FlyerTalk Forums - What is SPG "Preferred Plus" Status?

Q. How does one qualify for "Preferred Plus" benefits?

A. By being the primary cardmember for a Starwood American Express card, or by becoming a member of AARP, AAA, or other marketing partner providing complimentary Preferred Plus status. (See, e.g., http://discounts.aarp.org/offer/inde...CategoryId/402)

Q. What are the published incremental benefits of Preferred Plus (i.e., beyond base SPG member benefits)?

A. The incremental benefits are

"Upgrades to enhanced rooms at check-in, such as rooms on higher floors or corner rooms. [Footnote: Subject to availability at check-in for the length of the stay, provided the room was not booked through a prepaid third-party channel. Enhanced rooms do not include suites and include rooms on higher floors, rooms with better views, or corner rooms. This benefit is not offered at Aloft(sm) and Element(sm) properties.]"
"4 p.m. late checkout, where available. [Footnote: Subject to availability at resort and conference center hotels.]" This benefit is covered in detail in a separate FT thread.

Q. Where can I find these benefits stated on the SPG website?

A. They can be viewed here: https://www.starwoodhotels.com/prefe...ybenefits.html -- Note: If you are not already logged in, you'll be sent to a login page. Once logged in, ignore where you are redirected to, and click the original link again to view your benefits.

Q. Where can I find a list of "resort and conference center hotels" on the SPG website?

A. You can't; it isn't there. However, one of the Starwood representatives has posted (and regularly updates) a list at http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/18920557-post809.html.