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SPG Alert: Enroll now before Elite Challenge Changes Nov 1, 2011

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  • October 26, 2011
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Just saw this post from Starwood Lurker II on FlyerTalk posted about 60 hours ago suggesting SPG members should sign up now for an SPG elite status Platinum challenge of 15 nights in 90 days. Apparently the challenge will be more restrictive beginning next Tuesday, November 1, 2011.

Update Oct. 26: See comments section below for Stay Challenge changes reported as

  • 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.

Starwood Lurker posted on FlyerTalk Post #118 October 6, 2011 that only paid nights count in a Stay Challenge. Award nights or Cash & Points nights do not count as eligible nights for SPG Elite Stay Challenge, despite these now counting as eligible elite qualifying nights when earning SPG elite by standard qualification requirement of 25 stays or 50 nights.

 

[back to original text of post]

There are no details as to the changes, but suffice to say that when a Starwood Lurker speaks on FlyerTalk, members should listen.

If you have been thinking about taking on an elite status challenge for SPG Platinum with 15 nights in 90 days, then you need to try and enroll now.

SPG stopped instant elite status matches April 1, 2011 and replaced them with the 15 nights in 90 days for members accepted into the elite challenge.

Here is the post by Starwood Lurker on March 31, 2011:

Policy Change Related to Status Match Requests – Beginning April 1, 2011
The folks at SPG want to give advance notice to the Flyertalk community that there will soon be a change in policy regarding status match requests from competing frequent stay programs. Starwood Preferred Guest is evolving its policy on status matches to Platinum to a Stay Challenge format beginning April 1, 2011.Any contacts regarding a Stay Challenge offer will be done via email to the Platinum Concierge department. Any member wishing to apply for a Stay Challenge beginning April 1, 2011 can contact them at platinum.liaison@starwoodhotels.comin order to request consideration.Members will be advised on the full requirements of their Stay Challenge and then contacted to advise if the Stay Challenge has been met. Should a member not successfully complete a Stay Challenge, they may request another once the original Challenge has expired.

Best regards,

William R. Sanders
Social Media
Specialist
Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide

While not mentioned in the post the Stay Challenge requirements for SPG Platinum are widely reported as 15 nights in 90 days.

Apparently something different will go into effect on Tuesday November 1, 2011.

Apply now for an SPG Elite Stay Challenge if you want to get in before the changes.

FlyerTalk thread: Policy Change Related to Status Match Requests – Beginning April 1, 2011

Loyalty traveler post: Stay Challenges replace elite matches for Starwood and Hyatt (April 3, 2011)

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10 Comments

  • Brendan October 26, 2011

    Is it your understanding that the challenge time period can extend in early 2011 if initiated before November 1st? I have been planning a 15-night stay starting January 15th and could get 14 nights in if the challenge started instantly on the 31st. I could get 15 nights in without going further out of my way if it took a day to register. I recognize that Starwood is the final arbiter here, but any input would be most appreciated. Thanks

  • Ric Garrido October 26, 2011

    I have no additional information other than what is in the FlyerTalk thread link in the first sentence of this post.

    There are no details. Just a suggestion to sign up for a challenge before November 1.

  • myb821 October 26, 2011

    heres the info i got from a chat rep at spg myb821: how is the platinum challenge changing
    myb821: ?
    Customer Service Representative 2: Just a moment while I check that for you.Customer Service Representative 2: As of November 1st the platinum challenge changes are as follows:
    Customer Service Representative 2: The number of nights required to meet the challenge will change from 15 to 18 eligible nights
    Customer Service Representative 2: The time frame to achieve the eligible nights will change from a length of 90 nights beginning with any start date to a set of three consecutive months starting on the first day of the first month to the last day of the last month.
    Customer Service Representative 2: That takes effect November 1, 2011.

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  • Brendan October 26, 2011

    Thanks for the response. I just saw myb821’s post on flyertalk and was going to update your readers. Too late. Thank you both for the helpful information.

  • Kalboz October 27, 2011

    How about if you are already a Platinum until 2/28/2012, and want to re-qualify, does this apply to you?

  • Raul October 27, 2011

    Is there a link to register for this challenge ?

  • Ric Garrido October 27, 2011

    Platinum members can’t enroll in Platinum Stay challenge according to posts in the FlyerTalk thread.

    @Raul – Any member wishing to apply for a Stay Challenge can contact them at platinum.liaison@starwoodhotels.com in order to request consideration.

  • Brendan November 1, 2011

    They offer retroactive credit on platinum challenges under the new 18-night rules.

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