I’m in my 3rd year as Titanium, and never specifically requested a non- NUA upgrade until this year, when I did it 4 times, and was offered an upgrade all but once. I had one great success - I went from a basic, no view room booked with points to a room in the resort’s best “view” category - something that mattered to me a lot on vacation, and sells for several hundred dollars more. I was twice offered a suite or junior suite, but declined either because the room I booked had a much better view than the suite (which was a priority for me), or was ready upon early arrival and had been “de-feathered” for me, while the junior suite would not be ready for some time (for a one-night stay.). I have to give both of those hotels credit for being willing to do the upgrade, even if I ultimately didn’t take it.

My successful upgrade requests were all made in person at check-in, in the hotel’s off-season, on nights I knew the hotel’s website showed at least 2 or 3 of the upgraded room types available. In the case of the upgrade to a much better view room category, the app had even shown me upgraded to that room type a few days earlier, but had since reverted to the basic room. And of course, I asked nicely whether one might be available. I think the off-season part was probably the most important - it’s not something I’d normally do otherwise.

This. Even as a gold, my upgrade percentage is pretty darn high. Getting upgraded to a 1 or 2-bedroom room at Residence Inn as a family of four is especially nice.

I would check on the app on the day of arrival and see what type of room they had blocked me in, as well as availability of better rooms for the duration of the stay. If I'm happy with what was blocked, then I will go with it. If there is something potentially upgradable, and if I want it, then I ask.

My philospohy as some others have said is that it never hurts to ask if you're nice about it. For me, it also depends on how far in advance I book. For instance if I just book the day before or the day of , I likey won't ask and just take what I get unless there's some issue with the room but if it's something I've booked weeks in advance then I might be more inclined just asking via chat or at check-in just asking casually if they had any room upgrades avaliable and not making it a big deal as the worst is they'll just say no.

Nope …. I don’t ask ! In many cases I get an upgrade and that awesome. For me it’s an hotel stay, business, don’t really care about the room. If they upgrade me that’s great

No, I'm British...

[Though I do think my ambassador has a generic email covering this that goes to the hotel?]

For those who frequently ask for upgrades in person at check-in, do you find you have more success checking in a bit earlier or later in the evening? I could see hotels giving those out to the first guests who ask, but OTOH they could hold better rooms to see if those could be sold last minute.

I do not generally ask. I did when I was young but now don't. If I have an upgrade I sometimes utilize those ahead of time and if that works yay for me. I found my success rate to be so low when I asked at check-in that I just stopped worrying about it. Keep life simple!

I asked for a downgrade on my current stay (executive club room down to cheaper renovated room)! Hah! Asked and received - oh, the perks of being a Marriott Elite!

I ask as I said before and I usually say I'm willing to wait for a suite to open if it is a longer stay. For me a suite and a proper breakfast is why I stay loyal. If I don't get that, I don't see the point of staying loyal (points don't matter too much to me).

Funny - I'd say that I ask to be "downgraded" more than I ask to be upgraded. If I'm pre upgraded prior to stay, and that room isnt ready, and I need to get into room to change/take a call/whatever, I'll often just request whatever is available, unless it truly makes sense to wait.

I typically only ask when we are traveling for a special occasion. For example, this weekend we are going away without kids for our anniversary. I call the hotel a couple days in advance and let them know its our anniversary. Sometimes they upgrade me on the spot, other times they say they will notate and let me know at check in. Never hurts to ask

I would do it more, but honestly most times when we go away we barely are in the rooms so why bother

Lifetime Titanium here. I never ask for upgrades at check in ---full disclosure, 90% of the time i am asking for the exact opposite. My travel schedule can be a little wonky and I am usually trying to get an early check in. So my standard phrase is " i requested an early check in, so i will take whatever you have". The desk seems to like my flexibility, so every now and then I get an upgrade anyway. I have never been denied an early check in however which I appreciate.

i find it a bit, well quite gauche to ask at check in. i book what i want and as ambassador i am upgraded about 98% of the time. however i generally travel solo so dont care much. the few times im with my partner and staying at a special property (like the W union square) i was upgraded and the room was sad so i mentioned how sad the room was and if anything better with more light/windows was available great.

but i pay for what i want and any upgrade is a benefit of the program, not an explicit entitlement IMHO.

Gauche? Nah. Never anything wrong with asking, same with asking someone to switch seats on the plane. Nothing wrong with asking as long as you're willing to hear "No" and accept it graciously.