Originally Posted by
thaliajen
I have always booked the 1st night as a paid stay, then used my reward points for the following nights. That way they don't just see it all as a points stay, although I am told that we still get our Platinum "gifts" and upgrades whether 1 night is paid or not. I'll be staying on points (thanks to the Platinum 50 percent off points deal) in 2 weeks and I'm really hoping I get upgraded to a suite. I always get suite upgrades at Mexican resorts, so we'll see if Puerto Vallarta's Westin is as nice as Cancun's Starwoods and of course, the lovely Los Cabos Westin!
Good Luck!
Interesting, I was thinking about doing the same booking tactic. At some properties, there are limited options for rooms on points (i.e. LM Munich, The Royal Hawaiian) and have been told that there is no option for an upgrade on an award stay. However, they do allow platinum upgrades for paid stays and may not force a move if extending the stay with an award reservation.