Diamondgirl,

If I have a particular bad experience, or in your case a series of them, I post it. I write a separate post with the properties name in the title. It makes me feel better because I know a lot of people are going to read it. Moreover, the post lets the rest of the "world" know how good/bad the property is. This will have an impact on their business. I think this post is good for these two cases you mention.

I'm in my mid-forties and stay 50+ nights per year at Hiltons. I almost always get updraded, as a Diamond, at Hilton and Double Tree. And most of the time at Hampton and Hilton Garden Inns. However, I always ask for a upgrade with my on-line reservations by stating "HH Diamond, returning guest, upgrade please", in the comments section at the bottom of the page. When I checkin, I start a very freindly conversation with the person at the counter. I use flattery, humor, sympathy, charm, ect. When the key is being configured and about to be handed to me I ask" what type of room I am getting". Half the time I may not be happy and will ask for something else. Sometimes they say I'm being upgraded, so I go and see the room. Many times I walk back down and decline the room making them give me something else. Keep in mind that I have already started a very freindly relationship. The key is to win with kindness. Any kind of charm/flirtation you can offer will help you. This kindness often bleeds over to others employed at the hotel making my stay better.

If you are returning to a property for a second, third, etc., stay, start the conversation with, "it's really great to be back here again. This is such a great property. The last time I was here I met so-and-so at the bar who should me their room on floor XYZ. What an awsome room, do you have any of them available?"

This is my technique and I'm batting .998 with it. I offer it you as insight, however you may already do this.