The various degrees of VIP status is proprietary information and is not intended for public disclosure or comment. There is no doubt that Agent Starwood was trying to be as helpful as possible in answering Sprout's initial posting, however it is inappropriate to discuss internal company matters of this sort on a public forum such as this.

The VIP level in Starwood Preferred Guest is a non-published level that is offered by senior corporate executives at Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide. Inc. through invitation only. It is not open to membership by solicitation. The Platinum elite level is the highest earned level in Starwood Preferred Guest.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 05-14-2001).]