Originally Posted by
IAH Oil Man
The only way I see a value in this is if they give you at 1500.00 per night suite for the 650.00 per night. Then its a good value. You getting an instant upgrade at time of reservation should make it easy to find out.
I'm a plat and its alway a gamble if you get the upgrade. You also have to watch some of the hotel's that consider a room on a higher floor a "upgrade". To me a suite is the only upgrade i care about.
Ya, I agree, you have to watch out for the properties that unilaterally redefine the word "upgrade". I have had that argument before as well.
Before booking through FHR, you should try and check the hotel's website to get the breakdown of what the different room categories are, and then book the exact category directly under the one you want to get upgraded to. You have to pay attention to distinctions like "bay-view" or "city-view" because they will sometimes argue with you that this minor difference equals an upgrade. To me, "upgrade" equals "bigger room" or "club floor", period.
All that said, FHR is wonderful and I find that we get upgraded far more often than not, not to mention the real value in free breakfasts for the whole stay plus whatever amenity or resort credit you get in addition. I really don't think it's a 'scam'.