Originally Posted by
EqualOpp
Am a newly minted (branded?) platinum and I think I'm already liking it. I have a number of reservations upcoming, and at a Le Meridien in Spain I was upgraded to a large beachfront suite (just below the best room type). I was just checking on my res and saw the upgrade.
Is this "normal?" Or maybe "normal" is the wrong word, but does it happen with any regularity? [I'm presuming not traveling in peak season, nor any major events, etc...]
No pre-arrival upgrades (yet) at an AC (only 2 room types), nor at a Renaissance nor Design Hotel.
But regardless, I'm stoked!
Congratulations!
About preupgrade prior to check in, some hotels did this regularly although like many posters noted here, it was not guaranteed to stick.
If it does then consider yourself lucky, and if you happen to visit the area often, you might make the hotel as your regular haunt.
Personally, for my trips in Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Europe regions, 50% of the stays are preupgraded. either to suite, or better room, or those "fake upgrade" to the club version of booked room.
Most of the time it stays as is until check in although I did have downgraded to booked rooms on several occasions.