One thing that's annoying about upgrading is that casino marketing (at least at the MGM) bases their comp decisions on the room you stay in, not the room you've reserved and paid for.

AA and the MGM have a deal where AAdvantage Plats get free upgrades to spa suites. I've taken them up on it a few times, but the criteria for a comp for this type of room is about twice as much play as the criteria for a regular room.

Personally, I think it's pretty stupid way of doing things, the AA/MGM deal has basically "paid" for the upgrade already, I don't see why I need to "pay" for it again with my play. That's like an airline upgrading you in advance using miles, then demanding that you also pay the fare difference when you get to your destination.

So basically I have a disincentive to take the upgrade, unless I want to pay for the room (which I don't). So my choice is to be unhappy with my room or pay for a better one. I guess that's always the tradeoff with hotels...

d