Is it a FREE movie or $10 toward movie?

 
Old May 4, 2003 | 8:20 pm
  #1  
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Is it a FREE movie or $10 toward movie?

I normally take the points, but tried a movie this week-end in Nashua, NH. The card said "free in-room movie". However when checking out, I saw it is only a $10 credit toward a movie. It's no big deal, the movie was only a couple of bucks over, but the desk agents confirmed it's just a $10 credit. Shouldn't that be written on the card (as in $10 mini bar credit)? Just asking for future reference.
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Old May 4, 2003 | 9:07 pm
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i think its a free movie
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Old May 5, 2003 | 12:33 pm
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i always take the points, but i thought it was a free movie, also.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 12:47 pm
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I made a point of asking to look at the card when I checked in this afternoon. I usually just tell the clerk that I want points and never even see the card.

The card said a free movie, up to a US$12 value. It looks like the same card used at other properties, but I can't swear to it.

I also just noticed the fancy fruit and water choice has been removed, though the beer and horrible pretzel choice is still there. Did anyone ever pick those?
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Old May 5, 2003 | 3:43 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Rolling Stone:
I made a point of asking to look at the card when I checked in this afternoon. I usually just tell the clerk that I want points and never even see the card.

The card said a free movie, up to a US$12 value. It looks like the same card used at other properties, but I can't swear to it.
</font>
Yes, I asked the agent in NH to show me the card again too, and sure enough - it just says "free movie" - no price limit on it, though the manager confirmed it was just a $10 credit. I told her they should specify that on the card. She agreed. But still just gave me the $10 credit.
So apparently they don't all use the same card. Maybe Lurker can clarify.
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Old May 5, 2003 | 3:58 pm
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it's only a couple of bucks, but if the card says a free movie (and not "$10 credit"), i would certainly dispute the charge with my credit card company. now, you may decide that it's not worth your time.

but, that practice is very slimy if you ask me (i.e., offering a free movie but then only crediting 83% of the movie's cost).


[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 05-05-2003).]
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Old May 5, 2003 | 4:59 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by kathnunley:
...Maybe Lurker can clarify. </font>
Yes, I can. There is nothing written anywhere that says you are limited to a $10 movie. I will be glad to let the Hotel Coordinators know, but if I were you, I would call Hotel Customer Service and file a formal complaint. 1-800-328-6242.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 05-05-2003).]
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Old May 5, 2003 | 9:19 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
Yes, I can. There is nothing written anywhere that says you are limited to a $10 movie. I will be glad to let the Hotel Coordinators know, but if I were you, I would call Hotel Customer Service and file a formal complaint. 1-800-328-6242.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]

[This message has been edited by Starwood Lurker (edited 05-05-2003).]
</font>
Thanks Lurker. I'll do that. I realize its only a couple of dollars, but if the hotel policy is $10, it should be stated as such (as another poster said his card read "$12"). Funny when I brought it up to the manager, she agreed that it should be on the card, but didn't change my $10 credit. By the way, the Sheraton Tara in Nashua, NH is really an excellent property. I've stayed there several times this spring and they've treated me with excellent service....so I hate to nit-pik, but I think management should be clear on the amenity.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 11:50 am
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Actually, I have a minor retraction to make. The marketing gurus inform me that there is a $12 limit on the cost of the movie. They had to define a limit for situations such as this one, so Rolling Stone's experience is what you can expect.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

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Old May 6, 2003 | 12:32 pm
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If something is free, then there is no charge. If there are taxes to pay, then they should be stated. SPG misleading lingo. $1 or $10 if there is a charge, it should be disclosed. Free means no charge. Marketing needs to be held accountable for what they advertise. How can Starwood offer people sometning for free and then try to charge them, I don't care if it's less than a dollar. People appreciate honesty and truthful disclosure. Please bring this back.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 1:20 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by Starwood Lurker:
The marketing gurus inform me that there is a $12 limit on the cost of the movie. </font>
can you confirm with the guru that the cards warn of this limitation?

[This message has been edited by fly co to see the yanks (edited 05-06-2003).]
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Old May 6, 2003 | 1:21 pm
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<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by ski:
If something is free, then there is no charge. If there are taxes to pay, then they should be stated. SPG misleading lingo. $1 or $10 if there is a charge, it should be disclosed. Free means no charge. Marketing needs to be held accountable for what they advertise. How can Starwood offer people sometning for free and then try to charge them, I don't care if it's less than a dollar. People appreciate honesty and truthful disclosure. Please bring this back. </font>
The new choice cards now say this:

A free movie, up to a US$12 value.

Obviously, some properties have not ordered the new choice cards, but they'll have to someday. That is about as truthful a disclosure as we can make it.

Sincerely,

William R. Sanders
Customer Service Coordinator
Starwood Preferred Services

[email protected]
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Old May 6, 2003 | 1:47 pm
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William, Thanks for you reply. I would not have written if you had mentioned the new cards in your last reply. Thanks again.
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Old May 6, 2003 | 8:21 pm
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Well, it still doesn't address my $10 credit issue, but it's nice to know they are getting new cards which will clarify. Thanks for checking.
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Old May 8, 2003 | 1:13 pm
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I noticed on a card the other day that one choice included "flavored candy".

I asked if there was a chance to get some unflavored candy.
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