Originally Posted by
stimpy
Well I found a scenario where the new room classifications caught me. If you book the lowest rate, queen cosy, your automatic RA upgrade is only to a classic room, maybe with a terrace. In my case they always upgrade me further to a suite...unless all the suites are sold out. Every last room in this huge hotel was sold this weekend so I'm in a classic room, albeit a nicer one with a terrace and a decent sized bathroom.
I've spent time in classic rooms here before, temporarily while waiting for my suite to be ready after an AM check in. But this is the first time I've spent a night in a classic room here in over 20 years.
I'm told this hotel is going to be sold out or nearly so all the way through to October. I may be spending more time at the Kimpton or Avenue Marceau.
Had precisely the same experience at ICPL 2 weeks back. And also like you they give us a decent but stock minor room until decent suites are made ready. Ended up in the equivalent category as you describe with a view I didn't even know was possible up Park Lane towards the Dorchester :-) Also a first for me. Mind London was rammed with no end of festivals and live events.
Also a large and very high profile Qatari family arrived at the same time. Hotel was on high alert making sure they were happy. Familiarity and RA seemed a very lowly accolade when watching the attention these guys got. And fairness I've been ruined with attention over the years. Was humbling and maybe deep down good for me :-)