[NOW EXPIRED] PROMO: SPG Getaway Free (Earn May-July 2011)
Apr 15, 2011, 3:30 pm
#76
Join Date: Oct 2006
Location: New York, NY
Programs: UA - 1K 1MM; Hyatt - Explorist; Marriott - Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 1,586
So sad. You're on your own Jojo.
In all seriousness, this would fit my 5 years ago lifestyle or 18 years from now lifestyle really well, but for right now, I'm just building up the bank...there's really no hotel / resort vacation needs through the end of this calendar year.
So looks like I'll say so long but don't worry SPG, you're still (and probably always will be) my bottom b****. I'm sure I'll be back next quarter provided the NYC hotels are participating.
I'm sure there are quite a few who can take advantage of this promo though - hope everyone enjoys and that I get to hear some good redemption stories and read some good resort reviews.
In all seriousness, this would fit my 5 years ago lifestyle or 18 years from now lifestyle really well, but for right now, I'm just building up the bank...there's really no hotel / resort vacation needs through the end of this calendar year.
So looks like I'll say so long but don't worry SPG, you're still (and probably always will be) my bottom b****. I'm sure I'll be back next quarter provided the NYC hotels are participating.
I'm sure there are quite a few who can take advantage of this promo though - hope everyone enjoys and that I get to hear some good redemption stories and read some good resort reviews.
Apr 15, 2011, 3:40 pm
#77
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: New York City
Programs: AA EXP, DL DM, SPG Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 2,127
Links are live! Register away
Apr 15, 2011, 3:41 pm
#78
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: GVA (Greater Vancouver Area)
Programs: DREAD Gold; UA 1.035MM; Bonvoy Au-197; PCC Elite+; CCC Elite+; MSC C-12; CWC Au-197; WoH Dis
Posts: 52,136
I created a Google doc with all the resorts in it. Anyone who wants can edit the doc to add the resort fees. This will be a community effort.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...thkey=CIbNvaQD
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...thkey=CIbNvaQD
Apr 15, 2011, 3:59 pm
#79
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Bellevue, WA - AA EXP 3MM
Posts: 2,756
Resort fees for these redemptions comply with FTC rules?
The FTC Guide Concerning Use of the Word "Free" and Similar Representations:
Looking at the Stay Three Getaway Free page on spgpromos.com, I don't see any mention of resort fees. Even in the FAQ, I don't see any mention of resort fees. However, I do see the word "free" mentioned in page title, subtitle, paragraph 1, bullet point 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 3, and paragraph 4.
It seems to me that a reasonable consumer could well read the offer and conclude that no resort fees are due. I don't see where the page discloses "all the terms, conditions, and obligations upon which receipt of the 'free' [night is] contingent", and any such disclosure certainly doesn't seem to be "set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer" as the FTC's rule (c) specifically requires.
(a) General. (1) The offer of ``Free'' merchandise or service is a promotional device frequently used to attract customers. Providing such merchandise or service with the purchase of some other article or service has often been found to be a useful and valuable marketing tool.
(2) Because the purchasing public continually searches for the best buy, and regards the offer of ``Free'' merchandise or service to be a special bargain, all such offers must be made with extreme care so as to avoid any possibility that consumers will be misled or deceived.
...
(c) Disclosure of conditions. When making ``Free'' or similar offers all the terms, conditions and obligations upon which receipt and retention of the ``Free'' item are contingent should be set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer so as to leave no reasonable probability that the terms of the offer might be misunderstood. Stated differently, all of the terms, conditions and obligations should appear in close conjunction with the offer of ``Free'' merchandise or service. For example, disclosure of the terms of the offer set forth in a footnote of an advertisement to which reference is made by an asterisk or other symbol placed next to the offer, is not regarded as making disclosure at the outset.
(2) Because the purchasing public continually searches for the best buy, and regards the offer of ``Free'' merchandise or service to be a special bargain, all such offers must be made with extreme care so as to avoid any possibility that consumers will be misled or deceived.
...
(c) Disclosure of conditions. When making ``Free'' or similar offers all the terms, conditions and obligations upon which receipt and retention of the ``Free'' item are contingent should be set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer so as to leave no reasonable probability that the terms of the offer might be misunderstood. Stated differently, all of the terms, conditions and obligations should appear in close conjunction with the offer of ``Free'' merchandise or service. For example, disclosure of the terms of the offer set forth in a footnote of an advertisement to which reference is made by an asterisk or other symbol placed next to the offer, is not regarded as making disclosure at the outset.
It seems to me that a reasonable consumer could well read the offer and conclude that no resort fees are due. I don't see where the page discloses "all the terms, conditions, and obligations upon which receipt of the 'free' [night is] contingent", and any such disclosure certainly doesn't seem to be "set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer" as the FTC's rule (c) specifically requires.
Apr 15, 2011, 4:19 pm
#80
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Columbus, OH
Programs: AA-EXP 3MM, Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 582
Sounds like a great promo if you were hunting some nice resort'y' getaways.
I don't understand why people are bugging about a resort fee. Is it really that much of a burden to pay $20-$30 (and some rare instances $50 or more) per night when one is getting rooms that would have cost hundreds of dollars a night free?
I suppose it would be better to not pay it certainly, but it still seems like a good trade off for the value of the free nights, plus the thousands of SPG points you're saving if you were going to use them anyway.
Anyway, just my .02
Personally I'm looking forward a to a few weekends at Punta Mita and/or Princeville this fall and possible a few at the Sheraton Maldives or W Bali during my July trip.
I don't understand why people are bugging about a resort fee. Is it really that much of a burden to pay $20-$30 (and some rare instances $50 or more) per night when one is getting rooms that would have cost hundreds of dollars a night free?
I suppose it would be better to not pay it certainly, but it still seems like a good trade off for the value of the free nights, plus the thousands of SPG points you're saving if you were going to use them anyway.
Anyway, just my .02
Personally I'm looking forward a to a few weekends at Punta Mita and/or Princeville this fall and possible a few at the Sheraton Maldives or W Bali during my July trip.
Apr 15, 2011, 4:31 pm
#81
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,908
Sounds like a great promo if you were hunting some nice resort'y' getaways.
I don't understand why people are bugging about a resort fee. Is it really that much of a burden to pay $20-$30 (and some rare instances $50 or more) per night when one is getting rooms that would have cost hundreds of dollars a night free?
I suppose it would be better to not pay it certainly, but it still seems like a good trade off for the value of the free nights, plus the thousands of SPG points you're saving if you were going to use them anyway.
Anyway, just my .02 Personally I'm looking forward a to a few weekends at Punta Mita and/or Princeville this fall and possible a few at the Sheraton Maldives or W Bali during my July trip.
I don't understand why people are bugging about a resort fee. Is it really that much of a burden to pay $20-$30 (and some rare instances $50 or more) per night when one is getting rooms that would have cost hundreds of dollars a night free?
I suppose it would be better to not pay it certainly, but it still seems like a good trade off for the value of the free nights, plus the thousands of SPG points you're saving if you were going to use them anyway.
Anyway, just my .02
Personally I'm looking forward a to a few weekends at Punta Mita and/or Princeville this fall and possible a few at the Sheraton Maldives or W Bali during my July trip.There is only one definition of "free" as in it should not come with mandatory undisclosed extra fees.
This is not a charge beyond control of SPG hotels (such as airline security fee or some local taxes for example) and yet SPG insists on those fees while deceptively marketing this as free rewards.
Apr 15, 2011, 4:37 pm
#82
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SAN
Programs: AA PP, SPG Plat, Hyatt Diamond, Nat ExecElite, WN CP
Posts: 419
I may be getting my programs confused (think it may be a Hyatt thing), but can rooms be reserved for this promo before the free nights are earned?
Apr 15, 2011, 4:39 pm
#83
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2003
Location: LAX
Posts: 10,908
Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor Resort
Apr 15, 2011, 4:52 pm
#84
Join Date: Sep 2006
Posts: 524
The FTC Guide Concerning Use of the Word "Free" and Similar Representations:
Looking at the Stay Three Getaway Free page on spgpromos.com, I don't see any mention of resort fees. Even in the FAQ, I don't see any mention of resort fees. However, I do see the word "free" mentioned in page title, subtitle, paragraph 1, bullet point 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 3, and paragraph 4.
It seems to me that a reasonable consumer could well read the offer and conclude that no resort fees are due. I don't see where the page discloses "all the terms, conditions, and obligations upon which receipt of the 'free' [night is] contingent", and any such disclosure certainly doesn't seem to be "set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer" as the FTC's rule (c) specifically requires.
Looking at the Stay Three Getaway Free page on spgpromos.com, I don't see any mention of resort fees. Even in the FAQ, I don't see any mention of resort fees. However, I do see the word "free" mentioned in page title, subtitle, paragraph 1, bullet point 1, paragraph 2, paragraph 3, and paragraph 4.
It seems to me that a reasonable consumer could well read the offer and conclude that no resort fees are due. I don't see where the page discloses "all the terms, conditions, and obligations upon which receipt of the 'free' [night is] contingent", and any such disclosure certainly doesn't seem to be "set forth clearly and conspicuously at the outset of the offer" as the FTC's rule (c) specifically requires.
Apr 15, 2011, 5:01 pm
#85
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Jakarta
Programs: *wood & marriott plat, Hyatt, Accor
Posts: 410
I created a Google doc with all the resorts in it. Anyone who wants can edit the doc to add the resort fees. This will be a community effort.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...thkey=CIbNvaQD
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...thkey=CIbNvaQD
The vast majority of the 'Resorts Fee' are in the US. Most aren't so bad. The worst offenders are the 2 props in Puerto Rico. The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico
W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island ($60 not including Parking).
Thanks *wood. This is a great program. Unlimited nights, no blackout dates. Up to cat. 6 resorts. An incentive for me to travel more for business, and redeem the Free nights for my vacation.
Apr 15, 2011, 5:07 pm
#86
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: BOS/UTH
Programs: AA LT PLT; QR GLD; Bonvoy LT TIT
Posts: 12,753
My travel pattern is such that this does little for me. (I typically travel 3-4x/year, but for an average of 20 nights each, and mostly to one place.) OTOH, the Q1 promo was great for me, obviously. I actually like that they mix them up.
Apr 15, 2011, 5:12 pm
#87
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,604
I created a Google doc with all the resorts in it. Anyone who wants can edit the doc to add the resort fees. This will be a community effort.
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...thkey=CIbNvaQD
https://spreadsheets.google.com/ccc?...thkey=CIbNvaQD
Apr 15, 2011, 5:17 pm
#88
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
Apr 15, 2011, 5:26 pm
#89
Join Date: Jan 2009
Location: AUS
Programs: HH Gold, GP Diamond, ICH Plat, SPG Gold, WN A List, National Exec
Posts: 225
I've got the US done and will have the rest of the world done this evening. I've been going by the front page of the resorts website and looking up. I'd still research it prior to booking.
Arizona
Sheraton Desert Oasis
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
The Phoenician, Scottsdale
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 19
The Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 15
California
Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor
Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs 30
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa 12
The St. Regis Monarch Beach 25
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa 27
The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth 25
The Westin Verasa Napa
Colorado
Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon / Vail Valley
Sheraton Steamboat Resort 20
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa 20
Florida
Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel
Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort, Port St. Lucie
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Sheraton Suites Key West
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas
Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas, I-Drive/Orlando
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida 16
The Westin Key West Resort & Marina
W Fort Lauderdale
W South Beach
Walt Disney World Dolphin 10
Walt Disney World Swan 10
Georgia
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa 19
Guam
Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort
The Westin Resort, Guam
Hawaii
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach 20
Sheraton Kauai Resort 22.92
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 26.04
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani 12
Sheraton Waikiki 20.94
The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki 20.94
The St. Regis Princeville Resort
The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali 26.04
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
North Carolina
The Ballantyne, Charlotte
Pennsylvania
Cove Haven Resort
Paradise Stream Resort
Pocono Palace Resort
Puerto Rico
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico 60
W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island 60
South Carolina
Sheraton Broadway Plantation
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa 16
Texas
The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio
Utah
The St. Regis Deer Valley
Vermont
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Vermont 25
Virgin Islands
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas 40
Virginia
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
Argentina
Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa Mandatory Park Entrance Charge
Aruba
The Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba 13%
Bahamas
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort 40
Canada
The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria 15 CAD
Cayman Islands
The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Grand Cayman 20
St. Maarten
The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten 20
Arizona
Sheraton Desert Oasis
Sheraton Wild Horse Pass Resort & Spa
The Canyon Suites at The Phoenician
The Phoenician, Scottsdale
The Westin Kierland Resort & Spa 19
The Westin Kierland Villas, Scottsdale
The Westin La Paloma Resort & Spa 15
California
Four Points by Sheraton Ventura Harbor
Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs 30
Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa 12
The St. Regis Monarch Beach 25
The Westin Desert Willow Villas, Palm Desert
The Westin Mission Hills Resort & Spa 27
The Westin Mission Hills Resort Villas, Palm Springs
The Westin Monache Resort, Mammoth 25
The Westin Verasa Napa
Colorado
Sheraton Mountain Vista Villas, Avon / Vail Valley
Sheraton Steamboat Resort 20
Sheraton Steamboat Resort Villas
The St. Regis Aspen Resort
The Westin Riverfront Mountain Villas
The Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa 20
Florida
Sheraton Fort Lauderdale Beach Hotel
Sheraton PGA Vacation Resort, Port St. Lucie
Sheraton Sand Key Resort
Sheraton Suites Key West
Sheraton Vistana Resort Villas
Sheraton Vistana Villages Resort Villas, I-Drive/Orlando
The Westin Beach Resort & Spa, Fort Lauderdale
The Westin Diplomat Resort & Spa, Hollywood, Florida 16
The Westin Key West Resort & Marina
W Fort Lauderdale
W South Beach
Walt Disney World Dolphin 10
Walt Disney World Swan 10
Georgia
The Westin Savannah Harbor Golf Resort & Spa 19
Guam
Sheraton Laguna Guam Resort
The Westin Resort, Guam
Hawaii
Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa, Waikiki Beach 20
Sheraton Kauai Resort 22.92
Sheraton Keauhou Bay Resort & Spa
Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa 26.04
Sheraton Princess Kaiulani 12
Sheraton Waikiki 20.94
The Royal Hawaiian, Waikiki 20.94
The St. Regis Princeville Resort
The Westin Ka'anapali Ocean Resort Villas
The Westin Maui Resort & Spa, Ka'anapali 26.04
The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas
North Carolina
The Ballantyne, Charlotte
Pennsylvania
Cove Haven Resort
Paradise Stream Resort
Pocono Palace Resort
Puerto Rico
The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort, Puerto Rico 60
W Retreat & Spa - Vieques Island 60
South Carolina
Sheraton Broadway Plantation
The Westin Hilton Head Island Resort & Spa 16
Texas
The Westin La Cantera Resort, San Antonio
Utah
The St. Regis Deer Valley
Vermont
The Equinox Golf Resort & Spa, Vermont 25
Virgin Islands
The Westin St. John Resort & Villas 40
Virginia
Sheraton Virginia Beach Oceanfront Hotel
Argentina
Sheraton Iguazú Resort & Spa Mandatory Park Entrance Charge
Aruba
The Westin Resort & Casino, Aruba 13%
Bahamas
Sheraton Nassau Beach Resort 40
Canada
The Westin Bear Mountain Golf Resort & Spa, Victoria 15 CAD
Cayman Islands
The Westin Casuarina Resort & Spa, Grand Cayman 20
St. Maarten
The Westin Dawn Beach Resort & Spa, St. Maarten 20
Last edited by bradj; Apr 15, 2011 at 10:08 pm
Apr 15, 2011, 5:44 pm
#90
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: JFK, DCA, BUR, YVR
Programs: AC, AS, BA, DL, HH (D), MR (T/LTP), UA (*S), UScAAre (PLT/1,87MM), WN
Posts: 5,207
*groans*
I have no idea where to use 3FRN. I mean, all my SPG stays are within the promo period, so that nets me at least 2 nights, but then what? The only place I want to go to from that illustrious list is in India, and I have no plans to do so until February '12. In short, kinda underwhelming, but still way better than Hilton. :-P
Thanks SPG (I guess).
I have no idea where to use 3FRN. I mean, all my SPG stays are within the promo period, so that nets me at least 2 nights, but then what? The only place I want to go to from that illustrious list is in India, and I have no plans to do so until February '12. In short, kinda underwhelming, but still way better than Hilton. :-P
Thanks SPG (I guess).