Originally Posted by
ohmark
The rules of the program do not differentiate paid stays from award stays in respect to upgrades. Being told by a property, at checkin, that non suite upgrades are available but only if you pay, is a clear violation of the Marriott Rewards elite benefit program, whether a paid or award stay. My guess is that being told such at the Blackstone is a product of poor employee training. I've noticed, at that property, a wide variance in the competency of front desk personnel. Some very good. Some without a clue.
While I agree w/ you, aren't most award stays for standard rooms? Hence technically the property could get away w/ leaving you in one? Or does the upgrade - if available - override that? I also agree that for guests w/ Gold, Plat or PP status the offer of a 'sell-up' is total bogus.
I know Grosvenor Square (not to be confused w/ Grosvenor House) offers 'buy-up's on award stays, but that's usually for non-status or Silver members.
Cheers.