This is all 100% correct. I typically search w/out the SET rate first then with it and about 50% of the time I actually get cheaper rates without it. When it does come up cheaper with the SET rate though, the savings can be from 10 to 15%.

My SET rate sux
 

I applied for the program, and was accepted within 24 hrs. Checked rates on som eupcoming stays at AMS, SCL, and IND (some city combo, eh? ;) ) and the rates with the SET code were 25-50% more. Whatever. :rolleyes:

What I remember reading is that if you already have a higher level of status such as gold or platinum you retain that level. However you also get any special promotions offered through this program and you can use the corporate discount code to potentially receive better rates. It does not sound like their is a downside to me. If I am wrong, I hope someone will correct me.

Looks like the American Bar Association has signed up with Starwood. I just got a specially-logo'ed ABA-Starwood Corporate card. Same benefits as mentioned herein.

Totally new and unrelated SPG account number, and totally unsolicited by me.

Preferred Business Level same as Gold??
 

Received an email yesterday annoucing the new Starwood Preferred Business level of SPG. Benefits sound the same as Gold, see below. With as many ways as there are to jump to Gold (Amex Plat, special offers, etc) and the addition of another level with 'preferred room upgrades' I wonder, is there any preferred room left at the inn?


With Starwood Preferred BusinessSM, your company will receive the following benefits:

• Starpoint Rewards. One Starpoint for every dollar spent by employees – redeemable for free nights, free flights and more.
• Discounted Rates. 10 – 20% off published Corporate rates.
• Account Reporting. Quarterly e-statements detailing stay and spend activity.


Once your company is enrolled, employees will receive the exclusive member benefits of the new Preferred Business level of Starwood Preferred Guest, including:


• An automatic upgrade to a Preferred Room at check-in.*
• The convenience of 4 p.m. late checkout.**
• Two Starpoints® for every eligible U.S. dollar spent – in addition to the company’s points.
• A 50%–off award after their third stay.***

Difference between the two is that Gold members get a higher bonus! What exactly are you upset about? That these members get close to Gold benefits or that you as a Preferred Business member do not get the same benefits as gold? Can't really tell from you comments!

Probably cause I'm not upset, just pondering - as I said,

With as many ways as there are to jump to Gold (Amex Plat, special offers, etc) and the addition of another level with 'preferred room upgrades' I wonder, is there any preferred room left at the inn?

You can't offer 'preferred room upgrades' when the number of preferred members staying at a hotel always exceeds the number of preferred rooms available. Dilution. That's my point and my pondering.

Believe me as a Gold I fully understand you pondering. Problem is that there are too many elite members in all of the hotel programs. An elite membership with Marriott doesn't mean anything anymore unless you are platinum and that basically doesn't get you anything half the time. I personally have been pretty happy with the benefits of *W Gold and I don't want to see those benefits decrease any more with the addition of Business Preferred members. Thing is that I don't think this is that big of a program for *W yet. We signed up for it at work just a couple of months ago and prior to that I think it was only being offered to a select few companies. I worked to get my Gold status and now all of my companies other employees get similar benefits. :eek:

You also get Preferred Plus with Travelocity Preferred Traveler program (formerly Starwood Corporate)

No, you stay Gold
 

Unfortunately no, you stay at the gold level. When they launched the promo with AAA, they had this bonus for the first three stays, and you can get the bonus even if you're gold (they even did it retroactively), but you continue as gold (or Plat, for that matter).

If you have not signed up for the AAA bonus promo, here's the link. No reason to miss out on bonus points, eh? http://www.starwood.com/promotions/p...l?category=AAA

:)

Is there something I am missing there? I only see a number to call. I am Gold and when I told them I wanted to add the AAA to my card, the lady told me Gold is "higher" than AAA. Was she just outa the loop and I need to fill her/them in?

A few months back when this first came out, there was a very long thread on the subject. You might want to look for that thread again (I tried, but can't find it). Essentially, you do have to call, and tell them you want to sign up, but to make sure you keep your gold status. Many FTers signed up, so I'm sure there are others out there with a better memory than mine. Maybe they can chip with regard to the logistics. But definitely this can be done, unless they changed the rules. Sorry my memory is so bad...

I agree a free breakfast is not all that important, especially on a business stay, but remember some folks on business are on a per diem so if they don't spend the money on breakfast it goes into their pockets. My husband is a government contractor and that is how his meal expenses are handled. He gets a set amount based on the area he travels to and he gets the same amount regardless of how much or how little he spends.

Found the thread!
 

OK. The promotion code you want to make sure they put onto your account is A1K. This was discussed in detail in a previous thread, and William had given us specific directions about how to do it. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showt...ht=gold+update The discussion about the AAA promo itself was scattered throughout that very long thread, so be a bit patient. But it's worth it! :)

I guess everyone's experience is a little different. As HHonors Gold I get an upgraded room 80% of the time and breakfast almost every time. As a SPG Gold I have not received any upgrades, and after I turn Platinum I struck out twice on upgrades or any Platinum benefits.

Customer service is better from HHonors in my opinion. Complaints from HHonors are delt with right away and I am usually contacted with in 3 busniess days by the general manager offering from the best room on my next stay to a free night. My recent complaint against SPG from 10 days ago, still no phone call or email from management! :td: It was a stay at a Sheraton property. What happened to the Sheraton Promise????