Go Back  FlyerTalk Forums > Miles&Points > Discontinued Programs/Partners > Starwood | Starwood Preferred Guest
Reload this Page >

Promo : Requalification Gift in 2013 : Double Points or 25%(Gold)/35%(Plat) off award

Community
Wiki Posts
Search
Old Jul 15, 2013, 5:21 pm
FlyerTalk Forums Expert How-Tos and Guides
Last edit by: Oxon Flyer
This thread is discussing the 2013 gift. For (speculation concerning) a 2014 gift, see here.

A. Eligibility for 2013 Starwood Requalification Gift

1. Who qualifies to receive a 2013 gift?
SPG members qualify for a 2013 gift in one of three ways:
  • For members who were Gold or lower in 2012,
    • by completing 10 stays or 25 nights in 2013, or
    • by spending $30,000 in 2013 on an SPG Amex card linked to the SPG account
  • For members who were Platinum in 2012, by completing 25 stays or 50 nights in 2013
2. I'm lifetime SPG Gold/Platinum. Do I qualify?
Not on that basis, no.
3. I was Platinum in 2012, but only achieved Gold in 2013. Do I qualify?
No.
4. I was Platinum in 2012 and re-earned Platinum status this year. Do I qualify?
Yes -- for the 2013 Platinum gift. You will not receive the Gold gift as well.
5. I was a Gold (or base-level) member in 2012 and earned Platinum status this year. Do I qualify?
Yes. You qualify for both the Gold gift and the Platinum gift. Note, however, that you must register for (i.e., select via the SPG website) your Gold gift prior to qualifying for Platinum. If you reach Platinum status before selecting your Gold gift, the latter will no longer be available.
6. I (re)qualified a few days ago but have received no notice of my gift. Why?
You will receive an email from SPG within 3 weeks after you (re)qualify, though it could come more quickly.
7. I (re)qualified several weeks/months ago but have received no notice of my gift. Why?
There are multiple possible explanations:
  • You have no email address on file with SPG
  • Your email address is no longer valid (e.g., address from previous employment)
  • The email was caught in a spam filter

Even without the email, you may still register for your gift as discussed in section C below.
B. Details on the 2013 Starwood Requalification Gifts

1. What is the 2013 Gold gift?
You may choose one of the following:
  • double-earning on base points for stays during a future calendar month
  • 25% off a future award stay, subject to certain conditions (described in section B.5 below)
2. What is the 2013 Platinum gift?
You may choose one of the following:
  • double-earning on base points for stays during a future calendar month
  • 35% off a future award stay, subject to certain conditions (described in section B.5 below)
3. If I opt for double points as my gift, when will the benefit apply?
The answer differs for Gold and Platinum gifts.

For Gold gifts, your month of earning double base points will be the second month after the calendar month in which you register/select your gift. For example, if you register any time in October, your double base points month will be December.

For Platinum gifts, at the time of registration you will be given a choice of the first, second, or third month following the month after which you register. For example, if you register in December, you may select one month from among February, March, or April as your double base points month.
4. If I opt for the 25%/35% award discount as my gift, when will the benefit apply?
The benefit may be used for a stay at any time until the end of the sixth month following the month of registration. For example, if you register in December 2013, you may take your discount stay any time until the end of June 2014 (including any time in December 2013 after your e-certificate is issued; see section B.6 below). Note: Your award stay must fall entirely within the period of validity, i.e., you must check out on or before the last day your gift is valid.
5. What are the "certain conditions" (mentioned in B.2 above) applicable to the 25%/35% award discount?
The award discount gift
  • applies only to standard rooms
  • may be used at any category 1-6 property (i.e., excludes category 7)
  • may be used only for one room
  • may be used for a single stay of up to 5 nights
  • may not be used for Cash & Points award stays
6. How soon after registration can I use my award discount gift?
An e-certificate will appear in your SPG account within 7 business days after you register. (Some members report that their certificate appeared much sooner, within 48 hours. YMMV.) Once the certificate has been credited, you may use it.

Note: If you have fewer than 1300 points in your SPG account, the certificate will not be displayed in your account.
7. I have an existing reservation for an award stay. Can I apply my discount certificate to it?
Yes, an SPG phone representative should be able to modify the reservation for you.
8. I already applied my discount certificate to an upcoming reservation, but would now like to cancel the latter. Will I forfeit my certificate or do I get it back?
Your certificate will reappear in your account & remain available for use, subject to the original period of validity (as described in section B.4 above).
9. I had a stay/several stays prior to registration. Can I apply my double points or discount certificate retroactively?
No.
10. Are gift benefits "stackable" with other SPG benefits/promotions?
Yes. Your double base points gift may be earned in addition to any other extra-points promotion. Likewise, your award discount certificate may be applied to a five-night stay on which you also receive the normal Fifth Night Free benefit. (Note, however, that the certificate may not be applied to a Nights & Flights redemption.)
C. Registering for Your 2013 Starwood Requalification Gift

1. Where do I register/select my gift?
2. I just enter my SPG number, click "Continue," then enter my email address and click "Submit," right?
Yes, if you want to choose double points. Note the line above your SPG number that reads, "Would you like to switch to xx% off redemption? Click here." Follow that instruction if you do not want the double-points gift.
3. Oops. I already registered and would like to change my gift. How do I do that?
You can't, not even if you call SPG and ask. Your selection is irrevocable, so choose carefully and wisely.
4. How soon do I have to register?
NOTE: Although it was originally mentioned that registration for this promotion would close at the end of January 2014, it remained open until February 7, 2014. Per a number of posts from FT members, SPG Platinum phone and chat representatives have mentioned that registration will be open throughout various times in 2014. The ONLY official sources for the January 31, 2014 date were multiple Lurkers on this FT thread regarding the promotion (posts #244, #284, #422, #482, #520, #527, #565, and #663, ).
You may register at any time through the end of January 2014; after that, your gift expires and registration will no longer be available. (Tip: If you have not registered by the end of December 2013, register ASAP in January. There is no advantage to waiting until the end of January to register.)
The registration deadline of 31 Jan 2014 has been confirmed here in this thread by the Starwood official representative, though doesn't seem to be stated in any of the promotional materials or emails. Some posters have reported that they have been informed by other SPG channels that registration can be done after this date.

Note also, as discussed in section A.5 above, that 2012 Gold/base-level members who earn Platinum status have a limited window -- between Gold qualification and completing the stays/nights for Platinum -- in which to claim their Gold award.
5. What's the fine print?
The Terms and Conditions for the Gold gift options:
Double Starpoints® Month: Registered member can choose to earn double Starpoints on all eligible stays during the calendar month that is two months out from today's month. Members who earn double Starpoints will earn an additional two Starpoints per eligible US$1 spent (for a total of four Starpoints per dollar). Elite-level extra Starpoints earnings and other bonuses will not be doubled. Only the base two Starpoints per dollar earnings are doubled. There is no limit to the number of bonus Starpoints that can be earned during the promotion period. Bonus Starpoints will post to the registered member's account within 2–4 weeks after the qualifying stay posts. An Eligible Night is a night at any of the over 1,100 SPG®-participating hotels and resorts paying an Eligible Rate during the promotion period. An Eligible Rate is any rate that is eligible to earn Starpoints in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program. SPG-participating hotels and resorts and a description of Eligible Stays and Eligible Rates can be found at spg.com under program terms and conditions. See Section 1.4 b iii for the complete definition of Eligible Rates, but note that certain prepaid rooms where the booking is made through a third party (including but not limited to travelocity.com, expedia.com and orbitz.com) are not Eligible Rates and do not earn Starpoints or qualify toward promotional earnings.

25% off Starpoints® Redemption: Registered member can choose one (1) 25%-off redemption award. SPG® members must call 1-888-625-4990 or their nearest Starwood Preferred Guest® Customer Contact Center and mention the Award ID provided on the confirmation page and/or confirmation email. Offer is valid for one award at Category 1–6 hotels and resorts for up to a five-night stay six months from when the member registered. This 25%-off redemption offer excludes Category 7 properties, upgrade awards and award reservations booked online. 25%-off redemption and no blackout dates applies to standard room categories only. 25%-off redemption stay will count toward elite qualification if used by the registered member. Member forfeits percent-off redemption when modifying award reservation outside the offer dates. If a percent-off redemption award is cancelled, only the amount of Starpoints used to order the percent-off redemption award will be credited to the member's account. Other restrictions may apply. Advance reservations required.

Qualifications and Starwood Terms: Members who qualify for the Gold gift must make a selection before they qualify for Platinum in order to take advantage of the Gold gift. After qualifying for Platinum status, the Gold gift selection will no longer be available. Offers are nontransferable and void for Starwood employees. Once a member chooses his or her offer it cannot be changed at any time. All promotions are subject to the Starwood Preferred Guest program terms and conditions, which are subject to change without notice and can be found at spg.com. Offer is applicable to individual members only and not to groups. Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time. To update your communication preferences or learn about our privacy practices, view our Privacy Statement on spg.com/privacy, or access our privacy information line by calling 1-877-782-0071 in the U.S. and Canada or +353-21-4930474 in all other countries. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, Sheraton, Four Points, W, Aloft, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Element, Sheraton, St. Regis and their respective logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. Void where prohibited by law. ©2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.
The Terms and Conditions for the Platinum gift:
Double Starpoints® Month: Registered member can choose to earn double Starpoints on all eligible stays during the calendar month of their choice from the three months provided as options. Retroactive selecting of the member's bonus month is prohibited. Members who earn double Starpoints will earn an additional two Starpoints per eligible US$1 spent (for a total of four Starpoints per dollar). Elite-level extra Starpoints earnings and other bonuses will not be doubled. Only the base two Starpoints per dollar earnings are doubled. There is no limit to the number of bonus Starpoints that can be earned during the promotion period. Bonus Starpoints will post to the registered member's account within 2–4 weeks after the qualifying stay posts. An Eligible Night is a night at any of the over 1,100 SPG®-participating hotels and resorts paying an Eligible Rate during the promotion period. An Eligible Rate is any rate that is eligible to earn Starpoints in the Starwood Preferred Guest® program. SPG-participating hotels and resorts and a description of Eligible Stays and Eligible Rates can be found at spg.com under program terms and conditions. See Section 1.4 b iii for the complete definition of Eligible Rates, but note that certain prepaid rooms where the booking is made through a third party (including but not limited to travelocity.com, expedia.com and orbitz.com) are not Eligible Rates and do not earn Starpoints or qualify toward promotional earnings.

35% off Starpoints® Redemption: Registered member can choose one (1) 35%-off redemption award. SPG® members must call 1-888-625-4991 or their nearest Starwood Preferred Guest® Customer Contact Center and mention the Award ID provided on the confirmation page and/or confirmation email. Offer is valid for one award at Category 1–6 hotels and resorts for up to a five-night stay six months from when the member registered. This 35%-off redemption offer excludes Category 7 properties, upgrade awards and award reservations booked online. 35%-off redemption and no blackout dates applies to standard room categories only. 35%-off redemption stay will count toward elite qualification if used by the registered member. Member forfeits percent-off redemption when modifying award reservation outside the offer dates. If a percent-off redemption award is cancelled, only the amount of Starpoints used to order the percent-off redemption award will be credited to the member's account. Other restrictions may apply. Advance reservations required.

Qualifications and Starwood Terms: Members who qualify for the Gold gift must make a selection before they qualify for Platinum in order to take advantage of the Gold gift. After qualifying for Platinum status, the Gold gift selection will no longer be available. Offers are nontransferable and void for Starwood employees. Once a member chooses his or her offer it cannot be changed at any time. All promotions are subject to the Starwood Preferred Guest program terms and conditions, which are subject to change without notice and can be found at spg.com. Offer is applicable to individual members only and not to groups. Not responsible for omissions or typographical errors. Starwood reserves the right to discontinue this offer at any time. To update your communication preferences or learn about our privacy practices, view our Privacy Statement on spg.com/privacy, or access our privacy information line by calling 1-877-782-0071 in the U.S. and Canada or +353-21-4930474 in all other countries. Starpoints, SPG, Preferred Guest, Sheraton, Four Points, W, Aloft, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Element, Sheraton, St. Regis and their respective logos are the trademarks of Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., or its affiliates. Void where prohibited by law. ©2013 Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. All rights reserved.
Print Wikipost

Promo : Requalification Gift in 2013 : Double Points or 25%(Gold)/35%(Plat) off award

 
Thread Tools
 
Search this Thread
 
Old Mar 31, 2013, 1:18 pm
  #151  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: May 2003
Location: AA Plat / UA NOTHING / Alaska 75K / Hyatt Diamond / SPG LT Plat / Marriott Gold / Priority Club Plat / Hertz Pres
Posts: 24,706
Originally Posted by Keyser

those who qualified for gold last year would get the gold benefit once they re-qualified for gold this year....they would also get the platinum benefit if they hit the platinum threshold for this year....
Wow. That doesn't seem right but I've been off base before. I'm sure it only affects a small number of people but twice the benefit if you're a gold willing to up your stays.
fireworksboy is offline  
Old Mar 31, 2013, 1:22 pm
  #152  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,655
Originally Posted by fireworksboy
Wow. That doesn't seem right but I've been off base before. I'm sure it only affects a small number of people but twice the benefit if you're a gold willing to up your stays.
also keep in mind that if the gold benefit is not picked by the time you hit plat then you will only get the plat benefit, not both....

check post # 85....
Keyser is offline  
Old Mar 31, 2013, 11:22 pm
  #153  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Originally Posted by ryanw777
I recently qualified for Gold status and just signed up for the promo for 25% off my starwood redemption. However, a few concerns just popped into my mind.

1) I actually just qualified for platinum status via the platinum challenge about 10 days ago. Will I be able to change the promo so that I can get the platinum requalification promo of 35% off my starwood redemption

2) I saw that for gold it was 25% off for a maximum redemption of 5 nights, does this include 5th night free award? I have an upcoming booking that is 10k a night but the 5th night is free for a total of 40k points, would this actually be 30k points with this requalification promo?

3) I saw that for platinum it was 35% off, but I did not see if it was capped at a maximum number of nights or bookings, is it?


Any ideas?
Email answered. Do check your inbox.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Starwood Lurker II is offline  
Old Mar 31, 2013, 11:25 pm
  #154  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Originally Posted by ac777
I did! I did!! and got rejected. How am I going to deal with this
Write in to us?

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Starwood Lurker II is offline  
Old Mar 31, 2013, 11:27 pm
  #155  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Originally Posted by rooivalk
You requalified gold so you are eligible for the Gold gift. Now as Platinum, you will be eligible for the Platinum gift. I think William's post was very clear.
My understand(-ing is) that he qualified for Platinum via the status challenge which isn't eligible for Elite gift.

He would have to earn 25 stays or 50 nights in a Calendar year in order to receive his second elite gift since he has chosen the first one earlier on.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd

Last edited by Starwood Lurker II; Apr 1, 2013 at 1:53 am
Starwood Lurker II is offline  
Old Mar 31, 2013, 11:29 pm
  #156  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Originally Posted by Astrophsx
I'm just curious if someone were to gift Gold status to their wife via Amex Platinum if that would be the same as SPG Amex spend to get gold for the gift?
Nope. Different.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Starwood Lurker II is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 1:05 am
  #157  
 
Join Date: Oct 2002
Location: SYD
Programs: QF Emerald EY Plat HH D
Posts: 1,270
so this promo is for doing the stays this year 2013
not 2012 and requalifying on 31 dec 2012 for gold or plat this year?

so if one made plat in 2012 and does their 10 stays in 2013 they get the 25% offer or only when they get to plat?
aussielori is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 1:08 am
  #158  
FlyerTalk Evangelist
 
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,655
Originally Posted by aussielori
so this promo is for doing the stays this year 2013
not 2012 and requalifying on 31 dec 2012 for gold or plat this year?

so if one made plat in 2012 and does their 10 stays in 2013 they get the 25% offer or only when they get to plat?
read post # 150....
Keyser is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 1:54 am
  #159  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: Singapore
Programs: SPG
Posts: 4,002
Originally Posted by aussielori
so this promo is for doing the stays this year 2013
not 2012 and requalifying on 31 dec 2012 for gold or plat this year?

so if one made plat in 2012 and does their 10 stays in 2013 they get the 25% offer or only when they get to plat?
Platinum in 2012 has to requalify as Platinum in 2013 in order to receive elite gift.

[email protected]

Thyetus Lee | Social Media Specialist
Starwood Customer Contact Centre (AP) Pte Ltd
Starwood Lurker II is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 5:06 am
  #160  
 
Join Date: Jul 2011
Posts: 117
So, as a person that will qualify for both the platinum and the gold (already registered for the gold, and should be receiving the platinum within the next week or so), ---

Can I use both the gold AND the platinum requal gifts on the same booking?

So for my 40k (10k a night & 5th night free) booking, be able to take off 25% AND 35% in the same booking?

or potentially 60%? So pay only 16k for my booking?

Any ideas?

Thanks again for everything!!

Ryan
ryanw777 is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 6:27 am
  #161  
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Programs: UA Gold 1MM, Marriott Ambassador/Lifetime Titanium, Accor Silver, Club Carlson Gold, BW Diamond
Posts: 2,432
Originally Posted by ryanw777
So, as a person that will qualify for both the platinum and the gold (already registered for the gold, and should be receiving the platinum within the next week or so), ---

Can I use both the gold AND the platinum requal gifts on the same booking?

So for my 40k (10k a night & 5th night free) booking, be able to take off 25% AND 35% in the same booking?

or potentially 60%? So pay only 16k for my booking?

Any ideas?

Thanks again for everything!!

Ryan
Just a guess.......No.
clublounger is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 9:18 am
  #162  
 
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Austin, TX, USA
Programs: UA 1K, PC Plat, SPG Platinum, Marriott Plat, HH Gold
Posts: 159
Originally Posted by ryanw777
So, as a person that will qualify for both the platinum and the gold (already registered for the gold, and should be receiving the platinum within the next week or so), ---

Can I use both the gold AND the platinum requal gifts on the same booking?

So for my 40k (10k a night & 5th night free) booking, be able to take off 25% AND 35% in the same booking?

or potentially 60%? So pay only 16k for my booking?

Any ideas?

Thanks again for everything!!

Ryan
Nice try! I don'see how this stacking can be allowed. I wish it can be the case though.
nrjanga is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 10:08 am
  #163  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by ryanw777
Additionally
4) Is there any way to use this with the nights and flights option?
No.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]
Starwood Lurker is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 10:12 am
  #164  
Company Representative - Starwood
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
Originally Posted by ryanw777
So, as a person that will qualify for both the platinum and the gold (already registered for the gold, and should be receiving the platinum within the next week or so), ---
If you got to Platinum on the Platinum stay challenge, it won't be coming until after you hit 25 stays or 50 nights.

Can I use both the gold AND the platinum requal gifts on the same booking?

So for my 40k (10k a night & 5th night free) booking, be able to take off 25% AND 35% in the same booking?

or potentially 60%? So pay only 16k for my booking?

Any ideas?

Thanks again for everything!!

Ryan
No, not for the same booking.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]
Starwood Lurker is offline  
Old Apr 1, 2013, 11:11 am
  #165  
 
Join Date: Nov 2011
Posts: 83
So i re qualified for Gold, going for Platinum, and also says I am not eligible. I am not so happy with the fact that there are deals not applicable for members who stay with SPG that much...
Rcling28 is offline  


Contact Us - Manage Preferences - Archive - Advertising - Cookie Policy - Privacy Statement - Terms of Service -

This site is owned, operated, and maintained by MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. Copyright © 2024 MH Sub I, LLC dba Internet Brands. All rights reserved. Designated trademarks are the property of their respective owners.