b8b, as the winner of two packages (to the same "moments" event) last fall, my one major comment post-event was that they should either INCLUDE a room for the winning bidder(s) as part of the package, OR AT MINIMUM block off a starwood room, preferably at one of the nicer starwood properties proximate to the event, and let the winning bidder(s) either pay cash or use starpoints for the room. Key point being BLOCK THE ROOMs needed by the winner(s) to attend the vent they just won. Who could better do this (block the rooms and/or bundle them w/ the Moments package) than starwood ? My comment to the marketing company behind the starwood moments site (its a 3rd party major-player marketing company, BTW, not starwood literally, that creates the packages) what that "would iit not be odd to win a moments package...and have to stay down the road at the nearby hilton" ? She seemed befuddled to hear this, as if she had not considerd the issue before, and agreed it would be a good idea to somehow include BLOCKED OUT hotel space or access to same as part of the package.

But - guess the point didn't get through because here is a major hotel brand, in conjunction w/ a major-league marketing company, putting together an innovative auction package...'cept the winning bidder(s) have to fend for themselves for their hotel space to attend the event they won from a hotel company. Go figure.

So - here we are once more - a "super" super bowl moment package...and it is an obvious problem that if one wins, they may not be able to find a decent hotel space. Somehow I am surprised starwood didn't and hasn't themselves realized this very fundamental natural barrier to some people wanting to bid on these packages and worked out a standing solution (bundling one starwood room would be a good start per package). I understand starwood not wanting to get involved in air/travel issues...but hotel space ? Do they really want the winner standing on the front steps of the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Resorts and discussing their Moments package w/ HHONORS guests ? Geez

FWIW - the event, according to Mrs. ILUVCITIBANK who actualy attended, was exceptionally well put together and she was highly impressed. In my view, starwood has partnered w/ a superb marketing company.