I've started using the online checkin and digital key lately at a variety of HH properties. There's something convenient about just walking into the hotel and going straight to the room, especially if the reception is crowded. The room choices I always get are the type of room I booked, despite there being better rooms still for sale on the app. I'm not talking presidential suites, but even if I'm booked in a standard King, they may have Deluxe Kings or Studio Kings, for sale during my dates. The online checkin/room selection for me also happens around mid day, though I usually arrive after 5pm.

A few times I've checked in at the desk because I needed a physical key, and in those cases I inquired about any upgrades. Usually I innocently just ask if they have something with a view or larger. Each time, the reception has been able to move me up to something larger than I was confirmed with.

So it may be anecdotal, but how have your online checkin/room selection experiences been in terms of obtaining an upgrade (as Diamond)?