No experience/luck with Starwood (I tried with some properties but no mutual agreement was possible): I had more luck with Marriott and had several contracts when I stayed for a longer period in the same area. The rates in the contract were actually better than company/customer rates (that was athe main problem with Starwood. The offered rate was the same or worser than negotiated company/customer rates and so it made no sense to agree on a contract from which I would have responsibilities, too. I checked rates on www.marriott.com / www.spg.com and www.hrs.de and customer/company rates before in order to know the upper limit):

- I agreed on a total number of nights + rate for a single day booking (I had actual bookings included in the contract because of the sometimes very difficult situation in FRA with fairs: a) high rates b) no availability. I could change to other dates afterwards, but I was able to block some of the important dates during fairs when I made the contract.) Of course I booked cheaper weekend rates directly and not the rates in the contract. If I booked more nights during the week (= more nights as in the contract) then I could still use the cheaper rate from the contract - rooms had to be available of course. (Sometimes I had two rates in the contract fair rates/normal rates + dates when the fair rates apply. That was especially in autumn with many fairs in Frankfurt).

- I was careful with the length of the period in the contract: projects can end abruptly. I preferred to make shorter periods (a somewhat higher rate is the disadvantage) and afterwards a new contract. The usual period was 3-4 month with avg. 4 nights a week.

- I asked for the contract after one or two test stays: I asked the check-in agent about the availability of long-term rates. The agent then called the Sales Manager [maybe this was the problem with the Starwood properties. The Sales Manager knew the company/customer rate. Maybe it would have been better to stay with a non-company rate.] ... If you want to arrange the rates before the first stay, call the reservation desk in the hotel directly and ask for long-term rates and/or the sales manager.

- You can always store luggage in a hotel (even in the "worst property").

- I earned Marriott Points and received all benefits. I hadn't included any phrase about Marriott Rewards in the contract. It may be safer to have it included.

- If you stay only 5 days a week in a room you have to check-out, so the 31 days-rule is no problem. You could also agree on a flat rate for a whole week. Then you don't have to check-out (but after 31 days)

- Special treatment: Yes, yes, yes: many properties treat you very well as a regular guest. Examples:
* luggage in the room before your arrival.
* the property in Frankfurt also invited regular guests for a dinner (= all regular guests at the same table with the Sales Manager + GM).


The Starwood and Marriott employees in the hotels were more than willing to make the contract. The main discussion was about the rate ... and sometimes you have to agree to differ. Don't expect a dream rate. If the is 10-15% lower than "standard" rates or constant during peak times, be glad about it. I highly recommend to approach any hotel where you stay longer [= also for people who stay e.g. once a month in the same property but for several years] to (try to) make a "deal". You've nothing to loose.

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