formerly known as daveland
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: NY, NY, USA
Programs: Hyatt Globalist, Marriott LTP, Delta Platinum, Hilton Honors Diamond, Wyndham Diamond
Posts: 2,969
Yes, I believe that these are rates like any other discounted rates - they only load them on dates they are comfortable with - but then it *should* be confirmed. As the OP mentions, he has non-refundable flights. That changes the equation here, as the hotel is effectively asking the Starwood employee to eat costs associated with the cancellation. Effectively charging the OP for being a HOT employee.
However, as also mentioned, this is between the OP and HOT. And it's usually not a good idea to post internal employer/employee stuff like this on a public message board.