Originally Posted by
azepine00
I have an award stay coming up at the Westin SYD and to my amazement today I found this rather interesting email from a manager there (bolding mine).
I am particularly irritated by the fact that the property is still selling the rooms and offers an upsell, however they confidently claim that my "complimentary upgrading will not be available". Proactive, aren't they?
I went to the website and aside from the base rooms they are currently selling 4 (four) upgraded room types including two suites. There is also an unspoken 3 night min stay requirement in place.
I'd like to hear the thoughts from SPG experts on whether this is a normal practice and also on whether I should simply rebook at the nearby Sheraton that has availability as well.
I also forwarded the email to Plat concierge to sort out how it aligns with their policies.
I believe the email's wording may be a little off but I say the hotel is:
#1 letting you know that as of right now no complimentary upgrades will be available for you at this given time. As the terms of platinum upgrades are based on availability at the time of check-in, you might get an upgrade. This is an attempt to increase revenue and confirming a guest into a specified type of room if needed
#2 regardless of upgrade, you will get a room as originally booked, and will have access to the Westin Executive Lounge, as it is a defined benefit for platinum members and as stated in the email
imho, the hotel did the right thing notifying guest that there is a possibility during the the booked period in which an upgrade may not be available. OP might very well get an upgrade, or a super upgrade
at check-in.