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-   -   GONE : Westin Diplomat, Hollywood, FL [Master Thread] : Left Starwood 30 Oct 2014 (https://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starwood-starwood-preferred-guest/175890-gone-westin-diplomat-hollywood-fl-master-thread-left-starwood-30-oct-2014-a.html)

mke9499 Sep 1, 2014 8:01 am


Originally Posted by IrishStephen (Post 23451148)
I can assure you that the hotel is becoming part of the Hilton brand. Starwood Staff were given a letter on August 27th confirming the name of the property will be the "Diplomat Resort & Spa (a Curio Collection hotel) that will be managed by Hilton Worldwide." and that "the new owner and Hilton will be on-site the week of September 8th to provide an update on the transition plans for the hotel" and answer staff questions...

It will take some time for the dust to settle and for systems to be put in place for future reservations. As others have mentioned here I would suggest waiting to hear from the hotel as they are probably working their socks off to make it as smooth a transition as possible...

Change to Hilton Curio Collection confirmed on Hilton's website. Information about the property is available, but it appears as though they are not ready to accept bookings or even search availability. This was all implemented far too quickly...poor planning by new owner.


Curio A Collection by Hilton The Diplomat Resort & Spa, Curio A Collection by Hilton Hollywood

No rooms available
View available dates
3555 South Ocean Drive, Hollywood, Florida, 33019, USA
2.9 mile

Overview
Map
View hotel site
Whatever your pleasure, there is plenty to do at The Diplomat Resort & Spa, Curio A Collection by Hilton Hollywood.

Non-Smoking Hotel
Business Center
Fitness Center
Golf
Meeting Rooms
HHonors Reward Category:
Information not available

The new owner is apparently establishing a pattern.

http://www.hotelmanagement.net/trans...ns-curio-28530

KENNECTED Sep 1, 2014 8:16 am


Originally Posted by zonafandan (Post 23453681)
I called both spg (I'm a 10+yr gold member) and the diplomat themselves who gave me the same answer. They an convert the reservation from award to dollars if I want, but they will NOT honor the reward since it won't be their hotel at the time of the stay. They're supposedly researching it further, but I would expect something major for the inconvenience just not sure what I should ask for or expect...thoughts?

You should not expect any form of compensation. And IMO, you should not ask for compensation.

Hotels changing brands and/or loyalty programs is common. Most likely SPG/Starwood will reach out to you to find accommodations at a nearby property.

margarita girl Sep 1, 2014 8:58 am


Originally Posted by zonafandan (Post 23453681)
I called both spg (I'm a 10+yr gold member) and the diplomat themselves who gave me the same answer. They an convert the reservation from award to dollars if I want, but they will NOT honor the reward since it won't be their hotel at the time of the stay. They're supposedly researching it further, but I would expect something major for the inconvenience just not sure what I should ask for or expect...thoughts?

This is very odd. I had a reward stay booked at the Sheraton Moorea with SPG points before it was purchased and rebranded as a Hilton. Hilton honored my reservation and even gave me free breakfast because of my Hilton Gold status.

KENNECTED Sep 1, 2014 9:05 am


Originally Posted by margarita girl (Post 23456146)
This is very odd. I had a reward stay booked at the Sheraton Moorea with SPG points before it was purchased and rebranded as a Hilton. Hilton honored my reservation and even gave me free breakfast because of my Hilton Gold status.

I don't his situation is odd. Each rebranding is a "case-by-case" situation. What one property does, IME, has no baring on what other properties do.

Now if someone has Hilton status and wants to keep the reservation as paid, then that is a different story.

Eujeanie Sep 1, 2014 9:46 am

I, too, have a problem with this, and can't believe they will just not honor an spg award reservation. You've saved your spg points, it may be the only way you can afford this very nice family resort, you've purchased your non-refundable air tickets, and now they say "too bad you have NO reservation with us unless you fork over $XXX" (which can be well over $400/nt for the Dip).

As we don't know yet exactly what either Starwood or Hilton will do, it's just as faulty to state with certainty what they will NOT do.

KENNECTED Sep 1, 2014 9:48 am


Originally Posted by Eujeanie (Post 23456376)
I, too, have a problem with this, and can't believe they will just not honor an spg award reservation. You've saved your spg points, it may be the only way you can afford this very nice family resort, you've purchased your non-refundable air tickets, and now they say "too bad you have NO reservation with us unless you fork over $XXX" (which can be well over $400/nt for the Dip).

As we don't know yet exactly what either Starwood or Hilton will do, it's just as faulty to state with certainty what they will NOT do.

That is why people should prepare a plan B. When things like this happen you need to be quick and flexible.

mke9499 Sep 1, 2014 10:32 am

If there is a pattern established...same new owner, Dallas property converted to Hilton Curio Collection, not previously Starwood, though...


Existing Hotel Palomar reservations are intact at The Highland Dallas, and current and future guests may immediately begin using and redeeming Hilton HHonors® points.

Flews Sep 1, 2014 12:26 pm


Originally Posted by KENNECTED (Post 23455939)
You should not expect any form of compensation. And IMO, you should not ask for compensation.

Hotels changing brands and/or loyalty programs is common. Most likely SPG/Starwood will reach out to you to find accommodations at a nearby property.

I agree with this. I'm sure Starwood isn't happy about the new owner dumping them for Hilton either. But that's life. At least there are other Starwood options in Florida, unlike the case with Aruba and Bahamas.

Cheers,

writerguyfl Sep 1, 2014 5:44 pm

As I commented earlier in this thread, I worked for a company that had to move thousands of reservations due to an unanticipated closure of a resort. I guarantee there is a plan being developed to minimize problems.

Relocation plans are complex, so they take time to develop. Guests will be contacted based on arrival date and/or SPG status. I know it's hard, but patience will be necessary.

On behalf of the line employees of the Diplomat, I'm begging you not to call the hotel...especially today. The people you reach aren't going to have any answers. Yes, your vacation is important; but, those line employees are probably very stressed out. Many of them might even be concerned about having a job after the reflagging.

Link to my initial comment with tips:
http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/23455883-post736.html

yule_boy Sep 1, 2014 8:04 pm

I'm going to be in the Fort Lauderdale area for a couple of nights in October. I've never stayed at the Diplomat and I'm wondering if I should stay there for the plat experience before they leave. If any plats have any upcoming stays in September, it would be great if you could post your experiences here to help me make my decision. Thanks in advance!

NWAsilvELITE Sep 1, 2014 9:55 pm

Talked to SPG Concierge and they had no knowledge of the transfer. She looked up dates on my stay in Jan '15 and said no issue and then said "...wait, as of Oct. 29, 2014 it is out of the system", and she was surprised. I have an existing reservation for early next year and have had no notice so far.

Starwood Lurker II Sep 1, 2014 10:06 pm


Originally Posted by Eujeanie (Post 23456376)
I, too, have a problem with this, and can't believe they will just not honor an spg award reservation. You've saved your spg points, it may be the only way you can afford this very nice family resort, you've purchased your non-refundable air tickets, and now they say "too bad you have NO reservation with us unless you fork over $XXX" (which can be well over $400/nt for the Dip).

As we don't know yet exactly what either Starwood or Hilton will do, it's just as faulty to state with certainty what they will NOT do.

I don't think there is an official confirmation that the hotel will not honor any free night award reservations.

Thus instead of making any conclusions on my end, it would be best if you reach out to Customer Care immediately or drop us an email to follow up on your reservation.

[email protected]

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

Starwood Lurker II Sep 1, 2014 10:13 pm


Originally Posted by NWAsilvELITE (Post 23459338)
Talked to SPG Concierge and they had no knowledge of the transfer. She looked up dates on my stay in Jan '15 and said no issue and then said "...wait, as of Oct. 29, 2014 it is out of the system", and she was surprised. I have an existing reservation for early next year and have had no notice so far.

Hi,

I was informed that non-award reservations made before the sale will be honored.

Let us know how we can assist with your inquiry. PM/Email, the channels are opened.

[email protected]

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

LukeSky Sep 2, 2014 7:33 pm

I just checked into the Diplomat this evening and got the bad news.

The upgraded corner suite is already making me feel nostalgic....

I am going to miss this place!

1readyset2go Sep 2, 2014 8:07 pm

Sorry to hear this. I had been looking at staying here for a winter get away :(


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