I was able to jump on BA's 50% mileage sale, and we're going back to cap d'Ail for a week in September. I originally booked the first week I could find, since availability was a little spotty on my desired dates, and I had to match it up with BA availability, too.

Anyhow, once I had a usable solution nailed down, I looked to refine it. I still wanted to do it all a week earlier and it turns out BA had the seats, but the hotel was still full on two of the days I wanted.

So I called SLC, and they couldn't do anything to help me. I scoured the web until I got an email address for the hotel, and asked them if there was any way we could get accomodated, maybe even having to change rooms, or whatever. Just let me know.

By return email, I got a very nice letter telling me they would be glad to make the arrangements and had, in fact, already changed the booking to my desired dates, deluxe room, seaview, etc., and we'll be very happy to see you again.

Gulp.

So I scrambled back to BA and <whew> the seats were still there and all is well in BigLar-land.

The take away lesson is: Be nice. Ask politely. Talk to the people who can actually do what you want. Make it easy for them to say yes. Just like your mother told you - Mom knew.