CPH-Flyer

I think that's a more hypothetical than actual in both places, unless you are a frequent returning guest.

helvetic

They're required to upgrade you to a suite if it's available. Chances are very high right now, given occupancy at both hotels is very low.

But yes, if standard suites are sold out, you won't get one.

CPH-Flyer

Yes, but there is usually always a fair number of Titanium members staying on any given day. And the chance of actually being one that gets the upgrade is rather low, unless you are a retuning guest they know well.

yorkboy24

When there are protests (there’s one today) they have limited the Airport Express to not stop at Kowloon and other intermediary stations at certain hours, which effectively cuts off RC.

yorkboy24

This has been discussed before (CPH-Flyer should know about my difficulties in CPH!) - hotels are NOT required to upgrade you to a suite even if they are available - Marriott told me that hotels determine which suites have been allocated to the upgrade pool (meaning they can do what they want).

helvetic

Except (1) that's incorrect they are required to upgrade to the standard suite category, and (2) both of these hotels play by the rules and upgrade to suites when available.

Dave510

Although in the case of the RCHK, most would probably prefer the Grand Victoria Harbour room over the standard suite.

yorkboy24

I wish you were right but when I took this up with Marriott through the Lurkers here, this is the very unhelpful reply I received:

Complimentary room upgrades are a benefit we are happy to offer our Platinum Elite Members whenever possible. Room upgrades are based entirely on the hotel's discretion. Our hotels do their best to honor such requests, but special accommodations are based on availability and are not guaranteed.

As outlined in section 1.7.e. of our Loyalty Program Terms & Conditions, "All Loyalty Program benefits, amenities, offers, awards and services are subject to availability and may be changed at any time without notice." You can view these terms here: https://www.marriott.com/loyalty/terms/default.mi.

Frab1

Thanks helvetic, after all your replies I am leaning towards the St. Regis for the breakfast and the location. I will use SNA, so I hope that can get us a suite upgrade, for our dates all suites are still available online.

nexusCFX

What they are saying is that it is well-attested by those who have stayed at these properties that they do upgrade your room when possible.

newshound

In my experience they don't automatically upgrade to a suite despite low occupancy. I had a stay a couple of months back, booked into the cheapest room category. They said they had upgraded my room but it appeared to be only by one class. I subsequently had some trouble with the facilities in the room which necessitated a room change. At this point they moved me to a suite. So there was clearly availability (I checked in at 9 or 10 pm) and they chose not to upgrade to it. It was my first and will be my only stay there.

helvetic

When I stayed there, they gave me a complimentary upgrade to a the "DELUXE VICTORIA HARBOUR SUITE" — best of both worlds, I get a suite + the harbor view. Great treatment at the Ritz HK overall, solid elite treatment (beyond the requirements), and an upgrade beyond the standard category.

I agree I'd typically prefer to get the view over the suite if it's a choice between the two.

helvetic

Seems you're Platinum, do keep in mind that Platinum is NOT eligible for suite upgrades at Ritz-Carlton. Only Titanium and Ambassador get them officially. While at St. Regis you'd be eligible. Another reason for you to pick StR IMO.

Frab1

I got Titanium Elite (as per my note above with >75 nights), just cannot keep up with the 6 different tiers at Marriott ...

dugu

Just stayed at St Regis HK and was upgraded to Metropolitan Suite. It was very nice! Huge room, loved the shower and the Dyson hairdryer. Enjoyed the complimentary coffee and tea in the room. The French restaurant L'Envol was also excellent (I think they are aiming for, and will likely get, Michelin stars). We also like the location -- not as inconvenient as some previous posts suggested. We quite enjoyed the stroll along the harbour (the broadwalk is a 5-minute walk from the hotel), and our walk to Causeway bay (15 minutes). I suppose it'll be more unpleasant in the summer heat, but at this time of the year, weather is perfect and we could use the exercise to digest the dim sum, steaks, cakes and pastries that we consumed!