Sep 25, 2014, 12:41 pm
Last edit by: beltway
Here's the current language on this benefit from the SPG T&C. Note especially the $10 minimum:
2.2.b. When an SPG Member is not staying at an SPG Participating Hotel, charges incurred by the SPG Member for food and beverage (excluding alcoholic beverage purchases where prohibited by law) at restaurants located within or adjacent to SPG Participating Hotels will be Eligible Charges if:
(i) the restaurant permits guests to charge food and beverage on their folios;
(ii) the charges are greater than $10 USD (excluding taxes, gratuities);
(iii) the food and beverage is not in connection with a banquet, meeting or other function that is excluded from Eligible Charges as provided in Section 2.2.a; and
(iv) the SPG Member provides his/her SPG Member number at the time of payment.
(ii) the charges are greater than $10 USD (excluding taxes, gratuities);
(iii) the food and beverage is not in connection with a banquet, meeting or other function that is excluded from Eligible Charges as provided in Section 2.2.a; and
(iv) the SPG Member provides his/her SPG Member number at the time of payment.
FAQ: Yes, it's a Starwood benefit: points for meals without a stay
Dec 13, 2017, 7:30 pm
#301
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
I use this benefit fairly often, but my patience has been tried a lot lately. I have some properties that know how to do this 'correctly' - that is, they're familiar with the process and it only takes a few minutes. Other properties... well, sometimes I end up waiting thirty minutes and still end up giving up and submitting later.
Is there any reason I should keep trying? I mean, if it doesn't appear that anyone at the bar has any clue what I'm talking about, can/should I just make sure to keep my receipt and handle it after the fact via fax or email? I'm trying to find out if there's any responsibility on my part to give them lots of time to attempt to figure it out, or if perhaps I'm better off just dropping it at the first sign of sheer confusion. I don't want to be denied via email for not 'trying hard enough' to get it handled the proper way.
Is there any reason I should keep trying? I mean, if it doesn't appear that anyone at the bar has any clue what I'm talking about, can/should I just make sure to keep my receipt and handle it after the fact via fax or email? I'm trying to find out if there's any responsibility on my part to give them lots of time to attempt to figure it out, or if perhaps I'm better off just dropping it at the first sign of sheer confusion. I don't want to be denied via email for not 'trying hard enough' to get it handled the proper way.
Dec 13, 2017, 8:12 pm
#302
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
I use this benefit fairly often, but my patience has been tried a lot lately. I have some properties that know how to do this 'correctly' - that is, they're familiar with the process and it only takes a few minutes. Other properties... well, sometimes I end up waiting thirty minutes and still end up giving up and submitting later.
Is there any reason I should keep trying? I mean, if it doesn't appear that anyone at the bar has any clue what I'm talking about, can/should I just make sure to keep my receipt and handle it after the fact via fax or email? I'm trying to find out if there's any responsibility on my part to give them lots of time to attempt to figure it out, or if perhaps I'm better off just dropping it at the first sign of sheer confusion. I don't want to be denied via email for not 'trying hard enough' to get it handled the proper way.
Is there any reason I should keep trying? I mean, if it doesn't appear that anyone at the bar has any clue what I'm talking about, can/should I just make sure to keep my receipt and handle it after the fact via fax or email? I'm trying to find out if there's any responsibility on my part to give them lots of time to attempt to figure it out, or if perhaps I'm better off just dropping it at the first sign of sheer confusion. I don't want to be denied via email for not 'trying hard enough' to get it handled the proper way.
Dec 13, 2017, 8:27 pm
#303
Join Date: May 2014
Posts: 1,868
That's exactly what I was hoping would be acceptable, many thanks.
Dec 14, 2017, 7:03 am
#304
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: RSW
Programs: Delta - Silver; UA - Silver; HHonors - Diamond; IHG - Spire Ambassador; Marriott Bonvoy - Titanium
Posts: 14,185
Problem seems to happen that some of these outlets are franchised, where the employees do not work for the hotel but the restaurant itself. In one case, none of the restaurant staff had a clue as to what points scheme I was talking about. So, I sent a copy of the credit card receipt to Starwood which was promptly credited. At another property, the restaurant staff directed me to the check-in line for guests, where the clerk was able to rig up a dummy stay for me that went through correctly.
Dec 14, 2017, 7:11 am
#305
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: South Florida
Programs: AA LTG (EXP), Hilton Silver (Dia), Marriott LTP (PP), SPG LTG (P) > MPG LTPP
Posts: 11,329
Problem seems to happen that some of these outlets are franchised, where the employees do not work for the hotel but the restaurant itself. In one case, none of the restaurant staff had a clue as to what points scheme I was talking about. So, I sent a copy of the credit card receipt to Starwood which was promptly credited. At another property, the restaurant staff directed me to the check-in line for guests, where the clerk was able to rig up a dummy stay for me that went through correctly.