Originally Posted by
travluv
Yes, accumulating extra points is one of the Diamond status perks but I already have more than I need. The perk that I most appreciate is being upgraded, even with award stays at some properties.
As an aside, it's interesting to see which properties will upgrade award stays and which will not. Some properties have been pretty generous in that regard
while others have been downright snooty!
An award stay is a legit stay, thats why all benefits of Diamond/Gold VIP applies to award stays as they apply for paid stays. The only difference is you are not getting points for the room rate (since you did not pay anything) but you do get points for whatever is charged to the room. The stay will count towards your tier qualification requirement as well.
So yes, you do get space-available upgrades even on award stays (at hotels that give upgrades to paid stays).