I once showed up at a Residence Inn by Marriott at 1:30 in the morning and was informed that no rooms were available for me. I had a reservation confirmed on my credit card.

The person at the front desk arranged for me to stay at a full-service Marriott several miles away. The Marriott was much nicer, I did not have to pay for either hotel, I received a free breakfast, and I received Marriott Rewards points plus qualification on a promotion towards which I was working. Best of all, all who were involved were cheerful, friendly and helpful.

What could have been a potentially disastrous situtation became a very pleasant experience.