Originally Posted by
FlyingHigh20
Does anybody have any experience as an Elite using the explore rate (spec Plat or Titanium?)? I've used the rate several times but have yet to get upgraded (as a Plat or Titanium) . What is everybody else's experience using an explore rate and upgrades? I know the hotels themselves would rather not upgrade employees, but I'm curious as to what the official line from Marriott is regarding Elite benefits and the Explore rate use...
The official line is that you are entitled to a suite upgrade as long as
1. You are paying a qualifying rate - which MMP/MMF/MM4 are starting Nov 2019
2. You have elite status greater than or equal to Platinum
3. The suite is available when you check in
Unfortunately there is no enforcement device that ensure your benefits are honored - they would say oh unfortunately no suite is available and you couldn't prove them wrong. They generally tend not to offer you an upgrade, regardless of whether you are paying explore rate.
I was in a Sheraton in New York last weekend and staying under explore rate as an immediate family member, and at the check in I was given the booked king bed guest room. But once I walked in there was a huge smell of weed (apparently someone smoked pot in that room not long ago) and I went back to the front desk immediately for a change, and then they gave me a suite. Later that night when I was browsing the Marriott app I found no king bed guest room was available for that night, and I was not sure if they gave me the suite because they felt sorry for the weed smell or they had no other room available for the night or they would like me to keep my mouth shut to Marriott.