fdem

I thought they were leaving the programme? know Westin Aruba is, but i may be wrong.

Starwood Lurker III

Hi flyer12345,

I have contacted the hotel and was told that they are not sold out. The inventory will generally open for the holiday 2014 season and 2015 year during March.

Best Regards,

Christina Zhou
Social Media Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

[email protected]

cactuspete

Seems like an odd policy not to have holiday dates open until March, but I think that this property has always been a bit off center.

flyer12345

Any new update, still no availability for purchase or points after December 18

flyer12345

Tried to redeem points for New years week 2014-2015 – want $650 in service fees, not calling it a tax and $3400 pre-authorized charge on credit card date of booking??

-minimum 7 night stay, total 92,000 points
-15% service fee on rack rate, comes out to $650
-$3400 charge on credit card the day of booking, which will be refunded, not sure when
-90 day cancellation policy, if cancel before 90 days, lose $3400
-resort fee $20 night,

BeantownFlyer

Given that there is a AAA rate of $431/nt during that time frame, this does not seem like a very good use of your points.

I particular love how they try to justify the resort fee:

A resort fee of 20 USD includes wireless High Speed Internet Access, in-room coffee, beach chair and towel service, pool lounge and towel service, unlimited local phone calls, access to the health spa facilities, in-room safe storage, and front office safe-deposit service.

A service charge of 10-15% on top of the 5% tax is typical for St. Maarten

MilesTalk

Can you still book here on points? I just see 'Limited SPG' participation when I look it up.

consultant1987

You can book on points at this resort. I just booked a week in May, and it was 12k points per night, and they honored the fifth night free promotion. No suite night awards are allowed though. I'm not optimistic about the upgrade, but who knows.

1readyset2go

In the for what its worth category...

I am currently at the Westin Lagonamaar in Cancun and the SXM Westin has come up many times in conversations. The overwhelming consensus of this well traveled group of owners (and I agree) is that the Westin there is among the least favorite in the Caribbean and BWI area. While it does have a nice beach it is well past the point of needing a renovation amongst other issues.

consultant1987

Just want to update that per a discussion with my ambassador, the 15% service charge/service fee does not apply with an SPG5 points redemption. Same goes with the 5% service tax. So all you are responsible for paying for is the $20 resort fee, which is really not bad.

drewp123

Rumor is they're having money problems:

jibi

Well that's embarrassing.

droidcore

Stayed 4 nights here over Memorial Day weekend and on, 2015. Very pretty property with simple rooms (wife and I agreed they're in need of a renovation). Carpeting in the rooms had a faint sour scent—probably not the best material for rooms that open to a beach. We had rough seas on the Atlantic the first four days there, and with that came sea grass—making the water dark and not so appealing, so we did boat tours or went to Orient. On the last day there, the sea grass was (magically) gone, and WOW—absolutely beautiful beachfront space. St. Bart ferry is close as well as many great French-ran restaurants.

Stay details:

Booked Oceanfront King, no Platinum upgrade, got the second floor on the ocean front (nice room). Given coupons for 2, for the nice breakfast buffet (although I requested a points amenity) for each morning there. Hit with the service fees/resort fees each night. Staff warm and attentive. Stay away from the Casino. The pool chair campers show up early with their "claim towels," so be ready to play that game if you're into that game.

Though not my favorite SPG property in the Caribbean, we really enjoyed the stay, will be back.

josephstern

I just made a points reservation here, and the agent at SPG specifically said I wouldn't have to pay anything beyond the $20 resort fee.

Maybe there's been a change?

Starwood Lurker

Doesn't appear to be a change from what consultant1987 posted here on March 9th. Be sure to let us know what your experience was when you get back.

Best regards,

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

[email protected]