FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: Danville, CA, USA;
Programs: UA 1MM, WN CP, Marriott LT Plat, Hilton Gold, IC Plat
Posts: 15,717
As I have said elsewhere, a Diamond should never be walked - ever. If a hotel anticipates an oversold situation, this is always well known by 4pm. At that point they should start walking other guests. You do not walk your best customer when he shows up at 2am after a long flight - that is pure stupidity. And even worse as payment is always guaranteed so you will never have a loss on the room.
I still believe that the hotel chain which offers a "never walk" guarantee to elites would gain some market share, particularly among frequent business travelers.