el_tigre

While it was a nice surprise that the Maui properties dropped, it was equally interesting that none of the other Hawaiian properties changed. I would have thought the Waikiki resorts, which are so dependent on Japanese tourists, would have been the most susceptible. That said, free nights for almost a third of the summer months are unavailable at the Sheraton Waikiki, so other Starwood properties on the islands may not really be hurting right now for whatever reason.

NJUPINTHEAIR

That says to me that regardless of the currency situation the Oahu properties are doing well right now. Not my cup of tea, but I guess for an Asian (or any other) tourist who might wish to get some sea, surf sand and shopping in, that would be a desirable destination.

Since I live in a citified area, that is the last place I wish to be -- get me to the outer islands!

Chacun a son gout!

frudd38

Don't get me wrong, I definitely appreciate the list and everything else SPG does in all aspects of the program as I am a strong advocate. I just find it strange to be fickle about these handful of listed properties in a matter of weeks. I guess I'm just personally annoyed that LM TPE decided not to move down, but can't say I'm surprised either.

el_tigre

I don't know if the fx-rate used is a snapshot or even gathered over a period of time, but I'm guessing the lion's share of data was taken some time before January 1. The drops would have been more substantial otherwise. That's also why I'm saying 2016 will be the year to use points; it's going to take another year for the tumbling currency situation to catch up, unfortunately. In 2015, you're going to be better off using cash for international hotel stays if you want your Starpoints to go further long term. I normally advocate a quick earn and burn strategy for most loyalty programs, but you'll probably be better off hoarding Starpoints for a year if you like to use them for international stays.

el_tigre

I'm totally with you there. Had either of the Princeville properties dropped, I would have really been excited. Maybe next year.

uncommonsensical

well, THAT came across super professional. you've been a good rep for SPG here; but this is hardly your finest moment. you sound like dad telling the kids that one more complaint and he's turning the car around and they won't be going to wally world. 'have to put it together for you'... surprised you didn't end that with, you over-entitled baby', as that's how the tone reads.

the logical response is: then wait until you know what you're doing before publishing the list! crazy logic, i know. as i said above, i seriously doubt it was 1201am on the 10th that these last minute changes were decided. if SPG set internal deadlines and/or waited until all were sussed out and THEN published the list you would avoid this. there is no excuse for ZERO notice on these hotels.

you also didn't even respond to the SPG rep telling me that i have a lot of points so 40k instead of 28k points was no big deal after SPG changed the Category a day early, the same day i couldn't even log into my account. then it took me asking for a manager for her to 'look into it'.

ugh.

Seattlenerd

It it were logic, yes.

But for those of us who had trips planned yet no hotels booked, knowing which properties were likely to go up in category on March 10 was a great benefit. There's then no downside for making the reservations prior to March 10, and lots of upside if the advance notice of a category charge held.

Many of us do appreciate the heads-up, which Starwood does not have to give us.

Starwood Lurker

Let's take this a little out of order.

My reply didn't have anything to do with this. My reply was directed at frudd38, who asked me a direct question. It seems you have a manager looking into it, so there is no reason for me to comment. I am sorry that some hotels changed early. SPG has promised to work on making the process clearer for next year, but I'm not sure that is going to help since you want to dismiss any disclaimers that will certainly come with it.

I'm not looking to make any defining moments in my career here. I want to understand what is more important. Is it that the list we give two weeks before the changes go into effect has to be perfect? If so, then we might as well not publish one at all because numbers are being crunched up to the very last minute and sometimes then some, so there are always going to be last minute changes.

Try to give us a little credit for having done this 16 times over the years. If we waited until everything was known, there would be no reason to publish anything ahead of time.

Indeed. It appears the best thing I could have done was just say nothing at all. It's not too late to follow that policy from this point on, however, so consider me out. But you should feel free to have the last word.

Best regards,

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

[email protected]

BlindPilot

The advance listing was very helpful to me and helped me plan my award trips accordingly. ^

dcstudent

Lurker,

Please, please keep posting this list. I'd rather the list be 90% correct and give me a general heads up, than just find out about 100% of the hotels when the change actually happens.

Please keep doing what you're doing.

And, I like your comments, I'm glad you don't always sound like a corporate PR suit. It's great that you have a personality on this board.

BizNYC

+1. Dcstudent's post perfectly captures my own feelings. Maybe because I've been reading this forum for a few years now, but I recognize that the heads up on category changes is not a binding contract I can take to the bank, but is usually helpful in managing some redemptions to save a fair number of points. Many thanks to William for all of his help, patience and guidance on this board.

UA-NYC

+2 - let's not let an outlier response or two ruin this nice heads-up for the rest of us.

So the list is only 98% perfect in advance vs. 100% - deal with it. Sheesh.

FlyerJ

+1000. ^

Giving FT an advance heads up of the list (yes, even if it doesn't capture every single change) is of huge benefit.

It's much appreciated, just as the Starwood Lurkers' presence and active participation here is very much appreciated.

cko64

+1, I appreciate the heads up every year. To demand 100% accuracy is unreasonable to nth degree.

lcpteck

Agreed, now back to work.