Originally Posted by
TravelTheWorld66
Sounds to me like they are making up their own rules. It says nothing about length of stay when discussing upgrades in the IHG T&C. I would definitely fight them on this if upgrades at these hotels is something you value greatly.
I didn't think so. It's not something I *really* value, the standard rooms are fine, but it would be nice.
Originally Posted by
CalItalian
Don't agree at all. I get upgraded all the time without ever asking - paid rates and reward nights. Rarely, do I not get upgraded. Does not make a difference if it is a one night stay or a week long stay (or longer). Just depends on their occupancy projections and the way the hotel treats elites.
It can vary, but for the most part I get pretty lucky with IHG upgrades. I also use Club Carlson who are fairly useless at upgrading in comparison.
Originally Posted by
jedicat666
First off, I hope you've joined the "IHG® Business Rewards", it can potentially nett you alot of points as a corporate booking decisionmaker. Feasable for your particular situation or not, you need to investigate.
You should leverage your power as a valuable client (since you bring them so much business) , by talking about your negative upgrade experiences to someone with power (E.G Director of Sales to write an official email to reservation/frontdesk staff). (etc. loved the upgrade i was getting and proposed to my company to sign corporate rates, but now unhappy that not getting upgrade as plat at least for my own rooms)
I did look at Business Rewards, but it involves booking direct with IHG over the phone, and our business use a travel agent which I can't change. I'm not actually a decision maker on corporate travel per se, but I am one of the company's top travellers so have some sway on what we do.
I like your example of how to approach - I don't want to appear like I'm complaining, but equally I want them to see that we're bringing them business, not them doing me a favour - I think your approach is a reasonable middle ground for this.
Originally Posted by
TravelTheWorld66
This is always a good practice, as long as it's done politely. I think front desk laziness is to blame. A lot of times they have the keys already made up, and they don't want to take the time to redo them. But I don't see anything wrong with saying "Excuse me, I see that this room is available. Would this be a possibility for an upgrade?". That's at least how I usually approach it.
Good point. Usually if you check the reservation online on the day, after allocation at about 2pm, you can see what they've given you. But yes, that's a good idea.
Thanks for your help all. I think I'll drop the Director of Sales an email (polite and inquisitive, not complaining) and see what she says. Will report back.