Thanks for the welcomes and replies!

The specific hotels are the San Diego Mission Valley Hilton. My husband used to stay there almost once per week and never an upgrade unless he complained to the manager. Their large suites on the top floor are always empty then.

Conrad Brussels (5*). We had a confirmed upgrade to a suite (had Paris Hilton concierge call a few days ahead and day before to confirm). When we got there, we got downgraded to a room. My hubby asked if there were any duplex suites available at checkin... NO they said. We got to our regular room and found a box of chocolates and a welcome card for someone else! The guest relations manager then came by to pick up the chocolates (very tacky). I told her the situation and that I was quite unhappy. She then went down to the front desk, bumped in to my hubby who was asking for the Mgr. and said to Louis, the clerk, "are there any duplex suites available?" and he said YES. This is the same person who told us NO 5 minutes before. Liar! We also never got any "welcom amenity" or any apology for the terrible welcome/first impression.

There are more, but I get frustrated just thinking about it. We are a young-looking couple in our mid/late-20s who are well dressed and well behaved. My husband is in sales mgmt. so he has to look professional. I feel like we are being descriminated against because we are younger.

Thanks for the tip on Hilton monitoring this. I just want to know who else is getting the shaft.

I do understand that upgrades are based on availability, but being lied to has made me suspicious. It is particularly bad for me because I only travel with my husband so it seems that all we're having is problems.

I can't name one hotel that has overwhelmed us with excellence. For instance, even though the Amsterdam Hilton upgraded us to a nice room, once we checked out we wanted to go up to the exec lounge to hang out till we needed to leave for our flight. We were told NO, you are not allowed access since you have checked out (10 minutes before).

Where is their loyalty?