Two Le Parker Méridien Properties to Leave Starwood Preferred Guest
Starwood Preferred Guest is losing two properties that have been part of its portfolio since 2008 — Le Parker Méridien New York and Le Parker Méridien Palm Springs. Effective January 3, 2018, the two Category 6 properties will no longer be valid for points earning or redeeming, stays won't qualify for elite status and elites won't get SPG benefits.
As Points, Miles and Martinis points out, it's unclear why these two properties — both Le Parker Méridiens — are leaving SPG. However, in 2013, both properties were sued by Starwood, with the company claiming that more than $1 million was reimbursed to the hotels as the result of fraudulent practices, including falsified records. More specifically, SPG pays its hotels to offer award nights when they're near booked. So, according to the lawsuit, the properties made it look like there were more bookings than there actually were in an effort to get more money from SPG — more than $1 million.
We reached out to SPG for comment but have yet to hear back.
Both properties confirmed that they'll be departing the SPG program as of January 3. A representative from the Palm Springs location said that the property will now be a member of Leading Hotels of the World.
If you have a reservation after January 3, 2018, at either of the properties, it's up to the property whether you'll get any elite benefits that are typically granted when you stay at an SPG property. When attempting to book at stay at either property after January 3, 2018, through SPG, you'll likely get an error message, showing that it's not available.
However, a Le Parker Méridien representative confirmed that you can use your Starpoints through January 3, 2018 — even if the stay occurs after that date. The rep said that the hotel may honor your elite benefits, but there is no guarantee.
If you have a reservation with either of the properties after January 3, 2018, call SPG to find out what your options are.