It seems ludicrous, but it’s true. That’s because Starwood, which owns the combination hotel/residence property at Hollywood and Vine, contracted a slew of hotel services out to third parties…

Drai’s, a Las Vegas nightspot promotion outfit, opened on March 17, and was charged with nightlife at the W, too, presumably because the hotel wanted to purchase some off-the-shelf cachet with hipsters rather than earning it through the merits of the product…

I found this out, of course, the worst way a guest can: By staying there, and being denied access to a swim. On a recent 85-degree Sunday, I tried taking the elevator to the rooftop pool (called WET) for some of those famous California rays.

After all, my room on the 11th floor was literally thumping with the beats coming through the ceiling, and I wanted to enjoy a little of this party that I had to put up with despite paying $230 a night.

But the 12th-floor button wouldn’t light up. Down in the lobby, I was directed to a line of early 20s hipsters who were waiting to be admitted to the pool deck themselves. I was informed by a doorman that although “the general public” (that would be me: a paying hotel guest) was not permitted upstairs today, I was welcome to join everyone in the line if I wished, or he would “introduce” me to someone inside who “might be able” to get me on the guest list.

As I walked away, he called after me, eyeing my clothes. “Don’t forget, sir. Appropriate pool attire.”

I’m a reporter at heart, though, and undeterred, I skulked up a service elevator with a friend. I paid $10 to bribe a staff member to let us into what Drai’s publicizes as a “sexy poolside affair with House music and Hollywood’s elite.”

Drai’s is dreadful. There wasn’t a spare inch. A DJ blasted beats, pneumatic girls danced laconically as they stood on the cushioned lounge chairs, and shirtless boys in fedoras smoked cigarettes in the pool while they scoped the girls’ bikini bottoms from shin level. My friend glanced around and proclaimed it “a douche-tacular.

” Nearby was a big empty table marked “reserved.” We were told we couldn’t be seated there because “it’s the owner’s table.” It was like this all day, from 10am to 10pm, exclusive of guests unless they greased the right palm.

A luxe L.A. hotel without a pool is like a wedding without a cake. A banquet without forks. A pretentious product without a shred of class. ” (via  gadling.com) by Jason Cochran

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here to read more about Starwood has another problem.

W hotels, Westin, Sheraton, St. Regis, Meridien, Luxury Collection, 4Points, aloft, element…

The rates posted are for the next two weekends for hotels and the next eight weeks for resorts and Four Points by Sheraton, element and aloft hotels…

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for Starwood- deals at hotels and resorts – 20% off + Starpoints

Aloft Hotels is a modern, fresh, and fun destination featuring urban-inspired design, accessible technology and an anything-goes attitude…

Enjoy all that Aloft Hotels has to offer, from specialty cocktails, a cutting edge playlist and the happening vibe of w xyz bar to healthy bites and dreamy delights at re:fuel by Aloft, our 24/7 grab & go gourmet.

Book anytime up to the first day of your stay.  Valid for arrivals from Thursday – Saturday.

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for Aloft from W Hotels-20% off two nights stay offer

Offer is valid for eligible stays booked between now and February 28, 2010

SPG^® to introduce a new credit card for Canadian residents…

It’s still too early to share the details, but you can expect all the rich benefits you’ve come to appreciate — and a few new ones…

Current SPG MasterCard^® from MBNA cardmembers, please review FAQ for details on the SPG credit card transition…

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for New SPG (Starwood) credit card is on the horizon in Canada

Referrers must be Gold status as of November 13, 2009…

Referrers can earn a maximum of 1,000 bonus

Starpoints per Referee, but there is no limit to the amount of Referees one can enter…

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for details and to get started on the Member Get a Member Bonus – Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG)

Deadline for referrals is February 28, 2010

-Earn up to 6 Free Nights..
-Earn 10,000 Starpoints® with your first purchase1 – enough for up to 3 free nights at a Category 1 or 2 hotel…
-Plus – earn an additional 15,000 Starpoints when you spend $15,000 in 6 months…

-Use Starpoints® for free nights and upgrades at participating Starwood hotels and resorts in 95 countries including Sheraton, W Hotels, Westin and more with no blackout dates…

-Earn one Starpoint for every dollar of eligible spending and double Starpoints at participating Starwood properties and retail outlets…
-Pay no annual fee for the first year and $45 thereafter…

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for Get up to 25,000 Starwood Hotels Starpoints®

Some of Starwood brands are Sheraton, W Hotels, aloft hotels, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien, Westin Hotels & Resorts, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts

Some of the things we learned:
HHonors launched a new Double Base Points global promotion that offers members the ability to earn twice the number of Base points for stays at more than 2,400 participating Hilton Family hotels around the world.

Members need to register at www.HiltonHHonors.com/globaldoublepoints and then book and stay at participating hotels between now and April 6, 2009.

More upscale LXR resorts will probably be moving over to Hilton or Waldorf Astoria Brand

HHonors now has a world wide policy on gold and diamond upgrades to end any confusion as well as a program for all Hilton Family Hotels to be on the same page- so if you are gold and check into Hampton you’ll get the same benefit at all Hamptons

Within the next few months a new lifestyle brand will be introduced (no info yet but think W hotels or Indigo perhaps)

Of the major hotel chains that have no blackout dates the Hilton policy is, “if there is standard room available for booking, you can get it with points.”

Pointswizard.com Spin:

Click here to register for double base points promotion

Click here to sign up for Hilton Honors if you’re not a member

Book online, or call mention promo code ZBT.

Sheraton, Westin, Four Points by Sheraton, W Hotels, St. Regis, The Luxury Collection, Le Méridien and element and Aloft.

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for the offer

Except for the following properties which are open for arrivals all days: W Atlanta – Midtown, W Atlanta – Perimeter, W Chicago – City Center, W Chicago – Lakeshore, W Dallas – Victory, W Doha Hotel & Residences, W Hong Kong, W Honolulu, W Istanbul, W Minneapolis – The Foshay, W Montréal, W New Orleans, W San Diego and W Seoul.

Pointswizard.com Spin: Click here for the link to W Hotels. Book a two night stay get 3rd.night FREE. Use any American Express® Card

• Get personal. Make your reservation over the phone. If you use the hotel’s website, you miss the chance to have a personal relationship. (Even if you book online, call the hotel after to confirm.) Tell the reservationist that it’s your first time in this city (if it is) and that you want to make this trip special, or gently remind him that you have a great relationship with the hotel (if you do). He’ll be more inclined to put a star next to your reservation.

• Time it right. All hotels have high seasons, low seasons, and days of the week that are slower. Generally, holidays and summer are the high season. Sunday and Monday are the quietest. If your schedule is flexible, book your trip during a slow period—you’ll be more likely to get a better room.

• Know what you want. Upgrades mean something different to everyone. Some people like a suite, while others want a view. Before you arrive, research the hotel’s features. That way, you can ask for something specific, such as a room near the spa or one with a fireplace.

• Be friendly. When you check in, be courteous. The person at the front desk is most likely to upgrade someone who hasn’t been demanding. If you’re planning on coming back, book a future reservation at check-in so they mark you as a repeat customer.” (via allure.com/magazine ) by Ross Klein former President of Starwood Hotels and Resort’s Luxury Brand Group

Pointswizard.com Spin: Read more of How To Get A Hotel Upgrade