Dec 7, 2013, 11:00 am
Last edit by: beltway
1. What welcome gift options are available for Gold Preferred Guest® members?
Gold Preferred Guest members may choose one of the following three options at check-in:
2. When will the welcome gift options start being offered to Gold Preferred Guest members?
Beginning March 1, 2012, Gold Preferred Guest members will be offered their choice of welcome gift at check-in.
3. Do all Gold Preferred Guest members get a welcome gift at every stay?
All Gold Preferred Guest members staying on an SPG® Eligible Rate or using an SPG Free Night Award (including Cash & Points Awards) will receive a Gold welcome gift. Gold Preferred Guest members who are staying on other types of rates (including rates booked through third parties - Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) will not receive the Gold welcome gift during that stay.
4. How many welcome gifts can a Gold Preferred Guest member choose at check-in?
Only one welcome gift can be chosen by a Gold Preferred Guest member per stay.
5. Can the welcome gift be exchanged for a different amenity?
The welcome gift may not be exchanged for a different amenity and has no cash value.
6. Does a Gold Preferred Guest member have any alternative welcome gift options if the hotel already offers free Internet access, Internet access is included within the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel's resort charge?
If the hotel already offers free Internet, Internet access is included in the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel’s resort charge, a Gold Preferred Guest member must choose from one of the remaining two options: bonus Starpoints or the complimentary beverage.
7. What can the complimentary beverage welcome option be used for?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the complimentary beverage welcome option will be entitled to receive one beverage at designated outlets up to the price maximum set by the hotel brand.
8. What does the free Internet welcome option provide to a Gold Preferred Guest member?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the free Internet welcome option receives complimentary Internet access in the guest room — wired or wireless. This welcome gift does not apply to Internet access in the lobby or in meeting rooms.
9. Will the free Internet welcome option allow free Internet access from multiple devices (e.g., a laptop and a smart phone)?
Yes. If a Gold Preferred Guest member elects the free Internet welcome option and has multiple devices, in-room Internet access will be available on all of those devices in the room if the Gold Preferred Guest member follows the instructions on the access pages.
10. How soon will the bonus Starpoints post to an SPG account?
Starpoints will appear at the same time the stay posts to an SPG account. Note that it may take up to seven business days for Starpoints to post in some locations.
11. Can a Gold Preferred Guest member change his/her welcome option selection after check-in?
No. Once the welcome option is chosen at reception, it cannot be changed during a stay.
12. If bonus Starpoints are chosen as a welcome gift, what should a Gold Preferred Guest member do if they do not post to his or her SPG account?
If a Gold Preferred Guest member chooses bonus Starpoints as his/her welcome gift, and such bonus Starpoints do not appear with the posted stay, contact the SPG Customer Contact Center.
13. Can a Gold Preferred Guest member receive a welcome gift on SPG Free Night Awards or just paid Eligible Nights?
The welcome gift will be provided to Gold Preferred Guest members on SPG Free Night Awards (including Cash & Points Awards) in addition to all SPG Eligible Nights.
[Source: Starwood Lurker II, post #2]
Gold Preferred Guest members may choose one of the following three options at check-in:
- Bonus Starpoints®
- 250 bonus Starpoints at participating St. Regis®, Luxury Collection®, W®, Le Méridien®, Westin® and Sheraton® brand hotels
- 125 bonus Starpoints at participating AloftSM, ElementSM and Four Points® by Sheraton brand hotels
- Free in-room Internet access
- A complimentary beverage
2. When will the welcome gift options start being offered to Gold Preferred Guest members?
Beginning March 1, 2012, Gold Preferred Guest members will be offered their choice of welcome gift at check-in.
3. Do all Gold Preferred Guest members get a welcome gift at every stay?
All Gold Preferred Guest members staying on an SPG® Eligible Rate or using an SPG Free Night Award (including Cash & Points Awards) will receive a Gold welcome gift. Gold Preferred Guest members who are staying on other types of rates (including rates booked through third parties - Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) will not receive the Gold welcome gift during that stay.
4. How many welcome gifts can a Gold Preferred Guest member choose at check-in?
Only one welcome gift can be chosen by a Gold Preferred Guest member per stay.
5. Can the welcome gift be exchanged for a different amenity?
The welcome gift may not be exchanged for a different amenity and has no cash value.
6. Does a Gold Preferred Guest member have any alternative welcome gift options if the hotel already offers free Internet access, Internet access is included within the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel's resort charge?
If the hotel already offers free Internet, Internet access is included in the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel’s resort charge, a Gold Preferred Guest member must choose from one of the remaining two options: bonus Starpoints or the complimentary beverage.
7. What can the complimentary beverage welcome option be used for?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the complimentary beverage welcome option will be entitled to receive one beverage at designated outlets up to the price maximum set by the hotel brand.
8. What does the free Internet welcome option provide to a Gold Preferred Guest member?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the free Internet welcome option receives complimentary Internet access in the guest room — wired or wireless. This welcome gift does not apply to Internet access in the lobby or in meeting rooms.
9. Will the free Internet welcome option allow free Internet access from multiple devices (e.g., a laptop and a smart phone)?
Yes. If a Gold Preferred Guest member elects the free Internet welcome option and has multiple devices, in-room Internet access will be available on all of those devices in the room if the Gold Preferred Guest member follows the instructions on the access pages.
10. How soon will the bonus Starpoints post to an SPG account?
Starpoints will appear at the same time the stay posts to an SPG account. Note that it may take up to seven business days for Starpoints to post in some locations.
11. Can a Gold Preferred Guest member change his/her welcome option selection after check-in?
No. Once the welcome option is chosen at reception, it cannot be changed during a stay.
12. If bonus Starpoints are chosen as a welcome gift, what should a Gold Preferred Guest member do if they do not post to his or her SPG account?
If a Gold Preferred Guest member chooses bonus Starpoints as his/her welcome gift, and such bonus Starpoints do not appear with the posted stay, contact the SPG Customer Contact Center.
13. Can a Gold Preferred Guest member receive a welcome gift on SPG Free Night Awards or just paid Eligible Nights?
The welcome gift will be provided to Gold Preferred Guest members on SPG Free Night Awards (including Cash & Points Awards) in addition to all SPG Eligible Nights.
[Source: Starwood Lurker II, post #2]
Discussion: New Gold Welcome Amenity choices
Feb 1, 2012, 3:35 am
#1
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Discussion: New Gold Welcome Amenity choices
Dear members,
We are launching a welcome gift at check-in for all Gold members. Gold’s will be able to choose from bonus Starpoints, free in-room internet access, or a complimentary beverage as their gift with each stay.
The following can be found on our official website: spg.com/morepower
New! Starting March 1
Gold Welcome Gift
Check in, and check out your new Gold welcome gift options. Choose one with each stay — you’ve earned it.
•Bonus Starpoints. Get to the points. Receive 250 bonus Starpoints® per eligible stay at St. Regis®, Luxury Collection®, W®, Le Méridien®, Westin® and Sheraton® and 125 Starpoints per stay at AloftSM, ElementSM and Four Points® by Sheraton.
•In-Room Internet Access. Online. On us. Surf, stream and stay connected in the convenience of your guest room with free in-room Internet access for your entire stay.
•Complimentary Beverage. Cheers. Sit back and relax with your favorite cocktail in the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
This thread is opened for further discussions.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
We are launching a welcome gift at check-in for all Gold members. Gold’s will be able to choose from bonus Starpoints, free in-room internet access, or a complimentary beverage as their gift with each stay.
The following can be found on our official website: spg.com/morepower
New! Starting March 1
Gold Welcome Gift
Check in, and check out your new Gold welcome gift options. Choose one with each stay — you’ve earned it.
•Bonus Starpoints. Get to the points. Receive 250 bonus Starpoints® per eligible stay at St. Regis®, Luxury Collection®, W®, Le Méridien®, Westin® and Sheraton® and 125 Starpoints per stay at AloftSM, ElementSM and Four Points® by Sheraton.
•In-Room Internet Access. Online. On us. Surf, stream and stay connected in the convenience of your guest room with free in-room Internet access for your entire stay.
•Complimentary Beverage. Cheers. Sit back and relax with your favorite cocktail in the hotel’s restaurant or bar.
This thread is opened for further discussions.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Feb 1, 2012, 3:38 am
#2
Company Representative - Starwood
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
FAQ at your convenience.
1.What welcome gift options are available for Gold Preferred Guest® members?
Gold Preferred Guest members may choose one of the following three options at check-in:
Bonus Starpoints®
250 bonus Starpoints at participating St. Regis®, Luxury Collection®, W®, Le Méridien®, Westin® and Sheraton® brand hotels
125 bonus Starpoints at participating AloftSM, ElementSM and Four Points® by Sheraton brand hotels
Free in-room Internet access
A complimentary beverage
2.When will the welcome gift options start being offered to Gold Preferred Guest members?
Beginning March 1, 2012, Gold Preferred Guest members will be offered their choice of welcome gift at check-in.
3.Do all Gold Preferred Guest members get a welcome gift at every stay?
All Gold Preferred Guest members staying on an SPG® Eligible Rate or using an SPG Free Night Award (including Cash & Points Awards) will receive a Gold welcome gift. Gold Preferred Guest members who are staying on other types of rates (including rates booked through third parties - Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) will not receive the Gold welcome gift during that stay.
4.How many welcome gifts can a Gold Preferred Guest member choose at check-in?
Only one welcome gift can be chosen by a Gold Preferred Guest member per stay.
5.Can the welcome gift be exchanged for a different amenity?
The welcome gift may not be exchanged for a different amenity and has no cash value.
6.Does a Gold Preferred Guest member have any alternative welcome gift options if the hotel already offers free Internet access, Internet access is included within the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel's resort charge?
If the hotel already offers free Internet, Internet access is included in the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel’s resort charge, a Gold Preferred Guest member must choose from one of the remaining two options: bonus Starpoints or the complimentary beverage.
7.What can the complimentary beverage welcome option be used for?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the complimentary beverage welcome option will be entitled to receive one beverage at designated outlets up to the price maximum set by the hotel brand.
8.What does the free Internet welcome option provide to a Gold Preferred Guest member?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the free Internet welcome option receives complimentary Internet access in the guest room — wired or wireless. This welcome gift does not apply to Internet access in the lobby or in meeting rooms.
9.Will the free Internet welcome option allow free Internet access from multiple devices (e.g., a laptop and a smart phone)?
Yes. If a Gold Preferred Guest member elects the free Internet welcome option and has multiple devices, in-room Internet access will be available on a minimum of three devices in the room if the Gold Preferred Guest member follows the instructions on the access pages.
10.How soon will the bonus Starpoints post to an SPG account?
Starpoints will appear at the same time the stay posts to an SPG account. Note that it may take up to seven business days for Starpoints to post in some locations.
11.Can a Gold Preferred Guest member change his/her welcome option selection after check-in?
No. Once the welcome option is chosen at reception, it cannot be changed during a stay.
12.If bonus Starpoints are chosen as a welcome gift, what should a Gold Preferred Guest member do if they do not post to his or her SPG account?
If a Gold Preferred Guest member chooses bonus Starpoints as his/her welcome gift, and such bonus Starpoints do not appear with the posted stay, contact the SPG Customer Contact Center.
13.Can a Gold Preferred Guest member receive a welcome gift on SPG Free Night Awards or just paid Eligible Nights?
The welcome gift will be provided to Gold Preferred Guest members on SPG Free Night Awards (including Cash & Points Awards) in addition to all SPG Eligible Nights.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
1.What welcome gift options are available for Gold Preferred Guest® members?
Gold Preferred Guest members may choose one of the following three options at check-in:
Bonus Starpoints®
250 bonus Starpoints at participating St. Regis®, Luxury Collection®, W®, Le Méridien®, Westin® and Sheraton® brand hotels
125 bonus Starpoints at participating AloftSM, ElementSM and Four Points® by Sheraton brand hotels
Free in-room Internet access
A complimentary beverage
2.When will the welcome gift options start being offered to Gold Preferred Guest members?
Beginning March 1, 2012, Gold Preferred Guest members will be offered their choice of welcome gift at check-in.
3.Do all Gold Preferred Guest members get a welcome gift at every stay?
All Gold Preferred Guest members staying on an SPG® Eligible Rate or using an SPG Free Night Award (including Cash & Points Awards) will receive a Gold welcome gift. Gold Preferred Guest members who are staying on other types of rates (including rates booked through third parties - Expedia, Orbitz, etc.) will not receive the Gold welcome gift during that stay.
4.How many welcome gifts can a Gold Preferred Guest member choose at check-in?
Only one welcome gift can be chosen by a Gold Preferred Guest member per stay.
5.Can the welcome gift be exchanged for a different amenity?
The welcome gift may not be exchanged for a different amenity and has no cash value.
6.Does a Gold Preferred Guest member have any alternative welcome gift options if the hotel already offers free Internet access, Internet access is included within the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel's resort charge?
If the hotel already offers free Internet, Internet access is included in the rate, or Internet access is included as part of the hotel’s resort charge, a Gold Preferred Guest member must choose from one of the remaining two options: bonus Starpoints or the complimentary beverage.
7.What can the complimentary beverage welcome option be used for?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the complimentary beverage welcome option will be entitled to receive one beverage at designated outlets up to the price maximum set by the hotel brand.
8.What does the free Internet welcome option provide to a Gold Preferred Guest member?
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the free Internet welcome option receives complimentary Internet access in the guest room — wired or wireless. This welcome gift does not apply to Internet access in the lobby or in meeting rooms.
9.Will the free Internet welcome option allow free Internet access from multiple devices (e.g., a laptop and a smart phone)?
Yes. If a Gold Preferred Guest member elects the free Internet welcome option and has multiple devices, in-room Internet access will be available on a minimum of three devices in the room if the Gold Preferred Guest member follows the instructions on the access pages.
10.How soon will the bonus Starpoints post to an SPG account?
Starpoints will appear at the same time the stay posts to an SPG account. Note that it may take up to seven business days for Starpoints to post in some locations.
11.Can a Gold Preferred Guest member change his/her welcome option selection after check-in?
No. Once the welcome option is chosen at reception, it cannot be changed during a stay.
12.If bonus Starpoints are chosen as a welcome gift, what should a Gold Preferred Guest member do if they do not post to his or her SPG account?
If a Gold Preferred Guest member chooses bonus Starpoints as his/her welcome gift, and such bonus Starpoints do not appear with the posted stay, contact the SPG Customer Contact Center.
13.Can a Gold Preferred Guest member receive a welcome gift on SPG Free Night Awards or just paid Eligible Nights?
The welcome gift will be provided to Gold Preferred Guest members on SPG Free Night Awards (including Cash & Points Awards) in addition to all SPG Eligible Nights.
[email protected]
Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Last edited by Starwood Lurker II; May 27, 2015 at 7:20 pm
Feb 1, 2012, 8:15 am
#3
Join Date: Jun 2010
Location: MUC
Programs: AA Gold, LH FTL, SPG Plat, HH Gold, Carlson Gold
Posts: 35
Tiers of Internet Access
A Gold Preferred Guest member electing the free Internet welcome option receives complimentary Internet access in the guest room — wired or wireless.
If the hotel already offers free Internet ... a Gold Preferred Guest member must choose from one of the remaining two options
For example, a Four Points I frequent offers:
- free wifi (very slow)
- paid wifi (faster) ~€9
- paid wired (fastest) ~€20
(speeds are guesses - but I would hope that's what the price difference is for)
In this case would I i) be able to elect the internet welcome option ii) receive the faster wifi or the fastest wired access?
Many thanks
Feb 1, 2012, 8:20 am
#4
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,662
Am I the only SPG Gold on FT while the rest are Plats? 
Is the complimentary internet access valid for the entire duration of your stay?
Nevermind: Looks like the spg page mentioned it's for entire stay and someone beat me to the reply.
Is the complimentary internet access valid for the entire duration of your stay?Nevermind: Looks like the spg page mentioned it's for entire stay and someone beat me to the reply.
Last edited by nov11; Feb 1, 2012 at 8:27 am
Feb 1, 2012, 8:21 am
#5
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Potomac Falls, VA
Programs: AA Plat 2MM, MR Gold, Avis Pref
Posts: 41,109
I think this is awesome considering Gold was useless prior to these changes. well except for 4P checkout. I think gold gets a 4P checkout 
Feb 1, 2012, 8:51 am
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2001
Location: MSY; 2-time FT Fantasy Football Champ, now in recovery.
Programs: AA lifetime GLD; UA Silver; Marriott LTTE; IHG Plat,
Posts: 14,517
Very pleased with the free internet amenity.
Feb 1, 2012, 9:14 am
#7
Moderator: GLBT Travelers & Hyatt Gold Passport
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: CVG
Posts: 15,300
This is a positive development!!!
Feb 1, 2012, 9:22 am
#8
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Can you provide a few more details here: What happens if different speeds are offered? Is the choice between wired or wireless left to the guest or the hotel?
For example, a Four Points I frequent offers:
- free wifi (very slow)
- paid wifi (faster) ~€9
- paid wired (fastest) ~€20
(speeds are guesses - but I would hope that's what the price difference is for)
In this case would I i) be able to elect the internet welcome option ii) receive the faster wifi or the fastest wired access?
Many thanks
For example, a Four Points I frequent offers:
- free wifi (very slow)
- paid wifi (faster) ~€9
- paid wired (fastest) ~€20
(speeds are guesses - but I would hope that's what the price difference is for)
In this case would I i) be able to elect the internet welcome option ii) receive the faster wifi or the fastest wired access?
Many thanks
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts
[email protected]
Feb 1, 2012, 9:46 am
#9
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: The KUL city
Programs: AA Lifetime Plat, TK Elite+
Posts: 2,662
Forgot to mention, thanks for the update, Thyetus and William. The complimentary internet is huge for this Gold member, especially in Europe hotels where free wi-fi is hard to come by! ^
Feb 1, 2012, 10:07 am
#10
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: NYC/LA
Programs: DL Plat, AA Plat Pro, Marriott Titanium, IHG Diamond Amb
Posts: 7,482
I'm pretty happy at these changes as I've been hoping that SPG would add free internet for Golds. This will definitely result in more Starwood stays for me going forward, particularly for international stays. Free internet isn't a big deal for me domestically, since I can tether from my smartphone, but I've been avoiding Starwood lately for international stays in favor of Marriott (particularly in Asia where they offer free internet to all Marriott Rewards members, even those with no status) and Hyatt (which offers free internet even to their low tier Plats).
Feb 1, 2012, 10:43 am
#11
Join Date: Oct 2007
Posts: 141
Great news! Count me among the SPG Gold members who is very happy to hear about this. It will definitely help steer more of our business toward Starwood.
Question: does this benefit apply at all locations worldwide? I'm specifically wondering about the Sheraton and Westin in Cabo area, since we are planning an upcoming trip there.
My understanding is that SPG 'resorts' don't have to follow all of the same guidelines/policies that other SPG hotel properties must follow, so I'm hoping the question is legitimate.
Question: does this benefit apply at all locations worldwide? I'm specifically wondering about the Sheraton and Westin in Cabo area, since we are planning an upcoming trip there.
My understanding is that SPG 'resorts' don't have to follow all of the same guidelines/policies that other SPG hotel properties must follow, so I'm hoping the question is legitimate.
Feb 1, 2012, 10:56 am
#12
Join Date: Aug 2004
Programs: Marriott Plat
Posts: 944
Does this benefit apply to Corporate Preferred members? Thanks for all the great news, SPG!
Feb 1, 2012, 11:00 am
#13
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: UK
Programs: BA S, VS S, SQ G, HH D, IHG D/A, Marriott G, Radisson G, Hertz PC
Posts: 3,945
Excellent improvement in benefit for Golds - also like that if it is included in the resort fee an alternative amenity can be selected at check-in I'd prefer if the cocktail option was for two guests, but perhaps some hotels will just provide it as bar credit to be used as the member sees fit?
Feb 1, 2012, 11:08 am
#14
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Feb 1, 2012, 11:09 am
#15
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: New York City
Programs: AA,BNV,HIL
Posts: 879
Not only are these available on paid stays but also on C&P or all P stays. This is consistent with these stays counting toward status requalification. Both Lurkers, please convey a big Thank You!
While the airlines are excluding the low and mid-tiers, SPG is giving them more.
All the past rumours that SPG was falling way behind the others can now be buried IMHO.
While the airlines are excluding the low and mid-tiers, SPG is giving them more.
All the past rumours that SPG was falling way behind the others can now be buried IMHO.