Hilton HHonors - If a suite is empty, should a Diamond get it?

Example: Charleston Harbor Hilton, stay Mon-Thur. every week, and notice that the big rooms on the corners are rarely occupied.
Should i be getting upgraded? (yes I know there are varying variations of the policy)

Also, they "changed the policy" for turndown service, now you get bottled water the night of checkin, and no longer every night.

What gives?

I never received water every night.

Should you get the suite - No, there is no guarantee that they will give you a suite just because you are a diamond.

Would it be nice if you got it, yes, but you shouldn't automaticailly get it just because of your status. The only guaranteed way to get the suite is to reserve and pay for it.

I've never gotten a suite upgrade as a diamond at a Hilton. Maybe it's because I don't care enough to push for one.

I did get an upgrade to a top floor - 2 floor suite at the Boston Doubletree Suites last week.

I guess when I'm travelling myself and generally am only in my room to sleep... the room upgrade doesn't matter so much to me.

I'd rather have a free movie or free internet or something I can use.

Suite upgrades are not granted via the HH T&C. You gotta pay or beg for one. I have rarely gotten one at Hiltons, but have done much better at Doubletrees and even HI's.

MisterNice

How do you know they are not occupied?

I have had suite upgrades (the old Sydney Airport Hilton did it for me a few times without prompting). But it is not a HHonors benefit and just a bonus if it happens.

I doubt you'd ever get a suite as an upgrade on a four or five night stay. There just too much downside to the hotel. Read, that they can't sell it at all. Selling it for one night is better for them than making a Diamond happy by giving them something they are under no obligation to give. IF I ever get suites its usually on a one night stay where they know they can't sell it.. the more consecutive nights, the less the chance becomes of getting a suite. for you.. four consecutive nights pretty much means NO chance

During the Easter weekend my family and I were upgrade into a Falls View/Jacuzzi suite @ the ES in Niagara Falls.

A few weeks ago while staying @ Point Hilton Squaw Peak Resort in Phoenix, I was upgraded to one of their Casita’s (Bi-Level Suite), had the chocolate turn down every night with bottled water and was there for 4 nights.

Last week at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn I was upgraded into one of their 3 room/Jacuzzi apartment units for 5 nights.

I guess it all depends on how you ask? And yes, I do believe that Diamonds should be upgraded into suites if they are available.

Howdy,

Just to throw my two cents in I've had varied success with getting room upgrades. At many properties I've gotten upgrades to full suites (or their best room/s) both with asking and without asking. Then again - I've had times when ,my diamond status got me exactly nothing. Not one bottle of water, no recognition of any kind.

On the whole I have to say I find that it varies quite a bit.

Overall - I've gotten far more upgrades and upgraded service being diamond than not being diamond.

YMMV.

Keep the faith,

Pakse

I have never, under any circumstances, gotten a true suite at an HH property because of status. I've gotten nice rooms, minisuites, good views, lounge access, etc. - but never a suite.

I agree with the poster who mentioned the four-night stay. In a typical Hilton where the "normal" room is $150, the good suites might be $300-500 and up. If they can sell it 1 night they would rather do that than give it to the Diamond on a normal room rate. All of the big chains take their elites for granted: you will be back, and they know it. Why bend over backwards to hook you up with something nice?

I usually don't care much about the room itself. I want good service, lounge access, and an edible breakfast. If I get a minisuite or something, my expectations have been exceeded.

I doubt you'd ever get a suite as an upgrade on a four or five night stay. There just too much downside to the hotel. Read, that they can't sell it at all. Selling it for one night is better for them than making a Diamond happy by giving them something they are under no obligation to give. IF I ever get suites its usually on a one night stay where they know they can't sell it.. the more consecutive nights, the less the chance becomes of getting a suite. for you.. four consecutive nights pretty much means NO chance

Well, it may happen rarely, but it does happen. On a 4-night stay last year I had the largest room I ever had at the HHV, a one-bedroom suite in the Tapa Tower (xx30). I was staying on a discounted corporate rate, too.

Tapa xx30 room description (http://66.135.225.23/accommodations/tapa_30.html)

Having been both Hilton Diamond and Starwood Platinum, I can say that that the upgrade is usually as follows:

Hilton: Regular Room --> Room on Club Floor with better view.
Starwood: Regular Room --> Suite on Regular Floor with better view.

Personally, I like Starwood's upgrades better! :)

Having been both Hilton Diamond and Starwood Platinum, I can say that that the upgrade is usually as follows:

Hilton: Regular Room --> Room on Club Floor with better view.
Starwood: Regular Room --> Suite on Regular Floor with better view.

Personally, I like Starwood's upgrades better! :)

Having been a former Starwood Platinum (for a few years) and a Hilton Diamond (9 years), I can honestly say that Starwood did a miserable job in delivering suite upgrades. My success percentage in getting an upgrade to a suite was around 16%. In fact, this is one of the primary reasons I stopped giving business to Starwood and focused exclusively on HHonors. If you search the Starwood forum, you will find a number of threads that discuss vastly different suite upgrade success experiences amongst Platinum members; some people are consistently upgraded and others are never upgraded. That strongly suggests a broken process. Of course, I really can't say that any more as apparently some Starwood properties are now selling upgrades in advance to anyone who will pay for them (Platinum or not). Legal by the T&Cs of SPG, but certainly an indication that there will be fewer suites available for complimentary upgrade.

I have received a number of upgrades to a suite as a Diamond member, including several stays in the Presidential Suites of a few properties.

[QUOTE=PrivatePilot]Having been both Hilton Diamond and Starwood Platinum, I can say that that the upgrade is usually as follows:

Hilton: Regular Room --> Room on Club Floor with better view.
Starwood: Regular Room --> Suite on Regular Floor with better view.

Personally, I like Starwood's upgrades better! :)[/QUOTE

My experience is the same. I am working my way back to Starwood Platinum. The only problem with Starwood is it is usually out of the perdiem for companies i expense my travel costs to.

I did also get upgraded to the Tapa tower at the Hawaiian village last year, on an "Aloha" award (week long) stay. But it was after much begging and pleading with the concierge.

Actually, the sad thing is that if you're going to be there for more than one night (when Hilton is less likely to give it to you) is when the suite is more useful and desirable. If I am going to be somewhere for a whole week, I really appreciate getting bigger rooms..

Over the years, I have received some very nice upgrades as a Diamond, some to desirable accommodations for for several nights (Conrad Brisbane, Hilton Brisbane and Hilton Paddington were three that stand out.) Earlier this year, on the lowest AAA / CAA rate, we were assigned to the (IIRC it was called) the Paradise Suite at an international Hilton. Doubletree and Embassy Suites have given us upgrades, generally on the lowest rate, to the Presidential Suite. ^ ^ ^

Most often, we are upgraded to a corner room / Executive Floor / Club Floor, etc. which we've been quite satisfied with. ^

These occasions far outweigh those times where we got the ROH / common standard room - last time we got one of those, it was on a points stay at Scandic Brussels Grand Place. (We weren't really that keen on spending much time in the room anyway!) :neutral:

I've never gotten a Hilton upgrade - never even been offered club access! Of course, I'm only silver, so they spit on me when I walk in.

I've never gotten a Hilton upgrade - never even been offered club access! Of course, I'm only silver, so they spit on me when I walk in.

Well, there ya go...you need to make yourself Gold sometime in the next zero to four stays. Surely there's a current thread here about how to do that?

I'm Diamond and have had 100% success of suite upgrades at HGI's, sometimes getting a tworoom suite at HGI...I wasn't aware of their existance until I got one last year at the Tampa HGI.

I rarely stay at HH full service properties as I find them somewhat lacking compared to the Marriott fullservice down the street. I'm Plat there.

My repeat HH full service is at Deerfield Beach where I have gotten the penthouse twice in two stays. Both stays were one nighters and the desk gal told me, no way could I do another night as the room was booked and sold for $500+ The room is a blast, LR, bar downstairs with its own balcony and then up the stairs to a BR and private bath....and another balcony.

Room 828 to be exact, there are only 2 suites at this location.

This property also sells rooms for less than the Hampton Inn 1/4 mile away....go figure. There's a bus ctr. here but no h.s. in the rooms. :-:

Upgrades with HH is a misnomer. You get an upgrade from a standard room to the Executive floor. That is it. However, Diamonds often get moved to better rooms, even suites on occasion. I usually book the room I need, any upgrades are a bonus. I do not depend on them. That usually keeps me happy.

I read lots of comments about not getting the suite that was expected and I have little sympathy for that. It is not part of the deal, so why expect it. You want a suite, pay for one. You will never get disappointed like that.

"Hilton: Regular Room --> Room on Club Floor with better view.
Starwood: Regular Room --> Suite on Regular Floor with better view."

Personally I like Hilton's system better. Club access is a great value, not to mention health club etc. I also have had my fair share of suite upgrades at international (ie non US) properties--e.g. South Africa, China, Mexico but also in USA!

Have limited experience as SPG Platinum but so far it has not been positive with suite upgrades in international arena, my main area of travel.

At least with Hilton, even if they can't upgrade me, I do get access to health club, to free breakfast etc.

Example: Charleston Harbor Hilton, stay Mon-Thur. every week, and notice that the big rooms on the corners are rarely occupied.
Should i be getting upgraded? (yes I know there are varying variations of the policy)

Also, they "changed the policy" for turndown service, now you get bottled water the night of checkin, and no longer every night.

What gives?


I usually get a suite. I ask very politely, never demand, never act like Mr. BigShot Diamond, that never works. The guy at the front desk - the guy making $9 an hour - doesn't appreciate someone acting like that. So be nice, smile, make a joke or whatever and you will see a big increase in the suites. I got a suite at the Waldorf a few times - finest hotel accomodations I have ever seen by the way.

I usually get a suite. I ask very politely, never demand, never act like Mr. BigShot Diamond, that never works. The guy at the front desk - the guy making $9 an hour - doesn't appreciate someone acting like that. So be nice, smile, make a joke or whatever and you will see a big increase in the suites. I got a suite at the Waldorf a few times - finest hotel accomodations I have ever seen by the way.


Although I don't get a suite as regularly as ediddy, I will concur that a great attitude goes a lot further than any other kind of incentive/disincentive toward getting your way.

My batting average for suites is about 10% (so about 3x/year), with a few "presidentials" thrown in (albeit at some of the least interesting properties - Embassy Row, Universal City and Eugene). However they were quite nice, and I have been quite grateful. Developing a personal relationship with the key people (as I have tried to do at the Checkers and Paddington) also helps you.

I also agree that the club level thing can be quite nice - especially if the hotel is the Conrad HK, Conrad BKK or the Paddington.

<G>

In 7 years as Gold, I've only gotten two suite upgrades, but they were wonderful. The first time, 4 years ago, we were trying to check into the Pensacola Beach Hampton Inn, a fantastic and inexpensive beach property. I hadn't made a reservation; we'd simply shown up on a lark. When I was totally disappointed and despairing of finding a room on the beach that night, the clerk handed us a key to the owner's suite. Two rooms, two bathrooms, two balconies, lots of amenities and a perfect weekend became reality.

Then 4 years with no more suite upgrades and we show up a month ago at the London Green Park Hilton. We were upgraded twice, once to a deluxe room and after one night, to the top suite in the place. Wonderful, two and a half rooms, only one bathroom, but what a bathroom! A dressing room, great amenities and the suite made our London end to a wonderful trip.

Frankly, I don't care how often I get an upgrade--who cares on a business trip--but I sure do appreciate the rare instance, especially when it is as exquisitely timed as these two experiences were.

Should you get upgraded if it is available? As a Diamond, I say absolutely! But when reality slaps me in the face, my success ratio is lower. I am quite happy though with the consideration I get from most of the Hilton brands. With the exception of Scandic and Hampton, I almost always get what I bargained for: exec floor and lounge access, or breakfast. At many hotels I get more, such as a mini or full suite upgrade, a bottle of wine, or a tin of cookies. My suite percentage is probably about 1/3 success. If I need a suite, I ask and can't remember a time recently that I have been turned down. I also like the Hilton family's policy of being reasonable about fees. Most rooms have bottled water and reasonable phone rates. Their room service fees seem less than most.

I had to choose between Starwood and Hilton, and it was Hilton hands down. They are everywhere. They treat you well and give you what they promise (which, by the way, is a great improvement from a couple of years ago). They also give you something extra more times than not. Finally, your points are much more valuable as a Diamond than a Gold.

WOW! I am surprised that so many Dia don't get suites as their upgrade. Maybe its just me, but I am about 90% this year at HI/Suites and Hilton and HGI in receiving suites. It depends on your definition of a suite. If it's bigger than a standard room (Jr) or multi room suite, then I am 90%. I not only request on-line, but FAX ahead of time and ask at the desk. I always attempt to get a rapport with the Guest Relations Manager. The best is the SLC Downtown Hilton. Almost everytime I receive the Presidential Suite, 2100 square feet! But they have many other large suites too. Once the front desk manager photocopied all of the suite layouts for me so I could choose on future stays. Jr suites are the norm, but those that have premium suites, its there for the asking if available, trust me.

Never count on getting a suite @ Sacramento Arden West.(I am staying here now for 3 nights) I paid for a concierge level room and that’s what I got. After asking the front desk manager about this, was told next time book a regular room and they will upgrade you to the concierge level. On this stay, I would have saved $72.00 per night. Live and learn! @:-) :p :p :p :p :(

I usually get a suite. I ask very politely, never demand, never act like Mr. BigShot Diamond, that never works. The guy at the front desk - the guy making $9 an hour - doesn't appreciate someone acting like that. So be nice, smile, make a joke or whatever and you will see a big increase in the suites. I got a suite at the Waldorf a few times - finest hotel accomodations I have ever seen by the way.


I have certainly NEVER demanded a suite. I realize that would probably go nowhere. I rely on my experiences as a Marriott Plat, and politely ask upon checking in, which had worked nearly 100% at Marriotts in MSP, Dallas, NYC, etc. But not once has it worked in Charleston. There is always a changing reason: "we don't do that here", "it's a new policy", "but we already have you in room xxx and I don't know how to change it", etc.
Believe me, I book 4-12 people here weekly, have a great rapport with the Sales Manager, bertenders, and front desk staff, and guarantee them good revenue weekly.
Roughly more than half the rooms have balconies, and I can't even get one of those! My room has what they just started to call a "Juliet Balcony"
Translation: the window opens. Umm, that's creative labeling.

Having been both Hilton Diamond and Starwood Platinum, I can say that that the upgrade is usually as follows:

Hilton: Regular Room --> Room on Club Floor with better view.
Starwood: Regular Room --> Suite on Regular Floor with better view.

Personally, I like Starwood's upgrades better! :)

Interestingly enough, my record has been the opposite -- a 30% suite success rate at Hiltons and a 20% suite success rate at Starwoods. Although to be fair, my Hilton stays have usually been shorter, so the probability of a suite being open has likely been better.

A big ^ to the Hilton Austin and the Westin Park Central Dallas for giving me two of the largest suites I've had thus far... :cool:

On 1 night stays this years, my track record has been 50% suite upgrades at Hiltons. Additionally, I have maybe a 20% record of upgrades to 3 room suites at Embassys. At Hilton, I'm always upgraded to the Executive level, or given access to the lounge. At Doubletree, I'm 50% on getting a better room, no suites however. NO HGI this year. At Hampton, I always get what I pay for, no upgrades this year or ever.

I never ask for an upgrade. If I get one, it was assigned in advance. I certainly understand not getting a suite for a 5 night stay. I know they are sometimes paid for and the hotel should have the ability to rent one out once a week at least and giving it to me for a week precludes that possibility.

The carrot of quite possibly commanding a suite is one of the major reasons I have been loyal to Hilton throughout the years to be Diamond.

Think about it, the hotel industry has a rapidly deteriorating inventory - when the sun comes up the room from last night has NO VALUE. So give that empty space to me and make me feel like a big deal. Voila - instant loyalty and free advertising when I brag to my friends about how wonderful the property is.

In accounting terms, the marginal cost of giving me the suite vs a crappy regular room is very cheap.

I've done more nights with the Hilton brands than any other hotel brand in the past couple of years ...... and yet I have the lowest percentage of suite upgrades with Hilton than anyone. Actually, I cannot recount more than a handful of Hilton-affiliated properties where I've been upgraded to a proper suite within the past few years.

Starwood? A bunch .... and best in class when it comes to upgrading to suites.
Hyatt? A good bunch too.
Intercontinental Hotels? Quite a few.
LHW? Quite a few.
Hilton? Bad.

[QUOTE=dashark]Well, it may happen rarely, but it does happen. On a 4-night stay last year I had the largest room I ever had at the HHV, a one-bedroom suite in the Tapa Tower (xx30). I was staying on a discounted corporate rate, too.
QUOTE]
You're right that IS a nice room :D I've gotten it a couple of times in the last few months when I was there on business and staying at a Gov't rate. I have also been upgraded to a suite the last three trips to Perth (all 3-4 night stays). It seems to run hot and cold as to getting suites- Sometimes I'll go 3-4 months without getting an upgrade, other months get nothing but upgrades. I "think" a lot has to do with the staff's familiarity with you. If they see you on a regular basis, they will take care of you.

i do well getting them, but only on weekends or if I have a short stay one maybe two nights. The longer I stay the more likely some one actually rented it for one night.

I got upgraded from an executive room at Kuching (Malaysia) to the Governor's Suite (like a presidential suite) on a buy two nights get one night free stay. The place was huge wven had a spa pool with gold taps and a steam room in the bathroom.

It surprises me that so few FTers seem to realize that each hotel differs in its percentage of suites. Some have zero, some have a few, some have a hefty number. (And the same really applies to most any chain, not just Hilton.) And on any given night, the suites may or may not all be occupied by customers who paid for a suite, and/or by other Diamonds who got there first.

And of course there are several other variables in the mix as well, some of which have been mentioned on this thread, such as asking (politely) for a suite upgrade vs. not bringing up the subject. Some desk clerks have probably been instructed not to give out suites too easily, while others may have a freer hand. Some clerks may not even have a clue what "Diamond" vs. "Gold" customers are entitled to, owing to poor training or short tenure on the job.

So it's not the least bit strange that people will differ greatly in the percentage and type of upgrades they will manage to get. If anything, it would be strange if everyone with the same status got the same results, when the mix of hotels they stay at, and the times they stay at them, may be hugely different!

As suites are not a listed benefit of the HH program for any tier level it is up to the individual hotel to do so based on availability and their own personal generosity.
As Kathy W points out correctly inventory of specialty rooms and suites vary from property to property so that too would affect ones outcome.

For me it is the Hilton program that separates it from the others.
• Good earning opportunities options/My Way/Amex
• Good redemption opportunities especially for Diamonds
• Complimentary breakfast that adds value
• Double dipping
• And the added bonus once in a while of the pleasure of a suite upgrade

Asking nicely at check in goes a long way in my book as does being a return guest and building a relationship with the property

Back in 1999 I had discussions with the former VP of marketing
for Starwood Preferred Guest and pleaded with his team to introduce suites for Platinum level SPG members on arrival day.
At the time Gold’s and Platinum’s were earning the same 3 points per dollar and the promise of an upgrade.
Not much else at the time was all that compelling for SPG Platinums based on the requirements to earn it.
It wasn't till later on that the welcome amenity card benefit for SPG Platinums at check in was developed.
It was borrowed in concept from Hyatt Gold Passport at the time and introduced slowly after Sept 11, 2001

When SPG suite upgrades were finally introduced in 2000 it became one of the most popular aspects of the program for Platinums besides award redemption
It also became one of the key drivers to obtain the SPG Plat tier for Starwood customers.
What I find fascinating today is how many members consider them a birthright in every program with or without the benefit when one reaches the top tier :D
What I would say is that many of the hotels systemwide in every program today makes exceptions for many of their elite guests simply because it makes for satisfied guests.
Regardless of the written rule many of these hotel operators realize that many of their competitors are doing so anyway.
As a result I think we have been seeing a higher amount of suite upgrades historically since the original roll-out
Many of the properties have really executed this benefit brilliantly on a global basis.Considering the demand. There are of course exceptions.
But it has benefited many of us in every program where it does not exist or previously did.

By the Hilton folks not writing it into the terms and conditions of the program it in fact lessens the expectation and allows the properties to have a wider margin of wiggle room to manipulate the supply and demand factor without an irate group of customers that feel an entitlement.

It is my belief that has all come about thanks to Starwood taking the steps to incorporate it into the terms and conditions back then.
They simply upped the bar at the time

But in answer to the OPs question if one should be entitled to a suite IMO I would say based on the way the HH program is written no. As a matter of courtesy it would be in all parties’ best interests.

Cheers

It surprises me that so few FTers seem to realize that each hotel differs in its percentage of suites. Some have zero, some have a few, some have a hefty number. (And the same really applies to most any chain, not just Hilton.) And on any given night, the suites may or may not all be occupied by customers who paid for a suite, and/or by other Diamonds who got there first.

And of course there are several other variables in the mix as well, some of which have been mentioned on this thread, such as asking (politely) for a suite upgrade vs. not bringing up the subject. Some desk clerks have probably been instructed not to give out suites too easily, while others may have a freer hand. Some clerks may not even have a clue what "Diamond" vs. "Gold" customers are entitled to, owing to poor training or short tenure on the job.

So it's not the least bit strange that people will differ greatly in the percentage and type of upgrades they will manage to get. If anything, it would be strange if everyone with the same status got the same results, when the mix of hotels they stay at, and the times they stay at them, may be hugely different!
I have mostly seen that the suites were decided by the GM that morning. Not the front desk Most of the GMs I talk to look at several things, how many nights is the person staying, ie give it away 5 times in a week, make 5 peolple happy versus 1 person. They also look at room rates, less likely to give it away to priceline like rates, How many times has that person stayed at the hotel and what else is going on. I was upgraded for a week, during a convention a couple of months ago. when I asked why they said the manager was worried I might not come back, because it was so crowded. I stayed their every week for three months. I have rarely seen the front desk have any say in the matter.

I have mostly seen that the suites were decided by the GM that morning. Not the front desk Most of the GMs I talk to look at several things, how many nights is the person staying, ie give it away 5 times in a week, make 5 peolple happy versus 1 person. They also look at room rates, less likely to give it away to priceline like rates, How many times has that person stayed at the hotel and what else is going on. I was upgraded for a week, during a convention a couple of months ago. when I asked why they said the manager was worried I might not come back, because it was so crowded. I stayed their every week for three months. I have rarely seen the front desk have any say in the matter.

My experience has been a little different. I find GMs have little decision or say in the matter on a daily basis unless they have someone that they need to VIP personally for whatever the reason. I find that the revenue manager or the front office manager/usually has the final word but the GM can override it.
It has been my experience that rate does not typically effect the decision as long as it is booked through their preferred channels.
But they also look at a wide variety of factors. Nobody seems to agree out there who is the most deserving customer or why.One hotel belives in the highest paying revenue,the other the most frequency.....
And I think it all plays into the vastly different experiences. But if there is a suite still available I have landed it especially when it is a one nighter by simply asking at check in.
If the check in agent doesn't have the authority the duty manager or front desk/ office manager will more often then not.I do not find reservation managers that good typically as they have more to do with bookings.
But yes they too can get that suite in the right situation if they have the authority.

I've been upgraded to a suite many times as a Diamond.

Most memorable, I was in Laughlin,NV on business (by myself) on a 39.00 rate...upgraded to a 4 room suite. Bedroom with Jacuzzi, living room, dining room and full kitchen......Wish MrsM was with me.

I always request a "suite upgrade - if available" in the 100 charactor comment box on the online reservation form.

I think the reservation manager reads these forms and pre-assigns the suites the day of arrival.

It never hurts to ask!

RC

I totally agree that most things come to those who actually ask. Learned this at an early age luckily.
I have been upgraded to a multi-room suite once. On the cheapest available aaa rate. I am only a gold. But it was a very nice experience. Admittedly it was a one night stay. But it made it much nicer.

The only time I was disappointed greatly by not getting an upgrade I was on a trip with a friend to visit her father's gravesite. I wrote a short email to the hotel. Requested such. Or at the least a room with a whirlpool tub. Sadly I got nothing but the room I booked.
So asking doesnt always work. But when you dont ask the answer is always no. (in general)

I usually receive an suite. The only place where I was turned down flat was the Hilton at Heathrow. I recently received a full one bedroom suite at the Hilton Rhodes by asking the front desk manager very nicely. I was there for a week.

I just checked in to the HHV in HNL, and got upgraded to a suite in Alii without asking! Granted it's only for 2 nights, but I'm going to enjoy it. I was upgraded to a suite the last two trips to Perth, both for a week, without asking also. Maybe they just like my smiling face.... :D

Also, I think both Troy and 777 are correct, in that it depends on the specific properties- Overseas, I believe the GM's are more active in whom gets what, in the States I think it devolves down to the Front Desk Mgr.

I have scored them in Vancouver and at the Conrad Singapore (6 nights).
Try booking the rate just below a suite and that helps.

I'm on a six night ALON2 reward stay at the HHV now and got upgraded to a corner suite at the Tapa Tower a with partial ocean view. :D ^^ I was here with my family last year on a two night weekend reward stay and got a high floor ocean view room in the Rainbow Tower.

Although I miss the view of the Rainbow Tower-I love the suite in the Tapa Tower, since I have two small kids and the extra space is fantastic. It's a fair tradeoff IMO.

Mountain Flyer speaks of being upgraded to a free bottle of wine? Forget a bigger room, how is this achieved?

I've gotten half bottles of wine every other month at 2 properties in Ohio (same ownership). However, sometimes it's a bottle of Mouton-Cadet and I don't generally drink red wine and when it's white, it's a screwtop chardonnay that smells like sweat socks. :p I do eat the fruit and cheese that comes with either. I always thank these hotels through the diamond desk email which I think helps guarantee an encore.

Mountain Flyer speaks of being upgraded to a free bottle of wine? Forget a bigger room, how is this achieved?

Welcome to FT, and I see you have your travel priorities straight ;)

M8