I wasn’t trying to be nasty, just pointing out the reality of the crazy competitive hotel world right now. Years ago when we used points in Europe, even in the beginning as Golds we were almost always upgraded—-often to incredible suites. But now, years later, with much higher status, those upgrades are harder to score. When I planned this trip last year I used extra points in many cases to guarantee Suites rather than take my chances.

After PdG we went to Athens to the Grande Bretagne. . I had used extra points for a Speciality Select (those will be sorely missed ) to guarantee at minimum a Junior Suite. . I also applied SNAs really hoping for one of the view suites I’ve heard so much about. For my first time in 5 years my SNAs failed and to my surprise the hotel was unable to upgrade above the Junior Suite I booked. I was disappointed but I looked online and could see the hotel was 100% sold out and on top of that an important head of State was visiting (President of Germany)

We are returning to the GB next week for a single night and will see if we have any better luck, but again I can see the hotel is fully committed.

It reinforced our decision to splurge with cash at Mystique and Domes of Elounda. I had read too many reports from disappointed guests who ended up in subpar rooms.

Everywhere we go people tell me that this is a record breaking tourist year. We all have to temper our expectations.

I NEVER remember seeing sold out Hotels like this in October in the past, but it is the reality now.

OP complained about wanting a “room on a high floor with a view” and getting a room on the first floor with a view facing the indoor courtyard.

All entry level rooms at this property face the courtyard, whether on the first or the fifth floor.

OP got exactly the room s/he booked on dates where the hotel was oversold. There’s simply nothing of really relevant to share and the implication on his post that s/he was disappointed because s/he felt, despite these conditions, the hotel had not fully recognized her/his platinum status merits the reactions it got on this thread

I am here now and it appears so.

As with most Europan luxury hotels, a Continental breakfast usually includes a cold buffet offering with the standard meats, cheeses, and breads/pastries. Some may include hard boiled eggs. IIRC that was also true here.

You’re mistaken. The breakfast benefit is taken in the restaurant in Luxury Collection hotels. The terms do not specify that the breakfast benefit must be a full American breakfast. Even SPG terms did not specify more than a continental breakfast. The PdG offering continental breakfast compies with the terms. And did so under SPG terms, as well.

That has been true for many but not all Luxury Collection hotels in my experience. Even the SLS Beverly Hills only comp’d the continental breakfast buffet in its restaurant for its Plat breakfast benefit. As did the Prince de Galles. But the Hotel Imperial Vienna was more generous and offered a full breakfast.

It is a small surcharge to get the full breakfast with hot items if you want it.