SPG Moments [Master Thread]
#31
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Programs: Bonvoy LTT, Hyatt Exp, AA 1MM, UA Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 970
I really like that the Moments site now lists the location on the main page, rather than having to look at the detail of each listing to figure out where it is (if it's not immediately apparently from the event name).
BTW, looks like they recently posted a bunch of Lady Gaga tickets for various locations around the US. 10k/pair, immediate redemption (not auction), along with several new auctions.
BTW, looks like they recently posted a bunch of Lady Gaga tickets for various locations around the US. 10k/pair, immediate redemption (not auction), along with several new auctions.
#32
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: MCO
Programs: AA 1MM, BA, UA, HH Dia, CC Gold, SPG Plat
Posts: 795
Thanks for the heads up although I have no interest in seeing her.
Not sure if it should be seen as a sign of Amex's better offerings or reduced interest in her that these tix are being offered.
Not sure if it should be seen as a sign of Amex's better offerings or reduced interest in her that these tix are being offered.
#33
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Grand Rapids, MI
Programs: Bonvoy LTT, Hyatt Exp, AA 1MM, UA Silver, Hertz PC, Avis PC
Posts: 970
Cubs spring training games now up for instant redemption. Dates run Feb 24-Mar 28. 3500 pts/pair, 2 pair per game. Not sure about the redemption value, but a fun offering.
#34
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Feb 1999
Location: Seat 1A, Juice pretty much everywhere, Mucci des Coins Exotiques
Posts: 34,339
If I want to buy one of the On Tour ticket packages for a family member, how do I go about that?
#35
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
"Please...email us at [email protected] with your specific question."
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
#36
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: New York
Programs: Bonvoy LifetimeTitanium, UA Plat 2MM, LHW LeadersClub, IHGPlat, HiltonDiamnd, ASMVPG100K, WyndDiamnd
Posts: 1,226
It would be much more convenient if on the main listing for the event (in addition to after clicking on Bid Now), the site said what time the auction ends rather than, or in addition to, how much time remaining.
Last edited by Nevsky; Mar 19, 2013 at 8:46 pm
#37
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS
Posts: 6,823
http://auction.starwoodhotels.com/cg...menbr=67280009
I bid on this event, thought it would be fun. What I find interesting is that someone or computer outbid me on my auction, however, there are two packages that have zero bids on them?? Why would someone want to outbid me for say 1500 points, and not start at 1000? Does spg have a auto computer that auto bids, to drive the points higher? I'm sure not, but seems odd that someone would out bid me, when they can grab a auction that has no bids. I'm well aware, that it's not going to end this cheap, and will go higher, but just got me thinking if there is some computer involved??
I bid on this event, thought it would be fun. What I find interesting is that someone or computer outbid me on my auction, however, there are two packages that have zero bids on them?? Why would someone want to outbid me for say 1500 points, and not start at 1000? Does spg have a auto computer that auto bids, to drive the points higher? I'm sure not, but seems odd that someone would out bid me, when they can grab a auction that has no bids. I'm well aware, that it's not going to end this cheap, and will go higher, but just got me thinking if there is some computer involved??
#38
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: USA
Programs: SPG Plat, etc.
Posts: 190
http://auction.starwoodhotels.com/cg...menbr=67280009
Why would someone want to outbid me for say 1500 points, and not start at 1000? Does spg have a auto computer that auto bids, to drive the points higher? I'm sure not, but seems odd that someone would out bid me, when they can grab a auction that has no bids. I'm well aware, that it's not going to end this cheap, and will go higher, but just got me thinking if there is some computer involved??
Why would someone want to outbid me for say 1500 points, and not start at 1000? Does spg have a auto computer that auto bids, to drive the points higher? I'm sure not, but seems odd that someone would out bid me, when they can grab a auction that has no bids. I'm well aware, that it's not going to end this cheap, and will go higher, but just got me thinking if there is some computer involved??
With multi lot auctions offering the same thing, it's always interesting to see the bidding strategies as the end nears... as the "end time" is extended by 5 minutes if a new bid is received. So lot #1 can close later than other lots, even though it has the earliest "close time"... and so on. Sometimes people wait hoping people will buy the earlier lots leaving bargains towards the end... this can happen, but sometimes those towards the end wind up going for more as people panic they may not get one. Can go either way... depends on how big the buying pool is.
Last edited by Travel Pro; Apr 3, 2013 at 12:44 pm
#39
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: All over
Programs: AA-LTP, HH-DIA, Marriott-LT+AMB, Hyatt-Globalist, Hertz-PC, UA-GS
Posts: 6,823
There's no collusion here. There's an easy explanation. Each auction stands alone. In this case, the person who bid on your item placed a higher "maximum" bid, therefore the computer will automatically up the bid by the appropriate "bid increment" (in this case 500 points) until their max bid is reached. So, just bid on one of the other lots where the Current High Bid is less. Daniel has been involved in SPG auctions before... and you're right, the bids will go considerably higher, especially being his first place in London.
With multi lot auctions offering the same thing, it's always interesting to see the bidding strategies as the end nears... as the "end time" is extended by 5 minutes if a new bid is received. So lot #1 can close later than other lots, even though it has the earliest "close time"... and so on. Sometimes people wait hoping people will buy the earlier lots leaving bargains towards the end... this can happen, but sometimes those towards the end wind up going for more as people panic they may not get one. Can go either way... depends on how big the buying pool is.
With multi lot auctions offering the same thing, it's always interesting to see the bidding strategies as the end nears... as the "end time" is extended by 5 minutes if a new bid is received. So lot #1 can close later than other lots, even though it has the earliest "close time"... and so on. Sometimes people wait hoping people will buy the earlier lots leaving bargains towards the end... this can happen, but sometimes those towards the end wind up going for more as people panic they may not get one. Can go either way... depends on how big the buying pool is.
#40
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: USA
Programs: SPG Plat, etc.
Posts: 190
SPG Moment Auctions are completely legit
Just looked at the Boulud auction in question... in this case, people may prefer to be positioned near the top (in line to close first) thinking that these initial bids don't mean much anyway... and ultimately they may close lower than those near the end. I think this is what happened here.
Also, somewhat related... in these auctions, bids can jump high and look out of whack if someone puts a high "bid up to" price and another bidder comes along and also puts a high "bid up to" price with no way of knowing that there's that bid in the background. For example, a listing that now shows a bid of 1,000 may have a "bid up to" amount of 5,000. Someone placing a max bid of 2,500 on the same auction will immediately go to 3,000.... if there was no max bid placed it would only go to 1,500.
#41
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
There are two other scenarios to consider. Many aren't able to monitor the bidding site in real time and put in a max bid. They only put that in on one of the packages for they only need one of the packages offered. If I put in 10k points on all three that are offered for example, i could win all of them when I only need 1. Thus you can sometimes see one of the packages on offer, usually the first one, go for a higher price because of this. If I only need one package I will set my autobid to only one of the packages on offer for just this reason.
The other reason the first package would go high is if someone needs MORE THAN 1 package. They have to get the first one to make the others possible thus they will push it as high as needed. If you don't get that first one you are screwed.
So the above scenarios can and do happen, however I would never question the integrity of the spg moments system. They are a very nice perk to the spg program and I value those I have had the pleasure of winning. First class experiences all the way. ^
The other reason the first package would go high is if someone needs MORE THAN 1 package. They have to get the first one to make the others possible thus they will push it as high as needed. If you don't get that first one you are screwed.
So the above scenarios can and do happen, however I would never question the integrity of the spg moments system. They are a very nice perk to the spg program and I value those I have had the pleasure of winning. First class experiences all the way. ^
#42
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Holy Cow! I just checked moments and there are some AWESOME experiences with the Chicago Cubs! This will work great for me and my family! I can't wait to take my nephews there to run out onto the field. check them out. Great options!
#43
Join Date: May 2005
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP(.96MM), AMEX Platinum, United Premier Silver, Delta Gold, SPG Platinum 50, Hilton Gold VIP
Posts: 1,744
You can read more about my review here with detailed pictures:
http://first2board.com/pointssummary...vip-reception/
#44
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
Programs: UA-1k, 1mm, Marriott-LT Platinum, Hertz-Presidents Circle
Posts: 6,355
Last month, I used 5,000 Starpoints to attend a Cubs Spring Training game with an invitation to the Cubs VIP Reception at the W Scottsdale. It was awesome!
You can read more about my review here with detailed pictures:
http://first2board.com/pointssummary...vip-reception/
You can read more about my review here with detailed pictures:
http://first2board.com/pointssummary...vip-reception/
I hope they offer another luxury suite for July. I think this will go for big points.
#45
Join Date: Oct 2010
Programs: AA ex-EXP (buh-bye!), HH Gold, SPG Gold, UM Go Blue
Posts: 543
I had never considered using my SPG points for these Moments items, but as soon as I saw the Cubs luxury box (2 tickets) I jumped on it. I will already be in town for a conference in late August, so the timing is perfect. Now I just need to figure out who from the conference I will be taking...
It seems like a very good deal. Thanks, SPG!
It seems like a very good deal. Thanks, SPG!