Originally Posted by
coleslaw
To be fair, I don't think getting a denial in this situation would necessarily indicate that management sucks and employees aren't trained. It can be pretty disruptive to change rooms mid-stay (shuffling around other arriving guests, addiitonal housekeeping expense,etc). I would guess you'll have more luck right now, given reduced occupancies, but if I was politely denied a move mid-stay (assuming there is no issue with the room I'm in and that it was the "best available" room at the time of check in) then I wouldn't feel too hard done by.
If the availability is clearly there and available, the inconvenience is on the guest with regards to the move. I don't see how it could possibly impact other guests.
As for housekeeping expenses, I would consider it poor management if they make decisions based on the cost of cleaning rooms.
I think getting upgrades to the 'standard suite' (however it is defined) when available at check-in time is really the most defining characteristic if whether the hotel has a culture of treating the guests well. It's not like anyone here is asking for the presidential suite, a helipad, room for a giraffe, (etc.)