Originally Posted by
andrewpartyman
Booked my room through spg.com; noticed that this hotel eagerly billed me right away. I usually always do the stupid pre-pay rates through spg.com, but most hotels aren't so eager to swipe your card.
I usually book these rates, as well. Similar to you, hotels normally take their time to charge the card. But, I wouldn't think poorly of the property if they billed me immediately. It is a "prepaid" rate, after all. It's fine.
Originally Posted by
andrewpartyman
I check in as a Platinum. I see no one in the lobby, hallways, anywhere. I ask for a room upgrade and they tell me they have no suites available. Suspicious. Literally, I have never seen an emptier hotel in my life. Clearly, they were lying.
During my last stay, I actually spoke with a manager. He told me that the hotel does a ton of business with management consultants. As I used to work in the consulting industry, I can assure you that the hours are VERY long. So, while the hotel may have appeared empty, the consultants (probably all mega-Platinums and have stayed at this hotel 4/5 nights a week for the past year) may have had all of the suites. Just a guess....
Originally Posted by
andrewpartyman
I get the folio under the door. It says you have earned 0 Starpoints for this stay. Hmm...
I ignore the calculation at the bottom of the bill 100% of the time. It is usually wrong.