I called last year to add it to my Mother's account (AAA member). The CSR kept telling me that it did not exist. After a little back and forth, she finally went to check with someone and added it to my Mother's account.

I was told that I have this when I requested a late check out. I thought maybe it was a benefit of holding SPG card

Earlier this year, before I earned gold, I called a few times before someone understood what I was talking about.

The first time the agent told me I needed to do this through AAA. :rolleyes:

The second time the agent informed me it no longer existed.

The third time it burned and sank into the swamp.

Ah, but the fourth time.......

The late checkout allowance is key.

Everyone that I know that doesn't have status with starwood has preferred plus through the SPG AMEX CREDIT CARD in Canada.

Thanks, guess I'll keep trying. My experience mirrors yours, except it was through online chat and phone.
Edit: I do have a AAA card somewhere that says I'm good through 13. Hmmmm.

The late checkout and a little leverage to get a better, same type of room (eg. quiet, end of hall) helps, particularly since I have an interview the day after.

It does exist. I called before a stay over Labor Day weekend and had it added to my account through my AAA membership.

Cool, I logged in today and saw that I am now Preferred Guest Plus. The first agent that I chatted with (but was unfortunately disconnected from) after I provided the details must have done it.

PMing Lurker to send a compliment.

so i opened the SPG amex 3 weeks ago and am preferred plus as well. Haven't been able to stay at any SPG hotel yet, but will give my review of the status after my stay!

Going to stay at a Starwood property in Germany and from what I have heard in the past they are not always the most well versed folks when it comes to the SPG program and it's tier level benefits.

My rate is a corporate chainwide discount one (no negotieated rate at that property) and does not have internet included, but as a Corporate Preferred (if really similar to Gold - without 3 points earning etc.) would I be able to chose this as a welcome gift or that welcome gift does not apply either? Just want to be prepared and buy that 3.5-4G SIM card if internet is not free as that is cheaper than paying the overpriced hotel charges.

You mean "Starwood Preferred Business"? I don't see any welcome gift from http://www.starwoodpreferredbusiness.com.

No difference in upgrades - you won't see any suites with either CP or PP though you'll be better off than the average Joe and should be getting rooms that are not the worst ROH. However when you achieve gold you should see better rooms on higher floors though still no suites. SPH Plat is really the only status that count for something.

My status on my SPG card is "Corporate Preferred" and it is an unpublished level within SPG program. That's what the thread is and about and it is labled as such too.

Starwood Preferred Business is a different program for companies.

Hi demue,

Only Gold and Platinum members can choose welcome gifts at check-in.

Best Regards,

Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

Thanks for the clarification. I guess I will buy that 4G sim card after all. Still way cheaper.

I have a question about the Starwood Preferred Business program. My business was just accepted into the program.

I see in the FAQ on the SPG that in order to see some rates you need to do a search while not logged into your account, if it is linked to your company with a SET#.

I have an employee that asked me if they could just delete the SET number, search, book, and then add the SET number again.

1) Would this work?
2) Will the company still get credit doing things this way? Can the SET number be added after a reservation has been made?

I have been asked if there are any additional benefits for employees beyond those offered to new SPG members, besides the possible discount on rooms. I'm not sure, 4:00PM check out?

Thanks for any info!