Originally Posted by
C17PSGR
What I find interesting as a Plat Premier and occasionally staying at SPG properties as a mere Plat is that SPG properties almost always take a suite upgrade as a requirement. I never have to ask at an SPG property. At a Marriott property -- where I have a higher status -- I often have to ask.
It's all about how the benefit is written into the program benefits.
Marriott's version of it ("Based on room availability at check-in, we'll do our best to upgrade your room. Upgrades are subject to availability identified by each hotel"), is pretty weak, and similar to Hilton's.
Starwood's is much stronger ("An upgrade to best available room at check-in — including a Standard Suite.")
Will be interesting to see the 2018 go-forward language...I'm not optimistic.