Do you actively ask for an upgrade at the desk?
#16
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,761
I ask, though I find it easier to do so electronically beforehand. I do quite well when I ask; I think hotels appreciate an engaged consumer and otherwise don't proactively go out of their way to upgrade (well, in the US at least).
#17
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, National Exec
Posts: 1,358
It seems like every time I ask about upgrades it leads to an awkward conversation where they try to upsell me instead of looking to see if upgrades were available. Though one time the woman working the desk proudly "upgraded" me into the room that I'd already been assigned (I'd looked on the OLCI to see what they'd given me before I got there but cancelled before completing check in).
Maybe I'm asking wrong, how do you guys go about it? With rental cars it was always easy, just saying something like "I'm on work travel so can't change the rate, but what else do you have available?". But with hotels just asking if there are any elite upgrades available never seems to work. Plus I always feel like a DYKWIA if I proclaim I'm a diamond and want an upgrade.
Maybe I'm asking wrong, how do you guys go about it? With rental cars it was always easy, just saying something like "I'm on work travel so can't change the rate, but what else do you have available?". But with hotels just asking if there are any elite upgrades available never seems to work. Plus I always feel like a DYKWIA if I proclaim I'm a diamond and want an upgrade.
Last edited by Zeeb; Feb 17, 2015 at 11:24 am
#18
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kaiserslautern
Programs: UA G 1.9MM, HH Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 439
I wait to see what floor I'm on, HH or Premium floor. For the most part I am already upgraded. If not, I'll ask. One thing I've noticed with ES is that some properties won't give a "free" upgrade to the premium floor, just the HH floor.
#19
Join Date: Mar 2009
Location: Connecticut
Programs: Hilton Diamond, Delta Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 342
Sad that most Diamonds don't get upgraded much if at all in the USA. This is why Diamond status is so overrated except for the 50% point bonus. The only perk worth it in the US is if they give you a full breakfast.
I'm not chasing Diamond this year but will get a CCard that gives me gold next year so I keep getting the breakfast perk.
I'm not chasing Diamond this year but will get a CCard that gives me gold next year so I keep getting the breakfast perk.
#20
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 4,845
I've been upgraded as a Diamond to the "premium" floor at several properties but have had zero luck getting the code to the special snack machine. The rooms are identical to others from what I've seen thus far.
#21
FlyerTalk Evangelist & Ambassador: China
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: DEN
Programs: DL DM/MM, UA 1K, AA Exp, HH Dia, WOH Glob, IHG Plat, Marriott Gold, NA EE, Hertz PC
Posts: 17,412
Can't hurt to ask and get a no. Worst that can happen is your room is switched and you miss your letter and chocolates gift in your room though.
#22
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Zurich
Programs: HHonors Diamond
Posts: 445
I do care about upgrades and I am always happy to get one.
So I ususally write an email beforehand mentioning that I would appreciate an upgrade very much. Sometimes there is no reaction, sometimes no answer but a pre-assigned upgrade, more often than not I get a nice answer and some upgrade - either pre-assigned or at check-in. The upgrades differ, rarely a suite, sometimes junior suites, usually executive floor rooms (which I consider 'fake' upgrades if this does not involve a larger room or view with room since DIA have access to the executive lounge anyway).
Where I am a returning guest I started getting frquent upgrades. Also when staying on points. However, this applies to Europe, not the US.
So I ususally write an email beforehand mentioning that I would appreciate an upgrade very much. Sometimes there is no reaction, sometimes no answer but a pre-assigned upgrade, more often than not I get a nice answer and some upgrade - either pre-assigned or at check-in. The upgrades differ, rarely a suite, sometimes junior suites, usually executive floor rooms (which I consider 'fake' upgrades if this does not involve a larger room or view with room since DIA have access to the executive lounge anyway).
Where I am a returning guest I started getting frquent upgrades. Also when staying on points. However, this applies to Europe, not the US.
#23
Join Date: Jul 2013
Location: Kaiserslautern
Programs: UA G 1.9MM, HH Diamond, Global Entry
Posts: 439
Never had that problem, if I get the Premium floor, they give me the code.
#24
Join Date: Mar 2011
Programs: AA LifeTime PLT (2.982 MM, But 3MM+ Total), HHonors GOLD, IHG AMB
Posts: 787
The best "upgrade" is a really nice front desk, because later on, they'll be there for you.
#25
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: NSW
Programs: QF P1 + LTG VA Plat, AA nothing, HH Diamond, Hyatt Diamond
Posts: 764
I never ask for an upgrade. I feel rather awkward and stupid asking for something that I really should be entitled to. The one time I did OLCI at Hilton SYD I got upgraded to the top suite available there - go figure, that property is notoriously stingy with room upgrades IME.
These days I'm pretty grateful to get the room category I booked, Exec Lounge access , decent wi-fi and breakfast. Anything else is a bonus.
These days I'm pretty grateful to get the room category I booked, Exec Lounge access , decent wi-fi and breakfast. Anything else is a bonus.
#26
Join Date: Jul 2010
Programs: Delta Platinum; Hilton Diamond
Posts: 37
We were just in Phoenix and stayed 4 nights at the Pointe Hilton Tapatio Cliffs. We were on points so our bill was zero. They upgraded us to one of their largest suites (all rooms are suites but there are different levels of suites). They did not charge us the resort fee and gladly gave us the breakfast coupons for which the continental breakfast was quite good and you could get the full breakfast for a $4 upcharge.
#27
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,195
The only time I have asked at the desk recently have been two occasions I made a last minute reservation the morning of my stay and I was accordingly just allocated a regular room instead on on the Executive Floor and it was a hotel that always upgrades me to the floor and when I mentioned it they found a room for me on that floor. That said, these upgrade threads have motivated me over the past month me to start leaving a nice note in the comment section if I want something in particular such as a nice view and my strike rate seemed to be a bit better based on limited situations where such matter (some hotels like HGIs don't really don't have upgradeable rooms) and while they were not suite upgrades they were definitely rooms upgrades to something I wanted so I was content.
#28
Join Date: Feb 2013
Programs: Hilton Diamond
Posts: 4,195
By the way, it would be nice if Hilton adopted the DSU system of Hyatt for those times when it really makes a difference. There are times when suite upgrades are less appreciated then others, like when you arrive later in the evening and have to get up relatively early.
#29
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: DL Plat, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat, Hertz Prez Circle, National Exec
Posts: 1,358
I never ask for an upgrade. I feel rather awkward and stupid asking for something that I really should be entitled to. The one time I did OLCI at Hilton SYD I got upgraded to the top suite available there - go figure, that property is notoriously stingy with room upgrades IME.
These days I'm pretty grateful to get the room category I booked, Exec Lounge access , decent wi-fi and breakfast. Anything else is a bonus.
These days I'm pretty grateful to get the room category I booked, Exec Lounge access , decent wi-fi and breakfast. Anything else is a bonus.
#30
Join Date: Oct 2009
Location: SAT
Programs: Delta DM, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold (LT), Nat EL Exec, Hertz PC
Posts: 625
In just over three years of being diamond with Hilton, I'm aware of one upgrade that I've received (at a Hilton in New Orleans). I nearly always get exactly the room type I book. Further, I've never asked, nor would I ask as this is a published benefit that should be automatic. Would I complain about getting the room I booked? No. Would I complain that a benefit is published with no expected reality behind it? No, I'd simply note it, build it into my evaluation and move on.
I travel with others regularly and have seen them ask, seen them present their diamond card (it's in the profile!), etc. I see hit or miss success. More often than not, I witness them being asked to pay to upgrade to another level of room, and it makes me chuckle silently that they don't have an upgrade available (demonstrated by the lack of upgrade of any of those checking in at that time) but can find one for an upsell. (Always separate rooms / reservations, etc.)
For me, Diamond vs. Gold = more points that will eventually assist me in booking free nights. Outside of that, there is no difference.
I travel with others regularly and have seen them ask, seen them present their diamond card (it's in the profile!), etc. I see hit or miss success. More often than not, I witness them being asked to pay to upgrade to another level of room, and it makes me chuckle silently that they don't have an upgrade available (demonstrated by the lack of upgrade of any of those checking in at that time) but can find one for an upsell. (Always separate rooms / reservations, etc.)
For me, Diamond vs. Gold = more points that will eventually assist me in booking free nights. Outside of that, there is no difference.