Jul 15, 13, 6:21 pm
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?
1. What is the 2013 Gold 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?
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:
2. I'm lifetime SPG Gold/Platinum. Do I qualify?- 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
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:
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- 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- Your email address is no longer valid (e.g., address from previous employment)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.
1. What is the 2013 Gold gift?
You may choose one of the following:
2. What is the 2013 Platinum gift?- 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)
You may choose one of the following:
3. If I opt for double points as my gift, when will the benefit apply?- 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)
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?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.
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
6. How soon after registration can I use my 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
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?Note: If you have fewer than 1300 points in your SPG account, the certificate will not be displayed in your account.
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 Gift1. 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 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.
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 24 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 16 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 Mridien, 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.
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 16 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 Mridien, 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 24 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 16 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 Mridien, 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.
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 16 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 Mridien, 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.
Promo : Requalification Gift in 2013 : Double Points or 25%(Gold)/35%(Plat) off award
Jul 30, 13, 12:38 am
#421
Join Date: Sep 2010
Location: YVR
Programs: AC*SE MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium
Posts: 4,573
This is a great gift. If repeated in future years, would be great to see Category 7 properties included at a lower discount (e.g. 15% off for Gold, 25% off for Platinum).
Jul 30, 13, 2:49 am
#422
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Guangzhou
Programs: SPG
Posts: 1,021
The last month to register for a 2013 renewal gift would be January 2014.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Jul 30, 13, 2:51 am
#423
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Jan 2011
Location: Guangzhou
Programs: SPG
Posts: 1,021
How long does it take to get the registration email from Starwood? I requalified for platinum last week and immediately got an email from Starwood acknowledging that but there was no mention of this gift. I went to the link spg.com/elitegift2013 today and tried to register but it tells me that I am not eligible for the offer?
You will received an email from SPG about your elite gift three weeks after your requalification for Platinum.
Best Regards,
Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Jul 30, 13, 4:37 am
#424
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: London
Programs: BA Gold / OnBusiness, SPG Lifetime Plat 100, AmEx Centurion & BAPP, Superking Westin Heavenly Bed :)
Posts: 1,142
How long does it take to get the registration email from Starwood? I requalified for platinum last week and immediately got an email from Starwood acknowledging that but there was no mention of this gift. I went to the link spg.com/elitegift2013 today and tried to register but it tells me that I am not eligible for the offer?
Lurkers - I see it's 3 weeks for the re-qualification voucher - but any ideas for how long it takes to confirm renewal at Platinum Level?
Cheers,
JK
Jul 30, 13, 11:51 am
#425
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]
Jul 31, 13, 3:11 am
#426
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,340
Aug 2, 13, 9:17 am
#427
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: SPG 100 Plat, AA Plat, SWA, Avis Pref., Hertz GLD
Posts: 117
I already registered and selected the 35% off choice. But when I tried to book an upgraded room with points I was told the promotion wouldn't work on upgraded rooms.
Now I may not have a use for a 35%off voucher, but instead would like to pick the double points for a month. Is there a way to switch the award type after the fact?
Now I may not have a use for a 35%off voucher, but instead would like to pick the double points for a month. Is there a way to switch the award type after the fact?
Aug 2, 13, 9:21 am
#428
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: KSA
Programs: Marriott AMB, Skywards Gold
Posts: 3,714
I already registered and selected the 35% off choice. But when I tried to book an upgraded room with points I was told the promotion wouldn't work on upgraded rooms.
Now I may not have a use for a 35%off voucher, but instead would like to pick the double points for a month. Is there a way to switch the award type after the fact?
Now I may not have a use for a 35%off voucher, but instead would like to pick the double points for a month. Is there a way to switch the award type after the fact?
The award as you said is for standard rooms only and its there in the T&C's:
"35%-off redemption and no blackout dates applies to standard room categories only."
Aug 2, 13, 10:52 am
#429
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: SPG Plat 100, Marriott Plat
Posts: 267
Just used my 35% off on a stay in Hawaii. Had to split my reservation into two - one for six nights, the other for five nights. I've applied SNAs to the first six nights... I'm hoping a resolution will be found to applying SNAs to 35% off reservations. I wish the 35% off could be used on six nights because then you'd actually be getting 35% off five nights (rather than four because of the fifth night free).
Aug 2, 13, 11:59 am
#430
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
"...Once a member chooses his or her offer it cannot be changed at any time..."
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Aug 2, 13, 1:50 pm
#431
Suspended
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: ヒルトン大阪
Programs: ゴールデングローブ
Posts: 1,982
The lurker and the T&Cs are pretty clear: No changes!
Aug 2, 13, 10:39 pm
#432
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: Minneapolis: DL DM charter 2.3MM
Programs: A3*Gold, SPG Plat, HyattDiamond, MarriottPP, LHW exAccess, ICI, Raffles Amb, NW PE MM, TWA Gold MM
Posts: 100,111
Just used my 35% off on a stay in Hawaii. Had to split my reservation into two - one for six nights, the other for five nights. I've applied SNAs to the first six nights... I'm hoping a resolution will be found to applying SNAs to 35% off reservations. I wish the 35% off could be used on six nights because then you'd actually be getting 35% off five nights (rather than four because of the fifth night free).
Aug 3, 13, 2:10 am
#433
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2009
Location: India
Programs: Bonvoy Ambassador & Lifetime Titanium, IHG Plat, HH Gold, Trident Plat, DL Diamond, AI Maharajah
Posts: 29,340
Aug 3, 13, 10:18 am
#434
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: SPG Plat 100, Marriott Plat
Posts: 267
Aug 3, 13, 10:19 am
#435
Join Date: Dec 2012
Location: Dallas, TX
Programs: SPG Plat 100, Marriott Plat
Posts: 267
I have 5 SNAs listed for my 35% off five nights redemption and 5 were deducted from my SNA count. The Plat Concierge did it without question when I booked my 35% off fifth-night-free redemption by phone. However, I can't verify this on line and I'd like to check what room categories were requested for my SNA upgrade.
