Not even Golds are entitled to upgrades, although Golds do receive better (enhanced) rooms in the category booked. Golds also get a welcome amenity of points, a beverage, or free internet during the stay. Golds get the guaranteed 4 pm checkout except in resorts and convention properties.

P+ members also receive the same 4pm checkout benefit, as well as "enhanced" same-category rooms. (Some have speculated that Golds may have an edge here, although we have no official SPG statement on that issue AFAIK.) So the incremental benefits of Gold over P+ are

• 1 extra SPG point/dollar (3 vs 2), and
• the welcome amenity at checkin

Hi all,

Is there anywhere on the Starwood website where the benefits of 'preferred plus' are listed? I've read here and elsewhere that hotels sometimes balk at late checkout and I'd like to be able to produce something 'official' should that be a problem on an upcoming trip.

Thanks,
adam

I believe the Android and iOS SPG apps show Preferred Guest Plus benefits under the "Member Benefits" section. You can show them right on your phone.

Wikipost created to answer this & other FAQs.

Perfect...thanks so much beltway.

Besides the SPG card, AAA membership can also get you to Preferred Plus, although there is a chance this could vary by AAA club and membership level. AARP might, or might have in the past, I can't recall.

A few well-crafted Google searches confirm this for both cases. Will update.

4 PM is guaranteed Latecheckout for Preferred Guest Plus?
I asked for that on a upcoming stay in the Westin Dresden and got told it would depend on availability and since they are booked out at the date no late checkout at all?

In the case of the hotel being fully booked, it is unfortunately not possible to guarantee the late check-out. Apologies, if this causes any inconvenience.

Best regards,

Alice Kons
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

I realize this post http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18920557-post809.html
has not been updated in over a year but I do not see the property in question on this list of resort/conference center hotels which do not have to honor the guaranteed 4:00 pm checkout. Is the property a new addition and if so, could we get an updated list?

Thanks.

Yes but even if they are fully booked the next day, i not understand it. Not every1 shows up 2 or 3 pm. That guaranteed 4:00 Latecheckout looked good for me since Hilton doesnt offer it. But if i have to fight for this every time im not happy. I will be gold soon, hopefully less drama then.

Is this a general change in policy regarding the guaranteed late check out published benefit for elites or does this only apply to Preferred Plus status? What is your definition of the word "guaranteed"?

If fully booked means that late checkout not only is no longer guaranteed but also is not possible, this is a HUGE downgrade in elite benefits and should have been announced.

Oki Hotel gave me 2 PM now. Issue is solved for me.

I agree. Some further explanation is very much required here.