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Property: Atlanta Marriott Marquis
Date(s): 05/02-05/06, 4 nights
Room booked: Standard, 1 king
Room received: Club level, high floor, 1 king
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: Points
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Rooms are slightly larger on the club level floors, very nice view of Midtown Atlanta and excellent overall service at this hotel.

Property: New York Marriott Downtown
Date(s): 05/21, 1 night
Room booked: Standard, 1 king
Room received: Standard, 1 king
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: Points
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: No upgrade and not even a nice view but the hotel gives you a free bottle of wine when you redeem points. One of the few Cat. 5 FS properties in NYC.

Property: Residence Inn Boston Burlington
Date(s): 05/22-05/27, 5 nights
Room booked: Studio, 1 king
Room received: Accessible 1 bedroom suite, corner room, 1 king --> 1 bedroom suite, 1 king
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: Points
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: "Upgraded" to an accessible room, declined the "upgrade" and asked for the same type of room but not accessible, none were available, so I was finally put in a regular non-corner 1 bedroom suite which is basically a studio with a wall between the bedroom and living room. The entire situation was handled extremely badly, poor service, will not be back.

SCEflyer

Property: JW Lima Peru
Date(s): 4/9- 4/10/19
Room booked: Standard Double
Room received: Corner King Suite, 25th (Top) Floor overlooking Monteflores beach
Elite Level: Titanium
Award stay: No
Rate Type: AAA
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments:

ckendall

Property: Sheraton Park Lane London
Date(s): one night in June
Room booked: Art Deco Suite
Room received: Park view suite
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: Points
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: Yes
Comments:: Booked a room on points and since I was staying with the one who needs a suite I upgraded with cash to the highest level I could and then used an SNA to move up further. Room was fine; electric outlets a bit dated but brand new toilet that raised its lid every time you looked at it (but could be turned off). Property seems a bit worn down but the Green Park location is great and breakfast is good but not great. Not a great value (points plus cash plus SNA) but kept the one happy who must be kept happy.

cfischer

Property: Pantheon Iconic Rome
Date(s): 7 nights Jun 2019
Room booked: Superior
Room received: Junior Suite
Elite Level: Titanium
Award stay: Yes
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: Yes

bartexas

Property: Westin Austin at the Domain
Date(s): January 2019
Room booked: Standard Queen
Room received: Standard Queen
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Corporate
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Asked for upgrade - none available. No breakfast option offered at check-in, but my corporate event was providing breakfast, so, it's possible that's why.

Property: Four Points by Sheraton Greenway Plaza
Date(s): February 2019
Room booked: Standard King
Room received: Standard King
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: No
Rate Type: AAA
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No

Property: Residence Inn Boston Back Bay/Fenway
Date(s): April 2019
Room booked: 1 BR Suite
Room received: 1 BR Suite
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes, Award Certificate + 2 points nights
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Asked for 1 BR Suite with Fenway view, and was told, "That's not the kind of room you booked." I inquired regarding the upgrade due to Platinum status, and received a flat no.

Property: Fairfield Inn and Suites Buda
Date(s): Several stays over past year
Room booked: Standard King
Room received: Suite
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: No
Rate Type: AAA
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: I have always been upgraded to a suite at check-in without asking.

Property: Courtyard Austin Airport
Date(s): May 2019
Room booked: Standard King
Room received: Standard King
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: No
Rate Type: AAA
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Did not request upgrade, but wasn't offered. Early flight - was only there about 6 hours.

Property: Seattle Marriott Waterfront
Date(s): May 2019
Room booked: Standard King
Room received: Larger Corner with 2 balconies
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes Points
SNAs redeemed: Denied
Comments: Didn't receive the suite upgrade, but we had a terrific waterfront view.

Property: Vancouver Marriott Pinnacle
Date(s): May 2019
Room booked: City view King
Room received: Concierge level king
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: Yes Points
SNAs redeemed: Denied
Comments: Corner room with 270 degree views on the same floor as the lounge.

TWA Guy

Property: Boston Renaissance Waterfront
Date(s): June 16-19, 2019
Room booked: 1 king bed
Room received: 1 king, harbor view
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: no
Rate Type: 2 nights at conference rate ($299) 1 night full rack rate ($679)
LNF stay: no
SNAs redeemed: no
Comments: used mobile check in so received points automatically and concierge lounge access

TWA Guy

Property: The Blackstone,Autograph Collection (Chicago)
Date(s): June 19-21, 2019
Room booked: 1 king bed
Room received: 1 king bed (corner room so seemed a little more spacious than others)
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: no
Rate Type: 1 night at AAA rate & 1 night on points
LNF stay: no
SNAs redeemed: no
Comments: used mobile check in so received points automatically and concierge lounge access, no mention whatsoever of status or offer of amenity, room was on lower floor (11) and miserable view, very underwhelmed by this property

Flying for Fun

Property: Westin Guadalajara
Date(s): June 16-19, 2019 3 nights
Room booked: 1 king bed
Room received: Full Suite, 1.5 bath
Elite Level: Titanium
Award stay: No
Rate Type: PRIDE $79 per night
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No

Comments: Online check-in. I replied to the Concierge pre-arrival email stating my itinerary and expected arrival time at the property. I mentioned it was my first time to GDL. The day before arrival, I received a reply saying that they had upgraded me to their "Junior Suite" for my "first time" in Guadalajara. Although they class the room as a Junior Suite, it was a 867 sq ft full suite, corner room with separate living room, partitioned office, and bedroom with huge bath. There was a 1/2 bath off the living room. Great city views with windows in living room, 2 walls in the bedroom as well as over the tub & in the shower. No lounge, but I had the full buffet breakfast in the restaurant ($18.50 daily) in lieu of the welcome points. There was fruit & chocolate in the room with a hand written note from the Concierge thanking me for my loyalty. Great Stay.

After departure, I received a follow up email from the Concierge thanking me for my stay and to advise that she was my first contact for future stays.

James

WillBarrett_68

Property: Residence Inn Memphis Downtown
Date(s): June 2019 1 night
Room booked: Studio, 1 Queen
Room received: Larger Studio, 1 Queen
Elite Level: Titanium (I was thanked for my platinum status at check in)
Award stay: Yes, category 4 certificate used
Rate Type: n/a
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No

Comments: This property only has two rooms with a king bed, both of which are on the top floor. I booked this the day before arrival and the hotel would not accept SNAs and they wouldn't upgrade me even though both showed available at checkin. It's probably for the best, though since the top floor also has the rooftop terrace which has a bar and pretty loud music going until who knows when. the "larger studio" I got was pretty spacious but the room is an odd shape (this is a historic building which was originally the William Len hotel and was most recently condos/flats) so getting a king in there probably would have been awkward. The hotel waived the $26 valet parking fee without me even asking.

BillBurn

Property: Ritz Carlton Tokyo
Date(s): May/June 2019 5 nights
Room booked: Deluxe King
Room received: Deluxe King (3 nights), Carlton Suite (2 nights)
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: n/a
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Reserved two entry level rooms with points one Deluxe King, one Deluxe Double. Apologized at check-in that they couldn't offer an upgrade at check-in but offered a Carlton Suite for the last two nights of the stay for the King room. That offer was quickly accepted!

Property: Ritz Carlton Kyoto
Date(s): June 2019 5 nights
Room booked: Deluxe King. Deluxe Double
Room received: Garden View King, Garden View Double
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: n/a
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Reserved two entry level rooms with points one Deluxe King, one Deluxe Double. Both rooms were upgraded to Garden View rooms (which is essentially an interior courtyard view). Garden Double was actually 30-40% larger than the King. Was also given free breakfast for both rooms and the breakfast was outstanding. The Ritz-Kyoto is a world-class city hotel and has clearly earned its many awards.

Property: St. Regis Osaka
Date(s): June 2019 1 nights
Room booked: Grand Deluxe King, Deluxe Twin
Room received: Grand Deluxe King Suite, Grand Deluxe Twin Premier Corner Room
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: Yes (for the Grand Deluxe King)
Comments: Reserved two entry rooms for cash and used SNA to try and upgrade 1 of the rooms to a suite. SNA cleared about 48 hours in advance and was upgraded to lowest category suite which was very nice. 2nd room was also upgraded to a corner twin.


Property: JW Marriott Seoul
Date(s): June 2019 5 nights
Room booked: Executive Suite, Deluxe Double City View
Room received: Executive Suite, Executive Deluxe Double
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No/Yes
Rate Type: Standard/points
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Reserved an Executive Suite with cash and a Deluxe Double with points. Upgraded Deluxe Double to Executive Deluxe Double (includes access to excellent lounge). Tried to get them to upgrade the paid Executive Suite to the Ambassador Suite but they politely declined.

khabah

Property: AC Hotel Diagonal L'Illa, Barcelona
Date(s): May 2019
Room booked: Standard
Room received: Suite
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Great upgrade to a large suite with separate bedroom and living room. Location is very good, above a mall and supermarket, and easily accessible to the rest of Barcelona's sights and eats.

Property: The Athenee Hotel, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bangkok
Date(s): May 2019
Room booked: Deluxe room
Room received: Athenee suite
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Third time at the property and another upgrade to a beautiful Athenee suite in the corner of the building. Lounge is still wonderful, staff is still excellent and this property remains a favorite in Bangkok. Breakfast OR points, but breakfast is well-worth the trade-off.

Property: Le Méridien Suvarnabhumi Bangkok Golf Resort & Spa
Date(s): June 2019
Room booked: Deluxe room
Room received: Deluxe suite
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Third time at this property and another upgrade to their deluxe suite, with two balconies, living room, bedroom and large bathroom. Breakfast OR points, but breakfast is as good as ever. Plat-and-above complimentary happy hour from 6-8 PM with two drinks and a nice buffet spread of appetizers like sushi, hot and cold options, cheeses and desserts. Fabulous staff.

Property: The Westin Tokyo
Date(s): June 2019
Room booked: Traditional room
Room received: Deluxe City-View Room
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Older property but well-maintained. Location can be a bit out of the way but the restaurants attached to the property are wonderful, and Ebisu station on the Metro puts you within reach of all of Tokyo. Great lounge too, but can get crowded quickly. Breakfast offered for Plats and above in addition to points/local gift of whisky is a nice touch.

Property: The Westin Rusutsu
Date(s): June 2019
Room booked: Deluxe suite
Room received: Premium suite
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Seemingly-random property in the middle of a ski resort and small town of less than 2000 people. Local scenery is beautiful and the area is remote, but accessible from Sapporo/New Chitose Airport. Note: all rooms are bi-level. Well renovated, great staff, food is very reasonably priced [+ 20 percent discount for Plats and above] and excellent. Caveat is there is no pool on the property, but the on-site sentō is a nice touch.

Property: Sheraton Miyako Osaka
Date(s): June 2019
Room booked: Traditional room
Room received: Junior suite
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Hotel is a bit long in the tooth but gradually being renovated; two floors are out of service and being gutted, but didn't notice any renovation noise. I've heard the property is stingy with upgrades, but gave me an upgrade to a junior suite which really is just a slightly bigger room with the beds facing the windows. Lounge is small [22 seats] and fills up fast. Location is good - 20 minutes to Dotonbori and a few minutes from there to Midōsuji. Being right above Uehonmachi station on the metro makes it easy to move around, and the airport bus is right outside the main entrance.

Property: Sheraton Waikiki
Date(s): June 2019
Room booked: City-view room
Room received:​​​​​​​ Partial ocean-view room
Elite Level: Ambassador
Award stay: Yes
Rate Type: No
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: Tried to use SNAs but was denied as the hotel was fully booked [verified by online search at arrival, plus staff at check-in mentioned that they were maxed out]. Was offered a renovated room with partial ocean view or an un-renovated one with ocean view, but those rooms were above the floors being renovated and I was warned that the gut-and-rebuild nature of the renovation was noisy, so I went with the renovated room. That turned out to be a great choice as the room is large, finished to a good standard and very comfortable. Good view onto the city and mountainside, as well as a good chunk of ocean. Staff is friendly and lounge is very nice and spacious, with big windows, beautiful views and a generous free-pour happy hour from 4-8 PM with bites [cheeses, cold appetizers and hot appetizers that seem to change daily].

rhu171

Property: Sheraton Surabaya (Surabaya, Indonesia)
Date(s): June 2019 (2 nights)
Room booked: Deluxe King
Room received: Deluxe Suite King
Elite Level: Platinum
Award stay: no
Rate Type: cheapest member rate
LNF stay: no
SNAs redeemed: no
Comments: Pre-upgraded to a suite on day of arrival. The suite was made up of two regular rooms: a corner room, which served as the sleeping area, and the adjacent room, re-purposed as the living/working area. It had two different entrances, two full baths, two wardrobes, etc. The suite was way past its prime, with everything look and felt dated. The sofa, armchairs, and carpet, in particular, were badly stained. Also it reeked of cigarette smoke, which the hotel tried very hard to mask by (over)using air fresheners. As an aside, the smell of cigarette smoke was also prevalent elsewhere in the hotel, despite the hotel claiming to be 100% smoke-free. Appreciate the upgrade, but most likely will check out JW Marriott the next time I'm in town.

slpybear

Property: TownePlace Suites Eden Prairie MN
Date(s): 6/17-6/21/19
Room booked: Single Queen
Room received: Two Bedroom, Two Queen, Corner Room, Top Floor
Elite Level: Lifetime Platinum
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: A very large two bedroom suite in an older property. Great location for work, but property could use a renovation.

slpybear

Property: Los Angeles Marriott Burbank Airport, (Burbank, CA)
Date(s): 6/21/19 - 6/23/19
Room booked: double queen
Room received: Executive Suite, two queens
Elite Level: Lifetime Platinum
Award stay: No
Rate Type: Standard
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: Yes
Comments: Great Hotel for the Burbank area. Rooms are small so an upgrade here is well worth it. Probably the best concierge lounge we have seen in a long, long time.

NativePhD

Property: Atlanta Renaissance Waverly
Date(s): April 10-13, 2019
Room booked: Guest Room King
Room received: Executive King, Club Lounge Access, Corner
Elite Level: Lifetime Gold
Award stay: NO
Rate Type: State Government
LNF stay: No
SNAs redeemed: No
Comments: I booked this on a state rate for an event. Being life gold and booking on a state rate, I was VERY surprised at the upgrade a received prior to my arrival. I was notified on the website when I checked about a week prior to arrival. I will stay there again.