<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by bry99:
I am doubtful regarding my ability to renew my elite status for 2003.
Apparently, I am eligible for free "Starwood Corporate Preferred" status through a professional organization. Alternatively, by purchasing travel five times through Travelocity, I can get "Starwood Preferred Plus" status.
Both of these programs allow for complimentary room upgrades, which is the reason I am interested. No elite bonus miles, however.
Does anyone have any real-world experience with these programs, particularly in the room upgrade category? Would the desk clerks be clueless if I presented a card showing me as "Corporate Preferred" or "Preferred Plus"?</font>
You could also be Preferred Plus if you were a Starwood Preferred Guest Credit Card from American Express cardholder.
Preferred Plus benefits are pretty much the same as Corporate Preferred benefits with the exception of the 5th and 10th stay threshold bonuses. Preferred Plus has no elite bonuses; however, the credit card does for the first year of membership.
The benefits of Corporate Preferred membership in Starwood Preferred Guest are as follows:
- Two Starpoints per U. S. Dollar or equivalent spent on eligible charges.
- Ability to earn Starpoints on restaurant charges when not staying at a participating property. (US$10.00 Minimum)
- Personal profile information, including: floor, bedding, pillow, smoking preferences, and newspaper preferences.
- Choice of National or Financial weekday newspaper.
- Pre-blocked and pre-keyed room on day of arrival.
- Personalized, fast and efficient check-in.
- Special toll-free number for Starwood Preferred Guest related inquiries.
- Unlimited ability to transfer Starpoints between two accounts in the same household.
- Corporate Preferred membership credentials.
- Guaranteed late check-out of up to 4:00 p.m., based upon availability at resort properties and hotels that are considered to be conference destinations in peak season.
- Upgrade to a Preferred Room, subject to availability at time of check-in.
- Threshold bonus of 2,000 Starpoints after the 5th and 10th stays.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Specialist, E-Communications Department
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 11-19-2002).]