Starwood Loyalty Program

[NWTRVLRS]

HI

Does anyone know if when you redeem Starpoints in the Starwood loyalty program, if they include the resort fee? I know they do in the Hyatt system and didn't want to assume this is the norm

 

[VacationForever]

Not usually and that is why it is great to use Starpoints/hotel points to redeem for stays. There are some exceptions like local authorities taxes.

 

[NWTRVLRS]

Thank you

 

[Sicnarf]

Not usually and that is why it is great to use Starpoints/hotel points to redeem for stays. There are some exceptions like local authorities taxes.

Incorrect, resort fees will be charged if you book using SPs unless it is a villa property which doesn't charge resort fees.

 

[NWTRVLRS]

Okay... so if I am booking a regular hotel room through the SPG website (not Vistana) using Starpoints there WILL be a resort fee, if the hotel changes one?

Does anyone know if the same holds true for the Marriott loyalty program?

 

[VacationForever]

There won't be a resort fee. The only exception is some govt taxes, like in Hawaii (occupancy tax) and my just completed hotel stay at the Marriott Park Hotel in Rome for 12 Euros (govt tax).

 

[NWTRVLRS]

Perfect! Thank you for clarifying

 

[SandyPGravel]

I just got back from Oahu. Booked 3 "free nights" through SPG at the Princess Kaiulani using points and I was charged the resort fee for the three nights (and parking but that's a different subject.) I don't know about Marriott's policy. I did receive two free breakfast buffet coupons with my Gold status and a room view upgrade. (Buffet was $26/person. Never would have paid that to eat there. I'm just too cheap!)

 

[VacationForever]

I just got back from Oahu. Booked 3 "free nights" through SPG at the Princess Kaiulani using points and I was charged the resort fee for the three nights (and parking but that's a different subject.) I don't know about Marriott's policy. I did receive two free breakfast buffet coupons with my Gold status and a room view upgrade. (Buffet was $26/person. Never would have paid that to eat there. I'm just too cheap!)

I wonder if those were resort fees or were they really govt taxes for resorts in Hawaii? They often levy those fees even for timeshare stays.

We booked at Westin Napa several times and the resort fees and car park were never charged.

 

[SandyPGravel]

They were resort fees. See the image below. I know I had a bill when I checked out and it was for resort fees for the hotel.

A daily resort charge of 34.55 USD per room (including tax) will be billed directly to each guest room for a variety of amenities and services. The resort charge rate and inclusions are subject to change. The following amenities and services are included:

• Premium Wireless High Speed Internet Access in guest rooms and public areas
• MiFi mobile hotspot rental with unlimited wireless High Speed Internet Access on the island (one per room per stay); available at the Sheraton Princess Kaiulani
• Unlimited local, long-distance, toll-free, and international telephone calls
• Complimentary local newspaper
• Two 500 mL bottles of water replenished daily (based on usage)
• Children 12 and under eat free at Pikake Terrace with one paying adult (one child per paying adult)
• Keiki (child) gifts at check-in
• Complimentary one-day rental of GoPro camera (one per room per stay)
• Daily cultural activities, including lei making, ukulele lessons, and hula lessons
• Big Kahuna Beach Service: chilled water, fruit, and oshibori service
• Discount at Moana Lani Spa at Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort & Spa
• Discounts on Aloha Beach services, including an umbrella and two chairs
• Buy one, get one free admission to Sea Life Park
• 20 USD gift card valid towards men’s and women’s apparel at Reyn Spooner at Sheraton Waikiki (not applicable toward sale items or other discounts)
• Collections of Waikiki savings booklet

 

[VacationForever]

I just got back from Oahu. Booked 3 "free nights" through SPG at the Princess Kaiulani using points and I was charged the resort fee for the three nights (and parking but that's a different subject.) I don't know about Marriott's policy. I did receive two free breakfast buffet coupons with my Gold status and a room view upgrade. (Buffet was $26/person. Never would have paid that to eat there. I'm just too cheap!)

The only time I have gotten charged resort fees was when I used cash + points. When it is 100% points, I have not gotten charged resort fees.

 

[Tucsonadventurer]

The only time I have gotten charged resort fees was when I used cash + points. When it is 100% points, I have not gotten charged resort fees.

We were charged both when we used points for a week when we stayed at Marriott in Wailea. They waived parking for us upon our request as they didn't have the free breakfast

 

[VacationForever]

We were charged both when we used points for a week when we stayed at Marriott in Wailea. They waived parking for us upon our request as they didn't have the free breakfast

It baffles me then, maybe the decision to charge or not charge is by the hotel? The only time I have gotten the charge is when I used points + cash at hotel locations. I have not tried using points to book at timeshare properties.

 

[YYJMSP]

It baffles me then, maybe the decision to charge or not charge is by the hotel? The only time I have gotten the charge is when I used points + cash at hotel locations. I have not tried using points to book at timeshare properties.

it's completely up to the property. a points booking is just a cash booking, where the SPG program paid for the base rate plus taxes. you are still responsible for any additional charges, such as resort fees, parking, marketing fees, etc. it should say on your reservation what amounts are not included in the section that states the rate.

your SPG status will come in to play as far as resort fees and parking are concerned. SPG Platinums often get these reduced or completely waived. daily breakfast for two is an option for SPG Platinums as their welcome gift.

 

[VacationForever]

it's completely up to the property. a points booking is just a cash booking, where the SPG program paid for the base rate plus taxes. you are still responsible for any additional charges, such as resort fees, parking, marketing fees, etc. it should say on your reservation what amounts are not included in the section that states the rate.

your SPG status will come in to play as far as resort fees and parking are concerned. SPG Platinums often get these reduced or completely waived. daily breakfast for two is an option for SPG Platinums as their welcome gift.

Good point. I have Platinum level and love the 2 complimentary full breakfasts.

 

[Ken555]

When booking via SPG, just click on the detail link and you will see all the fees, including resort fee, if any. In my experience, award stays do not include the resort fee.

I just paid $15/night at the San Juan Sheraton for a resort fee, on an award stay.


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[blondietink]

When booking via SPG, just click on the detail link and you will see all the fees, including resort fee, if any. In my experience, award stays do not include the resort fee.

I just paid $15/night at the San Juan Sheraton for a resort fee, on an award stay.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

Hummmm.... we stayed at the Sheraton in San Juan and didn't get charged any fees and it was an award stay.

 

[Ken555]

Hummmm.... we stayed at the Sheraton in San Juan and didn't get charged any fees and it was an award stay.

There are two Sheraton’s in San Juan.


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[blondietink]

There are two Sheraton’s in San Juan.


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We stayed at the one across from the cruise ship dock.

 

[Ken555]

We stayed at the one across from the cruise ship dock.

I was at the other one, which is close to the other cruise dock...


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[NWTRVLRS]

All good to know.... thanks again for everyone's input... I was assuming that since Hyatt includes the resort fee on points reservations that Starwood/Marriott would do the same... so I will make sure to check each time we book

 

[bobpark56]

There won't be a resort fee. The only exception is some govt taxes, like in Hawaii (occupancy tax) and my just completed hotel stay at the Marriott Park Hotel in Rome for 12 Euros (govt tax).

Westin St John used to charge are resort fee for bookings made through SPG. (They charged us.)

 

[controller1]

The actual policy of Starwood is when booking a hotel room with points the customer is responsible for any resort/destination fee that is normally imposed upon guests. The awards stay pays only for the room rate and any taxes calculated on the room rate. If you have not been charged for the resort/destination fee, consider it a gift because that is not the policy.

 

[The Haileys]

We've always had to pay resort fees, if they are normally charged, at both Starwood and Marriott properties. Both Swan and Dolphin in Orlando charged resort fees when we stayed on points. Marriott Waikiki and Waikoloa both charge resort fees, and we paid when we stayed on points.

The rate page for each property will specify any fees that are charged.