Originally Posted by
ffgap
Why do you think it is an excuse?
Maybe they have got 4 suites available which they are willing to sell on the app. But if they cannot sell them, they are willing to upgrade Ambassadors, Titanium, etc. to one of them.
But the number of elites may be considerably bigger than four. And how can you be sure you're sufficiently high in the pecking order to get one of them?
I do understand the source of your frustration. Clearly, some properties are playing games so some FT'ers consult the T&C or room-category availabilities in the app.
Nevertheless, I think it has been stated often enough on FT that room availability online can only be a weak indicator of actual upgrade inventories. (And, of course, you can only guess the other side of the equation, namely the number of high-level elites being eligible for such upgrades).
If the hotel really willing to upgrade members into one of their suite, then it should be done when the said elites checking in.
As an Ambassador, I believe I should be high enough in the pecking order to receive those upgrades.
But then i often get paltry 1 category upgrade, or even no upgrade at all.
In all these case I believe the hotel are not willing to adhere to their obligation in honoring elite entitlement.
As for the online inventory, I would say when the app said hotel have room/suites available then the hotel did have the actual room/suites available.
The problem is whether they willing to upgrade elites into it or not.
The T&C did favours them by giving the hotel blank cheque to do whatever they like.
And if we do complain to Marriott, they will just ignore it.
The best we can do is avoid the property and give them 1 star review.