Platinum Status vs. Upgrading Views
 

We are staying at the Marriott in St. Thomas, VI this next February (using an award certificate)

We recently got an email offering better views for additional $$$.

Shouldn't we get an upgraded room as a Platinum member?

Yes, you could get upgraded as a Plat, but that normally won't happen until check-in (or day of arrival). If all those rooms get reserved during your stay, then you won't be upgraded.

It looks to me like you have an opportunity guarantee an upgraded room. So do you want to play the upgrade "game" or guarantee the upgrade? One is free, but not guaranteed, the other costs, but you will definitely get a better view.

While I've never been to St. Thomas, I can say that for the most part, when I have stayed (both paid and awards) at beach resort properties, I've almost always received an upgrade to at least a partial ocean view room and quite often to a full ocean view.

Thank you. That is helpful.

I think we'll wait for whatever upgrade they give us.

You may be disappointed.
 

"Thank you. That is helpful.

I think we'll wait for whatever upgrade they give us. "


You are correct, the resort should upgrade you to the best available room available at check-in, however upgrades are not guaranteed. Depending on how busy the resort is you may not receive any upgrade! Friends who are plats and have stayed there in the past during high season have reported being told there were no upgrades available at check in. The only saving grace is, you probably won't be spending much time in the room anyway!

YMMV. Good luck!

Regards,

RIP...

How long is your stay?
 

IME, the longer your stay the less chance you have of a really good upgrade...especially in Feb

An ocean view is very important to Mr Sophie and I, so we will take the opportunity for the $$$ upgrade when offered...but we will often upgrade only to the partial ocean view, and then have always been offered the full at check-in.

Whichever you decide, enjoy your trip!

Just a suggestion for ya, I know sometimes if you guarantee the partial ocean view or whatever upgrades are available, book it for the upgrade fee and at check in mention that you were offered the upgrade after booking to guarantee the view but ask if you'd be able to get the upgrade without a fee. Just a thought though, it's worked for me in the past, not 100% but if view is very important to you, upgrade it and take your chances