Originally Posted by da_guy
MR doesn't have the no-blackout policy? I too am a newbie here. I have stayed at Hilton for as long as I can remember. But they have done some stupid things with me and I decided to check out other options. I just assumed that all programs had the no-blackout for top elites.
FWIW, at the time I decided to collect Starwood points, I was not top-elite anywhere and had no expectations of ever getting there (funny how quickly things change). Starwood's if-a-standard-room-is-available-you-can-get-it-on-points policy applies to all members, even those with no elite status at all.