I fully agree with this. Fidelity programs are made to push people to buy more. Some customers are going as far as doing "mileage runs". That's perfectly understandable and I'm not judging it.

I'm also fully aware that some hotels are not playing fair. But, I prefer being in a serene mood, rather than being suspicious on everybody and everything, for myself before anything, but also because your counterpart can feel it.

I know, by now, that having a casual chat with the customer relations manager (or hotel director) is much more productive than flashing the plat card at reception. If the conversation is honest and true, you can be sure that a remark is put in the systems, and you may have a good surprise in your room or at check-out. At least, it works for me.

Of course, "upgrade" is part of the perks, but, it is not a right, as well as early check-in or late check-out.

Anyway, fidelity programs are like politicians. It's just a bag of promises which fades with time.