Upgrade when using Marriott Points?
 

How does the different point levels work? If I do not use the Marriott Rewards Redemption with Points Upgrade or with Cash I will not get upgraded as a Plat? Visiting the Hong Kong JW soon.

maybe yes, maybe no as your plat "entitlement" is stated, as follows:

For Platinum Elite members the best way is up! So every time you check in, we'll do our best to upgrade you to a premium room - at no additional charge – for your entire stay. Upgrades may include rooms with desirable views, rooms on high floors, corner rooms, rooms with special amenities, rooms on Executive Floors, or suites, subject to availability identified by each hotel.

https://www.marriott.com/rewards/mem...ts/platinum.mi

the usage of additional points/cash just "guarantees" your upgrade.....

BKKLEE is correct in his post. He also says the Asian properties usually treat elites pretty well. So you can hope to get an upgrade due to status (note, suites are not guaranteed as upgrades) or confirm it w/ points, etc.

You might want to do a search in this forum re: JW Hong Kong & read the reports on stays there.

Cheers.

just a word of caution in reading other posters on their stays at the JW Hong Kong............. the holiday seasion in HK is not the same as in the US.............. so keep this in mind as during school breaks and even more so during conventions hotels get full and upgrades for VIP status goes out the door so if someone got upgraded to a suite in July doesn't mean the hotel occupancy is low in August to expect your comp suite............

Just back from a 4 night stay on points at the JW. It was a special occasion for us and we let them know thru the "Virtual Concierge." We were upgraded to a harbor view king on the executive level- actually the room directly next door to the lounge, which was convenient for getting drinks and such. July was definitely the slow season in HK. Traffic was light and there were few tourists at the various sites we visited.

Never had an issue with being upgraded for status, even while staying on points.

I use my points almost exclusively at Marriotts in Europe and for the most part do pretty good with upgrades. Much better then I do in the US where I actually PAY for the rooms LOL!

Many FS and JW properties will try to upgrade elite members staying on award stays if they can, but it is based on availability.

JW HK is a good place to use points for hotel stays as their standard room rates are often HK$4000+ (~US$500) a night.

and then there are some props that offer advance guaranteed upgrades for either cash and/or points............