I just used 1-800-CHECKIN. On asking for my room number, I was told that policy changed a week ago and they no longer give them. "There was fraudulent activity with the number." She had no idea what that meant.

I expressed concern, citing a specific example where I had been given a room number at the Chicago Park Hyatt, and they substantially downgraded me to a lesser quality room when I arrived. Because I knew the initial room number, I was able to discuss this with the front desk and end up with a comparable room.

At many properties, my room assignment really doesn't matter. But there are specific properties or trips where it does. I feel as though not giving us the room number lessens the value of 1-800-CHECKIN.