Originally Posted by EchoVictor

I'm doing a three night stay in the fall. If I book directly w/ the hotel, I can get SPG Plat benefits but will cost $430 extra before taxes (probably ~$500 all in) versus a group rate for an event I'm attending. I'm told that with the group rate I get no SPG benefits, even though it's booked directly with the hotel.

Would the points, a chance of upgrade and free breakfast (and internet?) worth the extra cash? I'm still super annoyed that it's even possible to book a rate w/ a hotel directly that excludes benefits.

It would be helpful if someone told me what the value of Platinum breakfast is every morning? It will be two of us in the room.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by shawneve

I would not want to pay $500 for 6 continental breakfasts ($19 upcharge to full) and a chance at an upgrade.
Maybe worth it if it was a full breakfast and I was guaranteed the upgrade.

I would get creative and contact the manager and see if there is something in between the two rates that will include the benefits.
This is based on the assumption that a normal group rate would be xx cheaper and that a group rate that has no benefits would be xx+xx cheaper.

Doesn't hurt to ask.