Originally Posted by
Totoro
Why would an upgrade not be possible with an award stay? For purposes of upgrades, award as well as C&P stays are (in theory) treated the same as paid stays.
For points advance upgrade, award reservations are not eligible. You can use it for "instant awards" at the front desk but not in advance.
I my case I was using a FWN in the summer, and the hotel let me upgrade a week in advance using points. Therefore bent the rules in terms of advanced upgrades for me.
Room & Suite Upgrades*
Use as few as 1,000 StarpointsŪ for a room upgrade at any participating Starwood hotel or resort. Arrange for an upgrade within five days of arrival to a Specialty, Specialty Select Room, or Suite on reservations booked at RACK, COR, SET, or BAR. You may upgrade from any category of room on an eligible rate paid reservation. *
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer.../upgrades.html