Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: NYC - Boston - Caribbean
Programs: AA-gold, CO-gold, DL-GM, US-gold, HH-gold, SPG-plat, IC-plat, Hyatt-diamond
Posts: 7
Ask for a suite at check in -- then ask if it is possible to upgrade to it
#1 I really LOVE the fact that SPG (corporate AND general managers) are taking the time to post such valuable feedback - kudos to them, and one more reason they have an awesome product.
#2 I often walk up to reception, ask if they have a room available in the class that my frequent stay status allows me to upgrade to for free (suite, club level, etc.) -- the response is usually yes (as they are happy to sell a room at rack rate) -- and then I VERY diplomatically drop the bomb and say that I have a reservation, and would there be any problem upgrading me to the room they just mentioned (I find this works 95% of the time).
#3 I thoroughly enjoyed the book Hotel Babylon, it's a fun easy read and give a little bit of insight into the behind the scenes lives of employees at a London 5 star -- but Air Babylon was much more informative about the behind the scenes of air travel -- and just as fun to read.
#4 Courtesy goes a LONG way in getting the best service, and to be honest I don't have a problem w/ anyone holding back for irate and / or VERY rude customers -- just another example of everything I ever needed to learn I learned in Kindergarden.
#5 Lastly, I am going to stop asking for upgrades when I'm traveling solo -- you are all right that I don't need the extra space for my ego, but I do want it when I am traveling with family -- therefore hopefully what goes around comes around.