Originally Posted by
smmrfld
Not sure if you've traveled much lately, but your past assumptions are in many cases no longer valid. And you are absolutely not guaranteed an upgrade at check-in if occupancy is at a certain level. Property websites haven't been updated, FD staff is often misinformed, and on-property benefits can change frequently. IME, in the current environment it is the guest's responsibility to confirm aspects of a stay that are important ahead of time, and accept that the reality at check-in may be different - like it or not. You'll suffer far less angst once you realize this is today's hospitality industry IRL.
Yes, traveled 70 nights this year so far at least 12 more nights planned so 82. Last year ended with 76 nights traveled.
So I’m not quite sure what you mean if I’ve traveled lately.
I travel mainly with Hyatt who actually has standards and policies to reinforce Elite benefits.
Though I do travel with Hilton as well and have earned Diamond status (not received via the credit card).
I’ve also received Suite upgrades at Hampton Inn & Suites on every one of the last 10 stays which do not require the Suite Upgrade in the benefits, whereas Doubletree does.
As far as confirming aspects I did, several times, if I held Silver or Gold status it’s possible they could excuse everything mentioned but it’s unacceptable for a Diamond Member, especially one with earned status instead of simply receiving it via the CC.
It’s almost been 3 years since the pandemic began, at this point there’s really no excuse for things like the website or staff not being updated.
Originally Posted by
kevino
The HR Saipan sells rooms with lounge access even though the lounge is closed.
I asked last month at the front desk what they do when guests complain about that and I think she said they could credit something for the guest (as the guest with no status who booked a club room would still get breakfast in the restaurant).
The CP Changi sells rooms with lounge access (junior suites) though the lounge is closed (maybe permanently). In that case guests get happy hour in the lobby lounge and I assume bf in the restaurant.
The Holiday Inn Bangkok sells rooms with lounge access though their lounge is closed. I think they offer happy hour drinks in a lobby area somewhere.
The problem I see with this is Hilton’s Diamond benefits are for both Executive Lounge Access AND Breakfast. Meaning they can’t provide Breakfast in lieu of the Promised or paid for Lounge Access as it’s already guaranteed.
Whereas for Hyatt the benefit for Globalists is Lounge Access OR Breakfast. If you have no Elite status and booked a Club Lounge that isn’t open then you aren’t guaranteed Breakfast, BUT in lieu of Lounge Access the hotel could provide breakfast, is my understanding.