FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - Is this what I can expect from SPG Platinum status?

Nov 30, 2009 | 10:07 am

#7

KENNECTED

Suspended

Join Date: Oct 2003

Location: New York, NY

Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred

Posts: 10,869

Quote:

Originally Posted by ttrltb

I have to say, I’m really unimpressed/disappointed with the “benefits” of my recently acquired platinum status and am, aside from the amenity points, 0 for 3 so far:

Sheraton Rockville hotel – checked in, was given keys in a “You’ve been upgraded” sleeve, which was funny since I knew that there were no suites in the hotel. We assigned a room on the top/5th floor of the hotel, on the Club Level. I later inquired if they had any food on the weekends and they flatly said no. Ironically, we stayed on the club level two weeks earlier when we were gold and they had a sign in the Club Lounge offering breakfast vouchers during the weekend when the lounge was closed, so we were treated better as gold than as platinum. (And, please don't tell me that an amenity-less club lounge or the top floor of a 5-story hotel is an upgrade meritous of such fanfare.)

Westin Dulles Airport Hotel – Again, plat points offered at check in, but no “upgrade” this time, despite the parking lot and hotel being quite deserted and that there were at least club level rooms available online when I checked earlier that day for friends. Additionally, though it is part of the Plat perks, our keys could not be used to access the club level.

Sheraton Suites Alexandria – Plat amenity not offered at check in (and I forgot to ask since we were so caught up in help with restaurant recommendations). We went to see the club lounge, just to take pix, but it was closed for a week and a sign said that plats were given vouchers for breakfast during the closing, again, not offered at check in. No upgrade here, either, but I have no idea how full the hotel was.

I did not try to use the gym in any of these places, so I don’t know if I was given access to them, either.

I’m really uncomfortable with the notion that my efforts and patronage are in vain and that I’ll have to look forward to constantly nudging the front desk to get the basic benefits offered in the program. I travel to relax, not to have to complain about things or train staff. I wish I didn't, but I’m really starting to wonder if maybe I’ve been duped and am VERY seriously considering moving my stays for the next two months to Hyatt, since at least I'd have tangible, more easily acquired benefits (double stays, free nights, etc.) there…

I don't want to have to deal with this every time (chasing up points is getting tedious enough), so I don't know what to do...

Sigh. Here we go again. You've had a short number of stays and each property is different (rooms, number of suites, occupancy on any given date, etc.)

Upgrade does not equal suite. There are plenty of threads that discuss what an "upgrade" is.
As stated many times, the club lounges can change their policy. So what you saw on a previous stay, may not be relevant on the current stay. Lots of properties close or change lounge hours, especially around the holiday's and weekends. They should make that clear on their website and at check in. However, you need ask as well.
There isn't any way a guest, by view, can determine occupancy
When checking in you, yes YOU, should ask "what type of room am I being assigned?" This way before leaving the reception desk you know you're getting what you entitled to.
You knew that platinum members were entitled to an amenity, if it wasn't offered, you should have spoken up. Period. It makes no sense that you knew you were entitled to amenity, yet said nothing.
You should be given gym access, period

None of what I've said was meant to be rude, but have a few more stays as a platinum before writing a rant.The issues you've state above can happen at any property/brand/loyalty program.