Hopefully better than the F&B credit debacle. I have yet to stay at a hotel where the application of the program goes flawlessly. Each time, I email Hilton customer care. I've gotten nothing more than a boilerplate auto-response.

Ideally, Hilton's IT would process upgrades like an airline... status, fare, etc. in a relatively transparent, automatic fashion. This should be easy to check... at 72-hours from check-in, try and make reservation for the same dates and see what rooms are available.

I've had 9 legitimate upgrades in over 370 stays over the last 8 years. Only 1 of those 9 was to the top level, best in-house, suite on the property.

I'll direct a few of my upcoming stays to properties where the upgrade program is active (DT, Tapestry, Hiltons) and will report back on my experience.