Back on March 31, Starwood announced with one day’s notice that they would no longer do status matches, and that beginning April 1 would only offer challenges which were later revealed to be an offer of Platinum status after 15 nights in 90 days.
I believe that my writing about it prompted Ben from One Mile at a Time to request a match right away, and now he’s a Starwood Platinum. And I’ve gotten to relive some of my own past hotel stays through his trip reports.
Now Loyalty Traveler reports that Starwood Preferred Guest will again be tweaking their status fast track offerings, we don’t have the details yet but they are believed to be getting more restrictive on November 1.
So if you’re considering a status challenge with Starwood, it may be worthwhile to email platinum.liaison -at- starwoodhotels.com by the end of October to get started.
Hi Gary
Thanks for this. I just finished my challenge (haven’t tried out Plat yet) and really looking forward to travels next year.
15 nights to Plat is a great deal right now…
I wonder how much incremental stays they get when they make this sort of announcement. I have HH gold & Marriott Plat secured for ’12, I wonder if I can fit in Starwood Plat as well?
There was a post that detailed the changes. Night requirement goes to 18, and the time allowed changes to three calendar months (or something of the sort).
According to someone’s chat log on FT, the amount of nights is increasing from 15 to 18 and the 90 day time frame will begin on the 1st of the month instead of some random day.
CHANGES
18 paid nights required during three calendar months time frame.
90 days with any start time changed to three calendar months beginning on first day of month and ending last day of month. Example: February 1 – April 30, 2012.