Originally Posted by
hockeyinsider
Sure, as they say, you can say anything you want as long as you can keep a straight face. However, it's much easier for a front desk to claim the suites are no longer available when you've waited until time of arrival to ask for an upgrade as opposed to asking for an upgrade at the time of check-in, which is as early as T-minus 48 hours. With more and more properties utilizing the mobile key technology this is becoming even more important.
Coincidentally, I utilized the advance request via online check-in and chat with the property in which I am currently a guest. I was told, all sold out, if there is a cancellation, we'll upgrade you. Upon arrival there was no suite upgrade. A bit of friendly coercion, and a few minutes of keyboard clicking and a couple of telephone calls, and a deluxe suite was found. So it really is a case of either YMMV, or consider that both strategies work, or do not.