Originally Posted by InkUnderNails

I use this technique sparingly, but it has worked the few times I have used it.

First, if Nor-1 is available, I use it. It is usually cheap for what one gets. As you said it is on to Plan B

I get the FAX number from the website as the email of the GM is often difficult to find. I write a request on my letterhead and fax it to the hotel to "To Whom it May Concern." I do not ask for a specific person as it may go to someones desk and die there. With the TWIMC, the person that touches it owns it until they can pass it off to someone that then owns it for taking it. It is the fax machine version of tag.

Be specific about what you want, that you are open to alternatives and that you understand that anything special is known to be at the discretion of the manager and availability.

Two things are absolutely necessary IMO. Ask for a reply by email or fax. "Please reply by email or fax with the status of my request so that I may plan for my stay" or something like that. When they do not reply, and they probably will not, email Diamond Desk (Do Not Call), and explain your communication with the hotel and that you have not heard back from them. Include the text of you faxed letter in your email. Ask only for the name or the email of the person that you need contact so that the correct person can make the decision on your request. DD will hopefully do things in the background that you will not know about.

Check web site availability for the type of room you want for the length of your stay. If it is not available you may be out of luck anyway, but if it is, mention it in the fax. "I have checked the availability at the hotel and the type of room shows availability for the days in which I will be there. If it is still available on the day I check in, I would appreciate your consideration for the upgrade. From my end, I will continue to monitor availability and if the availability goes away, I will see that and understand." With a 14 day stay, you might also want to mention that you would be willing to be upgraded for part of your stay if that is all that is available. If what you want is available for 10 days, but they may did not upgrade you because they could not give you 14. If it is fine for you, mention up front that you do not mind spending part of your time in a different room and moving.

You have already done a lot of this and it is looking a bit grim from the info you gave. There is always the chance of cancellation, and definitely ask for the 4-day upgrade. You might want to mention in your fax that you see that they are busy, but their consideration is greatly appreciated.

And yes, asking at check in is always a good idea. If you have done the legwork ahead, it may improve your chances.