Concierge level room trumps suite upgrade
 

I've run into something that I thought I would share with FTers.

I've done a few stays now at the Renaissance Tulsa. This hotel has a typical concierge level and also a large number of 1 bedroom corner suites. Last week I got a room on the Concierge level. It was nothing special and I certainly didn't consider it an upgrade. This week at checkin, I decided to make sure I got a better room. When I asked the desk clerk what type of room she was putting me in, she replied that it was a king room not a corner suite. When I asked if a corner suite was available, she said no. After my usual response of "I'm a PP and I was hoping for an upgrade" and some discussion, she found two available corner suites. Neither suite was on the Concierge level.

I think it's because the hotel staff considers the Concierge level as some kind of luxury playground for their elite guests. So they try to put their elites on that floor regardless of upgrade availability. What they don't realize is that I would much rather have a corner suite on a lower floor with wet bar, built-in fridge, microwave, sofa and a bedroom door that shuts out the interior hotel noise than some slightly better than basic room on the Concierge level.

Some advice on how to avoid this if you're a Platinum or Platinum Premier:
Don't book a rate that guarantees a Concierge level room.
Ask at check in about the room and where it's located.
Don't be afraid to ask if an upgrade is available and tell them that you'd prefer the upgrade over the Concierge level.
If necessary, weave your stay history into the conversation. A lot of desk clerks don't realize how many nights a PP spends in a Marriott in one year. Don't pull a DYKWIA, be nice and polite. The desk clerk is not necessarily the person who pulled the room assignments.

P.S. this works with rental cars, too. You'd be surprised what you can get with a smile and a friendly conversation :)

How Tommy Boy does it

Last time I checked in all I had to do was ask for a room at a lower floor and they were happy to oblige. Of course got Concierge lounge access.

suites are 'technically' excluded from upgrades per the change in T&C

just a friendly fyi

Nothing "technically" about it, nor is it due to recent changes. "Suites excluded" has been standard T&C verbiage for many, many years.

I'm confused. The OP says he had a 'few stays' at this property, says last week he got an exec level room & this week decided to try for something better - ie, see if they'd give him a suite. If he's had more than 1 stay, what did he get prior to this - non-exec level?

As others have noted, suites are not guaranteed. Obviously he wanted one (this is probably the key to the reason for the thread) knowing that there are 35 suites at the property & thought he'd have a chance at one. But upgrade doesn't necessarily guarantee a suite, and usually doesn't if it's a longer stay vs. a 1-night stay.

I do agree that some FDCs think exec level is an upgrade; now on some properties (usually int'l), exec level is nicer than standard room. But a lot of times they're the same. However, some hotels do consider actually being in an exec level room an upgrade, so no blame to FDCs on that one.

I don't buy into the OP's theory that concierge level trumps suites, as I've gotten some suites on dif stays. But I rarely book (ie, pay) for an exec level room because I know that I get exec lounge access - and if I have lounge access I could care less what the room is like. To me, exec lounge access trumps suite. Suite is just an extra bennie.

The OP's final list is ok as it goes. I might quibble w/ some of it, but most of it is common sense. Shrug.

Cheers.

Me too. I really don't get this obsession with suites - probably because I don't spend enough non-sleeping time in the room to care. But proximity to the lounge is a major advantage in my mind. I would happily take the most ordinary room if it is within a few feet of the lounge over a typical corner suite anywhere else in the hotel.

I have experienced something similar:

We made a reservation at CY Basel - our favourite Marriott. We contacted the GM about upgrades, so we have a easy time to fit our kids in (the oldest is 6). She said she can give us 2 regular rooms with connecting doors instead of an upgrade room.

For us that is much more than an upgrade to a bigger room. So far we have done it 3 times and everytime it worked out great.

Don't get too close, as in adjacent. Not only is there a lot of hallway noise, but on a recent stay I was subjected to "clean-up" noise at 11pm and "set-up" noise at 5am. Doors banging, carts, voices, etc.

For me, the only time that I really care about being in a suite is when I have the wife and little one with me. Other than that, a comfortable bed is most important.

Maybe Platinum Premier has different rules for suite upgrades aka they are allowed.

Nope. Benefits for Plat and PP are the same. The only difference between the two is the black card for PP vs the Plat card for Plat and the super double secret phone number for PP.

Actually the upgrade terms are the same for Gold, Plat and PP.

^ plus 1.

Other than an ego boost, that you have got something for nothing, I am another who can't see the obsession with a suite for a solo traveler.

Nick

I think you hit the nail on the head with "ego boost". ^

Don't say that in the SPG forum. You would be tarred and feathered (and that's only if they are in a nice mood. :p)