Pics of an aloft Suite...yes a SUITE!
Nov 13, 2008, 2:50 am
#16
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: SPG Lifetime PP ; Hyatt Globalist ; Nexus
Posts: 950
Exactly, I have always got upgrade to 2 bedrooms at Hyatt Summerfield Suites and got the rooms on the highest floor at Hyatt Place. Just like some 4 points ,even when all the room are sames, there are some "preferred rooms."
Nov 13, 2008, 4:54 pm
#17
Original Member
Join Date: May 1998
Location: CT/NY
Programs: UA 1K/1MM, AA EXP, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, IHG Plat Amb
Posts: 6,020
None. Both aloft and Element-branded hotels are exempt from having to offer any complimentary upgrades based upon elite status in SPG. That was added to the Terms and Conditions of Membership in SPG before the first aloft opened.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
I guess aloft has the DNA of W hotels after all. It's not whatever, whenever, but eh, whatever.
Nov 13, 2008, 10:55 pm
#18
Join Date: Feb 2005
Programs: AA LTP, Bonvoy LTT,
Posts: 124
Only 250pt Plat amenity 
No upgrades for Gold or Plat
Priced approximately like Sheratons, yet have lower benefits
I might checkout an aloft during the quadruple points promo, but will otherwise avoid them like a Scarriott.
Thankfully I found out before booking a stay. Being blindsided would have ticked me off. Does the web site at least notify customers of this "Limited Participation" like SVO properties?
Never mind, I just check and the answer is NO. This lack of disclosure is borderline deceptive.
No upgrades for Gold or Plat
Priced approximately like Sheratons, yet have lower benefits
I might checkout an aloft during the quadruple points promo, but will otherwise avoid them like a Scarriott.
Thankfully I found out before booking a stay. Being blindsided would have ticked me off. Does the web site at least notify customers of this "Limited Participation" like SVO properties?
Never mind, I just check and the answer is NO. This lack of disclosure is borderline deceptive.
Nov 14, 2008, 1:47 am
#19
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: SYD
Posts: 3,043
Hmm, just from looking at the pics I find the design a bit tacky. The choice of furniture looks rather hodge podge, like everything was thrown together at the last minute. As a junior W I expected more style and edginess. The colour of the carpet doesn't exactly go well with the couch for instance.
But as always the proof of the pudding is in the staying so I still look forward to checking an aLoft out.
But as always the proof of the pudding is in the staying so I still look forward to checking an aLoft out.
Nov 14, 2008, 4:51 am
#20
Join Date: May 2001
Location: New York, New York
Posts: 1,602
Upgrades to suites, even if they exist, are not a Platinum member benefit at either aloft or Element hotels.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Thanks for your help.
Nov 14, 2008, 5:45 am
#21
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: Bonvoy Amb; AA EXP
Posts: 1,136
I wonder if this lack of upgrades was a negotiating point during development for the owners of the newly branded hotels..."sure we'll be glad to be the new owners of the O'Hare Aloft, so long as we don't have to manage the upgrade requests of those pesky Platinum guests."
I was just about to book a stay at the ORD Aloft...now its probably the Sheraton Suites for me...
It's really ok. I'm sure with the anticipated increase in hotel stays due to the solid economy, that this strategy will have no effect on revpar.
I was just about to book a stay at the ORD Aloft...now its probably the Sheraton Suites for me...
It's really ok. I'm sure with the anticipated increase in hotel stays due to the solid economy, that this strategy will have no effect on revpar.
Nov 14, 2008, 7:06 am
#22
Suspended
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: New York, NY
Programs: Delta - Gold; Starwood - Platinum; HHonors - Diamond & Avis Preferred
Posts: 10,869
Not impressed.
Nov 14, 2008, 10:30 am
#23
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
I wonder if this lack of upgrades was a negotiating point during development for the owners of the newly branded hotels..."sure we'll be glad to be the new owners of the O'Hare Aloft, so long as we don't have to manage the upgrade requests of those pesky Platinum guests."..
The reason is that out of all of the aloft hotels being built, only a handful will even have suites and those that do will have only one or two per property. As far as I know, it's the same with the Element brand. So, if I had to take an educated guess, it would be that they did not want to set expectations over what could be delivered on a consistent basis.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Nov 14, 2008, 10:34 am
#24
Company Representative - Starwood
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Austin, Texas
Programs: Marriott Employee Level
Posts: 31,593
William, so that I do not have any false expectations when I stay at my first Aloft property in a couple of weeks, what addtional benefits that Platinum SPG members enjoy at other Starwood brands will not happen when staying at Aloft and Element brands?
Thanks for your help.
Thanks for your help.
Other than that, I would expect all other benefits to be delivered.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Nov 14, 2008, 10:35 am
#25
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
Second aLoft stay: checked in with desk, asked if there was anything Platinums get besides the 250 points, dude looked around and handed me a low-fat Granola bar. Looking at my surprised face, he handed me 2 more and said "what the heck, here's a few more".
Keep your expectations low and you'll be happy
Nov 14, 2008, 11:15 am
#26
Join Date: Aug 2003
Programs: Bonvoy Amb; AA EXP
Posts: 1,136
That's not even close. The reason is that out of all of the aloft hotels being built, only a handful will even have suites and those that do will have only one or two per property. As far as I know, it's the same with the Element brand.
So, if I had to take an educated guess, it would be that they did not want to set expectations over what could be delivered on a consistent basis.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
The reason is that out of all of the aloft hotels being built, only a handful will even have suites and those that do will have only one or two per property. As far as I know, it's the same with the Element brand. So, if I had to take an educated guess, it would be that they did not want to set expectations over what could be delivered on a consistent basis.
Best regards,
William R. Sanders
Online Guest Feedback Coordinator
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide
[email protected]
Nov 14, 2008, 12:37 pm
#27
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: SEA
Programs: SPG Lifetime PP ; Hyatt Globalist ; Nexus
Posts: 950
I agree. If William can pass our concern to the brand/program managers, at least Starwood can review this policy. It really doesn't make too much sense to me. If the lack of suites or lounge is really the reason,there is no value to Gold upgrade at all in any Starwood hotel.
However as we know there are many hotels under the SPG flag that lack the fully diversified pool of rooms from 'single bed adjacent to ice room and elevator' to 'pres suite'. My point being that it is nearly impossible to have a hotel full of the same room quality. If providing Platinums the 'best available room' is under a different guideline than the 'complimentary upgrade' exclusion, then perhaps my issue is moot. However if a Plat guest is equally as likely to get the elevator treatment as a general member, that's not encouraging.
Nov 14, 2008, 2:13 pm
#28
Join Date: Apr 2005
Programs: AA Exp, Starwood Platinum, Priority Club Platinum RA, Hilton Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 318
I've stayed at the aLoft in Lexington, Ma about a half dozen times so far and have more upcoming stays booked. This brand is funky and fun. I would much rather stay here than a stodgy old Sheraton. A gym, a pool, free wi-fi, flat screen tv...mountain bikes to borrow to ride the trails in the area. My wife loves the bliss products.
Don't sell this branding short.
Don't sell this branding short.
Nov 14, 2008, 2:36 pm
#29
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: check swarm
Programs: DL DM & 2MM, SPG/Bonvoid LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist, $tarbucks Titanium
Posts: 14,404
I've stayed at the aLoft in Lexington, Ma about a half dozen times so far and have more upcoming stays booked. This brand is funky and fun. I would much rather stay here than a stodgy old Sheraton. A gym, a pool, free wi-fi, flat screen tv...mountain bikes to borrow to ride the trails in the area. My wife loves the bliss products.
Don't sell this branding short.
Don't sell this branding short.
I understand it's a budget chain, and most rooms are the same so there is nothing to upgrade to, but I wish SPG would think out of the box a little and offer something for Gold and Plat members: maybe it's the first row of parking closest to the building reserved for Gold/Plat members? A $5 credit to encourage additional spend at re:fuel? A certificate for buy one/get one free a wxzy? Something, anything to make the same folks who get near-royal treatment at a Westin or W feel appreciated and special.
Nov 15, 2008, 4:07 am
#30
Moderator: Asiana & Qantas Frequent Flyer
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: STR/SYD/SMF
Programs: QF Lifetime SG, LH HON, OZ Lifetime Diamond +, HH Diamond, Marriott Lifetime Platinum
Posts: 14,372
I agree its a great brand, and a modern/spiffy alternative to so many dull hotels. But in terms of the SPG program, where is the added value of elite recognition?
I understand it's a budget chain, and most rooms are the same so there is nothing to upgrade to, but I wish SPG would think out of the box a little and offer something for Gold and Plat members: maybe it's the first row of parking closest to the building reserved for Gold/Plat members? A $5 credit to encourage additional spend at re:fuel? A certificate for buy one/get one free a wxzy? Something, anything to make the same folks who get near-royal treatment at a Westin or W feel appreciated and special.
I understand it's a budget chain, and most rooms are the same so there is nothing to upgrade to, but I wish SPG would think out of the box a little and offer something for Gold and Plat members: maybe it's the first row of parking closest to the building reserved for Gold/Plat members? A $5 credit to encourage additional spend at re:fuel? A certificate for buy one/get one free a wxzy? Something, anything to make the same folks who get near-royal treatment at a Westin or W feel appreciated and special.