I don't know if this has been mentioned before, but I recently noticed that something which is new to me. Apparently, when a property blocks out rooms for arriving elite members, the change in room class will show in your reservation on Marriott.com. Some hotels appear to be blocking out rooms as much as 4-5 days in advance.

Generally, when I initially book a room at Marriott.com, I will print out a copy of the reservation. Recently, I checked a reservation a few days before arrival. The reservation online showed me as being booked into a club room, but my original reservation was for a basic room. When I checked in, I was given a club room without asking for an upgrade.

Soon after that, I reached platinum status for the first time. I had a stay planned for a property where I have visited several times over the last six months. I had booked a basic room. Four days before my arrival, my reservation showed that I was now booked into a club room. I called the hotel to make a change in the reservation and asked for an upgrade (noting my new platinum status, I explained that I was hoping for one of the better club rooms). The next day, my reservation now showed that I was booked into an 'executive king' (an oversized room with a great view). Sure enough, when I checked in, I was given an executive king.

Something to check on.....

[This message has been edited by BillMorrow (edited 01-12-2002).]