Starwood upgrade thread.

[pshepvic]

I think there is free internet in the room for SPG Gold.

Unfortunately that is not the case, although it should be. How anyone can actually justify charging for Internet access these days is beyond me. Only HHonors offers complimentary Internet for both Gold/Diamond members.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[k3nnis]

Hi,

I'm pretty sure the free in room internet is a new spg gold benefit introduced not long ago.

Have a look here:

https://www.starwoodhotels.com/preferredguest/account/member_benefits/gold_preferred.html

Three Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent – a 50% bonus over base-level membership. 4 p.m. late checkout,[SUP]1[/SUP] so you can sleep in, relax by the pool or see more of the local area you’re visiting.
An enhanced room at check-in, when available.[SUP]2[/SUP]
Special elite customer service telephone line (available in most countries).
New! Your choice of a welcome gift with each stay. Choose from bonus Starpoints, complimentary in-room Internet access and a complimentary beverage.

 

[ric_melb]

Definitely as Gold you can choose to have free internet. Usually a better option than extra points or a free drink.
Just used it at Sheraton Surfers Paradise. Fast connection also.

 

[oz_mark]

Unfortunately that is not the case, although it should be. How anyone can actually justify charging for Internet access these days is beyond me. Only HHonors offers complimentary Internet for both Gold/Diamond members.

It's an option for SPG Gold. Hyatt also offer free internet to Platinum/Diamond members of Gold Passport.

 

[k3nnis]

Do the check in agents present you with the options available to choose or do you need to tell them??

Definitely as Gold you can choose to have free internet. Usually a better option than extra points or a free drink.
Just used it at Sheraton Surfers Paradise. Fast connection also.

 

[ric_melb]

They usually present you with the options. If they dont; ask. Default option seems to be points.

 

[pshepvic]

Apologies - my last couple of stays since the new benefits they simply said they were giving me the bonus points and I wasn't offered Internet access. Not that I would have taken the option within Australia, but overseas I would. I still believe it should be a standard feature for Plat/Gold and not something you have to choose.


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[Alanslegal]

SPG Golds do get free internet; it is a bit weak that one needs to elect to have it at check-in (otherwise it defaults to the bonus points as mentioned). Lucky us SPG Platinums get it for free anyway.

The guaranteed 4pm check-out (excluding resorts) is a huge benefit to have in my opinion.

FWIW I tried getting a late check out at the Hilton Budapest as a HHD and the best they could do was 1pm even though the hotel looked deserted. And they even made it sound like 1pm was a big bonus, but anyway, I digress.

 

[k3nnis]

Is HHD not guaranteed a 4PM checkout at Hilton properties??

 

[serfty]

Is HHD not guaranteed a 4PM checkout at Hilton properties??

For HHonors, it is "Subject to availability"; not so for most SPG properties.

With both HHonors & SPG, if late check out until 4pm is available then no fee should be charged.

Posted on a wing and a prayer ...

 

[dajop]

SPG Golds do get free internet; it is a bit weak that one needs to elect to have it at check-in (otherwise it defaults to the bonus points as mentioned). Lucky us SPG Platinums get it for free anyway.

Yes but if you are travelling and can charge internet to the company, could well be better off with the bonus points. The trouble with the SPG gold and HH gold comparisons is in theory (ie casting aside HH fast track offers aside), SPG gold has a lower threshold to achieve than HH gold (10 stays vs 16 stays).

 

[burrco]

Recent stay at the Westin Melbourne - upgrade to city deluxe room and a good selection of fruit.




One thing to watch with the Internet is technically Gold Members (if they choose it as a benefit) are only provided with the entry level speed - unlike Plats who can access the highest speed. Obviously only an issue at Hotels that offer different speed packages/bundles - but the number of these appears to be growing.

 

[drron]

W Istanbul
Booked lowest room category as SPG plat.
Z3R rate-147 Euros
Receieved-Studio suite.
Offered 4pm checkout on arrival-accepted graciously.
All usual benefits.


SGS Bangkok.
Booked lowest category as SPG plat.
Z6R rate-4200 Baht.
Received Grande Suite.
Plus all usual benefits.
Again offered 4pm checkout on arrival but will be leaving early this time.

coughulative results for suite upgrades this year-
Mrsdrron,HH diamond-0/2
Myself,SPG plat-4/4.

 

[dajop]

Le Meridien Bangkok
Booked lowest category, SPG plat.
Upgraded to Avantec Suite, free pressing on arrival (2 garmets), breakfast, internet
Happy hour (2 hrs in the bar) including range of beer, wine, coughtails + canapes for free.

Do like this hotel!

 

[pshepvic]

Staying as SPG gold:

SLS Beverly Hills
- staying on cash + points (4800 + $90)
- earned points on the cash component (which I didn't think you did as it was an award, but not complaining)
- no upgrade (but didn't expect it on award)
- opted for free drink (at bar was told this was 2x$15 drinks so had very nice coughtails)
- still got bonus 250 points - it must default to this in the system and the receptionist forgot to disable after providing drink voucher
- was offered free Internet as well (in addition to points or drink, not instead of)
- awesome hotel (second time I've been here - and the restaurant The Bazaar is amazing - won an award for LA's best restaurant last year)

W New York
- paid reservation
- no upgrade
- was only really offered free points (he said "you want the bonus points?" - I think I could have got other options if I asked but that's what I wanted anyway so didn't push it)
- generally disappointing hotel and service, won't go back

I think I've worked out what the "W" stands for, based on many of the people that stay there and work there....


Sent from my iPhone using AustFreqFly app

 

[Alanslegal]

Le Meridien Bangkok
Booked lowest category, SPG plat.
Upgraded to Avantec Suite, free pressing on arrival (2 garmets), breakfast, internet
Happy hour (2 hrs in the bar) including range of beer, wine, coughtails + canapes for free.

Do like this hotel!

I like that hotel too Sadly I haven't stayed there for a while following the opening of the Four Points by Sheraton Sukhumvit (where as a Cat2 property) its excellent value for a Platinum plus I enjoy the Sukhumvit area just a bit more. I'm heading to Bangkok right now, currently in the Helsinki lounge, boarding in 15minutes. Doing a mattress run to ensure I requalify for Platinum (staying aLoft, 4P, LM, 4P or SGS, aloft).

Here's an old LM review of mine but definitely still current:-

http://www.australianfrequentflyer....es-and-reviews/le-meridien-bangkok-19733.html

 

[drron]

Sheraton Miyako
SPG Plat.
Rate-12000Y
Booked basic queen.Got King corner room(best upgrade you can expect as only 2 suites)
Prefer Westin but it was 42000Y even a year out.
Breakfast + points.
Free drinks in bar 1000-2000.

 

[drron]

Sheraton Sapporo
SPG plat
Rate-13875Y
Booked basic double(only room available-asked for queen)
Got-King corner room9as before,only 2 suites at this hotel)
Breakfast + points.

So mrsdrron hh diamond-0/2 suites.Drron SPG plat-4/6.

 

[Isochronous]

Booked as SPG Gold:

1. Sheraton Dongcheng, Beijing
Rate: RMB960 + tax
Premier Deluxe Room with King Bed
Upgraded to 19/F with bigger corner room (highest floor without going to Club/Plat floor, higher than regular SPG floors)
2 full breakfasts included
Offered choice of 2 out of the 6 following gifts: 250 points, internet, 2 clothing items pressed, fruit platter, teddy bear, 2 welcome drinks
Late check out of 3pm given

I should also say the service here was fantastic

2. St Regis, Beijing (booked through Amex Plat)
Diplomat Room booked for c. A$400
Upgraded to Statesman Suite
3 course dinner for 2 at Danielli's (Italian Restaurant in hotel) offered for free
2 breakfasts
free internet
Butler service - 5 items pressed for free, and all the standard jazz

Absolutely loved this St Regis, only flaw was upon getting out of the taxi the bellboy didn't come to help us with luggage and feigned surprise when we called him over to say we were checking in and needed the bags carried up. Otherwise service was great.

By contrast no flaws with Sheraton Dongcheng at all. I should also note that whilst not a St Regis, and the gym/pool isn't quite as big as the St Regis, it is very modern. Their Cantonese restaurant also has a good yum cha deal - 98RMB for unlimited ordering. I eat a lot of dim sum so am very discerning, and can attest to the quality here. Excellent value - shall be returning!

 

[Alanslegal]

My hotel results so far:-

[Hilton Adelaide – booked Guest Room, upgraded to Executive Guest Room]
Sheraton On The Park, Sydney – booked City Side room, upgrade to Executive Suite
Hotel Pulitzer Amsterdam – booked Classic Room, upgraded to Executive Canal View Room
[Hilton Budapest – booked Guest Room, upgraded to Executive Danube River View Room]
[Doubletree by Hilton Istanbul Old City – booked Guest Room, upgraded to Guest Room with Terrace]
Sheraton Saigon Hotel – booked Deluxe Room, upgraded to Club Studio Room
Westin Sydney – booked Tower Room, upgraded to Executive Tower Room (imo doesn’t really count as an upgrade though)
Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok – booked Comfort Room, upgraded to Junior Suite
Le Meridien Kuala Lumpur – booked Classic Room, upgraded to Club Room
Sheraton Imperial Kuala Lumpur – booked Deluxe Room, upgraded to Deluxe Suite (city view)
W Santiago Chile - booked Wonderful Room, upgraded to Cool Corner Room
W Mexico City – booked Wonderful Room, upgraded to Fantastic Suite
[Hotel Nacional Havana - booked standard room, no upgrade]
[Hotel Tryp Varadejo Resort – booked standard room, no upgrade]
[Hilton Mexico Airport - booked Guest Room, upgrade to Executive Guest Room]
Elements Miami Airport – booked Studio Room, upgraded to One Bedroom Space Room
St Regis New York – booked (free) Deluxe Room, upgraded to Grand Deluxe Room
Le Meridien Barcelona – booked Deluxe Room, upgraded to Deluxe Ramblas View Room
aLoft Bangkok – booked Chic Room, upgraded to Urban Room (which is really a Chic Room with a city [urban] view)
Four Points By Sheraton Bangkok – booked Comfort Room, upgraded to Terrace Suite
Le Meridien Bangkok – booked Vista Room, upgraded to Avantec Suite
Sheraton Grande Sukhumvit Bangkok – booked Deluxe Room, upgraded to Grande Suite
aLoft Bangkok – booked Chic Room, another Urban Room