The "NEW" Westin/Sheraton guest program

[Catman]

Starwood/Westin put out some more information
about the end of Westin Premier and Sheraton
on the www.westin.com site.

It gives us a little bit more about what's
in store come February 1st... and how we
can qualify but it leaves out some key
information (at least for me
*Point earning numbers per stay (one point or
10 points?)
*Point Conversions.
*Tier structure.
*And just because I'm curious like my cats:
the NAME of the New program!!! It's something
new for me to remember!

It's nice Starwood gave us something more.

Like to know what you guys think. I feel
"not enough!" I'd like to know how many
points I will earn and a few of the award
levels so I can plan for 1999 now (and decide
what rank Westin.Sheraton in my hotel list!)
CATMAN

Catman, I think you have summed it up quite well. One thing about their web site is that it is really SLOOOOOOW.

As far as the name of the new program, hopefully they will not name it like they renamed the Sheraton Optima.

Another concern I have about this program is that the folks who run it seem to be fully convinced that they are changing the program for the better. Reminds me of the time when I sent a mail to Westin complaining about their decision to eliminate the breakfast allowance for Premier members. I got back a reply essentially saying that "sorry but we have improved our program". If they had truly improved their program I would be writing to them congratulating them rather than complaining to them. Nor did I feel that they had at that time improved the program. I think that history is going to repeat itself, with Westin cutting benefits and patting themselves in the back at the same time for "improving" the program.

[Catman]

Pgupta011... thats the way their operators
at Westin sound when I ask questions about
the program. They sound like politicians
reading a memorized press release.

But in defense of their web site customer service... I have dealt with several there
who are very helpful and don't try to give a
sales pitch.

Their website is about as slow as the information we're getting about the program
changes.

Another question: How do teh changes affect
the Westin VISA they have? Will it be combined with the Sheraton Optima program or
both eliminated?

Anyone else have feeling on these changes?
Pgupta011... I think we're the only Westin
and Sheraton members out there. CATMAN

[MileKing]

Oh, come on Catman. You know there are other members of Sheraton and Westin, such as myself, who are concerned about the changes. I haven't seen or heard anything new about the "new" program other than speculation so I'm waiting for the real thing. I'm already on record on this forum as stating that I believe points will be devalued in the new program and that the conversion ratio of existing points will be inadequate. Given the history of these types of "changes", to believe otherwise doesn't make sense.

[Catman]

Remember MileKing, I have a short memory.
Of course there are other members. And I
glad a lot of us are curious to know what
the changes will be at the new "starwood"
program.

I guess we'll know in the New year. CATMAN

[Catman]

Westin customer service replied (in one day!)
TO my e-mail asking a few general questions
about the changes.

They replied they plan to have more details
about what the new program in November. I
can probably wait till then but I saved the
e-mail to see if it happens then. CATMAN