We have an overnight layover in Doha next April and SPG.com is showing only availability for the Sheraton on a full award stay. The W Hotel is opening 15 Jan 2009 and accepting paid reservations, however they don't have award availability. The difference in price is 40 QAR between the two and both are SPG Cat 5. The W looks to be more interesting than the Sheraton and I would prefer to get that one on Starpoints. Is there some rule that Starpoint awards are not loaded until the hotel is physically open or is the W Doha NEVER going to offer award stays?

Neither hotel is offering Cash & Points.