I heard a story recently where a Plat member wanting to increase his chance of a suite upgrade in NYC deliberately abused the SPG reservation system.
When he booked back in April, he had 5 of his friends (SPG Gold/Plat members) book suites at the same Hotel covering the same start date but different departure dates.
As the last hour, for penalty free cancellation approached, all 5 suites were seperately cancelled, tipping them back into the system.
When he arrived the following day,his upgrade (subject to availability) came thru and a suite was there for him!
I am not posting this as part of an idiots guide to abusing the SPG reservation system but to warn members and Hotel staff alike to the scam.
We all suffer as a result of this false manipulation and the sooner it is irradicated the better.