Originally Posted by
3Cforme
I went looking on SPG.com for an unconditional 'no blackouts' language used by the OP, then frequently by others in this thread. Going to the program outline pages, I didn't find it. I did find this - and it is exactly what Starwood delivers:
If there is a standard room available, it’s yours.
http://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefer...s_landing.html
People who can't be bothered to learn the primary T&Cs are going to be frustrated at every turn. There's an infinite series of faux entitlements that loyalty programs and properties will fail to deliver.
I agree with what you're saying but (as another poster also mentioned) the growing issue at many desirable *wood hotels (W, Westin resorts...etc.) is that they simply classify most of their non-suites as 'deluxe' rooms to avoid making it bookable for the FWN promo, as well as for standard award redemption.
I haven't yet heard a reasonable explanation between "standard" and "deluxe" rooms at hotels, which justifies the additional points (and means they can't be booked for FWN promos). Usually the plat concierge says something like "it's a bit larger room" or has "a better view" except that's why we're booking at hotel x! If a W is 1 or 2 categories higher than a nearby Sheraton or Westin, the fact that the room offers better views should be included, since I'm burning more points for a room at the nicer hotel!
In my mind, any room that is smaller than a one-bedroom suite should be bookable as a standard room, (and with the base number of points) at least to platinum members!