Originally Posted by
CPRich
Perhaps because it doesn't cost them anything and the positive customer experience may generate repeat business, word-of-mouth advertising, etc.
Four Seasons and Hyatt just received a positive mention on the world's most popular travel forum. Now twice!
I think that must be it. (Maybe they all know I'm on FT!). Although at this rate, there's no incentive for me to become an elite, since I appear to be getting a lot of the benefit anyway.
As for the "sold out of your room type" possibility: as I said in my OP, that doesn't appear to be the case. Only once did I check in at a late hour; three times, I checked in with a colleague and she got the standard room while I got an upgrade; the hotel last week was most definitely not full; and so on.
Anyway, I hope my luck continues!