I may fall short of platinum by about 4-6 nights this year. If I find a cheap hotel in some far away land, can I check in online and bypass the desk all together? Trying to find the cheapest option to keep my status even though I’ve received almost no room upgrades worthwhile all year. In Paris last week I got a free redbull drink. They can shove the complimentary $6 credit up their ... because I’m not staying there again.