Originally Posted by
tsastor
Booked a Twin room in a hotel in Northern Europe. As Gold, hoping for an upgrade to an Executive room with lounge access, I checked my reservation on the day of arrival and saw that I had been "upgraded" to a Single Guest Room +. So from a 320 sq foot room to a 190 sq foot room. How did they know that I was not using my "spouse stays free" privilege by the way?
Admittedly a plus room has a better view than a "regular" room at this property. Still I think that this room classification craze has gone way too far and probably the hotels are misusing it to supposedly offer one category upgrades. Btw. the hotel still had Executive rooms for sale.
Well, since my rate was refundable I cancelled and the hotel did not get my business that night. Nor will it be getting it in the near future.
FYI: you weren't supposed to get a ER, even if they were available. Be aware that Golds are NOT given Executive Room upgrades as the preferred upgrade any more. The stated Gold upgrade benefit is now a category up from your booked room or a room with special features which may include a better view, corner view, higher floor, etc. The upgrade benefit no longer says upgrade to Executive Room if available. So even if ERs are available, the hotel does NOT have to upgrade Golds to ERs.
So technically, giving you a plus room (albeit a tiny one) meets the Gold upgrade benefit requirement. Your disappintment in not getting a ER, though understandable, is misplaced. Just because there were ERs for sale does not mean you should have gotten an ER. Your Gold upgrade benefit was fulfilled.
So for future reference, if you REALLY want a ER, book it.
As the ranks of Gold and Diamond elites swell with easy access, the number of Golds getting an ER upgrade are going to dwindle. Now Gold can be obtained with as little as $95 credit card annual fee.