Short 150 StarOptions--any advice?

[dlpearson]

So I need 150 (that's not at a typo--a measely 150) StarOptions to be able to add an additional night (assuming last-minute availability) to our upcoming trip to Harborside in a few weeks. Currently, I have a ressie at the Comfort Suites, but it pains me to spend $200+ for one night (especially when we don't even land until 9:30 p.m.) when it could be "free" at Harborside.

A 1 bedroom deluxe is 6,600 options for a Thursday night; I have 6,450 options left in my account (which will otherwise go unused for the year). Short of paying future maintenance fees and borrowing against future years' points (don't think it's worth it for only 150 StarOptions), are there any other options (no pun intended!)? Has anyone known Starwood to "gift" such a small amount? Just wishful thinking I guess.......

David

 

[LisaRex]

You might try to book a room using StarPoints or Cash & Points instead of StarOptions. Otherwise, you'll probably be S.O.L. I don't have access to my email but there was a special number to call for the SVO specials.

 

[pointsjunkie]

i don't think HRA can be reserved with starpoints or cash and points. maybe you could book the sheraton at cable beach with points or c & P's for the 1 night instead of the comfort suites. i have extra but you can't use someone elses. i don't have enough to book you the night you need though. sorry.

 

[RLG]

Short of paying future maintenance fees and borrowing against future years' points (don't think it's worth it for only 150

Does SVO allow you to borrow only the 150 points that you need while still having the rest available next year?

If so, I don't understand why you don't think it's worth it. You'll be paying the maintenance about 6 months early. With short term interest rates as low as they are, that choice seems like a no-brainer.

 

[stevens397]

Borrowing from next year could totally screw up next year's plans! I'd call, play dumb and ask for the night if available.

If they told me it couldn't be done due to the 150 point shortage, I'd ask to go up the ladder. It's a room available close to departure that might otherwise go empty. I'd certainly hope to find someone sympathetic.

Good luck.

 

[dlpearson]

Thanks for everyone's replies/help. Unfortunately they don't have availability (yet) the night I'm looking for anyway, so it's kind of a moot point. I'll keep checking periodically in the event of a last-minute cancellation.

David

 

[pointsjunkie]

if you find that it doesn't work out, please consider offering those options for a day in orlando to a Make a Wish family.

please keep it in mind. i already have 3 people giving their extra staroptions to the cause.\

barbra

 

[dlpearson]

if you find that it doesn't work out, please consider offering those options for a day in orlando to a Make a Wish family.

please keep it in mind. i already have 3 people giving their extra staroptions to the cause.\

barbra

Definitely planning on it. If I can't use them for this extra night at Harborside, then I won't be able to use them at all, and will happily donate them to such a good cause. I'll know within 3 weeks at the latest.

David

 

[LisaRex]

David,

Have you tried reserving just a studio instead of a 1 bdrm?

 

[dlpearson]

David,

Have you tried reserving just a studio instead of a 1 bdrm?

6,600 is for the 1 bedroom deluxe (which is basically a glorified studio in Phase 1). Does Phase II have "true" studios that cost less? I didn't think so......

In any case, they don't have anything available at the moment......

David

 

[pointsjunkie]

there are no studios at HRA.

 

[Cathyb]

Can you buy something thru a Starwood partner -- like flowers, Barnes and Noble, etc to gain the points???

 

[pointsjunkie]

that's points not options. he is short in the options department.

 

[Cathyb]

ah yes, I goofed, sorry