Originally Posted by
mapu
If you want an ocean-view room, why not book it in the first place?
One would assume, that like the vast majority, he was not willing to pay the premium. Instead, he was hoping, based on past experience and the low season, that he would receive a comped upgrade. I get the sense that he posted not so much because he didn't receive the upgrade, but because the front desk clerk seemed to pay little attention to his initial request.
Also, there probably was no change in policy. I'm guessing that off-season non-plat/gold comp upgrades were and are at the discretion of the front desk. Instead, it sounds like he drew the short straw with the front desk clerk and on-duty manager.