Originally Posted by
TheMan
Has anyone been told at the New Orleans Marriott that if they want an UPGRADE to a larger room(suite, etc) that regardless of availability it is never FREE. They tried to charge me 50% of the room value on top of the current rate of a standard room for an upgrade. The most that you get for a FREE upgrade is a room with a better view or concierge floor. My understanding of the rules for upgrade is "Based upon availability at check-in". No charge is mentioned. Am I wrong or how do they get away with it?
As a fellow Marriott Platinum and I got my status complimentary after staying 3 nights
it's really one of the worst elite tier in my 20 plus years of being in these programs.
Having not earned it I like it just fine
Some hotels exceed expectations and others offer you a croissant and coffee for breakfast and some cereal as a breakfast benefit .Meager and sad for the required business
Marriott has a perception that it's good and someone obviously thinks so
I've only seen one program worse that's IHG Rewards Platinum
The Hyatt French Quarter is fantastic with upgrades as is the Westin Canal Place
And the Sheraton and the Hilton Riverside
All above properties upgrade routinely into luxury vip suites with or without asking if a top tier member
I will never stay with any hotel company and get so little back in return
Having said that this is still more of an isolated property issue that won't exceed expectations as available
so if u like what Marriott is doing otherwise you should be fine
I'm happy to take the MR elite status as its better than nothing
Had I earned it the hard way I'd be pretty upset
I have had a few Marriott properties impress me but the program promises little and the hotels have many outs especially as suites are not a published Nor specific benefit