Starwood Preferred Business

Frequently Asked Questions
For questions about Starwood Preferred Business

Account Managers
Travel Agents
Travelers

FAQs: Account Managers

Who is eligible to join Starwood Preferred Business?
Your company must be a legal corporate entity registered with the government of its country, and have a valid tax ID number, business number or other equivalent documentation. Government agencies, clubs, social groups, etc. are not eligible. Companies that participate in Starwood's SET Preferred or Global Preference sales programs are also not eligible to join.

If your company spends more than $500,000 a year at Starwood hotels, it may qualify for another program and should contact its local Starwood sales representative. If you are unsure about your company's eligibility, please complete the Enrollment Form, and you will be contacted regarding your status.

How much does it cost to join?
The program is FREE. There is no cost to your company or employees.

Do I need to be a travel agent to enroll my company?
No. You do not need to be a travel agent to enroll your company in Starwood Preferred Business. The person responsible for travel decisions or expenses at your company should enroll your company and/or be listed as the primary contact on your company's Starwood Preferred Business account.

Can associations join the program?
Yes. Associations can join Starwood Preferred Business. However, only paid employees of the association can receive program benefits and register as travelers. Members of the association are not eligible to join.

Can I enroll my company if I am a Starwood Preferred Planner?
Yes. If you enroll your company in Starwood Preferred Business, you will maintain your status as a Preferred Planner and receive the same benefits from the meetings you plan — one Starpoint for every three eligible U.S. dollars in revenue. Starwood Preferred Business is a separate program and would serve as an added value for your company, particularly for its non-group travel. With Starwood Preferred Business, your company and its employees will earn Starpoints for their hotel stays.

Please note: If a stay is master-billed, the company and employees will not earn Starpoints.

Is my company required to stay a minimum number of nights at Starwood hotels?
As a member of Starwood Preferred Business, your company is required to stay a minimum of 25 room nights per year at Starwood hotels. Both business and leisure stays of all registered employees qualify. In order for a stay to count, the employee must be linked to the company Starwood Preferred Business account and provide his/her Starwood Preferred Guest number while making a reservation or during the stay. If a company does not reach the minimum number of room nights, it may be removed from the program and forfeit any accumulated company Starpoints.

What benefits does my company receive as a member of Starwood Preferred Business?
Your company receives one Starpoint for every eligible U.S. dollar spent by employees at Starwood hotels and resorts, access to the Best Retail Unrestricted Rate and monthly reporting of its program activity. Plus, your company's employees enjoy enhanced recognition and benefits at Starwood hotels, and also earn Starpoints for each of their stays, in addition to the company's points.

For your company to earn Starpoints, your employees must be members of Starwood Preferred Guest, linked to your company's account and provide their Starwood Preferred Guest number while making a reservation or during their stay.

What benefits do employees receive?
As members of the exclusive Preferred Business level of Starwood Preferred Guest, your employees will receive automatic upgrades to a Preferred Room at check-in*, the convenience of 4 p.m. late checkout**, two Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent at Starwood hotels (in addition to the one Starpoint earned by their company), a complimentary newspaper each weekday morning, a 50%-off award after their third stay*** and access to discounted rates for business and leisure travel.

Once your company is enrolled in Starwood Preferred Business, your employees must enroll in Starwood Preferred Guest and be linked to your company account.

Is there a maximum number of Starpoints that my company can earn?
Your company can earn a maximum of 500,000 Starpoints per year and a maximum of 50,000 Starpoints at any one Starwood property.

How can my company use its Starpoints?
Your company can redeem its Starpoints for free nights, free flights, room upgrades and more. Please see our Redemption Options. Starpoints are a great way to provide your employees with incentives or to save money on travel inside or outside your company.

To redeem Starpoints, your company must transfer them to an individual's Starwood Preferred Guest account. Click here or contact your local Customer Contact Center to redeem Starpoints.

How do I see how many Starpoints my company has earned to date?
Your company's Starpoint balance will be included in your company's monthly summary report sent via email or can be found any time by visiting the Starwood Preferred Business Manage Your Account. Alternatively, you may contact your local Customer Contact Center at any time to receive your company's current Starpoint balance. Please note: Balances are updated monthly and it may take several days for an individual stay to post to the account.

When do I receive a summary of my company's hotel spend and stay history?
You will receive a monthly summary via email showing your company's program activity including the Starpoint balance. Registered employees, stay and spend details can be found at any time by visiting the Manage Your Account section. You may also call or email your local customer contact center at any time to request information.

Does my company receive special rates as a member of Starwood Preferred Business?
Yes. Your company's linked employees receive access to our Best Retail Unrestricted Rate and can also book any other available rate. Your company can also contact a sales representative to negotiate a lower contracted rate at specific properties if it has consolidated volume.

How do employees receive Preferred Business rates?
In order to receive Preferred Business rates, each employee must be linked to your company's account and provide their Starwood Preferred Guest membership number while making a reservation.

Note: Enrolling in the Starwood Preferred Business program does not limit you to the special program rates. You may book any available Starwood rate. To view rates outside the Starwood Preferred Business program, you will need to conduct a rate search while not logged in. Alternatively, you may contact your local Customer Contact Center to make a reservation.

Why is the Preferred Business rate sometimes unavailable?
A hotel may close out the Preferred Business rate during periods of extremely high occupancy. If the rate is closed out, you will have to search for rooms while logged out of your account. You will still receive your Starwood Preferred Business benefits for any rate that you book.

When searching for rooms online, why do I receive a lower rate when I am not logged in to my Starwood Preferred Guest account?
When searching for rooms while logged in to your Starwood Preferred Guest account, you are automatically provided the default Preferred Business rate. If a hotel is offering a promotional rate lower than your default rate, or if there is a special Internet-only rate, it may not appear during your search. To search for promotional and special Internet-only rates, you are encouraged to search for rooms while logged out of your Starwood Preferred Guest account.

Please note: Promotional and Internet-only rates often carry restrictions, including advance purchase requirements and cancellations penalties, and as a result, are often lower than your Preferred Business rate, which is fully unrestricted. Please review all rules and restrictions before booking an Internet-only rate.

How do employees make hotel reservations?
The traveling employee may contact their travel agent, visit SPG.com or contact their local Customer Contact Center to make reservations. Be sure that all employees provide their Starwood Preferred Guest membership number to ensure that they (and the company) earn rewards and receive the discounted rate.

Will my company earn Starpoints if an employee books a rate other than the Preferred Business rate?
Your company and employees will earn Starpoints for every stay booked through Starwood Web sites, hotels, call centers or travel agents, provided that your employee is linked to your company account and provides his/her Starwood Preferred Guest number while making the reservation or during the stay.

Will my company earn Starpoints if a travel agent makes our hotel reservations?
Yes. Your travel agent will need to use the rate access code, provided after your company enrolled, to access your discounted Preferred Business rate. Your travel agent may also book any other available rate for you. To receive a rate access code, please contact your local Customer Contact Center or e-mail your company's SET# and travel agent's contact information (name, agency name, IATA number, phone number and e-mail address) to:
starwood.preferred.business@starwoodhotels.com.

My company uses or will use many room nights at one or more hotels. Can I get a special rate at those locations?
Yes. If you have the ability to commit to at least 25 or more room nights at any one Starwood hotel, you may qualify for an even lower contracted rate at that specific property. You should contact the hotel directly by searching the directory on SPG.com and ask to speak with a sales representative. You will still receive your Preferred Business rate at all other hotels.

How do I enroll my company?
Simply fill out the online Enrollment Form. Within 7-10 days, we will notify you of your company's eligibility. Once enrolled, simply follow the instructions on your welcome e-mail to register your company's employees and start earning outstanding rewards.

Once my company is enrolled, how do my employees sign up?
After your company's enrollment is processed, you will receive a welcome e-mail that provides convenient options to sign up your employees. You may also add employees at any time by visiting the Manage Your Account section of this Web site:

1. You can send a customized email to your employees with information about the program and a special URL to link themselves to the company's account. The e-mail will direct them to a special enrollment page, and they'll be immediately linked to your company's account once they join.

2. Or you may also complete an easy-to-use online auto-enrollment form and we'll register employees for you.

Please note: Your company will not earn Starpoints or receive program benefits until your employees are linked to your account and stay. If you need your company's e-mail re-sent to you, please call or e-mail your local Customer Contact Center.

Do I have to enroll every employee at my company?
No. All registered travelers will receive the exclusive Starwood Preferred Business rates for business and leisure travel, enjoy special recognition during their stays and earn rewards. Only registered travelers linked to the company account will earn Starpoints for your company.

What if an employee is already a Starwood Preferred Guest?
If an employee is already a Starwood Preferred Guest, s/he can easily register to receive access to your company's rate. Please visit the Manage Your Account section or reference your company's welcome e-mail for instructions on how to sign up employees. Gold and Platinum members will maintain their status and current benefits, but their account needs to be upgraded for them to access the exclusive Preferred Business rates and earn Starpoints for your company.

Why do you need to know how much my company spends annually on travel?
We have several frequent guest programs specifically designed for business and corporate travelers. Your answers will enable us to identify the best program for your business.

What if an employee linked to the Starwood Preferred Business account leaves the company?
You can add or remove employees by visiting the Manage Your Account section and requesting they be removed from your registered employee list. You may also contact your local customer contact center. If an employee is removed from the company account, s/he will still be a member of Starwood Preferred Guest, but s/he will not receive the exclusive member benefits of the Preferred Business level.

Can I add employees to my company's Starwood Preferred Business account?
Yes. You can add employees by visiting the Manage Your Account section of the Web site. Alternatively, you may also contact your local Customer Contact Center.

__________________________________________________________________

*Subject to availability
**Not available at some resorts
***Employee(s) must register for 50%-off award at SPG.com/preferredbiz50 after they're enrolled and linked to their company's account

FAQs: Travel Agents
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How do I know if my client qualifies for the program?
Your client must be a legal corporate entity registered with the government of its country, and have a valid tax ID number, business number or other equivalent documentation. If your client is larger, it may qualify for another sales program. Clubs, social groups, etc. are not eligible.

Your client must also have potential for a minimum of 25 room nights at Starwood hotels per year, in addition to a minimum of three active travelers. If your company spends more than $500,000 a year at Starwood hotels, it may qualify for another program and should contact its local Starwood sales representative. If you are unsure about your company's eligibility, please complete the Enrollment Form, and you will be contacted regarding your status. Clients participating in Starwood's SET Preferred or Global Preference sales programs do not qualify for Starwood Preferred Business.

How much does it cost to join?
The program is FREE. There is no cost to you or your client.

Is my client required to stay a minimum number of nights at Starwood hotels?
As a member of Starwood Preferred Business, a company is required to stay a minimum of 25 room nights per year at Starwood hotels. Both business and leisure stays of all registered employees qualify. In order for a stay to count, a traveling employee must be linked to the company's Starwood Preferred Business account and provide his/her Starwood Preferred Guest number while making a reservation or during the stay. If your client does not reach the minimum number of room nights, it may be removed from the program and forfeit any accumulated company Starpoints.

Can I enroll myself and/or my own company?
No. This program is designed for Corporate accounts. Travel Agents have access to our Travel Agent Rates (subject to availability) at most of our hotels.

Can I manage my client's Starwood Preferred Business account?
Yes. To register as the primary account manager, select "Travel Agent" on the Enrollment Form when answering: "Who do you want to be the primary manager of the company account?"

As a Travel Agent, what's in it for me?
By enrolling your clients in Starwood Preferred Business, you will provide them with added value at no cost. As members, they'll receive access to our Best Retail Unrestricted Rate and will earn Starpoints redeemable for free nights, free flights, room upgrades and more. Plus, you will earn commissions where applicable on your client's bookings.

What benefits does my client receive as a member of Starwood Preferred Business?
As a member, your client receives access to our Best Retail Unrestricted Rate and monthly reports of its account activity. Plus, your client's employees enjoy enhanced recognition and benefits at Starwood hotels, and also earn Starpoints for each of their stays, in addition to their company's points.

Please note: For your clients to earn Starpoints, its employees must be members of Starwood Preferred Guest, linked to your client's company account and provide their Starwood Preferred Guest number while making a reservation or during their stay. To ensure that your client earns points for their stays, remember to provide the Starwood Preferred Guest number of the traveling employee when booking their reservation. Or, if your client books their own travel, remind them to provide their Starwood Preferred Guest number while making their reservations or during their stay.

What benefits do my client's employees receive?
As members of the exclusive Preferred Business level of Starwood Preferred Guest, your client's employees will receive automatic upgrades to a Preferred Room at check-in*, the convenience of 4 p.m. late checkout**, two Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent at Starwood hotels (in addition to the one Starpoint earned by their company), a complimentary newspaper each weekday morning, a 50%-off award after their third stay*** and access to discounted rates for business and leisure travel.

Once your client is enrolled in Starwood Preferred Business, its employees must enroll in Starwood Preferred Guest and be linked to your client's company account. Please refer to the Manage Your Account section for more details.

How do I ensure that my clients are earning Starpoints?
Each company earns Starpoints based on the activity recorded through its employees' Starwood Preferred Guest accounts that are linked to the company Starwood Preferred Business account (via the SET number). In order to ensure the company is earning the most Starpoints possible, make sure that ALL traveling employees have joined Starwood Preferred Guest and that their individual accounts have been linked to the company account.

If you book your client's travel, remember to provide the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) number of the traveling employee when booking their reservation. Or, if your client books their own travel, remind them to provide their Starwood Preferred Guest numbers while making reservations or during their stays.

Is there a maximum number of Starpoints that my clients can earn?
Each company can earn a maximum of 500,000 Starpoints per year and a maximum of 50,000 Starpoints at any one Starwood property.

How can my clients use their Starpoints?
Your clients can redeem Starpoints for free nights, free flights, room upgrades and more. Please see our Redemption Options for more details. Starpoints are great as employee incentives and are also a great way to improve your client's traveling experience.

To redeem Starpoints, your client can visit the Manage Your Account section of this Web site, or contact their local Customer Contact Center.

How do I see how many Starpoints my client has earned to date?
Your client's Starpoint balance will be included in the monthly summary report sent via email or can be found any time by visiting the Manage Your Account section of the Web site. If you are the primary contact listed for your client's account, you will receive this report. Alternatively, you may also contact your local Customer Contact Center at any time to receive your client's current Starpoint balance. Please note: Balances are updated monthly and it may take several days for an individual stay to post to the account.

When do I receive a summary of my client's hotel spend and stay history?
The account's primary contact will receive a monthly summary report via email that will show your client's program activity and Starpoint balance. A list of registered employees and stay and spend details can be found at any time by visiting the Manage Your Account section of the Web site. You may also contact your local customer contact center at any time to request information.

Does my client receive special rates as a member of Starwood Preferred Business?
Yes. Your client receives access to exclusive rates 10-20% off the published Corporate rate, and can also book any other available rate. Your client receives access to our Best Retail Unrestricted Rate and can also book any other available rate.

Will my client earn Starpoints if an employee books a rate other than the Preferred Business rate?
Your client and its employees will earn Starpoints for every stay (except if booked through third party Web sites), provided that the employee is linked to the company account and provides his/her Starwood Preferred Guest number while making the reservation or during the stay.

My client uses or will use many room nights at one or more hotels. Can it get a special rate at those locations?
Yes. If your client has the ability to commit to at least 25 or more room nights at any one Starwood hotel it may qualify for an even lower rate at that specific property. Your client should contact the hotel directly by searching the directory on SPG.com and ask to speak with a sales representative to negotiate a contracted rate. Your client will still receive the Preferred Business rate at all other hotels.

Are the Preferred Business rates commissionable?
Yes. All bookings made utilizing the special Preferred Business rate on behalf of members of the Starwood Preferred Business program are commissionable. All other retail rates remain accessible to be booked for the Preferred Business member and are commissionable where applicable.

What rate do Starwood Preferred Business customers receive?
Starwood Preferred Business customers receive access to our Best Retail Unrestricted Rate. Preferred Business customers may book other available rates if they choose and still receive program rewards. If a company has consolidated volume at one or more hotels, it may also be eligible for a lower contracted rate at those specific locations.

Why is the Preferred Business rate a good value for my client?
Starwood Preferred Business companies have access to special, non-public rates, which are especially valuable during periods of high hotel occupancy when other public rates rise significantly.

Please note: During periods of extremely high occupancy, the Preferred Business rate may be closed out by a hotel.

How do I access the Preferred Business rates in GDS?
After you enroll your client and your status is confirmed, you will receive a special rate access code to search for the Preferred Business rates.

How do I enroll my client(s)?
As a Travel Agent, you will need to discuss the Starwood Preferred Business program with each client that you plan to enroll. After securing their approval, fill out and submit the online Enrollment Form. In 7-10 days, you will receive an e-mail to confirm your client's enrollment and provide you with details on how to register your client's employees.

Please note: It is important that you complete the Enrollment Form for each individual company. You do not have to enroll all of your clients in the program.

Once my client is enrolled, how do its employees sign up?
After your client's enrollment is processed, its designated account manager will receive a welcome email that provides convenient options to sign up employees. Your client may also add employees at any time via the Manage Your Account section of this Web site:

1. Your client can send a customized email to employees with information about the program and a special URL to link themselves to the company's account. The email will direct them to a special enrollment page, and they'll be immediately linked to your company's account once they join.

2. Or you may also complete an easy-to-use online auto-enrollment form and we'll register employees for you.

Please note: Your client will not earn Starpoints or receive program benefits until your employees are linked to its account and stay.

Does every employee need to sign up?
No. Only registered travelers will earn Starpoints for your company, receive the exclusive Starwood Preferred Business rates for business and leisure travel, enjoy special recognition during their stays and earn rewards.

What if an employee is already a Starwood Preferred Guest?
If an employee is already a Starwood Preferred Guest, s/he can easily submit their account information via a special Web site to receive access to your client's program rate. Please visit the Manage Your Account section or reference your client's welcome e-mail for instructions on how to sign up employees. Gold and Platinum members will maintain their status and current benefits, but their account needs to be upgraded for them to access the exclusive Preferred Business rates and earn Starpoints for your company.

Why do you need to know how much my client spends annually on travel?
We have several frequent guest programs specifically designed for business and corporate travelers. Your answers will enable us to identify the best program for your client.

What if an employee linked to the Starwood Preferred Business account leaves the company?
You can add or remove employees by visiting the Manage Your Account Section and requesting they be removed from your registered employee list. You may also contact your local customer contact center. If an employee is removed from the company account, s/he will still be a member of Starwood Preferred Guest, but s/he will not receive the exclusive member benefits of the Preferred Business level.

Can I add employees to my client's Starwood Preferred Business account?
Yes. You can add employees by visiting the Manage Your Account section of this Web site. Alternatively, you may also contact your local Customer Contact Center to add employees.

__________________________________________________________

*Subject to availability
**Not available at some resorts
*** Employee(s) must register for 50%-off award at SPG.com/preferredbiz50 after they're enrolled and linked to their company's account

FAQs: Travelers
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What benefits do I receive?
Once a company is enrolled in Starwood Preferred Business, employees have the exclusive opportunity to join Starwood Preferred Guest at the non-public Preferred Business level. At this special membership level, employees receive automatic upgrades to a Preferred Room at check-in*, the convenience of 4 p.m. late checkout**, two Starpoints for every eligible U.S. dollar spent at Starwood hotels (in addition to the one Starpoint earned by their company), a complimentary newspaper each weekday morning, a 50%-off award after their third stay*** and access to discounted rates for business and leisure travel.

To receive these benefits, employees must be enrolled in Starwood Preferred Guest and be linked to their company's account. Please refer to the Manage Your Account section for more details.

How do I receive my Preferred Business level benefits?
To enjoy your benefits, simply provide your Starwood Preferred Guest number at check-in, checkout or when you make a reservation. In order to get access to your special Preferred Business rates, simply sign in to SPG.com with your username and password and start searching. Your rate will automatically display.

Please note: The Preferred Business rate may not always be the lowest available rate at a hotel. To find other available rates, search for rooms while logged out of your account.

How do I earn Starpoints?
As a Starwood Preferred Guest, you'll earn Starpoints for every eligible dollar you spend at any participating Starwood hotel or resort on stays booked through Starwood Web sites, hotels, call centers or your Travel Agent. You can also earn Starpoints through select partner promotions.

To earn Starpoints, simply provide your Starwood Preferred Guest number when making a reservation or during your stay.

How do I get room upgrades?
You will get your room upgrade automatically at check-in if there are rooms available. Remember that you need to provide your Starwood Preferred Guest number at the time of reservation or check-in to be recognized as a Preferred Business-level member.

How do I redeem my Starpoints?
Simply log in to SPG.com with your membership number or contact the local Customer Contact Center listed on the back of your membership card. You can redeem your Starpoints as soon as you've earned them, though it may take a few days for Starpoints to post to your account. Check out our Redemption Options to see all of the great ways to use your Starpoints.

How do I receive my 50%-off award?
To receive a 50%-off award, you must first register at SPG.com/preferredbiz50. After you complete three eligible stays at Starwood hotels, the award will automatically post to your Starwood Preferred Guest account. The award is valid for a stay up to five nights at 50% off Rack rates. Terms and conditions apply.

What rate do I receive as a Preferred Business-level member?
Preferred Business-level members receive access to Best Retail Unrestricted Rate, in addition to access to any negotiated rates that your company may have at individual hotels.

Please note: Hotels may offer restricted, promotional or Internet-only rates that are lower than the Preferred Business rate. To find other available rates, search for rooms while logged out of your Starwood Preferred Guest account. You will receive your Starwood Preferred Business benefits for any rate that you book.

Why is the Preferred Business rate sometimes unavailable?
A hotel may close out the Preferred Business rate during periods of extremely high occupancy. If the rate is closed out, you will have to search for rooms while logged out of your account or contact your local Customer Contact Center. You will receive your Starwood Preferred Business benefits for any rate that you book.

When searching for rooms online, why do I receive a lower rate when I am not logged in to my Starwood Preferred Guest account?
When searching for rooms while logged in to your Starwood Preferred Guest account, you are automatically provided with the Preferred Business rate. If a hotel is offering a promotional rate lower than your default rate or if there is a special Internet-only rate, it may not appear during your search. To search for promotional and special Internet-only rates, you are encouraged to search for rooms while logged out of your Starwood Preferred Guest account.

How do I make a hotel reservation?
You may contact your Travel Agent, visit SPG.com/biz or call 1-888-625-4988 to make reservations. Be sure to provide your Starwood Preferred Guest membership number to ensure you receive your rewards and benefits.

Will I earn Starpoints if I book a rate other than the Preferred Business rate?
Yes. You will earn Starpoints and receive your Preferred Business-level benefits on any rate that you book, with the exception of bookings made through third party Web sites (Expedia.com, Priceline.com, etc.).

Why do I have to join Starwood Preferred Guest if my company is a member of Starwood Preferred Business?
To receive the benefits of Starwood Preferred Business, including Starpoints, discounted rates and enhanced recognition, employees must be enrolled in Starwood Preferred Guest and linked to their company's account. Your Starwood Preferred Guest account enables you and your company to receive valuable Starpoints for your stays, and also gives you access to your company's discounted rate, which is linked to your member profile.

How do I join the Preferred Business-level?
To join the Preferred Business-level of Starwood Preferred Guest, your company must be enrolled in Starwood Preferred Business. Please contact your company's designated Account Manager for information on how to participate.

What if I am already a member of Starwood Preferred Guest?
If you are already a Starwood Preferred Guest, you may link to your company account and upgrade to the Preferred Business level and enjoy access to your company's program benefits. Gold, Platinum and all other elite members will maintain their status and current benefits, but need to upgrade their accounts to access the exclusive Preferred Business benefits and earn Starpoints for their company.

How much does it cost to join?
The program is FREE. There is no cost to you or your company.

How do I enroll my company?
Simply fill out the online Enrollment Form. Within 7-10 days, we will notify you of your company's eligibility.

______________________________________________________________

*Subject to availability
**Not available at some resorts
*** Employee(s) must register for 50%-off award at SPG.com/preferredbiz50 after they're enrolled and linked to their company's account