This is free and easy for the owner - they just call Owner Services with all of your contact info., and the number of adults and children, and owner services will email them a confirm within 24 hours, and they can forward it to you.
I would not pay in full, until you have the confirmation in hand, and call and confirm it directly with Starwood Owner Services. Note that the front desks do not confirm reservations - you have to call owner services.
With my renters, they pay $100, then they get the confirmation from Starwood, then they have 48 hours to confirm it, and then they pay in full.
If the owner balks at this, I would be very suspicious.
How to call:
• You can call Starwood Owner Services and confirm your reservation at - 888.986.9637 or 407.903.4635.
• Reservations is open from 9 am to 9 pm Eastern on weekdays, and until 6 Eastern on weekends.
• Reservations will only confirm the reservation for the person who is listed on the confirmation.
• You will hear a prerecorded message - it will take you through 3 menus - choose #1 all 3 times. There will be a musical interlude while you are on hold for a Reservations Rep.
• Once you reach Reservations, tell them that you are the guest of an owner, and that you'd like to confirm your reservation, and give them the confirmation number.