OK to book handicapped accessible room if able-bodied? Elite upgrades?
Jul 27, 2016, 4:19 pm
#181
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: LAX, LGB, SNA
Programs: AA EXP OWE, DL DM ST+, AS MVPG, UA, BA, WN CP, Hyatt E, Ritz Plat, HH GM
Posts: 3,185
Has anybody ever booked an accessible room because it was cheaper?
Has any of you booked an accessible room because it was cheaper than the normal offerings? Like a regular king room isn't available on points, but accessible is available on points. How do you feel about it? Did you try changing it to a non accessible room at check in?
Jul 27, 2016, 4:35 pm
#182
Join Date: May 2014
Location: DFW
Programs: AA EXP (probably nothing w/ AA next year :)), Delta Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hilton Gold
Posts: 405
Yes--For a work trip, the only "in policy" rate was an accessible room via our corporate booking (Hilton Americas Houston).
I booked it and when I got to the hotel, told them I didn't need it to be accessible and asked to be on the executive floor. Wasn't a problem.
I booked it and when I got to the hotel, told them I didn't need it to be accessible and asked to be on the executive floor. Wasn't a problem.
Jul 27, 2016, 5:40 pm
#183
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Amsterdam, Asia, UK
Programs: IHG RA (Spire), HH Diamond, MR Platinum, SQ Gold, KLM Gold, BAEC Gold
Posts: 5,072
As an elite and due for an upgrade, if hotel is not aware you do not need that acessible room type, you'll often miss out on your HHD/HHG upgrade so always say as such in additional info when making the reservation.
Some HH hotels also have Exec Accessible room(s), but not all do.
Jul 27, 2016, 5:48 pm
#184
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
I would only do it if you are 100% okay with staying in an accessible room. But, as someone that worked in hotels for over a decade, I don't see this as a problem. I've done it myself. A simple notation in the reservation is all that's necessary. This is a response I gave in a similar thread on the SPG forum:
"In the 11+ years I worked in hotels, there was only one single night we ever needed all of our accessible rooms. Once in over 4,000 nights."
Link to that thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...i-reserve.html
"In the 11+ years I worked in hotels, there was only one single night we ever needed all of our accessible rooms. Once in over 4,000 nights."
Link to that thread: http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/starw...i-reserve.html
Jul 27, 2016, 7:10 pm
#185
Join Date: Jun 2016
Location: Prince Edward Island
Programs: Air Canada P25K, Hilton Honors Gold, Marriott Gold, MGM Gold
Posts: 1,582
I booked one once because it was the only room type with a sofa (other than the more expensive suites). Since I was traveling with other people, we wanted a sitting area to hang out. I felt a bit unethical booking it, but it was the only room that met our needs. Plus we booked it last minute, so I doubt anyone was inconvenienced. If ever faced with this in the future, I will be sure to take the FT advice and add a note about being willing to move if someone needs the accessibility features.
Jul 28, 2016, 4:28 am
#186
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: CA USA
Programs: Hilton Diamond, AA Executive Platinum
Posts: 187
I've done so when it was the cheapest room available and made the notation that I don't need it to be accessible.
I've been given accessible rooms when I have NOT booked that room type, so I don't feel an obligation to refrain from booking that room type when it is less expensive.
I've been given accessible rooms when I have NOT booked that room type, so I don't feel an obligation to refrain from booking that room type when it is less expensive.
Sep 3, 2016, 8:22 pm
#187
In Memoriam, FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Durham, NC (RDU/GSO/CLT)
Programs: AA EXP/MM, DL GM, UA Platinum, HH DIA, Hyatt Explorist, IHG Platinum, Marriott Titanium, Hertz PC
Posts: 33,857
With fair regularity. One time it was the difference between being able to use points at the Conrad HK and not. I always put in the notes section that I don't need the accessible features though.
Sep 4, 2016, 2:50 pm
#188
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Ewa Beach, Hawaii
Posts: 10,909
Headed down to Hollywood Monday. Booked the HGI. Only rooms available on my corporate booking site were mobility rooms. Booked it and as soon as it was confirmed called the hotel to say that was all I could book but don't need those features and asked if they would put a note in. Got the email to check in today and using the app to look I have lots of choices of rooms and none are mobility rooms. So the phone call worked. They already pre-assigned me a good room on the top floor away from the elevator ( my usual request ) so did not early checkin today for arriving tomorrow.
Sep 5, 2016, 2:50 am
#190
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
Posts: 3,360
Although this is a bit obvious, you shouldn't book a room type that will leave you unhappy. As I noted earlier, there are almost always more accessible rooms than necessary on most nights. On sold out nights, those rooms get used. If you book one on a busy night, you'll likely stay in one.
Jan 6, 2020, 3:09 am
#191
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: BNE / LHR
Programs: QF Gold
Posts: 1,601
Accessible room is 15% cheaper, ok to book?
Anyone know why the accessible room would be 15% cheaper?
I'm guessing they are out of other "standard" rooms.
Would you consider OK to book anyway and email the hotel?
- David
I'm guessing they are out of other "standard" rooms.
Would you consider OK to book anyway and email the hotel?
- David
Jan 6, 2020, 3:42 am
#192
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: Sheffield, UK
Programs: BA, Emirates, IHG, Accor, Marriott, Hilton
Posts: 637
I wouldn't have any issue booking this - there is nothing I can see which prevents this.
I booked one by mistake previously through my corporate booking site - no issue at all.
I booked one by mistake previously through my corporate booking site - no issue at all.
Jan 6, 2020, 4:43 am
#194
Join Date: Dec 2009
Programs: Hilton Diamond Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,180
Jan 6, 2020, 9:06 am
#195
Join Date: Jul 2018
Programs: HHonors Lifetime Diamond, Delta Tupperware Medallion, National EE
Posts: 158
I've actually had an HGI move me into an accessible room (even though I'm able bodied), because it was much larger and I was going to be there for 8 weeks. The clerk stated that they have never needed all of the accessible rooms at one time since opening. I wouldn't hesitate to reserve it, but as others have said, I'd include a note saying that I really didnt need it.