Starwood offers a challenge program as a way to obtain Gold or Platinum status. They do not require possessing status with a competing hotel program, but do require you to stay a certain number of nights in a three month period. - To obtain Gold status you must: stay 8 nights in 3 months - To obtain Platinum status you must: stay 18 nights in 3 months If successful, the obtained status will be good for the next 12 months. This offer is not available to those who have had Gold or Platinum status in the last five years. To take the challenge you must notify Starwood which status level you are seeking (Gold or Platinum) and specifically when you would like the start. Starwood Preferred Guest can be contacted in these ways: Phone: 1-888-625-4988 Email: platinum.liaison@starwoodhotels.com