the region.
However, if what you said is true, then this is indeed quite sad. Plats should not be treated like beggars. It is like saying, water from the tap is "free"; "standard" package means you get droplets of water and you need 5 mins to fill up a cup to brush your teeth. Pay for "premium", and you get normal flowing water. But they have fulfilled the promise of "free" tap water.
Programs: MR PLT/LT PLT, SPG PLT50/LT GLD, HH Gold, US LT SLV, AA GLD, EK SLV, Hertz 5*
Posts: 10,991
Quote:
Originally Posted by Starwood Lurker
If you encounter a hotel that does not allow you to choose the highest available speed of internet service, where the option exists, you need to contact Corporate Customer Service and issue a formal complaint.
...
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
Then what's up with the misleading speed selection screen? This smells like a money-grab from the uninformed (that plat get free internet, regardless of speed package).
The difference between the two is only $6-10 or so, but as a 75+ night Plat with Ambassador service, I just find it a bit of an insult. I spend a huge amount of money with Starwood (on my own dime as I'm self-employed) and it riles me when I get nickel & dimed over internet access, especially when I'm generally treated very well by SPG.
A few oddities here.
First, premium internet service has always been included for Platinums, at least in every property I have stayed at around the world.
Second, if you are Plat75 then why do you have an Ambassador?
First, premium internet service has always been included for Platinums, at least in every property I have stayed at around the world.
As Forstbetrieb stated, sometimes you're only offered one speed, and that's not the premium internet. I came across such an issue at the Westin SFO about 18 months ago: Westin SFO San Francisco Airport [Master Thread]
I haven't been back to see if they've fixed it.
Quote:
Originally Posted by whimike
Second, if you are Plat75 then why do you have an Ambassador?
Ambassador is 100 nights+, or if you had previously qualified under special conditions.
As Forstbetrieb stated, sometimes you're only offered one speed, and that's not the premium internet. I came across such an issue at the Westin SFO about 18 months ago: Westin SFO San Francisco Airport [Master Thread]
I haven't been back to see if they've fixed it.
Ambassador is 100 nights+, or if you had previously qualified under special conditions.
I have had an ambassador since the beginning of the program and never done 100 nights a year. Still don't know what got me the privilege.
Free 'Standard' internet only is an insult to Plats
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