Earning SPG Platinum status

[LisaRex]

I'll let my post stand for itself, but thanks for the offer.

 

[jarta]

LisaRex, ... Don't know why you don't want to remove misinformation about SBP. However, it's your choice.

So, I'll let my posts stand, too. ... eom

 

[LisaRex]

Acc. to Starwood Lurker, in-hotel benefits will be granted at SVO properties EXCEPT upgrades and late checkout. This includes SBP. Of course, this only applies to folks who book via Starwood.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/17621111-post8.html

 

[jarta]

LisaRex, ... "Per a FTer, as of 11/11 SPG members are supposed to get platinum benefits at SVO properties."

Nothing in Section 6.1 (if you follow the link) grants any Platinum benefits during SVO stays at SPG. Platinum. Platinum.

The only benefits SPG Platinums get (that SPG Gold members do not) are listed in Section 4C.5 and are designated a-e.

a. Upgraded room. SVO resorts excluded from a.

b. Guaranteed room even if full. SBP specifically excluded (as is every other SVO timeshare resort that accepts SPG points).

c. Complimentary health club/gym access. At SBP everyone gets complimentary health club/gym access. SPG Platinum gets you nothing more.

d. Access to a Club Level Lounge - if there is one. There is none at SBP (or any SVO timeshare resort I know about).

e. Complimentary Internet access. At SBP everyone gets complimentary access. SPG Platinum gets you nothing more - even at Harborside which, BTW, is not a resort you can reserve by using SPG points (only Sheraton Nassau Beach accepts SPG points).

If there is no late check out or room upgrades for SPG Platinums at SBP, could you please inform me what Platinum benefits an SPG guest is entitled to that any other guest isn't at SBP? ... eom

 

[DavidnRobin]

You forgot to add the benefit that there is a special check-in line for SPG Platinum at some SVO resorts (at least the ones that I own)...

FlyerTalk SPG Platinums are an 'interesting' group - and by interesting... I mean self-entitled...

 

[rtf2017]

Another option: This would only work once, but if you spend $40k on a Hilton Surpass AmEx, you get Hilton Diamond status. Near the end of that status, request a status match with Starwood (which you can only do once in your lifetime) to get Platinum.[/QUOTE]

Michael, Is the above really true? Is it a case of Starwood just wanting to stay competitive? does this imply u have to maintain 40K cc spending w/ Starwood? You just make a call or do u have to really sell the idea to them?

 

[jarta]

dman, ... OK, OK! SPG Platinums get the special check in line.

I agree that people who are SPG Platinum can be even more self-entitled than those timeshare owners who are not. For some reason, IMO, self-entitlement ("where's my upgrade or view or floor or AC or discount pass") goes hand in hand with timeshare owning.

My point was and is that SPG Platinum status is virtually useless at SVO resorts. Even at hotels the only amenity that really matters is the room upgrade.

The buzz was that since 11/11 SPG Platinums were entitled to Platinum amenities (breathless gasp!). It was presented here (and on FT) as some sort of terrific give away to Starwood Royalty. It isn't. (Can you image SPG Platinums showing up at a full SBP in mid-Summer and demanding a Platinum upgrade from a premium 1-br to a 2-br? "But I saw it posted on TUG!")

However, you got me on the check in line. That's a game-changing Platinum amenity. lol! ... eom

 

[MichaelColey]

Another option: This would only work once, but if you spend $40k on a Hilton Surpass AmEx, you get Hilton Diamond status. Near the end of that status, request a status match with Starwood (which you can only do once in your lifetime) to get Platinum.

Michael, Is the above really true? Is it a case of Starwood just wanting to stay competitive? does this imply u have to maintain 40K cc spending w/ Starwood? You just make a call or do u have to really sell the idea to them?

Yes, as far as I know this would still work. It's two different things, and you're confusing them a bit.

1) Hilton offers Diamond status when you spend $40k in a calendar year on their Hilton Surpass AmEx. When you spend $40k in a calendar year, you get Diamond status for the remainder of that year, all of the following year, and I think through March of the next year.

2) Starwood allows you to "status match" once in a lifetime, so if you have top tier status somewhere else (like Hilton), you can status match and you'll get Platinum status for a limited amount of time. I would suggest reading the master "Status Match" thread on FT for the latest details, best timing to do it, etc.

 

[rtf2017]

thanks again Michael, sooo much to learn. love that FT!!