Hello there. So I got Platinum through Marriott, and had not yet stayed in a Starwood property. I have used Hilton, Marriott and Accor in the past (although Accor is the chain I use most for sure) and one thing is that when I purchase the flexible rates through Hilton or Marriott, despite both only being flexible until the day before arrival, no hotel has ever charged me before check-in on a flexible rate. So I thought I would try staying at the Sheraton in Prague, and the day before my arrival, on a flexible until the day before rate, they attempted to charge my card the amount for the room. However, in the rate details it stated that payment would be taken at check in. So at check in, I asked them about this, and the front office supervisor stated that this is standard practise for Sheratons, (though initially she said all hotels, to which I assured her it was not) so I don't know if this really is standard for Sheratons or not. Because honestly, I did not expect it would happen based on the rate conditions. So basically, my question is whether it is a Starwood (or Sheraton) standard to charge your card before your arrival on the flexible rates, as personally, that is not something I am particularly fond of.
Cheers.