Originally Posted by
dormy
Hotels have to sign a declaration as part of the RFP process each year that states no upgraded room types will be offered to government travellers, as part of the bid. IE properties can only offer one rate in a standard room type, upgrades at a cost are not permitted. Hotels can upgrade for free, but not charge the guest; this policy is usually ignored, but the agreement has been signed as part of the bid. Properties can be thrown out of the program if caught charging for upgraded rooms. This rarely happens but it is possible. same for points, hotels cannot offer govt travellers points, they always do but again it breaks policy.
I sometimes see higher category rooms offered at the government rate and IIRC hotel chain reservation systems sometimes offer me the option to buy up to a better room from a government rate. I also sometimes see higher government rates that include breakfast and free phone calls, etc.