Originally Posted by JK

I tell a lie! Having now logged into SPG.com again - it *is* pulling in rates for my SET code automatically. New problem now - it's showing me the Cash & Points Rate. I'd prefer to see the Hot Escapes rate there instead.

Anyone know how to achieve that?

Originally Posted by Oxon Flyer

FWIW, I have set up the 4 columns on the 'Compare Rates' tab to be
Lowest Standard Rate
SPG Cash & Points
SPG Member-Only Hot Escapes
My SET Code

and it is remembered the next time I come to the website and do a search. IE 11.

Have you tried clearing your cache and deleting your spg cookies ?

Originally Posted by KENNECTED

I'm only stating what I was told. But to think of this, that mean someone is using our code illegally, getting benefits they are not entitled to. Why should someone benefit from our negotiated rate?

Also, I work for a very large multi-national, multi layered company. Our Travel Department is HUGE and not outsourced. You would think we're an accounting firm based on how they audit everything!

Originally Posted by TravelinSperry

Many years ago (>10) I set up my companies (now a former company) SET code with Starwood and I ensured all our travelers used it. We not only received better pricing, but we earned rewards that the company could use for sales promotions.

Over time, I noticed others were using it (as the manager I was given a website where we could see each reservation by employee, property and revenue). Although I was perplexed re how they got our code, it didn't bother me. I figured we may ultimately get better benefits/pricing due to the increased volume. We never did (we were pretty small) but I could've cared less and had other things to focus on rather than worrying about a few people outside the company who were using it.

My guess is the same holds true for the majors and even more importantly with thousands of travelers over multiple locations at these very large entities, they would have a tough time sifting through the reservations and identify non-employees/consultants/interns, etc. Plus why would they bother? Unless Starwood brought down a hammer I can't see why they'd do it. And if Starwood took that stance some of these travel managers may move business to alternate chains (in our case I pushed Starwood as the primary chain to stay at whenever possible). Employees were discouraged to use Hilton/Marriott. And as such, Starwood had 85%+ of our total corp hotel travel.

Please do not misunderstand the intent of the above. I do not feel that people should use a SET code they aren't entitled to. Just providing an interesting look from the other side (imo).

Originally Posted by jibi

P.S. - I have never been asked for my ID at any property in the United States, whether it was Starwood, Hyatt, Hilton, Ritz, Marriott, etc. My travel outside of the United States is not typically for work-related functions, so I cannot comment on that side (although I was not asked for ID at the old Ritz in Hong Kong when I visited a few years back ... of course, it was their final month prior to closing, though).

Originally Posted by Cana2013

Thanks all for sharing your thoughts and experience. My friend only wants to use my SET code for Sydney and Melburne. Does anyone have been asked for ID in those two places?

Originally Posted by Cana2013

My friend only wants to use my SET code for Sydney and Melburne.

Originally Posted by tangfish

I have had my SET code turn up a rate lower than the lowest standard rate a total of zero times. Totally worthless.

Originally Posted by KENNECTED

I know and understand that. I'm only telling you what my company does. Morally I don't feel as though someone should benefit from using an SET code their are not entitled to use.

Originally Posted by Oxon Flyer

FWIW, I have set up the 4 columns on the 'Compare Rates' tab to be
Lowest Standard Rate
SPG Cash & Points
SPG Member-Only Hot Escapes
My SET Code

and it is remembered the next time I come to the website and do a search. IE 11.

Have you tried clearing your cache and deleting your spg cookies ?

Originally Posted by controller1

Wow! My experience is the opposite. A third of the time, my association's SET code turns up rates that are lower than even the prepaid rates yet my SET rate in refundable.

Originally Posted by MSPeconomist

I would also state the argument as follows: The company has invested its time and expertise in negotiating the special rates. Why then should some stranger with no connection to the company (versus perhaps a connection to an individual employee) benefit from the resources that the company has spent to procure the special rate>

Originally Posted by nonesuch flyer

Wow you must have a great negotiated rate. About 20% of the time my SET gives me the lowest refundable rate. Very occasionally it gives the same as a pre-paid rate ... however I do not think it has ever been lower than the pre-paid rate.

Originally Posted by AZ Travels the World

As gleff posted some 6 years ago now, the convention in the Starwood forum is that members don't post corporate discount codes.

We have read through this thread again and discussed in considerable detail how this it has gone off track in recent days. It is clear to us that, by far, the largest percentage of forum members prefer things just as they have been for many years. So we see no compelling reason to change this approach.

The posts inviting others to share their corporate SET codes (as well as the discussion surrounding those posts) have been deleted. They will continue to not be allowed, nor will the posts soliciting a private, 'black market' of these codes.

People sharing them amongst themselves, in private, is obviously not of concern to us, but the use of the Starwood forum for mining them is. Members of this board have been are clear that it's not what they want this place to become.

If you have any comments or concerns about this policy, please contact the moderators privately, via the private message system. Do not post them here in this thread, or elsewhere in the forum, as all discussions regarding the actions of moderators must be conducted in private, per the rules of FlyerTalk.

Thank you everyone, for your understanding, even if you disagree with the approach.

AZ Travels the World
& San Diego 1K (now yosithezet and Oxon Flyer)
Starwood Forum Moderators

Originally Posted by yosithezet

Quick refresher. As the original is quite eloquent, though the 6 years mentioned is now 9, I'll quote:




yosithezet
Co-Moderator, SPG