Originally Posted by redstorm
a) Are most of the Starwood hotels ready to provide the Platinum amenities? I stayed at a few Four Points here in Ontario and Quebec and I don't think
they know too much about the Gold let alone the Platinum level. So if
I were to stay in a hotel, do I automatically receive 500 points with or without them providing me the opportunity?
4P only give 250 points. You have to ask for it on the little card they will offer you upon check-in, where you can choose between various amenties. The 250 points is one of them.
Originally Posted by redstorm
b) After I reach the Platinum level, I guess the additional stays are meaningless. I was reading over the Terms and Contitions and I see that
the stays are for the calendar year only.
They are only meaningless to you if that is your choice. When there is promos, it might be worth it to keep collecting your SPG points, even after you crossed the threshold...
Originally Posted by redstorm
c) Finally, the best room available at the time, does that include suites? In Montreal where I stay the most, the Four Points has a 2-flr suite. Would that be available to me if it was not being used?
It may include suite, but it's not a guarantee you'll get it, even if available. Remember that hotels have various levels of rooms (basic, SPG rooms, mini-suites, presidential, etc...)and the T&C's leaves that decision to the discretion of the person at check-in and based on availibility.
For instance, they may have a low occupancy and decide to upgrade you to the SPG rooms, which are the next level to the basic room for which you have a reservation. On other occasions, where occupancy is high, they might decide to give you a suite, since it might be the next level of room available at the time of check-in...
Good luck and enjoy the benefits of being SPG Platinum!!