Originally Posted by free_miles

When I go to a Marriott property I have no idea whether it's owned directly or not, nor do I really want to take the time to find out. As a Plat you should expect and demand consistent service everywhere you go.

My routine for scoring upgrades are pretty simple. Most of the time it results in suites despite what the T&C's say.

- Call a few hours before arrival to ask what upgrades are available. If it's the usual "we've upgraded you to concierge level" then ask to see if they can do better. Ask for a corner room, room with a view, larger room, suites, whatever you can think of. This usually works if the rooms/suites are available.

- If I don't get the desired upgrade during the call, I'll ask for the name of the manager. When I check in I'll repeat the same routine as I did on the phone. If that still doesn't work the clerk may volunteer to get the manager, and if not you should ask for him/her by name. Sometimes the manager can "unlock" certain rooms in the computer for you.

- If that still doesn't work then I pull the "I've stayed at a Marriott for xx nights so far this year" routine, and ask the manager point blank whether he/she is sure that all the suites/nice rooms are sold out. If those rooms are indeed not available then he/she should take the time to explain it to you. It's up to you whether you believe it, but at this stage I'd usually trust that the person is telling the truth and have done everything they can.

In the past few months I've been upgraded to suites at the JW & Ren in Denver, CY in Miami Beach, Marriott Waterfront in Seattle, Richmond Marriott, Toronto Marriott, and Ren in Hollywood. It works!