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Westin Vacation Ownership review: SPG Points Rip-Off 4

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9:02 am EDT
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We took advantage of an offer from Westin to spend three nights at the Kierland for about $425 and, among other perks, was supposed to receive 5000 SPG points for the stay and another 6500 for the timeshare presentation - which we decided against (now what exactly do I get for my $25K?). You guessed it - after numerous phone calls all over the SPG and Starwood Vacation Ownership organizations, hours on the phone and at least six promises of resoluthion, I have been awarded exactly 0 points.

Don't waste your time.

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Westin Vacation Ownership - Broken Promises
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4 comments
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SPGwillripuoff
Vienna, US
Sep 30, 2011 9:00 pm EDT

Westin Kierland Villas Scottsdale AZ

Westin Vacation Services

Starwood Preferred Guest

HUGE RIP-OFF! Buyer Beware of the “Alluring Vacation Getaway” being offered by the Starwood Hotel Chain’s Westin Kierland Villas in Scottsdale, AZ. Unfortunately for me I had the miss-fortune to stay at a Starwood hotel in Boston last fall. The front desk personnel offered to sign me up for an SPG – Starwood Preferred Guest program. That’s how they got my personal information and email account. Later I received the BOGUS offer of the “exclusive” 5-day stay at the Westin Kierland – “As a Starwood Preferred Guest you are invite to book a specially priced vacation package”. I thought “great” this is the perfect opportunity for my wife and I to celebrate or up-coming 25th wedding anniversary. Wow, was I WRONG!

“Book your prepaid Westin Vacation today” “Your upcoming Westin vacation just got better. You are invited to save $100* when you book your vacation dates today and travel before December 15, 2011”

THAT’s the email I received on Sept. 20th from Starwood Preferred Guest. TURNS-OUT, it was another BOGUS offer. You know the SCAM, when I called to reserve my December celebration vacation I was told the “offer” was sent out by “mistake” by their marketing department and would not be honored. Make matters worse, I was told there was “no availability” at the Westin Kierland for the rest of the year; even though a check on Expedia.com indicated the property has availability and was accepting reservation for December. Leave it too these rip-off artist to ruin our plans for what should be a fun and exciting opportunity to celebrate or love and marriage milestone.

Don’t bother to solicit Starwood Hotel’s excommunication’s Customer Service. Here’s their reply “we (Starwood Preferred Guest) are unable to assist you with Starwood Vacation Ownership related inquiries”. This is SO BOGUS! They use your personal information to “bait” you into their SCAM and then minimize their relationship with the vacation property.

Bottom line is they have ripped-me-off for my vacation deposit, ruined our anniversary plans, and offered “BOGUS” “MISTAKE” offers, AND could not have been more indifferent to my emails seeking assistance in making-things-right. I TRULY REGRET THAT STARWOOD HOTEL RECEPCITIONIST IN BOSTON OFFER TO SIGN ME UP AS A STARWOOD PREFERRED GUEST; MIGHT HAVE WELL SIGNED ME UP TO THE STARWOOD “CHUMP-CLUB VIP (Very Indifferent Program)”

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CaliDC
644 Morton St NW, US
May 23, 2011 4:29 pm EDT

I have a gift certificate in the amount of 65000 SPG points from the Palm Springs Westin in California. These points were awarded well 6500 rather than 65000 was awarded to me for a Westin Tour/presentation that i did. besides the gift receipt stating 65000 points, they also verbally stated that I will get 65000 point for the tour/presentation. Please can anyone help? What can I do to get the remainder of my points.

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piratecheck
Kinston, US
Mar 28, 2011 5:13 am EDT

Complaint sounds fishy. Among other things, customer bought at Palm Springs but complains about the heat?! Has anyone not had a eager real estate agent...come on. Been making payments since 2001 but could not afford the down payment...just gets stranger with every sentence.

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Debbie RN
Rancho Cucamonga, US
Jan 23, 2010 6:28 pm EST

I have been with Westin Palm Springs since 2001. The Real Estate Agent was very eager to sell, she gave me money out of her own pocket to make the down payment. I should have know somethings was up. She also assured me yearly dues would not increase, because "she was also a board member ." Well my dues started off at $ 700.00 and today $1480.00. An increase of 100.00- 150.00 per year, And to top it off I can't get a reservation for my week. I called them today and spoke to a manager and she stated " there's no guarantees" I am forced to use interval international which charges an additional $ 100.00 fee which is not opptional despite what the sales rep states and another 130.00 per exchange . That doesn't include the 17 % interest on your monthly payment. And not a bank will not refinance it for you at a lower rate unlike the sales rep promised. And yes it will go on your Credit report. unlike the sale rep stated. So I had an $ 11, 0000.00 for 1 week in the 120 degree weather which I am unable to use at 1500.00 year fee at % 17 interest. to end up in a 1 star at interval dump for an additional $350.00/year. You do the math Westin equals money pit !