Hey all

Does anyone else have a similar bad experience with this offer?

I received a Starwood Preferred Guest e-mail in March 2010 with an 'exclusive invitation' to purchase a 4-night stay at the Westin Lagunamar Resort in Cancun, Mexico for $349. I paid $200 upfront for this promotion in good faith and was due to pay the balance upon selecting final dates.

However, every time I have tried to use this promotion I am repeatedly told that 'my dates are not available', despite giving 60 days notice (as defined in the terms and conditions) and seeing available rooms on the Westin web site. I have had a number of exasperated phone calls with the agents at Westin Vacation Services who offer me an extremely limited choice of arrival dates within a very narrow window, none of which are compatible with my work schedule.

As it was an offer from Starwood Preferred Guest, I took it for granted that the 'no blackout date' policy would apply, which it clearly did not. Also, the agents have not called me back with a resolution to these issues when they said they would do so.

I'm really disappointed that Starwood Preferred Guest sent the offer to me in the first place, when it is totally inconsistent with their usual standards.

It stikes me as a complete scam! Interested in hear any similar experiences and how you dealt with getting your $200 back or your vacation actually booked.

Thanks!