Originally Posted by
offerendum
Virtuoso is simple and you mustnīt be part of any programm. Book since years via Virtuoso and only see advantages. Do a search. Spending 4800 € in a Starwood-hotel without getting member of SPG is wasting Money in my eyes.
I would also ask for at least gold level (which gives a point bonus) to be comped. EUR 4800 is definitely a substantial enough booking by Starwood standards to ask for comped Gold.
It is leaving cash on the table to pay a published rate at this hotel and A)forgo Virtuoso benefits and B)not collect spg points. Even if one is not interested in hotel award stays, spg points transfer at very favorable rates into airline mileage programs.