As a plat, I do almost all my booking through my travel agent. A few times, I've been upgraded to a more deluxe room upon check-in.

The other night, I had to actually call the Plat reservations line to make a booking...and she said "I've got you confirmed there, and I've requested your upgrade".

Is this a standard practice that I need to get into? I didn't even realize you could "request" an upgrade, I just thought the hotel would upgrade a Plat on occasion based on space and how their mood was on a given day.

Any insight is appreciated...thanks!