Originally Posted by Kagehitokiri
I'm sorry but that is not correct.. FHR is standardized, unlike Virtuoso. And Ameniti cannot be compared to them. FHR is a standard negotiated rate, like AAA / Corp / Group, across all member properties, and has a standard set of benefits, other than property amenity. Only relatively higher end properties are members. IIRC about 40 Starwoods are members.
Even if you were right, there are only 40 properties that participate, which is hard to actually use
I can't recall how much of a discount I've seen at Starwood properties (below BAR), but I do remember seeing them. And I've never seen higher than BAR, which is what you are saying is the case.
Actually, I did not say BAR. I said prepaid internet rate. I highly doubt that ANY negotiated rate plan from amex platinum (which is what the OP stated) will be lower than most internet prepaid rate. Chainwide discount negotiated by corporations are different, but that is not what the OP has
Saying that the benefits are not given, and that the rates are always higher than BAR is simply not accurate at all.
I didn't say that. This was said by many threads posted by FTers. It's a fact that many properties/agents have NO clue whatsoever of negotiated benefits other than those given to SPG elites. Many FTers had been flat out denied of those benefits. This is a fact.
Originally Posted by chardo
I just booked @ W Union Square over X-Mas. I am SPG Gold, and was told (in another thread) that since this W is a Virtuoso property, I had a better chance of upgrade that way than via SPG status. Also, breakfast (continental, yippe skip!) is included. My Virtuoso agant was quoted a Virtuoso price of $505/Night for a Spectacular room, vs. $379/night on SPG.com. Better yet, I called The gold reservation #, and they got me in on a promo to get one of my 5 nights (only 4 needed to qualify, BTW) for free, and the same $379 rate. This promo did not show up @ SPG.com (boo!)
Case in point. As chardo stated. In order to get his benefits, he would have to pay a HIGHER RATE of $505 versus the $379 from spg directly. That is usually my experience with those rates that include special amenities