I've run into something that I thought I would share with FTers.

I've done a few stays now at the Renaissance Tulsa. This hotel has a typical concierge level and also a large number of 1 bedroom corner suites. Last week I got a room on the Concierge level. It was nothing special and I certainly didn't consider it an upgrade. This week at checkin, I decided to make sure I got a better room. When I asked the desk clerk what type of room she was putting me in, she replied that it was a king room not a corner suite. When I asked if a corner suite was available, she said no. After my usual response of "I'm a PP and I was hoping for an upgrade" and some discussion, she found two available corner suites. Neither suite was on the Concierge level.

I think it's because the hotel staff considers the Concierge level as some kind of luxury playground for their elite guests. So they try to put their elites on that floor regardless of upgrade availability. What they don't realize is that I would much rather have a corner suite on a lower floor with wet bar, built-in fridge, microwave, sofa and a bedroom door that shuts out the interior hotel noise than some slightly better than basic room on the Concierge level.

Some advice on how to avoid this if you're a Platinum or Platinum Premier:
Don't book a rate that guarantees a Concierge level room.
Ask at check in about the room and where it's located.
Don't be afraid to ask if an upgrade is available and tell them that you'd prefer the upgrade over the Concierge level.
If necessary, weave your stay history into the conversation. A lot of desk clerks don't realize how many nights a PP spends in a Marriott in one year. Don't pull a DYKWIA, be nice and polite. The desk clerk is not necessarily the person who pulled the room assignments.

P.S. this works with rental cars, too. You'd be surprised what you can get with a smile and a friendly conversation

How Tommy Boy does it