Originally Posted by
Cheap Elite
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Sigh. Here we go again. You've had a short number of stays and each property is different (rooms, number of suites, occupancy on any given date, etc.)
- Upgrade does not equal suite. There are plenty of threads that discuss what an "upgrade" is.
- As stated many times, the club lounges can change their policy. So what you saw on a previous stay, may not be relevant on the current stay. Lots of properties close or change lounge hours, especially around the holiday's and weekends. They should make that clear on their website and at check in. However, you need ask as well.
- There isn't any way a guest, by view, can determine occupancy
- When checking in you, yes YOU, should ask "what type of room am I being assigned?" This way before leaving the reception desk you know you're getting what you entitled to.
- You knew that platinum members were entitled to an amenity, if it wasn't offered, you should have spoken up. Period. It makes no sense that you knew you were entitled to amenity, yet said nothing.
- You should be given gym access, period
None of what I've said was meant to be rude, but have a few more stays as a platinum before writing a rant.The issues you've state above can happen at any property/brand/loyalty program.
Hi, CE. I've put your comments and tone through the "New Yorker filter", so it doesn't seem rude.
Firstly, I do not view my comments as a rant at all, just disappointment and concern over what to expect in the future. I'm well aware, upgrades are not guaranteed and that "upgrade" does not necessarily equal "suite", but did I really receive such a great upgrade that merited the hotel so proudly pointing it out? No. If there's no upgrade to be had, then there's no upgrade. Just keep the sleeve and don't create further disappointment, it's common sense to me. In fact, in the example of the the Sheraton Rockville, I was more disappointed that I had less benefit as plat than as gold and mostly that my simple query was so curtly addressed. (I did not mention that we were provided breakfast two weeks before because I wanted to see an true, uninfluenced response on the hotel's part).
As far as aggressively putting the onus on me for amenities and upgrades, I think it's in bad form to expect customers to "babysit" the staff on what the rules are. The SPG benefits do not say that they are available, but that you must prod/remind/whinge about them to get them. Only in the first example, did I not expect the minimum benefits listed clearly on the key folder and that example was based on my experience there just two weeks prior (though I understand your point about the rules possibly changing around the holidays.)
True, it was a few stays, but all at different properties, so a small, but diverse sampling. The problem for me is, how much more money and time do I spend before conceding that the benefits are too few and far between or too cumbersome to acquire? Some, certainly, but how much? The notion of having to cajole earned benefits at every stay does not make me want to travel more.
Finally, as someone who's worked in the travel and hospitality industry for nearly two decades, I must respectfully disagree with your comment that there is no way to have any idea of a hotel's occupancy at any time. If you've worked the front desk or managed a hotel or department, you'll know exactly what to look for and when...
In hindsight, I really didn't find your comments helpful. It feels like yours was the rant.