Originally Posted by
ThatAdamGuy
Really appreciate all the helpful info!
I'm staying at the Diplomat this coming Mon-Thu for a work-related conference, and decided to use points+cash (20K+$89) to book a personal stay for the two nights prior. Unfortunately, the property wasn't available at all on Friday evening, so I'm just crashing at an inexpensive Hampton Inn near the airport and then uber'ing to the Diplomat late Saturday morning.
Some questions:- Room selection:I read on TA (and possibly this thread) that it's now possible to choose one's room. Is that via the web? The mobile app? Typically available the day before or day of, right? (not showing anything on the mobile app currently)
- Downside to e-check-in? Sometimes (in general) I've found that front desk people are super-nice and will give me a moderate upgrade; would doing e-check-in reduce the possibility of an in-person upgrade?
- Auto-upgrade? What auto-upgrade, if any, should I expect as a Gold? Or should I just bite the bullet and spend the extra (eStandby) $34/night for an Oceanfront room?
- Keep same room? Lastly, if I do pay for that upgrade, am I near certain to be able to just stay in that same room for both segments (points+cash, subsequent cash stay), since then both would be "1 king bed ocean-front balcony deluxe rooms"?
I'd recommend waiting till you check in for an upgrade. The phone pre-selection thing rarely helps with upgrades.
That said, its Phocuswright, you'll be spending very little time in your room if all goes well. Enjoy the free drinks at <any party> throughout the week instead. See you at some bar!