I was looking for the right word to use and --- BOOM! --- there it was. Take no offense.


Unfortunately I can't really comment on the upgrade situation. I work at a Hampton Inn (not &Suites) so the only "deluxe" room type I have is a King Study. I have instructed my Front Desk to upgrade Diamond and Gold VIPs from standards to studies whenever possible. It's not much, I know, but hopefully the gesture communicates our appreciation.

When I worked for IHG at a Holiday Inn, we would regularly upgrade our Platinum members until we ran out of suites (we had three jacuzzi and four junior) or concierge level rooms. The difference it cost us to make up a suite versus a standard room was negligible so I figured, hey, why not make someone happy? Believe me, if my current property had suites/concierge/etc I would do the same thing.

My biggest hurdle right now is figuring out amenities for our Gold and Diamond VIPs. Hampton is extremely standardized regarding what we can give our guests and put in our rooms. When I take free parking, free wi-fi and free breakfast standard for all guests regardless of status, and combine it with no suites and no food and beverage outlets, I have limited options for extra perks to offer. The only thing I can really think of is a free in-room movie but I haven't felt a lot of support.

So, I'm sorry I couldn't really give you what you were looking for but hopefully this sparks a little more conversation!