Do you ask for upgrade at check-in?
 

I rarely request an upgrade at check in, and rarely get upgraded as a titanium for last several years. I guess I’m wondering if I’m not playing the game correctly. I typically travel for pleasure and infrequently book the most basic room. Maybe the fact I’m usually in a mid level room gives the hotel fewer options for upgrade. Should I push harder at check in?

Always - as friendly and cheerful as possible, usually after I am “thanked for my loyalty.” Never hurts to ask!

Generally no, but yes when I actually "want" one (resort property, etc).

I usually ask what room type they've assigned me, and if it's not upgraded, I ask what else they have available. I'm not necessarily going to ask for a suite, but I am going to insist they not leave me in a crappy room.

I guess I should start asking when saw no upgrade incoming.

I've found using the chat app is a good way of asking for an upgrade if nothing is showing on arrival day and you're hoping for something better, but honestly it's not that often I ask.

I usually use the chat app when I do online check in and ask for an upgrade to a specific suite if I want to try it (if it looks interesting in the app) or just ask "as a titanium elite, would it be possible to get an upgrade".

It does depend on how long I am staying though as it's harder to get an upgrade if I am staying on a 7 night business trip vs a 2 night stay.

I never ask at check-in, but in cases where I'd really like an upgrade, I reach out via chat (typically the day before) or in response to a concierge-type pre-arrival email.

The reply is always ambiguous ("will be determined at check-in"), so it's hard to tell whether this actually makes a difference.

I am newly Titanium and am booking multiple hotels in Thailand for an upcoming trip. Many times they want me to book the upgrade and pay for it. One offering even included Executive Lounge access. Don’t I get that anyway as a Titanium member?

Yes, but there are a few exceptions (e.g. resort hotels and Ritz-Carlton).

Yes. This is a bit off topic, but I don’t like how they list rooms that include lounge access when I’m logged in and get lounge access as part of my status. It sets the perception that I am paying for something I should be getting for free.

Back on topic, I tend to book the room I want so I don’t tend to need to ask. That said, there are times when I do ask. Tokyo is an expensive city, as an example, and don’t always get to book the room I want and I will ask. I typically do that by emailing the hotel ahead of time, as others have said, in response to the welcome emails.

Ritz-Carlton is the only Bangkok property where you would not get lounge access as Titanium.

Unless I have been upgraded to a suite prior to arrival, I always ask politely at check in. Most of the time they will say no, but I have had success on a few occasions.

No harm in asking, just don't be an jerk about it

I always ask online before check in and always ask on arrival. Always nicely. But it never hurts to ask.

Never.