makes sense....now only if we could use this new math so that one stay counts for five....that would be perfect....

When I checked in today at Sheraton HK I mentioned that I hadn't gotten an email about the upgrade although I saw online that I had been upgraded. The woman said that the trial program had ended and they are evaluating the data.

So what did the rest of you think of the program? I liked it since it meant I wasn't checking online as often.

Honestly, I thought it was a waste of money. It did not change the likelihood of an upgrade, and did not change any planning I would do, so I'd much preferred that they spent the same money on something with more value (a points promo, training hotels on delivering benefits consistently, expanding service in some other area). For me it was a big "so what".

i have to disagree with you....while it may have not changed the likelihood of an upgrade, it took the guesswork out for the ones who received an upgrade confirmation....

most plats ask for an upgrade when they are checking in so it made no difference for those who did not receive an upgrade email....most of the plats in this situation would ask for the upgrade whether the email was sent or not....

all in all i think this was a good program & should definitely continue....

It's usually a good program if you get an upgrade. However, 2 of my experiences with participating hotels was negative.

First, if you don't get an email and you can see on SPG that plenty of upgrades are available it sets a negative tone. In my case, I got an email saying there was no upgrade available followed within a few hours with an offer of a PAID upgrade. While I'm sure the hotel did not violate the SPG terms and conditions it certainly felt like they violated the spirit of the program and left a bad taste in my mouth for that property.

Second, at the Sheraton HK I was upgraded to a Towers Suite. Unfortunately, I specifically booked this hotel because I wanted a harbor view. I repeatedly asked to be DOWNGRADED to a non-suite room with a view and my request was denied. Long story but I never heard from management until after I checked out at which point it was obviously too late.

To me it just seems like there are more possible downsides than upsides. Maybe if they adjust the program or possibly pick more customer service oriented properties than this will work.

While the Sheraton HK said the program ended, the Westin BKK was still sending out emails. Maybe the Sheraton HK just didn't like the program?

got an email yesterday about an upgrade to a preferred room by the four points sheraton downtown dubai....was further upgraded to a junior suite when i checked in this morning....

I received email on upgrade to a Premier Club room at Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur. I m quite new with the whole thing but I do hope the hotel can come up with something better than that. Further upgrade to a suite would be an appropriate welcome to SPG Platinum for me.

i have received the upgrade confirmation email twice, once for a stay in bangkok & then for another stay in dubai....both times the email mentioned a non-suite upgrade....but when i reached the hotel, i was further upgraded on both occasions....to an executive suite in bangkok & to a junior suite in dubai....

I received an email from WGS saying I had been upgraded to a Club Room, not overwhelming but let's see how it goes during checkin.

Reporting live from LM Kuala Lumpur. Did not get any suite upgrade. Apart from that, was unimpressed with them unable to provide a regular room at official checkin time of 3pm. Booking still mixed up with smoking/non-smoking or whatever.

Come to think of it, LMKL had emailed me requesting update on my previous review of their hotel in malaysiahotelreview.com, maybe I ll just do that. LOL.

Got the same upgrade message 2 days ago to a club room from the LMKL.

Don't feel bad I didn't a suite either checking in 9pm.

FD did try but came up empty,but did get my non-smoking preference correct.

Before the new Pre-Stay Email Communication regarding upgrades I was 4 out of 4 at this property,since 1 out of 3.

I think the new program is a waste.

As for LM KL, I found that Platinum amenities not really communicated. I had to ask for any sort of booklet, only then the could-care-less staff opened her desk and gave a card to me. Even so, both of their local gifts were not available. The evening cocktail was so so in term of the finger food. The lounge itself looks ordinary with just chairs and non-descript staff who seemed to have argument on the phone where everybody could hear it. LOL.

Oh, I had to walk to the club desk to ask about the room. It was ready but nobody could make an effort to inform a guest who was just a few yards away. If they think everyone is happy loitering at the boring looking lounge, they are wrong.

With such a lowly experience here, I am very sure Westin KL and Sheraton Imperial wont have trouble to best.

Sorry this came really late but I have just received the reply.

Officially, the trial period is over but some hotels are still participating. (Sheraton Hong Kong has thus opted out of the pilot program.)

Do keep a lookout for more news if there are any new additions.

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Thyetus Lee | Online Forum Coordinator(AP)
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd