amrando

Well, thanks for the info/reminder. That's literally half their brands, including Aloft and Element which are more basic levels and frankly have been pretty uniformly underwhelming when I've stayed around North America at several of them. I thought one of these Design locations would be a nice end to my trip, and it has a great location within walking distance of the train station. Now I'm really considering changing my reservation to a Marriott or Renaissance instead, just because of this.

...does that sound petty, or just practical? The cost difference is negligible, like 20EUR a night, but why give my money to a hotel that isn't going to 'appreciate' the loyalty.

Kacee

I wouldn't worry about loyalty and whether it's appreciated or not, but rather the overall quality/value you'll be getting, which includes taking into account what each property is currently providing in terms of elite benefits and what hotel features are most important to you. For me, the ability to apply an SNA would barely register, since you can never count on them clearing, let alone clearing into a room you actually want.

motytrah

Back to traveling this year. I've had good luck with traditional SPG properties. I'm 0/3 on Autograph collection properties this year. I'm starting to think I should just avoid them all together.

Litig8r1104

Bonvoy's upgrade benefit is a joke. Can't get it in S FL. Lifetime Titanium with current year titanium earned as well and have been told no upgrades no late check out etc. Had a front desk clerk tell me they are trained to decline both and say they are booked. I have pulled out my phone and shown multiple upgraded rooms or lower end suites available online for booking while being told to my face no rooms available for upgrade. Starwood was so much better. Marriot does not want to honor anything.

cfischer

Late check-out is guaranteed unless it is a resort. Upgrades are never guaranteed. I'd say as a Titanium I am 8/10 for upgrades ... pretty decent I'd say.

ukflo

Hope it’s ok to ask this question.

I’m new to Marriott Gold Elite, recently earned due to a lot of business travel and this was my first trip on the new tier.

I checked into the W Punta de Mita today. I didn’t even think of the upgrade benefit until the receptionist asked if I wanted to pay for an upgrade to an ocean view room… which reminded me that Gold Elite gets upgraded if available so I asked why it would be a paid upgrade and not as part of the Gold Elite benefit.

The explanation was that only paid upgrades were available, which has me wondering about the benefit of Gold Elite. If upgrades are available why would it only be paid?

I’m perfectly happy with our room without an upgrade, just curious if that’s to be expected.

Arghmeinaugen

So I am Marriott platinum (soon to be Titanium), I've called reservation and the hotel confirms there are 12x standard suites available and there are many premium suites on their website.

The hotel is refusing an upgrade to a suite as "It is the weekend coming up, we hope to sell those, but we can sell you a suite".

What is the process for this skullduggery?

RK23

Wait until check in like everyone else who is Platinum, Titanium, or Ambassador.

Arghmeinaugen

Yes and then what?

longtimereader firstimeposter

they upgrade you if there’s still suites available. That’s the policy. Pre-upgrades are nice, but I rarely get them even as an Ambassador.

scubadu

Umm... are you new to Marriott? This is completely standard Bonvoy protocol these days...

Regards

dw

As a lowly Platinum myself, I know to book the room that I want. (Want a suite, pay for a suite.)

Or put in for a SNA (which will likely not clear but that's a different issue lol)

Jon Maiman

Be pragmatic in your expectations. For Europe and Asia, properties are generally much better about giving elite upgrades and recognition. If your planned stay is in the USA, don't expect to get an upgrade. USA properties typically are poor with elite upgrades. Since Marriott corporate doesn't enforce it, they can get away with it. YMMV...

--Jon

escapefromphl

As a lifetime plat I'v only ever had a couple (<5) full suite upgrades (plus a couple junior suites) in my life, This includes using SNA's and about 8 yrs as a Titanium. So perhaps your chances are not good?

nacho

I almost always get my 1 category above upgrade in Europe and Asia but hardly any more than that. I received more upgrades in the US/Canada vs Europe at check-in or via chat if I asked.

Book whatever you can live with and ask via chat or at check-in.