sdsearch

As if those are the only two types???

There are Diamonds from status matches, there are Diamonds on challenges, there are Diamond who qualify through stays (not nights), through base points (not nights), etc, etc, etc.

IMHO, your question is phrased wrong. Instead making all these assumptions, IMHO the question should be: "Does any know how hotels prioritize upgrade when there are fewer upgrades available than the number of Diamonds at the hotel. Is the consistent across all properties, or does it vary with the property?"

Consider this very simple fact: If you are booked into a room with bed configuration X and some other Diamond is booked a room with bed configuration Y, and the only upgrade available is upgraded bed configuration Y, isn't it likely they might choose the Diamond who reserved the same bed configuration as the upgraded room has, rather than based on anything related to how the person earned thier status?

So it could be as simple as you're getting fewer upgrades because of something like the type of room you're reserving and how it compares with the types of rooms most frequently available for upgrade.

Also another factor is length of stay. If the upgraded room is only available for one night, if your reservation is for two nights and another Diamond's reservation is only for one night, guess who's most likely to get that upgrade? @:-)

TravelinSperry

I agree. I was both butt in bed Diamond and now Aspire Diamond. Don't see any difference. But frequenting a property does ensure I'm treated better.

EasternTraveler

Ignore their comments, I appreciate your data points.

worldiswide

properties definitely know lifetime diamond status. Has led to upgrades and better service in a variety of hotels. Our stays are mostly international, in Asia and Oceania and the status is acknowledged beginning with check in. In Thailand, the front desk wanted a picture with a lifetime diamond member.

Tomphot

Litig8r1104

Agreed, the marketing materials may say that but receiving program benefits is a joke. I have FD tell me many times that they cannot give me late checkout because there are other guests that would like to get into the room they booked on time. Total BS. NEVER EVER had an issue with SPG as a gold or plat member. Was never refused. I am beginning to wonder why I even bothered to obtain and maintain Diamond status. I have a friend that used to be a FD manager for 3 different Hilton properties and she said that they were trained not to provide upgrades or late checkout and at 2 properties were told by senior management that upgrades and late checkout were not available unless approved by them.

Total joke.....they DO NOT deliver on the promised benefits.

ozztraveller

I would not say that the 2 get treated any different but have been told that they can tell if you received diamond via credit card. I would just say diamonds that stay regularly at the same property get treated better then other diamonds.

Beano

Which country was your friend located in ? (if you say the USA I will not be looking forward to staying in the USA.)

hfly

Week
Well that is not the experience of many people.

RobotDoctor

I would say being a Diamond member really doesn't offer anything above and beyond these days so I don't think how a person is a Diamond really matters. Maybe 4-5 years ago upgrades were more frequent but are virtually non-existent today, even when properties are not close to being full. The drink and snack amenity at Hampton Inns are generally offered but maybe 1 in 10 or 1 in 5 times I have to remind the desk clerk of this option (to which I ask for waters). Then again, this is really no different than any other chain, unless you're staying at a upper tier property/brand. I am a lifetime Platinum at Marriott properties and my recent experience is that Marriott goes above and beyond to offer mediocre service, sometimes less than that. No upgrades, amenity package is less than stellar. These are the sign of the times. Customers pay more for less benefit.

Baze

At every Hampton I have ever stayed in always get the 250 MyWay points and 2 bottles of water. Water is separate from the snack option. What is your MyWay choice set to for Hampton's? If you are saying you want the snack option then take water you are ripping yourself off of either the points or the snack.

RobotDoctor

Then I am shorting myself 250 points each rental. I'll look at that again. Thanks for the heads up!

Litig8r1104

Yes in the USA. It is unfortunate but I have seen the proof at multiple Hilton properties/brands. I must say however that the Waldorf in Chicago gives
you everything you have earned and then some, without having to ask for it. The property, staff, and service are above and beyond what you would expect from a Waldorf.

CMK10

If they do they must have me confused because I'm a "real" Diamond who had 62 nights and 40+ stays last year and I still can't get an upgrade or late check out.

Beano

that's very interesting
I thought it was 2 persons too (one of which had to be a guest)
was it just this one hotel or some others too?
was it in the USA?